“But no civilian could have gone about that building, in the corridors and through the garret without being stopped.”
“No, sir,” and Himski hesitated.
“What is your idea, Mr. Himski?”
The latter spoke very slowly, saying: “But a midshipman could have without question, sir.”
“By Jove, we’re coming to something. Go on,” and the commandant’s manner was now excited.
“I hate to go on, sir; I may be injuring an innocent man.”
“Who was Short’s fourth guest, Mr. Himski; the one who is now in the Academy?”
“Creelton, sir. Mr. Osborn’s roommate.”
“Is that possible? But Mr. Creelton must have returned with his own section after recitation. The man who went through that closet could not have marched back with his own section.”
“Mr. Creelton was in sick quarters with rheumatism in one leg; he had to go to all recitations but did not march in a section. He went to and from the hospital, as is customary, alone, merely reporting his leaving and returning.”