“The Navy Department is just in receipt of a letter from Annapolis signed by Harry Bucknell, stating that on Monday night, June first, Midshipman Osborn, of the second class, in the presence of his classmate, Midshipman Thomas L. Bollup, hazed a candidate for the Naval Academy named Frank Chappell. You will investigate immediately and report by telephone. If this report is borne out by your investigation, a general court martial will be instantly convened for the trial of the guilty parties.”
“What have you to say, Mr. Osborn?” demanded the superintendent looking up.
The blood seemed to congeal in Ralph’s veins. His breath came quickly, and overwhelming despair entered his heart. This, then, was the end; his work, his success, his ambitions, his hopes were all for naught, all hopelessly destroyed by a moment of thoughtless folly. He was undeniably guilty of the charge, and a law of Congress required that a midshipman found guilty by court martial of hazing should be dismissed from the Naval Academy.
“What have you to say, Mr. Osborn?” again demanded the superintendent sharply.
Ralph did not, could not reply. He was bereft of speech. A look of appealing helplessness, the expression of a man who has lost his all, was in his face.
“What have you to say, Mr. Bollup?” asked the superintendent.
“Nothing, sir,” replied Bollup, with troubled expression.
“Did you see Mr. Osborn haze a candidate last Monday night?”
“Must I answer that question, sir?”
“You must, unless your answer would tend to incriminate you.”