Lieutenant Hall frowned perceptibly.
"Mr. Darrin, do not attempt any quibble. The circumstances under which these articles were found place them sufficiently in your possession. What have you to say that will clear you?"
"I can offer, sir, the testimony of my roommate, Mr. Dalzell, who will declare most positively that he has never known me to use tobacco."
"Did Mr. Dalzell leave your room with you when you went to your last recitation?"
"No, sir; he left fifteen minutes before, by permission, to go to his locker in the gymnasium to look over certain articles there."
"Then you are unable to call your roommate to support your assertion that you did not smoke before going with your section to recitation in English?"
"I have only my unsupported word, sir, as a midshipman and a gentleman, to offer."
"Under almost all circumstances, Mr. Darrin, a midshipman's word of honor should be sufficient. But you have been reported several times of late, and with apparent justice. You will make in writing, Mr. Darrin, at once, such report as you wish to hand in on this incident, and the report against you will be considered in the usual way."
Dave returned to his room. Though he was discouraged his face looked grim, and his air was resolute.
Taking pen and paper he began to prepare his report on this latest charge.