On the evening of the fifth day, just after the release bell had rung, there was a brief knock at the door. Then that barrier flew open.
Midshipmen Jones, Hulburt and Heath of the second class filed gravely into the room, followed by Midshipmen Healy, Brooks, Denton, Trotter and Paulson of the third class.
Dave and Dan quickly rose to their feet, standing at attention facing their visitors.
With a tragic air, as if he were an executioner present in his official capacity, Youngster Paulson held out a folded newspaper.
"Mister," he ordered Darrin, "receive this foul sheet. Unfold it, mister. Now, mister, what depraved sheet do you hold in your hands?"
"The Gridley 'Blade', sir," replied Darrin, his face crimsoning.
"The—what, mister?"
"Pardon me, sir—the Gridley 'Bazoo.'"
"Have you seen another copy of the 'Bazoo' lately, mister?"
"Yes, sir," admitted Dave, his face growing still redder.