"Well, gentlemen," began the commandant briskly, "I understand that you want to see me in reference to the last hazing outrage. What have you to say?"
"We come in behalf of two members of our own class, sir," spoke up
Farley.
"Hm! What do you expect to be able to say for Midshipmen Darrin and
Dalzell? They do not attempt to deny the fact that they were present at
the hazing, and that they were at least looking on when Lieutenant
Preston entered the room."
"May I inquire, sir," replied Farley very respectfully, "whether either Mr. Darrin or Mr. Dalzell have stated that Mr. Darrin had just entered a protest against the hazing, and that they had made the protest just before Lieutenant Preston went into the room?"
"No; such a statement has not been made by either Mr. Darrin or
Mr. Dalzell," admitted the commandant. "Are you sure that Mr.
Darrin did protest?"
"I can only say, sir," replied Farley, "that I have been so informed. I also know, from Mr. Darrin's own lips, that he has refused to inform you that he made such a protest."
"Why?" shot out the commandant, eyeing Mr. Farley keenly.
"Because, sir, Mr. Darrin feels that he would be doing the baby act to enter such a defense."
"And so has commissioned you to appear for him?"
"No, sir," returned Farley almost hotly. "In fact, sir, I believe Mr. Darrin would be very angry if he knew what I am doing and saying at this moment. This committee, sir, was appointed by some forty members of the second class, sir, who are familiar with the facts. We have been sent to you, sir, by our classmates, who are frantic at the thought of losing the finest fellow in the class."