"I thank you, gentlemen," said the commandant, in a tone which signified the polite dismissal of the committee. "I will keep in mind what you have told me."
The investigation was being carried on daily. All of the third class offenders were put on carpet more than once. At the next session with the youngsters the commandant questioned them as to the truth of the statement that Darrin had tried to protest against the hazing.
"Why, yes, sir," Eaton admitted, "Mr. Darrin did say something against what we were doing."
"As an upper classman, did Mr. Darrin order you to stop?"
"No, sir," Eaton admitted; "he didn't command us to stop."
"What did Mr. Darrin say?"
"I can't state with accuracy, now, sir, just what Mr. Darrin did say to us."
"Did he disapprove of your acts?"
"Yes, sir. I am very certain that he made every third classman present feel uncomfortable."
"Then whatever Mr. Darrin's words were, they had the effect, if not the exact form, of a rebuke against your conduct?" pressed the commandant.