Mark advanced promptly until halted.
White-faced but cool, with every eye upon him, he stood awaiting what was to come as though he were to hear his death warrant read.
To him it was worse, for he expected ignominious dismissal from the corps.
“Cadet Merrill, the number of demerits against your name has reached the limit, the fatal figures which mean dismissal. The commandant desires to know what you have to say in your defense?”
“Nothing, sir, for the demerits stand against me, and I submit to the laws of the academy in silence.”
Every one heard the distinctly uttered reply of the young cadet.
Then the commandant’s voice was heard:
“Adjutant, you are to cancel every demerit that stands against the name of Cadet Midshipman Mark Merrill.”
In spite of stern discipline a murmur ran down the line, for such a command could not be understood.
But the explanation was not long delayed, for again the stern voice of the commandant was heard: