“Out with it, Dillingham, if you can say anything to clear Merrill of this very nasty charge,” said Cadet Captain Byrd Bascomb.
“I will only say that since we came into the gymnasium here Merrill came up to me and said that he had seen Clemmons’ lost gold piece in Breslin’s hand, and that he appeared to be trying to slip it into his, Merrill’s pocket, and asked me to watch him. I did so, and I did see Breslin pass very near Merrill and appear to drop something into his pocket, but what it was I could not see.”
This testimony from Winslow Dillingham created a sensation, which was added to when Herbert Nazro said:
“And Merrill whispered to me:
“‘Watch Breslin and see what he is up to, for he has haunted me ever since I came in.’
“I did watch him, and I distinctly saw him slip something yellow into Merrill’s pocket, which now I will swear was the gold piece which Clemmons lost. Now, Clemmons, who is the one you accuse?” and Herbert Nazro turned upon Scott Clemmons, who responded:
“I make no accusation, and yet I cannot doubt the evidence of yourself and Dillingham.”
“And I ask you, Breslin, do you dare accuse me?”
The words were uttered in a low tone, yet all heard them, and Mark Merrill faced Barney Breslin, who now stood before him, his face white and bruised from the blow he had received.
“Speak, sir!”