“Yes, sir, and I desire to report to you, sir, an occurrence ashore which may not reach your ears otherwise, but which, for the good of the ship’s name, I deem it my duty to make known.”
“I am ready to hear you, Mr. Clemmons,” said the captain blandly.
“I went to dine at the Astor House, sir, and met there Barney Breslin, who begged me for a loan, for he has gone utterly to the bad, I fear. As I was talking to him two cadet midshipmen came in and one of them jostled up against Breslin, who had been drinking, and a disgraceful knock-down followed, in which I was seized by a policeman as the one who made the assault. Of course Breslin cleared me of the charge, and I make this report, sir, in case, should it reach your ear, that you may understand my position in the affair.”
“Who were these cadets, Mr. Clemmons?”
“Do you command me to answer, sir?”
“I do.”
“Cadet Midshipmen Perry and Merrill, sir.”
“Which one of the two struck the blow?”
“Cadet Midshipman Mark Merrill, sir.”
“That will do, Mr. Clemmons.”