A moment later the captain’s orderly came for the midshipman’s sword. Phil gave it to him with a heart full of anguish.
“Lieutenant Barnes is on deck, sir, and would like to see Mr. Perry,” the orderly said, a look of sympathy in his face. “I hope you ain’t guilty, sir,” he added hastily.
Phil almost smiled at the earnestness of the kind-hearted marine.
“Thank you, orderly,” he answered gratefully.
Lieutenant Barnes entered the boys’ stateroom shortly afterward. The lads stood quickly to attention.
“Mr. Perry, I am the judge advocate of your court,” the officer announced in official tones, holding himself very straight and regarding Phil coldly. “I see you have received a copy of the charges against you,” noticing the paper Phil held in his nervous hand. “Do you desire any one to act as your counsel?”
Phil’s throat was parched; he swallowed several times before he could find voice to speak.
“Midshipman Monroe, sir, has offered,” he replied.
“Very good,” the officer consented; “you will be ready at 8 A. M. to-morrow. Your counsel will inform me at that time the witnesses you wish to call in your defense.” He bowed ceremoniously and withdrew.
“There’s not much kindness in him, is there, Syd?” Phil observed sadly. “He believes I am guilty, by the way he looked at me.”