The time dragged heavily. The president became impatient. He glanced at the clock; its hands showed it was now twenty minutes since the orderly had gone to notify the ensign to appear. What had detained him? He must be on board ship. Permission to leave the ship would not be granted him while the court was in session.
The orderly opened the door quietly and saluted the president.
“Ensign Lazar can’t be found, sir,” he reported, “but the captain is outside, sir, and wants to appear before the court.”
Captain Taylor, a sheet of paper in his hand, strode into the courtroom.
“Mr. President,” he exclaimed excitedly, “Mr. Lazar has left the ship without obtaining permission. This is the communication that he has sent me. I shall read it to the court.”
“Sir:
“I hereby tender my resignation as an ensign in the United States Navy.
“Very respectfully,
“Jules Lazar,
“Ensign, U. S. Navy.”
The midshipmen were joyous. Lazar’s courage had failed him. If he had braved it out and thrown discredit on Craig’s evidence, Phil might have after all stood convicted, for on this testimony their case was constructed. But Lazar dared not commit perjury before his brother officers.
“I am at a loss to explain its meaning,” Captain Taylor added, folding the paper.