oom to see what was going on, and that you had just
made a protest against the hazing."

"Nothing doing there, Farl," Dave gently assured his friend. "We were
present and we really had no business to be. We wouldn't make ourselves
look any more manly by crying when the medicine is held out to us."

"But you did protest," urged Farley anxiously. "Stand up for your own
rights, Darry. Remember, I'm not counseling you to lie, or to make any
stretched claims. That would be unworthy of you. But tell the full truth
in your own defense."

"Dan and I will truthfully answer all questions put to us by competent
officers," Dave replied gravely. "Farl, that is about all we can do and
keep our self-respect. For, you understand, we were there, and we knew
just about what we were going to look in on before we crossed the
threshold of that room."

"But we can't lose you from the brigade, Darry," pleaded Farley hoarsely.
"Nor can the people of this country spare you from the Navy of the
future. Stick up for all your rights. That's all your friends ask of you.
Remember, man, you're nearly three fourths of the way through to
graduation! Don't let your fine chances be sacrificed."

Dave, however, still maintained that he was not going to play baby. In
dismay some forty members of the second class held an unofficial outdoor
meeting at which ways and means were suggested. In the end Joyce, Farley
and Page were appointed a committee of three to think the matter over
solemnly, and then to go to the commandant of midshipmen with whatever
statement they felt justified in making.

At the earliest possible moment the three waited outside the door of the
commandant's office, after having sent in their cards and a message as to
why they desired to see the commandant.

"Well, gentlemen," began the commandant briskly, "I understand that
you want to see me in reference to the last hazing outrage. What have
you to say?"

"We come in behalf of two members of our own class, sir," spoke up
Farley.

"Hm! What do you expect to be able to say for Midshipmen Darrin and
Dalzell? They do not attempt to deny the fact that they were present at
the hazing, and that they were at least looking on when Lieutenant
Preston entered the room."

"May I inquire, sir," replied Farley very respectfully, "whether either
Mr. Darrin or Mr. Dalzell have stated that Mr. Darrin had just entered a
protest against the hazing, and that they had made the protest just
before