"Mr. Darrin, are you awake?" boomed the discipline officer.
Dave stirred in bed, rolled over so that he could see the lieutenant,
and then replied:
"Yes, sir."
"Rise, Mr. Darrin, and come to attention."
Dave got out of bed, but purposely stumbled in doing so. This
might give the impression that he had been actually awakened.
"Mr. Darrin," demanded Lieutenant Adams, "have you been absent from
this room tonight?"
"Yes, sir."
"After taps was sounded?"
"No, sir."
"You are fully aware of what you have answered?"
"Yes, sir."
"Very good."
That was all. A midshipman's word must be taken, for he is a
gentleman---that is to say, a man of honor.
"Mr. Dalzell!"
Poor Dan stirred uneasily.
"Mr. Dalzell!" This time the Naval officer's voice was sharper.
Dan acted as though he were waking with difficulty. He had no
intention, in the face of a direct question, of denying that he
had been absent without leave. But he moved thus slowly, hoping
desperately that the few seconds of time thus rained would be
sufficient to bring to him some inspiration that might save him.
"Mr Dalzell, come to attention!"
Dan stood up, the personification of drowsiness, saluted, then
let his right hand fall at his side and stood blinking, bracing
for them correct military attitude.
"It's too bad to disturb the boy!" thought Lieutenant Adams.
"Surely, this young man hasn't been anywhere but in bed since taps.
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