Gosman demanded:
"Why is not Mr. Clairy here to speak for himself? Let him who
can answer this! Further, Mr. Clairy has been challenged to fight
by some of those whom be accused. Now, sir and classmates, a
midshipman may refuse to fight, but if he does he must submit
his case to his class, and then be guided by the class decision
as to whether he must fight or not. Mr. Clairy has not done this."
"He's a cur!" shouted a voice.
"I accept the remark," bowed Mr. Gosman, "if I am permitted to
express the class's apology to all dogs for the comparison."
"Good!" yelled several.
"Mr. President and classmates," continued the angry orator, "I
believe we are all of one mind, and I believe that I can express
the unanimous sentiment of the first class."
"You can!"
"You bet you can!"
"Go ahead!"
"Mr. President, I take it upon myself to move that the first class
should, and hereby does, send Mr. Clairy to Coventry for all time
to come!"
"Second the motion!" cried several voices.
Then a diversion was created.
One of the big doors opened and a midshipman stepped into the
room, closing the door.
That midshipman was Dave Darrin. Every first classman in the
room felt certain that Darrin had entered for the express purpose
of saying something of consequence.
CHAPTER XIX
MIDSHIPMAN DARRIN HAS THE FLOOR
But Dave did not speak at first. Advancing only a short distance
into the hall he stood with arms folded, his face well-nigh
expressionless.
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