You will be glad, however, that you did not
pass the motion now before the class. Mr. President, I have to
report, at the request of the officer in charge, the facts in
Mr. Clairy's case.
"From the peculiar nature of the case both the superintendent and
the commandant of midshipmen were convinced that there was
something radically wrong with Mr. Clairy."
"Humph! I should say so!" uttered Penwick, with emphasis.
"Mr. Clairy was not at our mess at supper," resumed Dave Darrin,
"for the very simple reason that he had been taken to hospital.
There he was examined by three surgeons, assisted by an outside
specialist. Mr. President and classmates, I know you will all
feel heartily sorry for Clairy when I inform you that he has been
pronounced insane."
Dave ceased speaking, and an awed silence prevailed. It was the
chair who first recovered his poise.
"Clairy insane!" cried the class president. "Gentlemen, now we
comprehend what, before, it was impossible to understand."
In the face of this sudden blow to a classmate all the midshipmen
sat for a few minutes more as if stunned. Then they began to
glance about at each other.
"I think this event must convince us, sir," Darrin's voice broke
in, "that we young men don't know everything, and that we should
learn to wait for facts before we judge swiftly."
"Mr. President!"
It was Gosman, on his feet. In a husky voice that midshipman
begged the consent of his seconders for his withdrawing the motion
he had offered sending Midshipman Clairy to Coventry.
Pages:
130
131
132
133
134
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154