“I didn’t want to desert, but Mr. Lazar told me I had betrayed him and that if I didn’t he would find a way to dispose of me. He made all the arrangements and hid me in the house of a friend of his; then last night they took me on board a steamer, where O’Neil found me.” The judge advocate was on his feet before the witness’s voice had died into nothingness. “I object to this testimony,” he cried impetuously, making a last attempt to reinstate himself and prove his case against the accused. “By his own evidence, this man is a criminal; his testimony is malicious and should not be received in evidence. He stands a would-be deserter from the navy.” The president of the court hesitated. The truth in the judge advocate’s words was impressive. “Recall Mr. Lazar,” he ordered, after a moment’s thought. “He should be here to hear this evidence and clear up this imputation against his good name in the navy.” The court orderly was sent to summon Lazar again before the court. The two midshipmen sat anxiously watching the door for the appearance of their enemy. They knew him to be a clever rogue. This situation had never occurred to them. Would Lazar deny Craig’s testimony and assert that this sick cringing sailor was alone guilty of the crime? Craig’s testimony came as a surprise to the lads; they had not suspected that he was the owner of the locket. 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. The court understood, but by law they could not enlighten the mystified captain, who withdrew.