"He's the man who gave three groans for the superintendent and commandant," cried Farnum, excitedly. "He's the man, sir; there is no doubt of it," said Blair. "That will do, gentlemen," returned the commandant; "you will not speak of this to any one." Captain Blunt sat up straight and rigid in his chair; his face had turned an ashen gray. The greatest sorrow of his life was upon him. "Mr. Drake," he said after a moment, "have you ever seen my son in this disguise? Did you detect him trying to steal an examination? I wish a direct answer." His voice sounded strange and harsh. "I have resigned, sir; I request to be excused from answering any questions," was Robert's reply. Commander Dalton looked sorrowfully at his brother officer, but made no comment, while Harry Blunt regarded Robert with intense surprise, stupefaction, fear and amazement. Robert, inert and dull, gazing idly out of the window, suddenly gave a start and looked up with interest and expectancy as the office door was opened, and a midshipman entered. [Illustration: _"THAT WILL DO, GENTLEMEN"_] "Good-morning, sir," said the newcomer; "I have to report my return from two days' leave." The midshipman was Stonewell. CHAPTER XXV JOHN 15:13 With Stonewell's entrance came a silence that was positively painful. The commandant looked at him with undisguised loathing. In Captain Blunt's face woe unutterable was clearly depicted. Harry Blunt, pale and uneasy, regarded him with frightened glance. Robert Drake looked at Stonewell with fascinated gaze; he felt that now the end of all things at the Naval Academy was to happen. Stonewell, clear-eyed and calm as usual, looked at Robert, and then slowly his eyes traveled and rested upon each person in the room. Never had Stonewell appeared better. In his dignified bearing there was not a single trace of fear or worry. No response was made to his salutation or report. Again he glanced about the room, and getting no response inquired, "What is the matter? Am I intruding?" "What's the matter?" cried the commandant. "Have you the effrontery to ask what the matter is?" "I beg to be so informed," replied Stonewell coolly, after a moment's hesitation. "Read this paper, sir. Do you not know why Mr. Drake has offered his resignation?" Stonewell read the paper; then looked keenly at Robert, then at Captain Blunt and Harry; things seemed to explain themselves and he merely said, "Ah," as if it were in response to some unspoken thought of his own. "Where were you last night at eleven o'clock, Mr. Stonewell?" "In Washington, sir; I spent the day in Princeton, New Jersey, and returned to Washington at seven o'clock." An angry exclamation left the commandant's lips. Again his closed fist banged the desk. "Mr. Stonewell!" "Sir?"