On the other hand, we are faced with the fact that we must accept the statements made by Mr. Darrin, Mr. Page, Mr. Dalzell, Mr. Fenwick and others. We are on the horns of a dilemma, though I doubt not that we shall find a way out of it." "There appears, sir, to be only the statement of one midshipman against the word of eight midshipmen," suggested the commandant. "Not exactly that," replied the superintendent. "The fact is that Mr. Clairy's charges do not concern the eight midshipmen collectively, but individually. Had Mr. Clairy charged all eight of the midshipmen of an offense committed at the same time and together, and had the eight midshipmen all denied it, then we should be reluctantly compelled to admit the probability that Mr. Clairy had been lying. But his charges relate to eight different delinquencies, and not one of the eight accused midshipmen is in a position to act as witness for any of the other accused men." "Then what are we going to do, sir?" "I will admit that I do not yet know," replied the superintendent. "Some method of getting at the truth in the matter is likely to occur to us later on. In the meantime, Graves, you will not publish any punishments for the reported delinquencies." "Very good, sir," nodded the commandant. "Keep your wits at work for a solution of the mystery, Graves." "I will, sir." "And I will give the matter all the attention that I can," was the superintendent's last word. If anger had been at the boiling point before, the situation was even worse now. Page and Fenwick openly challenged Clairy to fight. He replied, in each case, with a cool, smiling refusal. "We've got to hold that class meeting!" growled Farley. "Why?" inquired Dave. "The class can't do anything more to Clairy than has already been done. His refusals to fight will send him to Coventry as securely as could action by all four of the classes. No fellow here can refuse to fight, unless he couples with his refusal an offer to submit the case to his own class for action. No one, henceforth, will have a word to say to Clairy." "Perhaps not; but I still insist that the class meeting ought to be called." This was the general sentiment among the first classmen. Darrin was the only real dissenter to the plan. "Oh, well, go ahead and call the class together, if you like," agreed Dave. "My main contention is that such a meeting will be superfluous. The action of the class has really been taken already." "Will you come to the meeting, Darry?" asked Fenwick. "Really, I don't know," Dave answered thoughtfully. "My presence would do neither good nor harm. The action of the class has already been decided. In fact, it has been put into effect." "Then you won't be there?" spoke up Farley. "I don't know. I'll come, however, if it will please any of you especially." "Oh, bother you, Darry! We're not going to beg your presence as a favor."