Half-smoked cigars were found by the officer of inspection in his room, and when he asserted he never smoked them, as proof against him was a box of perfectos nearly empty. Upon another occasion the inspector found a bottle that had contained whisky in Merrill’s room, and there was enough left in it to prove that it had contained the real old beverage of the Kentucky colonels. In many other ways had seeming proof been brought against Mark Merrill that he was not all that he professed to be, and many predicted that he would take his departure from the United States Naval Academy before very long. But one afternoon the corps were assembled, and, to the surprise of all, the demerits against the cadets were read out openly. Here and there a name was called which held no demerit mark against it, but when the adjutant came to the name of Mark Merrill he paused, and a moment of suspense followed. Then came the reading of the number which was known as the “Fatal Figures.” Beyond that number no cadet could go, and Mark Merrill’s face became deadly pale as he heard the calling out of the fatal figures. Other names followed, until the whole roll of the corps had been called, and no one else came within startling distance of the fatal figures. “Cadet Mark Merrill to the front!” came the adjutant’s command, for that officer already had his orders. Mark advanced promptly until halted. White-faced but cool, with every eye upon him, he stood awaiting what was to come as though he were to hear his death warrant read. To him it was worse, for he expected ignominious dismissal from the corps. “Cadet Merrill, the number of demerits against your name has reached the limit, the fatal figures which mean dismissal. The commandant desires to know what you have to say in your defense?” “Nothing, sir, for the demerits stand against me, and I submit to the laws of the academy in silence.” Every one heard the distinctly uttered reply of the young cadet. Then the commandant’s voice was heard: “Adjutant, you are to cancel every demerit that stands against the name of Cadet Midshipman Mark Merrill.” In spite of stern discipline a murmur ran down the line, for such a command could not be understood. But the explanation was not long delayed, for again the stern voice of the commandant was heard: