He had been dealt a blow by Mark that half-stunned him, and amazed all, for the young sailor had never before shown what he could do with his fists, and his latent strength was never once suspected, unless it was by Scott Clemmons. With a howl of rage Barney Breslin arose and rushed again upon Mark, who cried out: “Back, Breslin, or you will regret it!” A cry of defiance was Breslin’s only answer, and as the cadet struck up Mark’s guard, he was enabled to seize him in his long, powerful arms. But only for a moment did he retain his hold, for he was raised bodily from his feet and dashed to the floor with a force that shook the building, and he lay limp and dazed from the fall. Though astonished at Mark’s grand exhibition of strength, and glad as many were to see Barney Breslin punished, the cadets could not let the charge about the gold coin go by, and several called out: “Prove that you know nothing about that coin, Merrill, or it will go hard with you.” Mark was not in the least disturbed, as he faced those who demanded an inquiry into the cruel charge against him, and said in his quiet way, as he stood over the fallen Breslin: “I have nothing to say for myself, but shall ask Mr. Dillingham to speak for me, after which Mr. Nazro can speak.” “Out with it, Dillingham, if you can say anything to clear Merrill of this very nasty charge,” said Cadet Captain Byrd Bascomb. “I will only say that since we came into the gymnasium here Merrill came up to me and said that he had seen Clemmons’ lost gold piece in Breslin’s hand, and that he appeared to be trying to slip it into his, Merrill’s pocket, and asked me to watch him. I did so, and I did see Breslin pass very near Merrill and appear to drop something into his pocket, but what it was I could not see.” This testimony from Winslow Dillingham created a sensation, which was added to when Herbert Nazro said: “And Merrill whispered to me: “‘Watch Breslin and see what he is up to, for he has haunted me ever since I came in.’ “I did watch him, and I distinctly saw him slip something yellow into Merrill’s pocket, which now I will swear was the gold piece which Clemmons lost. Now, Clemmons, who is the one you accuse?” and Herbert Nazro turned upon Scott Clemmons, who responded: “I make no accusation, and yet I cannot doubt the evidence of yourself and Dillingham.” “And I ask you, Breslin, do you dare accuse me?” The words were uttered in a low tone, yet all heard them, and Mark Merrill faced Barney Breslin, who now stood before him, his face white and bruised from the blow he had received. “Speak, sir!” There was a very dangerous light in the eyes of Mark Merrill now, and there followed his command a chorus of voices, saying: “Yes, speak!” But Barney Breslin uttered no word, and his face grew livid as his eyes roved over to where Scott Clemmons stood.