“Then I will make it so clear that you can grasp it. I said that if I resign you must do the same, or you must support me until I get a good position, when I can take care of myself. Do you understand now, Clemmons?” It seemed that Scott Clemmons did, for his face turned deadly pale at the alternative given him by the cadet who now stood at bay. CHAPTER XXX. NOT ACCEPTED. Barney Breslin seemed to have turned at bay, for he was no longer the obsequious toady of Scott Clemmons that he had been. What he had said, the alternative he had offered, seemed to have deeply moved Clemmons, for he now appeared more anxious-faced than did Breslin. Thrice he essayed to speak, and each time the words failed him. He at last sat almost helpless before the other, wishing him to break the silence. Breslin paced up and down the room now with a calmer mien. The man had suddenly become the master. What hold he had upon Clemmons he gave no utterance to, but certainly he had a secret power to thus move the other as he did. “Yes, I shall resign. I shall take my resignation over now to the commandant, for, after all I am tired of study, and I hardly think I am cut out to be a naval officer. The standard of excellence and honor are a trifle too high for me to reach--you see I confess it, Clemmons. So I’ll take a vacation, and as I have only a few dollars, I’ll call on you for a loan, you know. If you have not a large amount about you, give me an order upon your father, for I must have money, Clemmons, yes, I must have money, or----” He paused as though hoping that Scott Clemmons would ask: “Or what?” But Clemmons remained silent, and with a determined look in his face, Breslin finished his sentence with the words: “Or--you go with me, Clemmons.” Half an hour after Barney Breslin left his room, and went to the commandant’s quarters. He met an orderly at the door, who said politely: “I was just going to seek you, sir, for the commandant wishes to see you.” The next moment Breslin crossed the threshold with a look upon his face that expressed plainly his thought: “He who enters here leaves Hope behind.” The commandant was there, and so were a number of officers, all wearing a serious look upon their faces. Breslin saluted promptly and awaited the commandant’s pleasure. “Mr. Breslin, I sent for you, as an occurrence in the gymnasium to-day demands a full inquiry,” said the commandant sternly. “I was on my way here, sir, when I met your orderly. I am here now, sir, to make the statement that I was wrong, that what I meant as a joke proved serious; so serious, in fact, sir, that I hereby tender you my resignation as a cadet midshipman.” All heard the words distinctly, and they were uttered without a tremor, though the face of the young man was very pale. “Mr. Breslin, you will please sit down at that table and write and sign your explanation of this unfortunate affair.”