The youth obeyed, writing the same explanation he had sent through Scott Clemmons to the cadets. The commandant read it aloud, and then said: “This wholly exonerates Cadet Midshipman Mark Merrill, as you intended it should?” “From the charge of taking the luck coin. Yes, sir.” “From what else do you infer that he is not exonerated, sir?” sternly asked the commandant. “From the blow he gave me,” almost fiercely answered the youth, whose revengeful nature was now revealed in his face and words. The commandant smiled, while he said: “From all accounts, Mr. Breslin, you had better let well enough alone, and certainly your charge was a just provocation.” “I never forget nor forgive an injury, sir,” said the youth in a pompous manner. “Then my decision was a wise one, just arrived at, that you leave the Naval Academy at once.” “And this is an acceptance of my resignation, sir?” “On the contrary, Mr. Breslin, I decline to accept your resignation.” “I do not quite comprehend you, sir,” faltered the young man. “I decline your resignation, Mr. Breslin, to reserve to myself the right to dismiss you, as you richly deserved. Not only did you pilfer from the pockets of your room mate, but to hide your theft, your ignominious crime, you tried to fasten the guilt upon another, a fellow cadet. Your explanation is an awkward one, a lame one in the extreme, but it serves to exonerate Mr. Merrill, and to stamp you, under your own signature, as what you are. I shall at once send my decision to the Secretary of the Navy for his approval, and for the honor of this Naval Academy I trust that the affair will not be blazoned abroad over the land. For your own sake, you had best depart quietly from the academy, for the charge against you is a most serious one.” The stern, indignant manner of the commandant completely cowed the disgraced youth, and he departed from the presence of his judges with a crestfallen air. Returning to his room he found Scott Clemmons there anxiously pacing the floor. His look questioned Breslin, who dropped into a chair with the words: “He refused my resignation.” “What?” “He dismissed me.” “And--and----” “That is all,” said Breslin, with a reckless laugh, and Scott Clemmons gave a deep sigh of relief. CHAPTER XXXI. A SWIMMING MATCH. Scott Clemmons was not the only one who gave a sigh of relief when it was known that Barney Breslin had to leave the academy. Perhaps, however, the sigh of relief of the other cadets was from a different motive than that which came from the bosom of Scott Clemmons. The decision of the commandant, forwarded by special carrier to Washington, was promptly approved by the Secretary of the Navy, and Barney Breslin, awaiting at the hotel in Annapolis, found himself no longer a cadet. Not even Scott Clemmons dared call openly upon him to wish him _bon voyage_ upon the stormy sea of life upon which he had embarked.