Captain De Long, the commander of the cruising ship Constellation, was seated in his cabin smoking his cigar before retiring, when Cadet Midshipman Mark Merrill requested an interview, which was at once granted by the genial commander. “Well, Mr. Merrill, did you enjoy your run ashore?” “Yes, sir, with the exception of an unfortunate meeting with Barney Breslin, which I desire to report to you.” “Ah! have you had trouble with him?” “Yes, sir, I regret to say, too, that it was in a public place. Another cadet and myself went to the Astor House for dinner, and met Breslin and a friend coming out. The former stepped in front of me, and asked if I recognized him and meant to cut his acquaintance. I responded that I certainly did, when he aimed a blow at me, which I parried, and at the same time knocked him down. My cadet friend drew me out of the quickly gathering crowd, and we had our dinner, sir; but I deemed it best to report the affair to you.” “You did right, Mr. Merrill, but who was your comrade?” “Must I make known his name, sir?” “He was not involved in the affair?” “No, sir.” “Then tell me his name.” “It was Mr. Perry.” “That will do, Mr. Merrill,” and Mark saluted and retired from the cabin. The captain still continued his cigar, until a second interruption came in a request from another cadet to see him. It was Scott Clemmons, his face flushed from the wine he had been drinking. “Well, Mr. Clemmons, you have just come off from shore leave, I believe?” “Yes, sir, and I desire to report to you, sir, an occurrence ashore which may not reach your ears otherwise, but which, for the good of the ship’s name, I deem it my duty to make known.” “I am ready to hear you, Mr. Clemmons,” said the captain blandly. “I went to dine at the Astor House, sir, and met there Barney Breslin, who begged me for a loan, for he has gone utterly to the bad, I fear. As I was talking to him two cadet midshipmen came in and one of them jostled up against Breslin, who had been drinking, and a disgraceful knock-down followed, in which I was seized by a policeman as the one who made the assault. Of course Breslin cleared me of the charge, and I make this report, sir, in case, should it reach your ear, that you may understand my position in the affair.” “Who were these cadets, Mr. Clemmons?” “Do you command me to answer, sir?” “I do.” “Cadet Midshipmen Perry and Merrill, sir.” “Which one of the two struck the blow?” “Cadet Midshipman Mark Merrill, sir.” “That will do, Mr. Clemmons.” The next morning Bemis Perry was ordered to report in the captain’s cabin. He did so, and Captain De Long said: “You were ashore yesterday, Mr. Perry?” “Until six bells, yes, sir.” “Who was your companion?” “Mr. Merrill, sir.” “You dined ashore?” “Yes, sir, with Mr. Merrill at the Astor House.” “Did you see any cadets there?” “Mr. Clemmons, sir.” “Who was he with?” “Some friend, sir; not a cadet, however.” “Did you know him?”