The officer in charge sent for me, to impart some
information that I am requested to repeat before this meeting."

"Go on!" cried several curious voices when Dave paused for a moment.

"Fellows, I hate to tell you the news, and you will all be extremely
sorry to hear it. You will be glad, however, that you did not
pass the motion now before the class. Mr. President, I have to
report, at the request of the officer in charge, the facts in
Mr. Clairy's case.

"From the peculiar nature of the case both the superintendent and
the commandant of midshipmen were convinced that there was
something radically wrong with Mr. Clairy."

"Humph! I should say so!" uttered Penwick, with emphasis.

"Mr. Clairy was not at our mess at supper," resumed Dave Darrin,
"for the very simple reason that he had been taken to hospital.
There he was examined by three surgeons, assisted by an outside
specialist. Mr. President and classmates, I know you will all
feel heartily sorry for Clairy when I inform you that he has been
pronounced insane."

Dave ceased speaking, and an awed silence prevailed. It was the
chair who first recovered his poise.

"Clairy insane!" cried the class president. "Gentlemen, now we
comprehend what, before, it was impossible to understand."

In the face of this sudden blow to a classmate all the midshipmen
sat for a few minutes more as if stunned. Then they began to
glance about at each other.

"I think this event must convince us, sir," Darrin's voice broke
in, "that we young men don't know everything, and that we should
learn to wait for facts before we judge swiftly."

"Mr. President!"

It was Gosman, on his feet. In a husky voice that midshipman
begged the consent of his seconders for his withdrawing the motion
he had offered sending Midshipman Clairy to Coventry. In a twinkling
that motion had been withdrawn.

"Will Mr. Darrin, state, if able, how serious Clairy's insanity
is believed to be?" inquired the chair.

"It is serious enough to ruin all his chances in the Navy," Dave
answered, "though the surgeons believe that, after Clairy has
been taken by his friends to some asylum, his cure can eventually
be brought about."

The feeling in the room was too heavy for more discussion. A
motion to adjourn was offered and carried, after which the first
classmen hurried from the room.

Of course no demerits were imposed as a result of the crazy reports
ordered by Midshipman Clairy on that memorab