As he glanced at it Dave saw that the article had been marked in blue pencil, and many of the paragraphs numbered.
"Since you admit having read the 'Bazoo's' infamous article, mister," continued Midshipman Paulson, "tell us whether any of the scurrilous charges therein are true ?" "The quotation from the official report, sir, being correct as a copy, is bound to be true--" "Official reports at the Naval Academy are always true," retorted Paulson severely.

"Proceed, sir, to the comments which the ink-slinger of the 'Bazoo' has made concerning you.

Mister, read the paragraph numbered 'one.'" In a voice that shook a trifle Dave read: _"Dave Darrin is, beyond any question or cavil, one of the brightest, smartest, bravest and most popular boys who ever went forth into the world as a true son of old Gridley."_ "Mister," declared Paulson, "you may gloss over some of the slander in those words by singing them to the tune of 'Yankee Doodle.'" Dave flushed.

There was a momentary flash in his eyes.

Dan, watching his chum covertly, was briefly certain that Darrin was going to balk.