"What on earth is the joke---and why ?" Midshipman Clairy straightened himself, his eyes flashing and his whole appearance one of intense dignity.
"Mr.Darrin, there is no joke about it, as you are certainly aware, sir.

And I must call your attention to the fact that it is bad taste to address a midshipman familiarly when he is on official duty." "Why, hang you---" Dave broke forth utterly aghast.
"Stop, sir!" commanded Mr.Clairy, rising.

"Mr.Darrin, you will place yourself on report for strolling along the corridor with both shoes unlaced.

You will also place yourself on report for impertinence in answering the midshipman in charge of the floor." "But-----" "Go at once, sir, and place yourself on report" Dave meditated, for two or three seconds, over the advisability of knocking Mr.Clairy down.

But familiarity with the military discipline of the Naval Academy immediately showed Darrin that his only present course was to obey.
"I wonder who's loony now ?" hummed Dave to himself, as he marched briskly along on his way to the office of the officer in charge.
There be picked up two of the report slips, dipping a pen in ink.
First, in writing, he reported himself on the charge of having his shoes unlaced.