That latter official, experienced as he was in the ways of midshipmen, could offer no solution of the mystery.
"You see, my dear Graves," explained the superintendent, "it is the rule of custom here, and a safe rule at that, to accept the word of a midshipman as being his best recollection or knowledge of the truth of any statement that he makes.

In that case, we would seem to be bound to accept the statements of Mr.Clairy." On the other hand, we are faced with the fact that we must accept the statements made by Mr.Darrin, Mr.Page, Mr.Dalzell, Mr.
Fenwick and others.

We are on the horns of a dilemma, though I doubt not that we shall find a way out of it." "There appears, sir, to be only the statement of one midshipman against the word of eight midshipmen," suggested the commandant.
"Not exactly that," replied the superintendent.

"The fact is that Mr.Clairy's charges do not concern the eight midshipmen collectively, but individually.

Had Mr.Clairy charged all eight of the midshipmen of an offense committed at the same time and together, and had the eight midshipmen all denied it, then we should be reluctantly compelled to admit the probability that Mr.Clairy had been lying.