"I wish I did, fellows." "Isn't Darry going to attend ?" "I don't know that, either." Midshipman Gosman now claimed the floor.

He spoke a good deal as though he had been retained as advocate for the eight accused midshipmen.

In a fiery speech Mr.Gosman recited that eight different members of the class had been falsely accused by Mr.Clairy.
"There are not eight liars in our class," declared Midshipman Gosman, with very telling effect.
Then, after more fiery words aimed at Clairy, Mr.Gosman demanded: "Why is not Mr.Clairy here to speak for himself?
Let him who can answer this! Further, Mr.Clairy has been challenged to fight by some of those whom be accused.

Now, sir and classmates, a midshipman may refuse to fight, but if he does he must submit his case to his class, and then be guided by the class decision as to whether he must fight or not.

Mr.Clairy has not done this." "He's a cur!" shouted a voice.
"I accept the remark," bowed Mr.Gosman, "if I am permitted to express the class's apology to all dogs for the comparison." "Good!" yelled several.
"Mr.President and classmates," continued the angry orator, "I believe we are all of one mind, and I believe that I can express the unanimous sentiment of the first class." "You can!" "You bet you can!" "Go ahead!" "Mr.President, I take it upon myself to move that the first class should, and hereby does, send Mr.Clairy to Coventry for all time to come!" "Second the motion!" cried several voices.
Then a diversion was created.
One of the big doors opened and a midshipman stepped into the room, closing the door.
That midshipman was Dave Darrin.