MIDSHIPMAN DARRIN HAS THE FLOOR But Dave did not speak at first.

Advancing only a short distance into the hall he stood with arms folded, his face well-nigh expressionless.
For a moment the class president glanced at Darrin, then at the assemblage.
"Gentlemen," announced the class president, "you have heard the motion, that Mr.Clairy be sent to Coventry for all time to come.
The motion has been duly seconded.

Remarks are in order." "Mr.President!" It was Dave who had spoken.

All eyes were turned in his direction at once.
"Mr.Darrin," announced the chair.

"Mr.President, and classmates, I, for one, shall vote against the motion." An angry clamor rose, followed by calls of, "Question! Put the motion!" "Do any of you know," Darrin continued, "why Mr.Clairy is not here this evening ?" "He's afraid to come!" "Did any of you note that Mr.Clairy was not at supper ?" "The hound hadn't any appetite," jeered Fenwick angrily.
"You have observed, of course, that Mr.Clairy was not here at the meeting ?" "He didn't dare come!" cried several voices.
"If you have any explanation to make, Mr.Darrin, let us have it," urged the chair.
"Mr.President and classmates," Midshipman Darrin continued, "all along I have felt that there must be some explanation to match Mr.Clairy's most extraordinary conduct.