This might give the impression that he had been actually awakened.
"Mr.Darrin," demanded Lieutenant Adams, "have you been absent from this room tonight ?" "Yes, sir." "After taps was sounded ?" "No, sir." "You are fully aware of what you have answered ?" "Yes, sir." "Very good." That was all.

A midshipman's word must be taken, for he is a gentleman---that is to say, a man of honor.
"Mr.Dalzell!" Poor Dan stirred uneasily.
"Mr.Dalzell!" This time the Naval officer's voice was sharper.
Dan acted as though he were waking with difficulty.

He had no intention, in the face of a direct question, of denying that he had been absent without leave.

But he moved thus slowly, hoping desperately that the few seconds of time thus rained would be sufficient to bring to him some inspiration that might save him.
"Mr Dalzell, come to attention!" Dan stood up, the personification of drowsiness, saluted, then let his right hand fall at his side and stood blinking, bracing for them correct military attitude.
"It's too bad to disturb the boy!" thought Lieutenant Adams.
"Surely, this young man hasn't been anywhere but in bed since taps." None the less the Naval officer, as a part of his duty, put the question: "Mr.Dalzell, have you, since taps, been out of this room?
Did you return, let us say, by the route of the open window from the terrace ?" Midshipman Dalzell stiffened.

He didn't intend to betray his own honor by denying, yet he hated to let out the admission that would damage him so much.
Bang! It was an explosion like a crashing pistol shot, and it sounded from the corridor outside.
There could be no such thing as an assault at arms in guarded Bancroft Hall.