“For which I’m thankful,” Darrin smiled.  “Danny boy, I’m going to bed without waiting for taps.”

By morning the news of Dave’s action at the class meeting was known throughout the brigade.  As he strolled about for a few minutes, after breakfast, while Dan went back to his room to do some hurried study, Darrin noted that many once friendly faces were turned away from him.

“Good morning, Hepson,” was Dave’s greeting as his friend went by.

“Good morning,” muttered Hepson, and was gone.

“Good morning, Watson,” said Dave to one of his own classmates.

“‘Morning,’ replied that midshipman briefly, and turned away.  Joyce, Page and several other second classmen were standing in a group when Dave strolled in their direction.

“Good morning, fellows,” from Dave.  Joyce and Page answered; some of the others merely nodded coldly.  Presently all had strolled away except Joyce and Page.

“You see how it is, Darry,” murmured Joyce.  “You’ve hurt the fellows.”

“Are they going to cut me after this?” Dave asked.  His smile was friendly, though the look in his eyes was cool.

“No-o-o,” hesitated Midshipman Joyce.  “I don’t believe the fellows will exactly cut you; at least, not unless the situation grows more acute.  But many of the fellows are sore on you for your words last night.”

“My words were only my words.  My opinion doesn’t have to govern anyone else, Joyce.”

“But, hang it, Darry, the class doesn’t want to cut you out!  Can’t you get that through your head?”

“The class doesn’t have to cut me.”

“But it will, if it puts Jetson in Coventry and you break the Coventry.  That’s what the fellows hate to do to you, and that’s why they’re all so sore at you.”

“I see,” nodded Dave.

“Come, now, Darry, you’re going to be reasonable, aren’t you?” begged Joyce.  “Don’t break your friends all up with your stubbornness.”

“I note that two of the fellows are talking with Jetson,” continued Dave, letting his glance wander to another group.

“They have a right to,” contended Joyce.  “The class hasn’t yet committed itself as to Jetson.”

“Darry, if you don’t look out,” warned Page, “you’ll precipitate matters.  You may bring the storm down on Jetson if you test the temper and stubbornness of an offended class.”

“I see that I was wrong in at least one particular,” nodded Dave thoughtfully.  “I shouldn’t have made any remark about my intentions.  I should have confined myself to a plea for Jetson.  Then, if the class had gone against my view I could have ignored the class action and have taken the consequences just the same.”

“Oh, hang you!” cried Page impulsively.

“Barry,” begged Midshipman Joyce, resting a hand on his friend’s arm, “don’t do any more talking about this.  Just let things quiet down.”

“I’m perfectly willing to stop talking about it,” agreed Dave.  “In fact, since the class adjourned its meeting I haven’t said a word on the subject except in answer to some other fellow’s remarks.”