The hop took more men away from camp than usual that night.  Other cadets met friends from the hotel or officers’ quarters at post number one.

But over in Dunstan’s tent a considerable group of yearlings gathered.  A few, in fact, were obliged to stand outside.  This they did in such a way as not to attract the attention of the O.C. or any chance tac.

Dick was there, and with him were Holmes and Anstey, to both of whom had been conveyed a hint as strong as that which had reached the class president.  Furlong, Griffin and Dobbs were in the tent.  Jessup and Aldrich were there as a matter of fact.

On the still night air came the clanging of eight on the big clock down in the group of barracks and Academic Building.  Just as the strokes were pealing forth Plebes Briggs and Ellis came up the street and stood at the front pole of Dunstan’s tent.

“Come in, beasties,” summoned Furlong.  “We are awaiting you.”

Neither plebe looked over joyous as the pair entered.

“Stand there, misters,” ordered Dick, pointing to the space that had been reserved for the victims of the affair.  “Now, misters, there is some complaint that you have mistaken West Point for a theatrical training school.  The suspicion is gaining ground that you two beasties imagine you have been appointed here as comedians.  Is that your delusion?”

“No, sir,” replied Mr. Briggs and Mr. Ellis in one solemn breath.

“Then what ails you, misters?” demanded Dick severely.

Both plebes remained silent.

“Answer me, sirs.  You first, Mr. Briggs.”

“I think we must have been carried away by excess of animal spirits, sir,” replied Mr. Briggs, now speaking meekly enough.

“Animal spirits?” repeated Dick thoughtfully.  “There may be much truth and reason in that idea.  Camp life here is repressive of animal spirits, to be sure.  We who are your mentors to some extent should have thought of that.  Mr. Briggs, you shall find relief for your animal spirits.  Mr. Ellis, what is your defence?”

“I thought, sir---thought-----”

With the yearling President’s eyes fixed on him in stern, searching gaze, the once merry little Mr. Ellis became confused.  He broke off stameringly.

“That’s enough, Mr. Ellis,” replied the class president.  “You admit that you thought.  Now, no plebe is capable of thinking.  Your answer, mister, proves you to be guilty of egotism.”

Then Dick, with the air of a judge, yet with a mocking pretence of gentleness and leniency sounding; in his voice, turned back to Plebe Briggs.

“Mr. Briggs, you will now proceed to relieve your animal spirits by some spirited animal conduct.  The animal that you will represent will be the crab.  Down on your face, mister!”

Flat on the floor lay Mr. Briggs.  The yearlings outside, at the tent doorway, scenting something coming, peered in eagerly.