In an instant every lad save Davis was on his feet, for all knew what naturally followed an act of this sort.
But the natural order of events did not take place. Davis slowly and carefully wiped the water from his face with the napkin. His hand trembled a little, and his cheeks were pale, the color having fled from them in a moment.
Frank had taken a quick step forward, ready to see fair play.
Although it was generally known that Davis was a peaceful sort of a fellow, who would not get into trouble if he could avoid it, still all expected he would show resentment at this open insult.
Bascomb stood with an insolent sneer on his face, waiting. As Davis made no move, he broke into a short laugh.
"There's courage for you, gentlemen!" he said, scornfully. "Why, the fellow hasn't as much spirit as a dead mouse!"
Frank was about to speak, when Davis slowly rose to his feet.
"I suppose I am expected to fight in a case like this," he said, his voice shaking.
Some of the cadets who were always eager to see a fight of any sort, no matter how unevenly the antagonists might be matched, quickly said:
"That's right. You must fight."