Smith's voice, deep and quiet, broke the pause.
"What's the good word, Professor?"
Walt swallowed a lump, nervously opened a book that lay on the table, then looked at the big red sweater on the bed, and said:
"I can't do it, Cap."
Smith kicked a pillow of which he thought a great deal almost into the grate, and said with fine scorn:
"When do you join the Phis?"
"I don't know," said Van, drearily.
"Well, I think you're nutty; it's the cheesiest gang in College."
The battle had begun. Walt might as well practice his defense at once, so he said with a little dignity:
"My uncle is a Phi, and it is his wish."