"'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.