"These fourth classmen seemed unwontedly popular to-night," insinuated Dan.
"They've been most uncommonly touge all through the year, sir," replied
Eaton, tacking on the "sir" in order to impress Midshipmen Flint and
Austin with the tremendous dignity or all upper classmen.
"What form does their tougeness take?" Dan wanted to know.
"They have not yet learned the respect that is due to upper classmen, sir."
"And especially to third classmen?" inquired Dan, now without the flicker of a smile.
"They are especially touge, sir, with third classmen."
"And you are showing them the error of their ways?"
"We are trying to do so, sir."
"I thought so, from the noise we heard," pursued Dalzell.
"If you have any better ways, Mr. Dalzell, we shall be glad to profit from your riper experience, sir," suggested Midshipman Eaton.