"A, sir, mangy, sir, unkempt, sir, uncouth, sir, and, sir, offensive, sir, plebe, sir."
"Very true," nodded Mr. Pratt. "But, at least, mister, you have learned how to answer a yearling or any other superior, haven't you!"
"Yes, sir," Bert meekly assented.
"But there's one thing the poor beast doesn't know how to do yet," observed Mr. Judson, turning to his classmate. "He doesn't understand how to stand at attention when he is honored by a yearling's visit."
"Teach him—if you find that he's intelligent enough," advised
Yearling Pratt.
"Turn down that mattress, mister," commanded Mr. Judson, pointing to Dick Prescott's iron cot.
Bert made the mistake of looking first at Cadet Prescott for permission.
"Now, mister, what makes you hesitate!" fumed Mr. Judson.
"It isn't my cot, sir," replied Dodge.
"What?"