With the exception of the two yearlings whom Cadet Prescott had thrashed to a finish, all who had taken any part in the fights were in their beds, and lights out, when the subdivision inspectors flashed their bull's-eye lanterns into the room a moment after taps had sounded.
For the honor of the class another yearling, Garston, forced a dispute within a few days, and Prescott had his third fight on his hands. He won it, though, about as easily as he had the other two.
Three such victories left this plebe free from further fight annoyance. Also, according to a tacitly understood rule, none of these three yearlings could engage in hazing Mr. Prescott after that.
CHAPTER XI
HOW CADET DODGE HELD POST NUMBER THREE
In the early days of the month of June, came all the glories of
Commencement.
The first class graduated, and went forth to receive their commissions in the Regular Army.
The second class became the new first class, and head and arbiters of all personal affairs in the battalion of cadets.
The yearlings now became second class men, and departed on their summer furlough, to last until the latter part of August.
The old plebes moved up a peg, also, and became the new yearlings, vested with all the power of hazing and otherwise oppressing and training the plebes.