"Howdy fellows," was the greeting of the newcomer.
"How do you do, Haynes?" asked Dick, though not over impressed by the newcomer.
Haynes was a former second classman, who, on account of illness in the latter half of his third year, had been allowed to "turn back" and join the new second class.
It often happens that a "turnback" is not extremely popular with the new class that he joins. Not less often does it happen that the turnback wonders at the comparative lack of esteem shown him. The reason, however, is very likely to be found in the fact that the turnback considers himself a mile or so above the new class members with whom circumstances have compelled him to cast his lot.
It was so in this instance. Haynes felt that he was, properly, a first classman. True, the members of the first class, which he had fallen behind, did not take that view of the case.
"You fellows busy?" asked Haynes, as he took a seat across the foot of Prescott's cot bed.
"Oh, no more busy than cadets usually are," smiled Dick pleasantly.
"We are finding the new grind a hard one—-that's all."
"Now, there's nothing very hard about the first half of the year in this class," replied Haynes knowingly. "I've been through it you know."
"You're lucky," rejoined Greg. "We haven't been through it—-yet."
Hayes, however, chose to regard what was meant as a slight hint.