And Mark Merrill started on his way, when with a bound Winslow Dillingham confronted him, his face livid with rage.
CHAPTER XIV.
FACING THE MUSIC.
The quick retort made by Mark Merrill to Winslow Dillingham’s insulting words brought a general laugh, for the cadets were quick to appreciate wit and sarcasm, even if directed at one of their number.
Cadet Dillingham had offered the insult gratuitously, and he had gotten a reply that offended him deeply.
The laugh of his comrades angered him the more, and stung by the words of the stranger and their enjoying them, he lost all control of himself, and sprang before Mark Merrill in a threatening attitude.
Mark had not advanced a step since landing.
He stood upon the wall where he had stopped upon ascending from his boat, and he simply paused to ask a polite question, and received an insulting response.
The first insult he had accepted in silence, but the second one he had been stung to reply to.
He saw at once that he would have to fight his way—that whatever the “future admirals” might be considered by outsiders, they were merciless to a stranger who came into their midst.