Jack and his mates were at this moment coming out of the yard. They had turned on the sidewalk, and started along ere they caught sight of the group ahead.
"There's that infernal gang!" uttered Eph, wrathfully.
"Keep your eyes away from them, and don't say anything, then," whispered Jack. "Don't say or do anything that can possibly spoil the morning by putting us in the wrong."
But Don Melville, wrathful over the morning's happenings, and keenly disappointed over the knowledge that he could not hope to command the "Pollard," was not disposed to let the submarine boys go unchallenged.
On came Jack, Hal and Eph, walking abreast, yet ready to break and pass in silence.
"Dewey, Sampson & Schley!" jeered Don Melville, in a low tone, yet loud enough to be heard by Jack's party.
Yet the boys paid no heed, but would have passed in silence, had not Don added, insultingly:
"The three little muckers!"
That was too much for Eph. He couldn't help turning, the flush mounting to his cheeks, to retort:
"Speak for yourself!"