"I dare you to tell me."
"Who do you think I'm afraid of—you?"
"Yes! And if you have the nerve to say that Captain Bunderley has been saying anything against the 'Hopes' I'll attend to your case right now."
"You will!" howled Victor, beginning to pull off his coat. "You will! Well, wade right in and mix it up! That's just what Uncle Ralph did do."
"Thank you, Mr. Collins," said Benny, sweetly. "You've given me all the information I wanted. Don't you think I make a pretty good spy? Ta, ta!"
CHAPTER XVIII
THE PRESIDENT SPEAKS
During recess on the following day Dan Brown knocked gently on the door of President Hopkins' private office.
"Come in!" called a mild but authoritative voice.