llows," from Dave. Joyce and Page answered; some of the
others merely nodded coldly. Presently all had strolled away except
Joyce and Page.

"You see how it is, Darry," murmured Joyce. "You've hurt the fellows."

"Are they going to cut me after this?" Dave asked. His smile was
friendly, though the look in his eyes was cool.

"No-o-o," hesitated Midshipman Joyce. "I don't believe the fellows will
exactly cut you; at least, not unless the situation grows more acute. But
many of the fellows are sore on you for your words last night."

"My words were only my words. My opinion doesn't have to govern anyone
else, Joyce."

"But, hang it, Darry, the class doesn't want to cut you out! Can't you
get that through your head?"

"The class doesn't have to cut me."

"But it will, if it puts Jetson in Coventry and you break the Coventry.
That's what the fellows hate to do to you, and that's why they're all so
sore at you."

"I see," nodded Dave.

"Come, now, Darry, you're going to be reasonable, aren't you?" begged
Joyce. "Don't break your friends all up with your stubbornness."

"I note that two of the fellows are talking with Jetson," continued Dave,
letting his glance wander to another group.

"They have a right to," contended Joyce. "The class hasn't yet committed
itself as to Jetson."

"Darry, if you don't look out," warned Page, "you'll precipitate matters.
You may bring the storm down on Jetson if you test the temper and
stubbornness of an offended class."

"I see that I was wrong in at least one particular," nodded Dave
thoughtfully. "I shouldn't have made any remark about my intentions. I
should have confined myself to a plea for Jetson. Then, if the class had
gone against my view I could have ignored the class action and have taken
the consequences just the same."

"Oh, hang you!" cried Page impulsively.

"Barry," begged Midshipman Joyce, resting a hand on his friend's arm,
"don't do any more talking about this. Just let things quiet down."

"I'm perfectly willing to stop talking about it," agreed Dave. "In fact,
since the class adjourned its meeting I haven't said a word on the
subject except in answer to some other fellow's remarks."

Page and Joyce strolled away, leaving Dave by himself to think matters
over. As it happened, the two second classmen with whom Jetson had been
talking had now left the sulky midshipman, who, at this moment, was
coming down the walk in Dave's direction.

"Good morning, Je