u have forfeited the right to have
your opinion considered a gentleman's."

"Don't you ever call names?" hissed Dennison.

"Only to the faces of the men to whom the names are applied,"
retorted Dick.

"And that's right," agreed Furlong heartily. "We've been classmates
nearly two years, and I've heard old ramrod say disagreeable things,
once or twice, behind men's backs. But it was never until after
he had said the same thing to the man's face."

"This isn't fair," fussed Dennison, "to hold me back after I've
been insulted."

By this time, half a dozen more cadets had stopped. Three of
the newest comers were yearlings, one was a second classman and
two were first classmen.

"Will you let me act as one of your friends, old ramrod?" asked
Cadet Furlong.

"I think you've proved your right, on this and other occasions,"
laughed Dick quietly. "Go ahead, please, Milesy."

"This is not place for a fight," continued Furlong, "and this
crowd had better break up, or we shall be seen and there'll be
an inquiry from the tactical department. As Prescott's friend,
I will say that he is prepared to give full satisfaction to both
men. In fact, if they didn't demand it, he would."

Before so many, Bert Dodge had to appear brave.

"I demand the first meeting for satisfaction," Bert insisted.

"And I think you may count on getting the first meeting," nodded
Furlong coolly. "Now, Mr. Dodge, to whom shall I look as your
friend?"

"Let me act!" begged Dennison hoarsely.

"Go ahead, Dennison," replied Dodge, who felt that he would draw
some comfort from having this big athlete of the class for a backer.
"Now, break up, please, gentlemen," begged Furlong. "We don't
want and wind of this to blow to official quarters. Dennison,
I invite you to come to my room."

Like soldiers dismissed from ranks, the sudden gathering in the
sally-port dispersed. Dick went on to his own quarters.

"Now, that's what I call huge!" chuckled Greg Holmes, as soon
as he heard the news. "But see here, old ramrod, I'm to be your
other second?"

"Of course," nodded Dick.

"Then I'm off for Furlong's room at once. And again---hooray!"

There being nothing to prevent a prompt meeting, it was arranged
to take place that evening at 8.30. In the subdivision where Furlong
lived there was an empty room up on the plebe floor.

Sharp to the minute of 8.30 the men were at hand. Packard, of
the first class, had agreed to act as referee. Maitl