himself look hurt, nor was that any effort. This
really cut deep. But he had to "play it out"; had to make them keep on
thinking his disgrace was real.

"You guys know I'd never do anything like that," he continued
plaintively. "I didn't cheat--didn't need to. I know I lost my head when
he accused me, but anyone'd do that."

"You mean you were never caught cheating before," Trowbridge sneered.
"You sure had me ... us ... all fooled. Now scram, or else...." He
doubled his fists and took a step toward Hanlon.

The latter still played out his string, but his heart was sick. He liked
the fellows--they had been among his best friends for five long, happy
years. Only now was he truly beginning to realize what a tremendous
price he was paying ... and would have to pay all his life.

He stepped in and swung ... and was instantly the target for flying
fists. He was knocked down several times, but always managed to get up
again. He had been well trained in fighting of all types--and now he was
putting all his knowledge and skill into use--but only for defense and
the pretense of attack.

Even so he was getting badly mauled, for they were as well trained--and
were five to his one. His clothes were dirty and ripped from the
knock-downs, and a button was torn off his coat. His knuckles were
skinned, and he could feel that his face was becoming a mass of bruises.
A hard left connected with his mouth, and he spat out a broken tooth.

"'Ten-shun!" a commanding voice suddenly broke in.

Instantly the five Corpsmen jumped back and, so ingrained was the
training he had received, so did Hanlon, to come at salute as they saw a
High Admiral climbing out of a ground-cab at the curb.

Hanlon, instantly realizing he wasn't in uniform and was supposedly a
discharged Corpsman, quickly dropped his salute and slouched
truculently.

"What's going on here!" the officer asked icily.

"This man's a disgraced cadet, sir. Cheated on final exams," one of them
explained. "He tried to talk to us."

"It's a lousy lie!" Hanlon rasped. "I was framed. The Corps. Paugh!" he
spat in pretend disgust. "I'm getting out of here just as damned quick
as I can, and as far as I can. I'll go clear to Andromeda Seven if I can
raise enough credits!"

Only he, apparently saw the minute widening of the admiral's eyes at
that code-word. The officer faced the new lieutenants sternly.

"A Corpsman is supposed to be able to handle five civilians, not five
Corpsme