At dinner the conversation was almost entirely about the tumultuous events of the night, and, by keeping eyes and ears open, Frank sought to discover who knew the most concerning those things which had taken place.
Bas...o...b..seemed in high spirits. Over and over, in a sarcastic way, he repeated Lieutenant Gordan"s a.s.sertion that such actions were outrageous, and must be stopped, appearing very grave as he did so, but winking slyly to some particular friend.
And Frank noted every fellow to whom Bas...o...b..winked.
The big fellow could not keep his bullying propensities suppressed, and the sight of Fred Davis seemed to arouse him. Singling out the little plebe, he took a station at the opposite side of the table, observing:
"It is really too bad anybody should haze a pretty boy like him. Look at the tender blue in his eyes, and the delicate pink in his cheeks.
Isn"t he just too sweet to live! Oh, the fellows won"t do a thing to him here--not a thing!"
Fred paid no attention to Bas...o...b.. although the hot blood rushed to his face.
The bully continued:
"Before you, gentlemen, masticating his rations, sits a section edition of the late lamented George Washington. Those who are conversant with history are aware that little George found it impossible to tell a lie.
Evidently Baby has heard of George, and seeks to emulate the Father of his Country, for he also finds it extremely difficult to tell a lie.
Gentlemen, you may, at this very moment, be regarding a future president of the United States. The thought should overcome you with awe."
Bas...o...b..s friends snickered, and the big yearling proceeded to address himself directly to Davis.
"Look here, Baby," he said, "I want you to tell us just what happened to you last night. We want to know the exact facts of the case."
With a trace of spirit, Davis looked up, and asked:
"Don"t you, sir?"
"Don"t I what?" demanded Bas...o...b.. harshly.
"Don"t you know?"
"What do you mean by that? How should I know?"
"I thought you might remember," said Fred, in a low tone.
That was enough to give the bully his opportunity to rave and bl.u.s.ter.
"That is an insult!" he fiercely declared, glaring at the little plebe as if he longed to devour him. "Such an insinuation is an insult! Do you mean to say that I had anything to do with the a.s.sault upon you?"
"I don"t mean to say anything more about it."
"Oh, you don"t? That is actually an open defiance. But I am going to put a question to you, and see if you will refuse to answer me. What do you know about it?"
"I know enough to mind my own business."
Frank laughed softly, and it was Bas...o...b..s turn to flush angrily.
"You are very cool about it," grated the bully, reaching out and picking up a gla.s.s of water. "Perhaps this will make you still cooler."
He flung the water full and fair into Fred Davis" face.
CHAPTER XL.
FOR THE UNDER DOG.
In an instant every lad save Davis was on his feet, for all knew what naturally followed an act of this sort.
But the natural order of events did not take place. Davis slowly and carefully wiped the water from his face with the napkin. His hand trembled a little, and his cheeks were pale, the color having fled from them in a moment.
Frank had taken a quick step forward, ready to see fair play.
Although it was generally known that Davis was a peaceful sort of a fellow, who would not get into trouble if he could avoid it, still all expected he would show resentment at this open insult.
Bas...o...b..stood with an insolent sneer on his face, waiting. As Davis made no move, he broke into a short laugh.
"There"s courage for you, gentlemen!" he said, scornfully. "Why, the fellow hasn"t as much spirit as a dead mouse!"
Frank was about to speak, when Davis slowly rose to his feet.
"I suppose I am expected to fight in a case like this," he said, his voice shaking.
Some of the cadets who were always eager to see a fight of any sort, no matter how unevenly the antagonists might be matched, quickly said:
"That"s right. You must fight."
"I have never done such a thing in my life," declared Davis; "but I do feel like it now. You have laughed at me because I promised my mother that I would not lie, and I will give you a chance to laugh again. I promised her I would not fight, and I shall keep my word."
"Baby boy!"
"Mamma"s petsie!"
"Softie!"
These terms of derision came from several sources, and Frank was swift to note every one.
Bas...o...b..laughed again.
"You are altogether too good to live, Baby!" he said. "You make me sick!"
Frank had kept quiet as long as was possible. He saw that Davis did not mean to fight, and he made a resolve to save the plebe if possible by taking up his quarrel.
With two swift steps Merriwell confronted Bas...o...b..
"Sir," he said, speaking rapidly, and in a low tone, "I have been a witness to this entire affair."
"Well?" sneered the big yearling.