I don't stand an awful lot higher in my markings than you do." "Doesn't it feel fine to be a bilger ?" gulped Dalzell, staring at the floor.
A "bilger," as has been already explained, is a midshipman who has failed and has been dropped.
"Oh, but you're not a bilger, yet!" cried Darrin, leaping up and resting both hands on his chum's shoulder.
"What's the odds ?" demanded Dan grimly.

"I shall be, after I've been before the Board next Monday forenoon at ten o'clock." "Nonsense! Not if you make a good fight!" "Fight--nothing!" sighed Dan wearily.

"In a fight there's some one else that you can hit back at.

But I won't have a blessed soul to fight.

I'm up against a gang who are all referees, and all down on me at the outset." "Nonsense," combatted Dave.