But don't anger the youngsters by butting in." "And why not?
An upper classman has a right to step in, if he wishes." "It is, at least, against the rules of good taste to interfere," argued Darrin.
"Well, hang you, I don't want to interfere.

All I want to do is to look on.

Can't an upper classman do that ?" "I won't," returned Dave.
Yet almost immediately he changed his mind, for two hard bumps and a gust of laughter swept up the deck.
"They're making so much racket," murmured Dave, lingering by his own door, "that, the first thing we know, a duty officer will swoop down and rag the bunch." "Let's go in, then, as grave and dignified second classmen, and warn the youngsters like daddies," proposed Dan, but his eyes were twinkling with the spirit of mischief.
A good deal against his own inclination Darrin allowed himself to be coaxed into the thing.
Nine youngsters were found in Midshipmen Flint and Austin's room when Dave and Dan entered after rapping.
"We're not intruding, I hope ?" inquired Dalzell, with his most inviting grin.
"Not at all, gentlemen," responded Midshipman Eaton, of the third class.
"These fourth classmen seemed unwontedly popular to-night," insinuated Dan.
"They've been most uncommonly touge all through the year, sir," replied Eaton, tacking on the "sir" in order to impress Midshipmen Flint and Austin with the tremendous dignity or all upper classmen.
"What form does their tougeness take ?" Dan wanted to know.
"They have not yet learned the respect that is due to upper classmen, sir." "And especially to third classmen ?" inquired Dan, now without the flicker of a smile.
"They are especially touge, sir, with third classmen." "And you are showing them the error of their ways ?" "We are trying to do so, sir." "I thought so, from the noise we heard," pursued Dalzell.
"If you have any better ways, Mr.Dalzell, we shall be glad to profit from your riper experience, sir," suggested Midshipman Eaton.
"No; I've forgotten almost everything that I ever knew in that line," remarked Dan.
"Mr.Darrin, sir ?" suggested Eaton, turning to the other second classman present.
"I have nothing to suggest," replied Dave slowly, "unless--" Then he paused.
"Unless--sir ?" followed up Midshipman Eaton.
"No; I won't say it.

It might give offense," Darrin responded.
"Have no fear of that, Mr.Darrin," urged Eaton.
"All I was going to suggest, Eaton, was that this is the month of March." "Yes, sir ?" inquired Eaton wonderingly.
"When Dalzell and I were fourth classmen we weren't troubled at all by the youngsters after Christmas.

Last year, Eaton, our class didn't bother yours at any later date, either." Some of the youngsters present began to look embarrassed, though Dave's tone had been quiet and free from rebuke.
"But, sir, don't imagine that we're doing anything to the plebes for our own amusement," protested Eaton.