But he did not escape public degradation; for, although he waited until the last moment to go to breakfast, he found the hall filled, and so passed to his seat amid a storm of hisses that plainly told the contempt in which his schoolmates held him.

And then, as though scorning to remain in his presence, the place emptied as though by magic, and he was left with burning cheeks to eat his breakfast in solitude.
Joel and Outfield were publicly thanked and commended by the principal, and every master had a handshake and a kind and earnest word for them.
The boys learned that Clausen had taken a severe cold from his immersion in the icy water, and had gone to the infirmary.

Thither they went and made inquiry.

He would be up in a day or two, said Mrs.
Creelman; but they could not see him, since Professor Gibbs had charged that the patient was not to be disturbed.

And so, leaving word for him when he should awake, Joel and West took themselves away, relieved at not having to receive any more thanks just then.
But three days later Clausen left the infirmary fully recovered, and Joel came face to face with him on the steps of Academy Building.