Not one of the "soreheads" could escape the conviction that Dick Prescott held the whip hand of public opinion over them.

What none of them appreciated, was the moderation with which young Prescott had wielded his weapon.
Dodge, Bayliss, Paulson and Hudson entered the High School grounds together, that morning, ten minutes before opening time.

As the quartette passed, several of the little groups of fellow students ceased their talk and turned away from the four "soreheads." Then, after the quartette had passed, quiet little laughs were heard.
All four mounted the steps of the building with heightening color.
Before the door, talking together, stood Fred Ripley and Purcell, whom the "soreheads" had endeavored to enlist.
"Good morning, Purcell.

Morning, Ripley," greeted Bayliss.
Fred and Purcell wheeled about, turning their backs without answering.
Once inside the building the four young fellows looked at each other uneasily.
"Are the fellows trying to send us to coventry ?" demanded Dodge.
"Oh, well," muttered Bayliss, "there are enough of us.

We can stand it!" Yet, at recess, the "soreheads" found themselves extremely uncomfortable.
None of their fellow-students, among the boys, would notice them.
Whenever some of the "soreheads" passed a knot of other boys, low-toned laughs followed.