Also many faces which were familiar to Peter by a former occasional friendly word or nod exchanged in passing.

Intense excitement evidently reigned, and every one was whispering in a sort of breathless way, which showed how deeply interested they were.
At Dennis's suggestion, made in walking to the room, Peter presented himself without guidance, at the desk.

Some one behind him asked if he lived in the ward, and for how long, but this was the only apparent opposition made to the prompt entering of his name.

Then Peter strolled round and talked to those whom he knew, and tried to find out, without much success, just what was the division.

Every one knew that a fight was on, but in just what it consisted they seemed neither to know nor care.
He noticed that hot words were constantly exchanged at the enrolling desk, over would-be members, but not understanding the exact nature of the qualifications needed, he could not follow the disputes.