These young people had seen him exercising, mornings, after his cold sponge bath, and they had perceived by his performance and the build of his body, that he was athletic, and also versed in boxing.

He felt pretty naked now, recognizing that he was shorn of all respect except respect for his fists.

One night when he entered his room he found about a dozen of the young fellows there carrying on a very lively conversation punctuated with horse-laughter.

The talking ceased instantly, and the frank affront of a dead silence followed.

He said, "Good evening gentlemen," and sat down.
There was no response.