And mighty funny these four hapless plebes looked as they stood thus, wondering when the hazers would let up on them.

But Yearlings Pratt and Judson looked on grimly, warning any plebe as often as the offender showed a disposition to lessen the severity of his "brace." How everyone of the four ached can be determined by the reader if he will take the full position of the brace, and hold it steadily for ten or fifteen minutes by a friend's watch.
Dodge began to wobble at last.

Anstey was sticking it out pluckily, but knew his endurance must soon give out.

Dick and Greg felt their back muscles and nerves throbbing.

Yet neither Judson nor Pratt showed any intention of giving the command to stop.
Suddenly a quick step was heard in the hallway outside.
Anyone who has been at the Military Academy as long as had Pratt and Judson knew the meaning of that particular, swift step.
One of the "tacs.," as the tactical officers are called, was making an unscheduled tour of inspection.