and field work of training for the Gridley High School teams had hardened their muscles in a way that stood them in good stead now.
"Brace, mister!" commanded Yearling Judson, focusing his gaze on smarting Bert Dodge.
Bert knew what that meant, from hearsay, and didn't pretend that he didn't.

This time he took the position of attention on his feet, and then exaggerated the position by throwing his head and shoulders as far back as he could, standing rigidly in this latter position.
It isn't much of a thing to do, as far as taking the attitude goes.

It is the length of time a plebe is kept at a "brace" that makes it count as an effective form of hazing.

"Bracing" is generations old at West Point.

The theory of upper class men has always been that bracing, long continued, fastens the principles of erect carriage upon a plebe, and teaches him, more quickly than anything else could, how to hold himself and to walk.
Dick, Greg and Anstey were likewise soon straining themselves in the "brace" attitude.