For Frenching he was punished with twenty-five demerits; for the assault on a civilian, considering all the circumstances, he was let off with ten additional demerits.
Yet, somehow, all of the midshipmen involved felt their punishment very lightly.

They could not escape the conviction that the Naval Academy authorities did not regard them as especially guilty offenders.
"We've got you back on the gridiron, at any rate," exclaimed Hepson exultantly.

"We of the football squad wish that we might be permitted to divide your demerits up among ourselves." "You might suggest that little point to the commandant of midshipmen," grinned Dan.
"And get jolly well trounced for our impudence," grimaced Midshipman Hepson.

"No, thank you; though you criminals have our utmost sympathy, we will let matters rest where they are at present.

Only a fool tries to change well enough into worse.".