Have you anything to offer ?" "No!" he uttered, at last, gruffly.
At a sign from the chairman the clerk stepped silently over, took Phin by one elbow, and led him to the door.

Phin passed on out of the building, stumbling blindly.

He got home, somehow, and into bed.
In the morning, however, even a sneak is braver.
"What can they do to me, anyway ?" muttered Phin, as he dressed.
"I didn't break any of the laws of the state! All anyone can do is to cut me.

I'll show 'em all how little I care for their contempt." So it was not wholly in awe that Phin Drayne entered the general assembly room the next morning, a few minutes before opening time.
Several of the students greeted him pleasantly enough.

Phin was quick to conclude that the news had not leaked anyway, beyond the members of the football squad.
Then came the opening of the session.