With the rest he marched away to cadet mess ball, found his place at table and occupied it.
During the meal merry conversation ran riot around the tables.
Haynes was the only man among the gray-clad cadets who was left absolutely alone.
After supper, while Pierson lounged outside, Haynes went back to his room.
Pacing the floor in his deep misery and agitation, he took this vow to himself: "I won't let myself be driven from the Military Academy! No matter what these idiots try to do to me---no matter what indignities they may heap upon me, I'll keep silent and fight my way through the Military Academy! I will receive my commission, and go into the Army.

But that fellow Prescott shall never become an officer in the Army, no matter what I have to risk to stop him!".