But for a moment none came forward to share the risk.

Then Paul pushed his way to the window.
"Here, I'll go with you, chum," he said, with a suggestion of swagger.
"We can manage those dubs down there alone.

The rest of you can sit down and tell stories; we'll let you out in a minute," he added scathingly.
"That's Gale," whispered some one.

"Fresh kid!", added another angrily.
But the gibe had the desired effect.

Four other freshmen signified their willingness to die for their class, and Neil climbed on to the broad window-sill.