Ralph could not tell whether those eyes were deep and inscrutable or only stolid.

Perhaps a little of both.

When Monday morning came, Ralph was nervous.

He walked to school with Bud.
"I guess you're a little skeered by what the old man said, a'n't you ?" Ralph was about to deny it, but on reflection concluded that it was best to speak the truth.

He said that Mr.Means's description of the school had made him feel a little down-hearted.
"What will you do with the tough boys?
You a'n't no match for 'em." And Ralph felt Bud's eyes not only measuring his muscles, but scrutinizing his countenance.