Instead, everyone overflowed with good nature, gossip, questions about his work, and the danger in him crystallized.

He registered cold reasons for his disgust.
Beginning in the first person, he loathed himself as a thick-headed ass for talking to Betty as he had done; as well put a burr under one's saddle and then feel surprise because the horse bucks.

He passed on to the others with equal precision.

Captain Lorrimer was as dirty as a greaser; and like a greaser, loose-lipped, unshaven.

Chick Stewart was a born fool, and a fool by self-culture, as his never changing grin amply proved.