CHAPTER SIXTEEN.
GUNPOWDER TREASON.
One result of my boating excursion was that Crofter ceased to frequent his fellow-seniors' studies.

There was no declaration of war, or, indeed, any formal breaking off of relations.

But Crofter had sense enough of his own dignity to feel that he had been slighted by Tempest: and Tempest and his friends had no inclination to heal the trouble, or assume an attitude of friendliness they did not feel.
As for me, I found it very hard to steer an even course between the competing parties.

Crofter nodded and spoke to me just as usual, and was evidently amused by my panic lest these pacific overtures should be observed or misconstrued by Tempest.

Tempest, on the other hand, did not refer again to the subject, but took a little more pains than before to look after me and help me in my work.