An instant since he had been a stoop-shouldered, short-sighted, insignificant person, more gentle mannered than a child, but in a flash he became a palpitating fury: an evil atom surcharged with such terrific venom that his antagonist drew back involuntarily. "Don't you make no threat'nin' moves in my direction, or you'll go East in an ice-bath!"

The three boon companions were seated over a bottle of champagne resting in its ice-bath and were being served with tiny pates while they waited for the supper-hour, which was now near. Rouletabille yielded to their invitation readily enough, and accompanied them when the head-waiter informed Thaddeus that the gentlemen were desired in a private room.

"Did you notice the ice-bath that fellow threw over me?" "Come out for a walk," urged Dave. "But be careful where you step and what you say to others." The two young men strolled down the street. "Well," smiled Darrin, "I must say, Dan, that you appear to be getting all over your nervousness." "No; I'm still nervous," protested Dan. "Before, I was afraid I wouldn't get into the Naval Academy.