"I think we must have been carried away by excess of animal spirits,
sir," replied Mr. Briggs, now speaking meekly enough.

"Animal spirits?" repeated Dick thoughtfully. "There may be much
truth and reason in that idea. Camp life here is repressive of
animal spirits, to be sure. We who are your mentors to some extent
should have thought of that. Mr. Briggs, you shall find relief for
your animal spirits. Mr. Ellis, what is your defence?"

"I thought, sir---thought-----"

With the yearling President's eyes fixed on him in stern, searching
gaze, the once merry little Mr. Ellis became confused. He broke
off stameringly.

"That's enough, Mr. Ellis," replied the class president. "You
admit that you thought. Now, no plebe is capable of thinking.
Your answer, mister, proves you to be guilty of egotism."

Then Dick, with the air of a judge, yet with a mocking pretence
of gentleness and leniency sounding; in his voice, turned back
to Plebe Briggs.

"Mr. Briggs, you will now proceed to relieve your animal spirits
by some spirited animal conduct. The animal that you will represent
will be the crab. Down on your face, mister!"

Flat on the floor lay Mr. Briggs. The yearlings outside, at the
tent doorway, scenting something coming, peered in eagerly.