Teddy was, in fact, already very much afraid of Neff, who obviously was neither impressed nor amused by brash outspokenness on the part of any of the cadets. Teddy was going to have to figure a way around him, or change his act altogether.

As usual, a few sycophants were gathered around Teddy, imitating his attitude of indifference. Restless with anticipation, Teddy suddenly decided to start a little action. He walked over to the opposite wall where perhaps forty framed photographs hung neatly in rows. They were pictures of all the Academy football teams, arranged chronologically. It was fascinating to study them in order; one could learn not only about the way the game of football had evolved over the years, but also something about the kind of young men who used to attend the school as contrasted with the kind who were enrolled now. Perhaps the simplest way to describe the change would be to say that where there once was a kind of uniform pride, there now was an unifying attitude of anger or resentment.

Teddy finally found what he was looking for. ‘My old man played on this team,' he said. ‘That's him.' He pointed with a stubby finger. Half a dozen hangers-on moved in to look. 'He was on the line,' he said, pausing to look over at Damien. 'Robert Thorn played quarter back.' There was obvious disdain in his voice. 'I guess you can buy anything.'

Damien pushed away from the wall where he'd been leaning. 'Teddy,' he said, not bothering to disguise the threat in his voice.

Teddy looked around at his fan club. They were clearly eager for more. He decided to go for the punch line: 'Did he ever get his "quarter" back?’

There were nervous chuckles all around. Just as Damien was about to go for Teddy, the door to Neff's office suddenly swung open and Mark stepped out. He immediately sensed the tension in the air and noticed the hostility focused between his cousin and Teddy. He cleared his throat and said calmly, 'Damien—you're next.'

Damien looked first at Mark, then back at Teddy. 'Don't you ever,' he said, with surprising menace in his manner and his tone, 'mention my father's name in my presence again. Ever.' And with that, he turned smartly and disappeared into Neff's office, closing the door gently behind him.

Teddy looked at Mark and snorted. 'Your cousin really thinks he's "somebody," doesn't he?' He turned to his audience. 'My father says the Thorns have to have their hats specially made because no store sells hats large enough for their big heads!' Teddy burst into a nasty laugh, and most of the cadets followed suit, afraid not to.

Mark walked up to Teddy very calmly and asked him brightly, 'Are you a philatelist?'