There was infinite good humor in this small force of field engineers. As was afterwards learned, all of them were graduates either of colleges or of scientific schools but not one of them affected any superiority over the young newcomers. Just as the party had seated themselves there was a step outside, and Bad Pete stalked in looking decidedly sulky. “Evening,” he grunted, and helped himself to a seat at the table. “Reade and Hazelton, you’ve had the pleasure of meeting Pete, I believe?” asked Blaisdell, without the trace of a smile. “Huh!” growled Pete, not looking up, for the first supply of food was on the table. “We’ve had the pleasure, twice today, of meeting Mr. Peter,” replied Tom, with equal gravity. “See here, tenderfoot,” scowled Bad Pete, looking up from his plate, “don’t you call me ‘Peter’ again. Savvy?” “We don’t know your other name, sir,” rejoined Tom, eyeing the bad man with every outward sign of courtesy. “I’m just plain Pete. Savvy that? “Certainly, Plain Pete,” Reade nodded. Pete dropped his soup spoon with a clatter letting his right hand fall to the holster. “Be quiet, Pete,” warned Blaisdell, his eyes shooting a cold glance at the angry man. “Reade is a newcomer, not used to our ways yet. Remember that this is a gentleman’s club.” “Then let him get out,” warned Pete blackly. “He belongs here by right, Pete, and you’re a guest. Of course we enjoy having you here with us, but, if you don’t care to take us as you find us, the fellows in the chainmen’s mess will be glad to have you join them.” “That tenderfoot is only a boy,” growled Pete. “If he can’t hold his tongue when men are around, then I’ll teach him how.” “Reade hasn’t done anything to offend you,” returned Blaisdell, half sternly, half goodhumoredly. “You let him alone, and he’ll let you alone. I’m sure of that.” “Blaisdell, if you don’t see that I’m treated right in this mess, I’ll teach you something, too,” flared Bad Pete. “Threatening the president of the mess is a breach of courtesy on the part of any guest who attempts it,” spoke Blaisdell again. “Gentlemen, what is your pleasure?” “I move,” suggested Slim Morris quietly, “that Pete be considered no longer a member or guest of this mess.” “Second the motion,” cried Rutter, Rice and Grant together. “The motion appears to have been carried, without the necessity for putting it,” declared Mr. Blaisdell. “Pete, you have heard the pleasure of the mess.” “Huh!” scowled Bad Pete, picking up his soup plate and draining it. Jake Wren, at this moment, entered with a big platter of roast beef, Bob, the helper, following with dishes of vegetables. Then Bob came in with plates, which he placed before Blaisdell. The latter counted the plates, finding eight. “We shan’t need this plate, Bob,” declared Blaisdell evenly, handing it back. Then he began to carve. “Put that plate back with the rest, Bob, you pop-eyed coyote,” ordered Bad Pete.