Like many other young students, Harry has given more attention to sport and the riotous social life that abounds than to his studies, and now that his course is drawing to a close, he realizes that he must devote a considerable amount of attention to his work. His professor, Carlton Chown, and he share a mutual dislike; Chown is an insensitive, complacent man who makes no attempt to interpret Harry's behaviour, while Harry sees Chown as a symbol of all attitudes which he despises. Phil Corbett, Harry's room-mate, worships Harry, for by following in his vigorous wake Phil has been able to enter the college social life. In an attempt to give Phil as much social status as John an erutide and well-bred member of their circle, Harry goads him into climbing the university tower with him one night, as a stunt to publicize the RAG week. Phil is killed in the escapade and Harry, for his part in the adventure is sent down. Chown and he are unable to agree on the appointment of guilt, and while several of his student-friends want to stage a strike as a protest at his dismissal, only Josie, the girl who loves him, understands exactly how he feels. She begs him to stay with her, and Harry knows he must leave. As yet, he is too young to know how to approach the problem of living without hurting people.