What is the meaning of the word "fashion" as it is used in the following sentence from "A Cub Pilot"?

"Therefore, pilots wisely train these cubs by various strategic tricks to look danger in the face a little more calmly. A favorite way of theirs is to play a friendly swindle upon the candidate. Mr. Bixby, my chief, served me in this fashion once, and for years afterward I used to blush, even in my sleep, when I thought of it."


A. A manner of doing something


B. A negative action


C. A challenge