And so in another moment Pops found himself standing attention to his company commander and instructor.
"I am told you wish to tent with Mr. Frazier. Is that the case?"
Geordie colored. The question was so pat and what soldiers call point-blank. He could not truthfully say that he really wished to share Frazier's fortunes as a tent-mate. In the pursuance of the policy he had mapped out for himself he would rather have lived with some one less likely to be the recipient of much attention from the old cadets—some one less apt to be perpetually saying or doing something to invite their especial efforts. Mr. Allen saw his hesitancy, and spoke kindly.
"If you think of any one else you would rather tent with, I presume that it can be arranged."
"No, sir," answered Geordie, finding voice at last. "I had thought of no one else. I promised Mr. Frazier."
"Very well, sir. Mr. Leonard, put this young gentleman and Mr. Frazier in the same tent—two more with them. Have you any choice, Mr. Graham?"
"No, sir."
And then again appeared Frazier, eager to speak. "Connell and Foster, sir, would like to tent with us."