The practice march was a success from a military standpoint, though it showed up some weak spots in the organization. But that was one of the objects.
For several days after the return of the army there were light drills to enable the boys to recover from the strenuous exercise. Then one evening Bob, in a state of some excitement, came hurrying into the Y. M. C. A. quarters, looking for Ned and Jerry.
“What’s up now?” they asked. “Have you seen Crooked Nose again?”
“No, but our company’s going to give a minstrel show, and the committee has asked me if we three will take part in it.”
“A minstrel show?” repeated Jerry.
“Yes, black up and everything!” exclaimed Bob. “It’ll be fun! Let’s do it!”
[CHAPTER XXIV]
A BLACK-FACE PURSUIT
Life in the United States army is very nicely balanced, at least in the big cantonments where civilians are turned into soldiers in about six months’ time.