‘The little ass should mind what he’s doing then,’ muttered Napper rather shamefacedly, and he proceeded to pull off the boot himself and then to get into bed.
There were some angry mutterings from the boys till Napper cried out sharply, ‘Shut up!’
Callon, who slept in the next bed to Jack, undressed and got in, and Jack fancied, after lights were out, he once or twice heard a sound like a stifled sob come from the bed.
He ground his teeth with rage at the sound, and he made a stern resolve. Napper should be stopped, either one way or another, and Jack crept quietly out of bed, and on bended knees prayed for strength and guidance when the decisive moment should arrive.
CHAPTER VII.
SERGEANT LINHAM INSTRUCTS.
THE next morning Jack was aroused early by the trumpeters turning out to sound reveille. He immediately got up, folded his sheets and blankets, and rolled and strapped up his bed as shown by Hodson. He then assisted Brown in sweeping and cleaning up generally, getting the plates and basins ready for breakfast, and when the trumpet sounded mess in going and drawing the rations.
At breakfast-time Napper said nothing, but he looked exceedingly disagreeable, as though his previous evening’s amusement had not agreed with him.
Jack noticed that Callon’s mouth was swollen and discoloured, while there was a long, jagged scratch on his chin.
The meal over, Sergeant Linham suddenly appeared, well shaven and faultlessly dressed, as he always was.
‘Ha, hum!’ he snorted—he had a way of blowing down his nose—‘Trumpeter Blair will parade at eight-thirty A.M. for recruits’ extension drill.’ And he proceeded to detail other orders for the trumpeters.