“Not a word,” whispered Dan warningly.
The quartermaster was standing in the doorway, eyeing the group of rookies sternly.
“What is the meaning of this?” he demanded.
No one answered. All hands bent over their plates.
“Attention!”
The lads, after an instant’s hesitation, straggled to their feet. That is, all did save Sam Hickey. Sam coolly helped himself to another chunk of hot corn bread, which he proceeded to eat.
“Attention!”
The eyes of the quartermaster were fixed upon him, but Sam did not move.
The officer walked over and touched the lad on the shoulder. Sam looked up in well-feigned surprise.
“Did you not hear my command?”