Not once did any of the paraders turn in the direction of the house, although they felt they were being observed.
Captain Crawford leaned out of the window.
"Hurrah for the 7th infantry," he shouted. "I mean the seven infants," he amended laughing.
The boys maintained their composure with difficulty at this sally, but following Fred's leadership, wheeled and marched up, abreast, to the front steps, where they stood marking time.
"At your service, Captain," announced Fred, saluting.
"Present arms, shoulder arms, port arms, order arms!" commanded Jerry's father.
The bewildered company started to comply, but the orders came too fast for them, and soon their efforts were checked by a merry shout from the captain.
"Back to training camp," he ordered. With a general laugh the boys broke ranks.
"We're goin' on a scout tramp over to Phipps' ranch," announced Jerry.
"This is a good day," assented the captain. "Been kind of cloudy all morning, so you won't find it very warm walking."