"Fine," nodded Noll. "Major Tipton appears to be just the right sort of commanding officer."
The instant that the first call for parade sounded Lieutenants Hal and Noll sprang from their chairs. Both were soon going down the stairs, their swords clanking at their sides. This parade, though unimportant in a sense, was their first actual duty as line officers. Both youngsters walked with a new dignity and erectness as they crossed to the parade ground.
They were the first officers to appear. When the actual parade call sounded the enlisted men of four companies came out in human streams from the barracks buildings.
Now the remaining officers of the garrison came briskly up while the first sergeants of the companies were attending to the formation.
At the proper moment the officers of the battalion went to their stations. As he drew his sword, for the first time in Uncle Sam's service, Lieutenant Hal felt a thrill the like of which he had never known before.
Neither youngster made a mistake during the maneuvers and ceremonies of parade. Though it was the first time that either had stood with troops as officers, they went through all the movements mechanically. They had not put in three years in the ranks for nothing.
Yet every moment, every movement of parade now had a new significance to the young lieutenants. Then, when it was all over, and the men dismissed, the officers returned to their quarters to prepare for dinner.
Hal and Noll reached mess ten minutes ahead of the dinner hour. Most of the officers who would dine at the club were already present.
"Mr. Sears," asked Hal, going over to his first lieutenant, "can you spare me a little time after dinner?"
"Easily, Overton. You want to ask me about the routine duties, I imagine."