"Thank you," acknowledged Hal.
It was soon nine o'clock, and the two Army boys, tired with their day of travel and of new life, left the club early, going directly to quarters and to Hal's room.
"I won't stay long," declared Noll, sinking into the easy chair that his chum pushed forward. "But I've simply got to talk a bit with you, bunkie, my head is so full of it all."
The chums chatted on until at last the notes of a bugle were borne to their ears.
"Listen!" cried Hal, holding up one hand, his eyes glowing. "The same good old Army taps!"
"We don't have to go to bed, since we added swords to our equipment," laughed Noll.
"No; but we had better turn in. We have as much work to do as any of the enlisted men."
An hour later, when all was quiet, there came a heavy pounding on Hal's door. As the young lieutenant awoke and leaped from his bed he was sure that he heard a similar commotion going on at Noll's door.
"Who is it?" called Hal, throwing on a bathrobe and going toward the hall door.
"Private Graham, of the guard, sir. Major Tipton's compliments to Lieutenant Overton, and the major directs that the lieutenant report immediately at headquarters."