"Your work lacks snap," remarked Sergeant Hupner. "Even when you spell slowly you should bring the flag down smartly to either side. Like this."
Sergeant Hupner illustrated briskly with his arms.
"Now send me the name of your regiment."
Hal did better this time.
"You'll soon have the hang of it," declared the sergeant encouragingly. "Now, send me the same thing over again, but with more speed."
"Fine!" added Hupner when Hal had obeyed. "Now, Terry, we'll try you for a few moments. What is your full name?"
Noll signaled it, making each letter carefully with the flag.
"Now tell me—with the flag—what you think of to-day's weather."
"Fine and cool," signaled back Noll.
Thus the instruction continued. Each young soldier improved a good deal during that hour.