Finally a bugle blew, and Lieutenant Ferrers hastened away to another duty, which was not now so distasteful, since there was soon to be an end of it all.
"I used to think being a soldier was all parading," Algy muttered to himself. "I didn't know that there was about six months of never-ending drill behind each parade."
Just before the noon mess call Captain Cortland, in passing, called out to Hal.
"Sergeant, it is getting so well on into the fall of the year, now, that Major Silsbee has suggested to me that some of the men of B company would do well to hit the trail into the mountains."
"Another practice hike, sir?" asked Hal.
"Not exactly, Sergeant. The enlisted men of this post, to say nothing of the officers, would appreciate some supplies of game in place of the regular issues of beef and mutton. Major Silsbee has suggested that I allow some of the men of B company to form themselves into a hunting party and go away on leave into the mountains."
"That would be fine for the men who get away, sir," agreed Hal, his eyes shining at the thought.
"How would you like, Sergeant, to make up such a party and head it?" continued Captain Cortland.
"I head the hunting party? I would like it immensely, sir, but for one objection. I am not an experienced hunter."
"But you are a non-commissioned officer who would be sure to preserve whatever discipline may be needed on a hunting trip, and that is the matter of greatest importance. As to experience in hunting, there are some highly experienced hunters in B company, and you could include them in your party."