That was published with the orders the very next afternoon, at parade.
It came with startling suddenness to most of the men in B company. Noll was the only one who had been warned in advance, and he had held his peace.
Only one other man in the battalion had known it, and that was Grimes, the grimly silent private who sold goods in the quartermaster's store. Of Grimes, Hal had already purchased the necessary sergeant chevrons that he might have them ready.
"On dismissal of the company Sergeant Overton will at once report to me," announced Captain Cortland.
Hal, therefore, on falling out of ranks, went directly to his company commander, saluting.
"You are to have charge of the squad room next to Sergeant Hupner's," began the captain, pleasantly.
"Very good, sir."
"And now, my lad, don't feel at all down cast over some circumstances that have come up in barracks," continued the captain, resting a friendly hand on the new young sergeant's shoulder. "Take firm charge of your squad room from the outset. Force your men to respect as well as obey you. You will have all the necessary countenance of your officers. Do your duty as a soldier, as you have always done, and do not allow yourself to entertain fears of any kind."
"Thank you, sir. I shall do as you direct."
"I know it, Sergeant Overton. I have confidence in you. Now, I am going to step down to your new squad room with you."