SERGEANT OVERTON AND DISCIPLINE
JUST how it all happened Private Hinkey was never afterwards able to figure out to his own satisfaction.
Instead of his blow landing, the soldier found himself on his own back on the grass—and he fell with a bump that jarred him.
"You chevroned cur! I'll make you eat that blow!" yelled Hinkey, beside himself with rage.
Then he leaped to his feet, fairly quivering with the great passion that had seized him.
"Slosson! Kelly! Take hold of Hinkey! He's under arrest," announced the boyish sergeant.
Hinkey made a dive at Hal, but the two soldiers, hearing themselves summoned, and knowing the penalties of disobedience, threw themselves between the sulky brute and the sergeant.
"Let me at him!" screamed Hinkey, struggling with the two comrades who now held him.
"Be silent, you fool!" warned Slosson. "You'll get yourself in stiff before you know what you're about."
"What do I care?" panted Hinkey. "The cur coward! He doesn't dare face me."