"I'll be there before the words are out of your mouth, Driggs," laughed Hal, rising and starting.
"Hold on, Sarge," called Private Kelly. "Look at the sheets of dew coming down, and you haven't your poncho. Here, put mine on."
"Thank you; I will," Hal assented, halting.
The poncho is a thin rubber, blanket-like affair. In the field the men usually spread the poncho on the ground, under their blankets. But in the middle of the poncho is a hole through which the head may be thrust, the poncho then falling over the trunk of the body like a rain coat.
Getting this on and replacing his campaign hat, Hal started briskly toward officers' quarters.
Lieutenant Prescott was in his room when Hal knocked, and promptly called, "Come in."
Hal entered, saluting his lieutenant, who was writing at a table. He looked up long enough to receive and return Hal's soldierly salute.
"With you in a moment, Sergeant," stated Lieutenant Prescott, who then turned back to his writing.
"Very good, sir."
Hal did not stir, but merely changed from his position of attention to one of greater ease.