Both Hal and Noll had looked thoroughly into the question, and each was now convinced that the Army offered him the best place in life. Both boys had very definite ideas of what they expected to accomplish by entering the Army, as will appear presently.
Tip—even Tip Branders—had something of an ambition in life. So far as he had done anything, Tip had "trained" with a gang of young hoodlums who were "useful" to the political machine in one of the tough wards of the little city. Tip's ultimate idea was to "get a city job," at good pay, and do little or nothing for the pay.
But Tip dreaded a civil service examination—knew, in fact, that he could not pass one. In most American cities, to-day, an honorably discharged enlisted man from the Army or Navy is allowed to take an appointment to a city position without civil service examination, or else to do so on a lower marking than would be accepted from any other candidate for a city job.
So, curiously enough, Tip had decided to serve in the United States Army. One term would be enough to serve his purpose.
Tip, too, had kept his resolve a secret—even from his mother.
As Hal and Noll, Jud and Tom strolled along they came up with Tip Branders.
"So this is you, you little freshy!" growled Tip, halting suddenly, and close to Jud. "Now I'll give ye the thrashing I promised yesterday."
His big fist shot out, making a grab for young Jeffers.
But Hal Overton caught the wrist of that hand, and shoved it back.
"That doesn't look exactly manly in you, Branders," remarked Hal quietly.