"TWO NEW GENERALS AMONG US"
"SENTRY, we're recruit privates, joining the regiment at this station," announced Hal. "Where do we report?"
Bringing his rifle to port arms the soldier replied: "This is post number seven. You'll find post number one at that building under the fir-tree. That's the guard-house. Report, first, to the corporal of the guard."
"Thank you, Sentry."
"Welcome."
Bringing his piece to shoulder arms, the sentry resumed his pacing.
Hal and Noll now followed a well-kept road to the guard-house. Outside stood the corporal of the guard for this relief. As he gazed at the young soldiers, noting their canvas cases, he did not need to be told that they were recruits. None but recruits have cases the pattern they were carrying.
"Corporal," reported Hal, "we are Privates Overton and Terry, under orders to join the Thirty-fourth."
"Take seats inside, then," said the corporal. "Go to sleep in your chairs, if you want to."
Several other privates, belonging to the guard, were dozing in chairs. But Hal and Noll felt now too wide awake to think of dozing. They longed to step outside for a better look at this post, which was to be their future home. Yet, having been directed to remain inside, they obeyed.