CHAPTER XIV
THE SQUAD ROOM HAZING
"MEN, we have had word of you in advance of your coming," continued the colonel.
"Yes, sir," replied Hal.
"Very good word, indeed. It seems that you took stirring part in assisting an Army officer last night."
"We obeyed Major Davis's orders, sir, if that is what you refer to," Hal assented, once more saluting.
"And did it in a manner that distinguishes you as good soldiers, eh, major?" went on the colonel, turning to Major Silsbee.
"Yes," replied Major Silsbee. "Major Davis's commendation is not earned except by merit."
"You are surprised, I take it," resumed Colonel North, bending a shrewd yet kindly glance on the recruits, "that we should already know of your conduct last night. Major Davis wired me concerning it from Salida last night. Men, this is a very good start, or, rather, a second one, for your record, as forwarded me from the recruit rendezvous, mentions that you have already been commended in orders for aiding in preventing the escape of a prisoner. You start well, men, in the Thirty-fourth. Report to your respective first sergeants that, with the approval of your company commanders, you will not take up with duty until to-morrow. That will give you time to look about the post. If you wish, you have also permission to be off post this afternoon, for three hours beginning at two o'clock. That is all."