"Thank you, sir," acknowledged each recruit, saluting. Then they stepped forth.
"At the rate we're getting commended, we ought soon to be brigadier generals," smiled Hal.
"A second lieutenancy, even after four years, will suit me well enough," retorted Noll. "But what shall we do now?"
"Plainly enough our first duty is to report to our first sergeants, as ordered."
"Too bad we couldn't be bunkies, in the same company," murmured Noll.
"Yes; I would rather have had it that way. But I take it that one of the first lessons a fellow has to learn in the Army is that he can't have things his own way."
"At all events we can be together during a good deal of our leisure time," declared Noll.
"Nothing—not even being half the world apart—could prevent our being chums, old fellow."
Reaching barracks each recruit inquired where to find his own first sergeant. Hal was soon facing Sergeant Gray, of B Company. The first sergeant of a company is a highly important man. He is the ranking non-commissioned officer of his company, and might aptly be termed the "foreman" of the company. He lives right with his company all the time, and knows each man thoroughly. The first sergeant is responsible to the company commander for the discipline and order of the company.
"Is your name Overton?" asked Sergeant Gray, holding out his hand. "Glad to have you with us, Overton. You'll bunk in Sergeant Hupner's squad room. Remember that, when there's anything you really need to know, the non-commissioned officers of the company are paid to instruct you. Don't be afraid to ask necessary questions."