"Woof!" panted Hal, in going by again.
"Woof!" echoed Hooper. "Wow—ow—ugh!"
Then he doubled up, winded, for Hal, after feinting for the big fellow's face had calmly but forcefully struck him just above the beltline. Hooper was out of it for the present, and he knew it.
"Now sail in and finish him, rook!" called four or five men at once.
"Not this time," replied Hal, going over to the soldier who held his blouse, taking the garment and putting it on. "I'll save the rest for the next dance whenever Hooper feels festive."
Grateful that he didn't have to stand and take punishment in his present condition, Hooper groped to a chair and sat down.
"Now, then, mates," announced Hal modestly, "when we were interrupted I was trying to show you that I don't ache to be a hero. Being a regular is good enough for me. I am ready to answer any further questions."
But just at that moment a bugle sounded the call to drill.
"You've answered enough questions for the present, rook," replied Private Hyman, patting Overton on the shoulder as he went by. Hooper struggled into his blouse, then went over to a sink and washed the red from his nose before hurrying out with the others. The big private didn't even look at Hal Overton as he went by.
Being excused from duty for the day, Hal went in search of Noll Terry. He found him waiting outside of barracks.