Fort Clowdry was some fifty-two hundred feet above sea level. From there, however, high mountains were visible that extended some thousands of feet higher in the air. All about was a great view of rugged mountain scenery.
Over past the buildings at the west end of the post the two rookies wandered. Now they had a noble view of the mountains.
"Are you going off post this afternoon, as the colonel said we could?" asked Noll, by and by.
"Not unless you very much want to, Noll. Can't we put in the time better learning our way around the post?"
"Perhaps we can," assented Noll.
A soldier came along, driving a pair of mules to which a quarter master's wagon was hitched. As he drew near, with a heavy load aboard, he halted to rest the mules.
"Rooks, ain't ye?" questioned the soldier.
"Yes," admitted Hal.
"Taking a survey of the post?"
"Rather. We don't have to report for duty until to-morrow."