"That'll never worry Hal Overton," smiled Hyman. "Hooper, you look so untidy that it's a wonder Sergeant Hupner doesn't 'call' you oftener for it. And you clean up your rifle about once a fortnight. Look at Overton over there."
Hal was at work with his kit of cleaning tools, going over his rifle as methodically and industriously as though it were a piece of rare silver plate.
"He'll rub and polish that old piece of his until he wears it out," mumbled Hooper.
"One of the surest signs of the good soldier is when you see him putting in a lot of his spare time caring for his uniforms and equipments," broke in Sergeant Hupner, behind them. "Hooper, go and brush your uniform, and clean your boots and polish 'em. I'll report you, if I see you so slouchy in the future."
Bill Hooper moved away, scowling.
Sergeant Gray strode in at that moment.
"Do you want leave to go to town to-day, reporting back at tattoo, Hyman?" inquired the first sergeant.
"Thank you, yes, Sergeant."
"All right; I'll turn you in on the list to Captain Cortland. I'll notify you of leave within half an hour."
Then he stepped over to Hal.