"There's a man for you, Hyman," spoke Sergeant Hupner, in an undertone. "If the kid keeps on as he has started he'll be a winner."
"I've had my eye on him," nodded Private Hyman. "He seems to be good all the way through."
"Is he ever a little bit fresh in the squad room?" continued Sergeant Hupner.
"If the kid is," replied Hyman, "I've never happened to be around at that time. But he stands up for himself when he has to. I suppose you've heard, Sergeant, how he trimmed Bill Hooper off?"
"Yes," nodded Hupner; "that sort of thing won't hurt Hooper at all, either."
"Hooper may lay for a chance to accuse Overton of something in the squad room that the kid didn't do."
"I'll have my eyes open for Hooper," replied Hupner dryly. "I haven't anything against any of the other sergeants in this battalion, but I really wish some other sergeant had Hooper in his squad room."
"B Company fall in," sounded the voice of Captain Cortland.
First Lieutenant Hampton and the sergeants hastened to their posts, while the corporals and privates went to their places in the ranks.
The command for open order was given, after which Captain Cortland commanded: