"What I dread," mused Hal, "is the time when if we live to that age, we shall be too old for the Army, and will have to go away and settle down in some town as retired men of the Army."
"That will be time to die, won't it?" asked Noll, so solemnly that Private Overton laughed merrily.
"That time is a long way off, Noll Terry. Let's see; we're eighteen now, and a fellow doesn't have to be retired, for age, until he's sixty-two."
"Forty-four years," figured Noll. "Oh, well, a fellow ought to be able to have a deal of fun in that number of years."
Both recruits were in merry mood as they turned in past the sentry at the main entrance to the post grounds.
They kept on, full of life and spirits until they reached the edge of the parade ground.
"Attention!" murmured Hal quietly.
Unostentatiously but with a world of reverence in their act both young soldiers lifted their uniform caps close to the shadow of the grand old Flag.
Without halting they passed on, returning their caps to their heads. Both young men of the service walked a trifle more erectly, if that were possible.
Nor had they gone much further when they espied a man coming toward them. The broad white stripes down the seam of his trousers, and the double-barred shoulder straps proclaimed the infantry officer. It was Captain Cortland, commanding officer of B Company.