"It is not necessary, or usual, to say 'sir,' when answering a non-commissioned officer," the sergeant informed them. "Say 'sir,' always, when addressing a commissioned officer or a citizen."
"Thank you," Hal acknowledged.
"Now, you have the consent of your parents to enlist?"
"Yes, Sergeant."
"Both of you?"
"Yes."
"Aldridge!"
One of the pair of very spruce-looking privates in the room wheeled about.
"Furnish these young men with application blanks, and take them over to the high desk."
Having said this the sergeant turned back to some papers that he had been examining.