Hal and Noll were again conducted into the outer office. The sergeant had returned by this time and was at his desk. Over at the high desk stood Tip Branders, making out his application.
"Oh, we're it, aren't we?" demanded Tip, looking around with a scowl at the chums. "You freshies!"
"Be silent," ordered the sergeant looking up briskly.
"Well, those two kids——" began Tip. But the sergeant, though a middle-aged man, showed himself agile enough to reach Tip Branders' side in three swift, long bounds.
"Young man, either conduct yourself properly, or get out of here," ordered the sergeant point-blank.
Muttering something under his breath, Tip turned back to his writing, at which he was making poor headway, while the orderly led Hal and Noll down the corridor, halting and knocking at another door.
"Come in!" called a voice.
"Lieutenant Shackleton's compliments, sir, and two applicants to be examined, sir."
"Very good, Orderly," replied Captain Wayburn, assistant surgeon, Army Medical Corps, as he received the papers from the orderly. The latter then left the room, closing the door behind him.
"You are Overton and Terry?" questioned Captain Wayburn, eyeing the papers, then turning to the chums, who answered in the affirmative.