So Hal and Noll remained where they were, the feeling of loneliness growing all the time.
"Don't mind Corporal Shrimp any more than you have to," advised one of the uniformed rookies, coming over to them after a few moments. "Shrimp is a terror and a grouch all the time. Sergeant Brimmer you'll find a real old soldier, and a gentleman all the time."
"Then it's just our luck to find Sergeant Brimmer out," smiled Hal.
"Here he comes now," murmured the uniformed rookie, as the door of the squad room opened.
At the first glimpse of the newcomer Hal made up his mind that he was going to like Sergeant Brimmer. He was a man of about thirty, tall, rather slender, erect, thoroughly well built, with light, almost golden hair and mustache, and a keen but kindly blue eye.
"Recruits?" he asked, as he approached the boys.
Both answered in the affirmative.
"Corporal Shrimp," called Brimmer, "have you no report to make to me about these new men?"
"Why, yes," answered Shrimp, coming from the further end of the room. "These men have just been brought here from the adjutant. They're assigned to your squad room."
"Very good, Corporal. Men, what are your names?"