"I do not, Corporal," Hal answered.
"Nor do I," came from Noll.
"Which are your beds, then?" asked Davis promptly.
Within fifteen minutes both Hal and Noll knew how to make beds, and how to fold them away for the day.
Davis proved to be a younger edition of the sergeant. He was not familiar with the recruits, but taught what he was there to teach, and did it with a mingling of firmness and patience.
"From policing of quarters in the morning until tattoo at night," went on Corporal Davis, "you are not allowed to take down your bedding and make up the bed, except under orders for purposes of instruction. At tattoo you may make up your bed and turn in promptly, if you wish. At taps you must have your bed made, and get into it at once. Any man up after taps, except by permission, is subject to discipline."
Supper call came soon after. When the evening meal was finished our young rookies found that they had the evening to themselves. They could stay in squad room, or could go out into the open, if they preferred, though, as rookies, they could not roam as they pleased over the whole post.
Hal and Noll elected to take a stroll after supper.
"Hal," proposed Noll, "I want to ask you something."
"Permission granted," laughed Private Overton.