"Sergeant," called Hal, "may I ask you a question?"
"Of course," answered the sergeant, halting and regarding them.
"We're rookies; just joined to-day," continued Hal. "We were wondering if it would be any breach of discipline for us to go over there by the shore and sit down near the water for a while."
"There's no rule against it," replied the sergeant. "But I'd advise you to be back before taps, for it generally takes a recruit some time to get his bed made right."
"Thank you, Sergeant. We'll be sure to go back in time."
As the sergeant passed on Hal and Noll headed for the shore.
"Here's as good a place as any, Noll," said Hal, as they reached the shore. He pointed to a little depression in the ground. There was a little rise of ground before them as they threw themselves down flat, though it did not wholly shut off their view of the water.
Little waves lapped up monotonously against the beach.
"My, but that's a sound to make one drowsy," laughed Noll contentedly.
"We mustn't let it have that effect on us," uttered Hal, half in alarm. "I am tired, but it would never do to fall asleep here and be late at tattoo. I don't know what kind of scrape that would get us into."