"You took it away from him in a scuffle?"
"Yes, Sergeant."
"Mighty fine work for a pair of young recruits," declared Sergeant Collins promptly. "Your names?"
Hal and Noll informed the sergeant of the guard on this point as the sergeant turned on his way back to the guard-house.
"You'll come with me, Overton and Terry. The officer of the day will need to hear your statements."
"We'll not be censured, Sergeant, for being late at the squad room?"
"Hardly," came the dry retort. "You're now under orders from the guard. Don't worry, men."
Shrimp's voice was audible once more. He was swearing volubly over the trick that fate had played him.
"Stop that prisoner's swearing," ordered Sergeant Collins sharply.
In a short time the guard party reached the post guard-house.