This corporal had had in him three quarters of the makings of a good soldier. He had been promoted once, and fell short of being a soldier only as he fell short of being a man.
Ahead of any that had joined at about the same time, Hal and Noll were "warned" for guard-duty. Sergeant Brimmer gave them the order, and seemed happy in doing it.
"You men are doing your work splendidly," he added briefly. "Read up the manual of guard-duty for all you're worth before guard-mount to-morrow morning."
"I think we know it by heart, already, Sergeant," Hal answered.
"I don't doubt that in the least. But it can't do you any harm to read up some more."
"Thank you, Sergeant; we'll do it."
Guard-mounting is a ceremony of importance in the Army. It is done to music, where music is available. Every man who turns out on the new guard—which means that he is to be on duty for the next twenty-four hours—is expected to present himself with his person, uniform and equipments absolutely clean and tidy. The two men who thus make the most soldierly appearance are detailed as orderlies at headquarters. These orderlies do not have to walk post as sentries, and have in all ways a much easier time than the other members of the guard. There is always keen rivalry for the position of orderly.
On this morning, after the formation of the guard, and inspection, the post adjutant stepped forward.
"Privates Denton and Burke will fall out and report as orderlies," he commanded.
Denton and Burke obeyed, striving hard to suppress their exultation.