"You may want some of the news, Overton, about things that have happened while you've been here."
"I am just a bit curious," smiled Overton.
"Three of the delinquents got off with ordinary summary court punishments—fines and a little stretch at the guard house. But Minturn, Dowley and Hooper are locked up there, too, and they've got to wait and stand court-martial. Their day in the Army is ended, I reckon."
"It ought to be," nodded Hal. "They're no good to the service."
Noll was allowed to come in for a few minutes that afternoon.
Eight days passed ere Hal Overton was released from hospital. Then the surgeon marked him "quarters" on sick report, which meant that Private Overton was excused from all duties, and must spend his time in taking care of himself only.
For four days he continued to be marked "quarters," chafing all the time.
"There's a lot I've got to learn about the soldiering business," he grumbled. "I haven't any time to waste loafing."
"There's one soldierly duty you can learn right now, then," smiled Soldier Noll quizzically.
"What's that?"