"By the way, Cortland, you are now shy on two corporals in your company."
"Yes, Colonel; I was about to speak of that to you."
"Whom do you want appointed in their places?"
The colonel of a regiment appoints all non-commissioned officers in his regiment; he also "breaks," or reduces them to the ranks at his pleasure, if any need comes up.
But, though the colonel has the appointive power, he always consults with the commander of a company about any new appointments of non-coms. in that company.
"I have several good men who are entitled to appointment," replied Captain Cortland slowly.
"Then you haven't made up your mind?"
"I can, easily, sir, if you wish it."
"I am thinking, captain, only of the fact that, if the appointments be not promptly made you will run very short on corporals," replied the colonel.
"There's Hyman, sir, and Conrad. Both are bright, attentive soldiers. Then there are Overton and Terry. They're quite new men, but they've made records for themselves in the short time they've been with us."