"That's the point, Hyman," laughed Hal happily; "we didn't manage it. It just happened."
Before the quartermaster's store closed both soldier boys drew their corporal's chevrons, then hunted up the company tailor to get him to sew these prized badges of rank on their sleeves.
"I suppose, Sergeant, one or both of us will be transferred from your squad room," said Hal regretfully, when they encountered Hupner.
"I've heard nothing to that effect as yet, Corporal," replied the room sergeant.
"Corporal!" How wonderfully fine that simple title sounded, though the title meant but one step above that of plain private soldier.
"I'm sorry for one thing, Corporal," laughed Private Hyman, that night after supper.
"What's that?" Hal queried.
"I'm extremely sorry that your old chums, Hooper and Dowley, tired of the Army too soon to see your chevrons on your sleeves. Say, but I think those chevrons are about the handsomest I've ever seen," added Private Hyman, an undertone of wistfulness in his voice.
The next day brought more good news. The date was set on which headquarter's band and the first battalion of the Thirty-fourth was to leave for Denver, to take part in the summer encampment of the Colorado National Guard. Neither Corporal Overton nor Corporal Terry was assigned to the guard detachment that was to remain behind.