At the end of two hours the national guardsmen were still perspiring over their tasks of pitching camp.
The regulars, cool and wholly at ease, were going about other camp duties.
"Look at the amateurs over yonder," grinned Corporal Noll Terry, calling his chum's attention to the brigade of national guardsmen.
"Poor fellows, it's a good deal like work for them," remarked Hal. "They're not drilled in this thing all the time."
"They go about it like so many clowns," laughed Noll.
"Now, I wouldn't say that," urged Corporal Hal. "Remember, the national guardsmen do other things for a living, and do this work for love of state and country."
"But why do they need to be such boobs about pitching a camp?" demanded Noll.
"Because it isn't their accustomed business," Hal retorted.
"Bosh! The tin soldiers make me tired," laughed Corporal Noll.
"Then you want to change your attitude," warned Hal, "for you've got the wrong view, old fellow. There probably isn't a man over in that militia brigade who wouldn't make a smart enough regular if he enlisted."