"It is queer," nodded Noll. "But neither will stay in the service beyond the first enlistment."
"Yet they conduct themselves just well enough to escape any real censure from the company officers."
First Sergeant Gray was now moving through the camp, notifying the men who were chosen for guard duty that night. But neither Hal nor Noll were warned for detail that night.
Not long after dark tattoo was sounded by one of the buglers. Fifteen minutes later taps sounded, and all but the guard turned in in their dog-tents.
Each soldier is provided with a warm blanket and a rubber poncho, which is a blanket with a slit in the middle so that the head may be thrust through and the poncho worn, at need, as a rain coat. But to-night Noll Terry spread his poncho on the ground, Hal laying his a-top. Then both young soldiers lay down, drawing up their combined stock of blankets over them, for the early night had turned out chilly.
"Rest enough, now, for to-morrow's hike," mumbled Hal drowsily.
"Yes; unless we're turned out to meet a night surprise," returned Noll dryly.
In another part of the camp Hooper and Dowley, both warned for the guard, but not yet on post, were whispering by themselves.
"To-morrow Kid Overton begins to get his," chuckled Hooper.
"Yes; he'll begin to see those corporal's chevrons fading in the distance."