After supper, the boys scattered in every direction. Some went out doors, some to the barracks, some to the school rooms. It was "off-time," and without much assistance from Mr. Gault, who attempted to introduce him, he made the acquaintance of half the students in the Institute. At nine o'clock the sound of the drum rolled through the halls, and the boys all retired.
CHAPTER XI.
RICHARD GOES THROUGH THE DRILL, AND HAS A SET-TO IN THE GROVE.
Richard slept very well, and was attending to the business of sleeping with great pertinacity, when the reveille sounded at six o'clock in the morning. He did not feel much like getting up, and though the other boys in Barrack B instantly jumped out of bed, he did not heed the summons. It went against his grain to get up at the sound of a drum, or of a bell; not that he cared to lie in bed any longer, but the principle of the thing was utterly objectionable.
"Come, Grant," said the boy who occupied one of the beds next to him, in a kind and friendly tone, "it's time to turn out."
"I suppose it is," yawned Richard, "but I'm not quite ready to get up yet."
"Better get up at once. They call the roll to half past six. You are in our company, you know."
"Suppose I don't get up—what then?"
"It will be all the worse for you."