very frank with you about the chances of winning commissions from the
ranks," said the lieutenant. "In the Army we have some excellent
officers who have risen from the ranks. Each year a few enlisted men are
promoted to be commissioned officers. The examination, however, is a
very stiff one. Out of the applicants each year more enlisted men are
rejected than are promoted. The difficulty of the examination causes
most enlisted men to fail."

"Thank you, sir. We have thought of all that, and have looked over the
nature of the examinations given enlisted men who seek to be officers,"
Hal replied. "We know the examinations are very hard, but we have twelve
years if need be in which to prepare ourselves for the examination.
Enlisted men, so I am told, may apply for commissions up to the age of
thirty."

"Yes; that is right," nodded the lieutenant. "But how much schooling
have you behind you?"

"We have each had two years in High School, sir."

"On that basis you will both have hard times to prepare yourselves for
officers' examinations. However, with great application, you may make
it--if you achieve also sufficiently good records as enlisted men."

This explanation being sufficient, Lieutenant Shackleton paused, then
went on:

"As you are unusually in earnest about enlisting I fancy that you want
to hear the surgeon's verdict as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir, if you please," replied Hal.

"Orderly!"

One of the two soldiers entered. Lieutenant Shackleton made some
entries on the application papers, then handed them to the soldier.

"Orderly, take these young men to the surgeon at once."

"Yes, sir. Come this way, please."

Hal and Noll were again conducted into the outer office. The sergeant
had returned by this time and was at his desk. Over at the high desk
stood Tip Branders, making out his application.

"Oh, we're it, aren't we?" demanded Tip, looking around with a scowl at
the chums. "You freshies!"

"Be silent," ordered the sergeant looking up briskly.

"Well, those two kids----" began Tip. But the sergeant, though a
middle-aged man, showed himself agile enough to reach Tip Branders' side
in three swift, long bounds.

"Young man, either conduct yourself properly, or get out of here,"
ordered the sergeant point-blank.

Muttering something under his breath, Tip turned back to his writing, at
which he was making poor headway, while the orderly led Hal and Noll
down the corridor, halting and knocking