front of his desk. His four second
lieutenants were in command of the platoons to-day, instead of
sergeants. The young officers were instructing their men in the
first essentials of bayonet combat.

The last piece of paper disposed of, Prescott at last arose, stretched
slightly, then strode out of the office to the drill ground.

He was just in time to hear one of his lieutenants explaining to
a line of men:

"When pursuing a retreating enemy one of the most effective thrusts
with the bayonet can be delivered right here. Learn to mark the
spot well."

Half-turning, the lieutenant pointed to the spot in the small
of his own back, before he went on, impressively:

"A bayonet thrust there will drive the blade through a kidney.
I will admit that that doesn't sound like sportsman-like fighting,
but unfortunately we're not to be employed against a really civilized
enemy in this war. Page, you will stand out. It isn't a popular
role to which I am going to assign you, but you will run slowly
past me and represent a fleeing enemy. Dobson, you will take
a blob-stick and chase Page, running just fast enough to overtake
him in front of me. Then you will give him the kidney thrust,
taking care to make your aim exact. Thrust with spirit, but do
not hit hard, even with the blob-stick, for Page is not a real
German."

Though the men were perspiring uncomfortably, their officer's
pleasant conversational way and his interesting talk kept the
interest of these young soldiers. Private Page stepped out and
took post where the lieutenant indicated, prepared to begin running
away at the word of command. Private Dobson picked up a blob-stick,
a long, wand-like affair intended to represent a rifle and bayonet,
the bayonet's point being represented by a padded ball such as
is seen on a bass drummer's stick.

"Go ahead, Page," commanded the lieutenant. "Kill him, Dobson!
. . . Good work! Any enemy, struck like that in earnest, could
safely be left to himself. Dobson, you be the fleeing enemy this
time. Aldrich, take the blob-stick."

One after another the men of the skeletonized platoon took their
try with the blob-stick. As is usual in the run of human affairs,
some of the men made the thrust excellently, others indifferently,
and some missed altogether.

"Rest," ordered the lieutenant, presently, and the men stood at
ease in the platoon line.

"Some of you men do not get hold of this bayonet work as well
as I cou