s all awkward squads always are, but is
only to be seen at the commencement of the winter. It is composed
entirely of beginners, who have to attain a certain degree of efficiency
before they can be put with the others. But as the American boy is very
imitative, he soon learns, and at the end of the term it would be
difficult for any one to pick out the boys who had only belonged for one
winter. The Captains and Lieutenants are fine, manly-looking fellows,
and their plumed caps and glittering accoutrements are extremely
becoming. They have a full sense of the dignity of their position, as
why should they not have, when promoted from the ranks, step by step, to
the proud office which they now hold? They have not bought their
commissions, but have earned them by good, conscientious work. The boy
who shirks, fools, and carries on has the mortification of staying a
private, while his comrade goes steadily upward. The two officers in
charge, Captain Hoyt and assistant, have, the boys complain, regular
lynx eyes, and sometimes find out trifling acts that are not compatible
with military discipline, much to the surprise of the fellows
themselves. When a boy is promoted, his promotion receives no end of
congratulation and applause from his fellow-soldiers, and it is doubtful
if a prouder moment can come in any man's life than comes to the boy
when he is put in command of the Knickerbocker Grays.

There is considerable emulation among the different companies. The
Grays, by-the-way, are divided into four companies, A, B, C, and D, and
each officer endeavors to have his company the best of all. And woe be
to the boy who _is_ insubordinate. However, cases of real
insubordination are extremely rare, for the boys soon catch the spirit
of true military life, and realize that the commands given must be
obeyed at once and without any question. It is contended, and with
reason, that one of the best features of the drill is this very spirit
of discipline, which every mother knows is one of the most difficult
things in the world to inculcate in boys.

[Illustration: "RIGHT FORWARD, FOURS RIGHT."]

The first movements of the regiment are quite picturesque. After the
roll-call the First Sergeant in command calls out "Count fours!" in
other words dividing off four boys at a time; if they are more than make
even fours, the Second or Third Sergeant takes the extra boys and
reports with them to the Color-Sergeant, who takes them for his guard.