pare it, and always matching wits with a lot of crafty, barefooted
Mexicans!"

"Overton is right," contended the captain. "Despite the discomforts and
possible hardships such work is excellent, both for soldiers and their
officers."

"If anything of the sort comes," murmured Lieutenant Hal, "I certainly
hope that I shan't be left out of it."

"You probably won't," replied Captain Foster dryly. "Major Tipton has
been informed that both Mr. Terry and yourself have already
distinguished yourselves in scouting work in the field. You will have
use for such talents here, if we are called out to watch the border."

"It's stupid work," cried Mrs. Foster petulantly, "and it will spoil
several of the good times that the ladies at this post have been
planning."

"Now, we won't detain Mr. Overton any longer, my dear," remarked the
captain. "Remember, Overton, parade this afternoon. No other duties for
to-day."

Hal took his leave, returning, light-footed, to bachelor quarters. There
he found Noll, returned before him.

"Nothing but parade for me to-day, Noll," Hal called to his chum.

"Same here," rejoined young Terry, opening his door. "May I come across
into your house a little while?"

"I shall be glad to have you if you have no more to do than I appear to
have. My striker appears to have put everything in apple-pie order. Sit
down. How do you like the new station and the crowd?"

"Fine," nodded Noll. "Major Tipton appears to be just the right sort of
commanding officer."

The instant that the first call for parade sounded Lieutenants Hal and
Noll sprang from their chairs. Both were soon going down the stairs,
their swords clanking at their sides. This parade, though unimportant in
a sense, was their first actual duty as line officers. Both youngsters
walked with a new dignity and erectness as they crossed to the parade
ground.

They were the first officers to appear. When the actual parade call
sounded the enlisted men of four companies came out in human streams
from the barracks buildings.

Now the remaining officers of the garrison came briskly up while the
first sergeants of the companies were attending to the formation.

At the proper moment the officers of the battalion went to their
stations. As he drew his sword, for the first time in Uncle Sam's
service, Lieutenant Hal felt a thrill the like of which he had never
known before.

Neither youngster made a mistake during the maneuvers and ceremonies of