54

Hal and Noll under charges. Uncle Sam's Boys shunned by
neighbors. "We won't submit to such false charges." A town
divided against itself. A bitter attack in the press. "The
culprits face their ordeal to-day."

CHAPTER V--BEFORE A COURT OF INQUIRY 62

Looks dark for the young lieutenants. Perjurers have their
say. "I wouldn't believe 'em under oath." Gangsters get a
jolt. The findings of the Court of Inquiry. Hal and Noll
outwit the enemy.

CHAPTER VI--THE CALL TO DUTY 74

All in the soldier's game. A descendant of the knight of
old. "There isn't a thing left that we can ask for." A
parting shot. Mothers as "best girls." The goal of their
youthful dreams lays before Hal and Noll.

CHAPTER VII--AT THEIR NEW POST 80

Welcomed by the Major. Bachelors and glad of it. Hal and
Noll settle down in their new quarters. "At the officers'
club." An old friend in a new guise. "It's our old Algy."
Brother officers are cordial to the boys who have risen from
the ranks.

CHAPTER VIII--NEW LIEUTENANTS LOOK AND LISTEN 91

"Feathers" tells his life history. Algy reads brother
officers a lecture. "We do not smoke yet." The start to meet
their captains. The new life in the Army begins.

CHAPTER IX--THE SUMMONS TO DUTY 100

The new officers get their assignments. An invitation to
Mrs. Overton. The Mexican situation threatens. Frontier duty
promised. Young lieutenants perform their duties with snap
and precision. "The Mexican border trouble has broken out!"

CHAPTER X--ON ACTIVE SERVICE 111

Overton and Terry keenly alert to their work. "Quick work."
Platoons march. The camp at Agua Dulce. On a ticklish
mission. On the trail of the hidden rifles. The Greasers are
ugly.

CHAPTER XI--LIEUTENANT HAL GUARDS THE ENTRANCE 120

"Keep them from closing that door!" Mexicans assume a
threatening attitude. "Back, all of you!" Lieutenant Overton
draws his sword. His life hangs on a thread. Greasers cowed
by his nerve. Grimmer work ahead.

CHAPTER XII--IN THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY 131

A much-needed rest. Assigned to an important post. The