efsteak, potatoes, with cold bread
and butter. The new comer was perfectly satisfied with this fare, and
taking it as a sample of his living, he did not believe he should
starve.

"What next, Nevers?" asked Richard of the boy who sat next to him, and
who wore the designation of an orderly sergeant.

"Squad drill, my boy. We shall give you some now," replied Nevers. "We
begin to find out what a fellow is made of on drill."

There was a little spare time before the drill came on, and the new
student improved it by inquiring particularly into the nature of his
duties. Bailey was patient and communicative, and he obtained from him
all the information he wanted.

Again the drum rattled, and the boys made their way to the several
armories. The doors and windows were thrown open, and the drill
commenced. It was conducted by Mr. Gault, who was assisted by various
officers of the company.

"Nevers," said the assistant, "you may take Grant and instruct him in
the positions."

Richard glanced at the orderly sergeant to whom this command had been
given, and the look of satisfaction which Nevers put on did not please
him.

"This way, if you please, Grant," said the young orderly sergeant, as
he led the way to one corner of the armory.

"What are _you_ going to do?" demanded the recruit.

"Give you the positions."

"Are you my teacher?"

"I am ordered to give you the positions," replied Nevers, chuckling
with a delight which the new comer could not understand.

"You want to find out what I am made of--don't you?" said Richard,
remembering what the other had said to him at breakfast.

"I always obey orders."

"Well, I think I should rather be instructed by the regular teachers."

"Very well; I will report to Mr. Gault."

"You needn't trouble yourself. If this is the custom, go ahead. I am
ready."

"Stand as I do, if you please--heels on the same line, feet turned out
equally, knees straight."

Richard observed all these instructions, and being a very tractable
scholar, he was soon master of the positions.

"Eyes--right!" continued Nevers, explaining the meaning of the order.
"Front."

There were three other boys, who had not yet been supplied with
uniforms, having come to the Institute a few days before. These also
were placed in Nevers's care, and he began to drill them in the
facings.

"Attention--squad," said the drill master, explaining what he meant,
and going through with the next movement. "Right--