are
making maps for the hike in imitation of those which the officers have
posted for us to study. At the Exchange can be bought contour maps of all
this region, covering the whole area of the hike. These we are cutting
out in squares and pasting on linen, cheese-cloth, or even mosquito
netting. Then we mark on them the camps, the route, and all along the way
the important crossroads within a mile of our march, which we number
according to the officers' sample. If after this we can get some shellac,
we coat the map against the weather. Had I only known enough, I should
have brought with me proper cloth, glue and shellac for this purpose; for
of course the rush for these materials has practically used up all
neighboring supplies.

Between showers today we have begun our preparations for the hike,
directions concerning which were read us. We have turned in our
condiment-cans and bacon-tins--so much less weight to carry. David is in
secret dismay over the small equipment which is allowed us, and has spent
many long minutes over the beautiful little sole leather trunk which he
keeps under his cot, and which contains so many knickknacks. He has been
making little piles here, and little piles there, and then, with knitted
brow, changing them all about. He has not asked for advice, and none of
us has offered it. Pickle, whose personal outfit is of the most meagre,
has been watching him in delight.

However, David is permanently lightened of one part of his equipment.
Word went round that we were to have rifle-inspection, at which there
rose in the tent a great clamor for patches, of which we had none, nor
the store tent either. David was absent, and Knudsen, saying "I'll get
patches," asked Clay for his surgical scissors, and going to David's cot,
took from the great collection of conveniences which the boy still hoped
to take with him, a set of his beautiful silk pajamas. The jacket Knudsen
tore into strips (we all the while watching in pregnant silence) then cut
them into squares, and when David returned we were all at work on our
guns.

"They tell me," he said, "that we're to have rifle inspection. Have you
fellows any patches?"

"Plenty," said Knudsen, and handed him some made out of the gaudiest part
of the pattern.

David, as he inspected these, first grew very red, then hastily demanded,
"Who cut these up?"

"I did," said Knudsen very serenely. "No pajamas on the hike, David."

And the boy, who is still very pr