Direct the
first sergeant of that company to send you a man who is willing to serve
as a striker. And now, Mr. Ferrers, as you appear to be wholly ignorant
of Army life I think I will give you a mentor."

Turning to the telephone Colonel North called:

"Connect me with Lieutenant Prescott. Hello, is that you, Mr. Prescott?
The regimental commander is speaking. My compliments, Mr. Prescott, and
can you come over to headquarters? Thank you."

Ringing off the colonel turned to his very new young lieutenant, saying:

"Mr. Prescott is a last year's graduate of the Military Academy at West
Point, and one of the most capable younger officers I have ever met. I
can think of no man so well qualified to coach you in the start of your
new life, Mr. Ferrers. You have some baggage with you?"

"Oh, yes, sir. Two trunks on the car."

"Then you have uniforms with you?"

"Yes."

"Say 'sir' when answering a superior officer."

"Yes, sir."

"You have your two regulation swords?"

"Yes, sir. And say!" Ferrers beamed forth, with enthusiasm, while his
eyes lit up. "The regulation swords are not such a much, so, while I got
them, I also had four other swords made that are a whole lot handsomer.
Wait until you see me, sir, with the beauty that Tiffany made to my
order--my own design, sir."

"Doubtless your extra swords will do very well as ornaments in your
quarters, Mr. Ferrers," replied the colonel, trying very hard to keep a
straight face. "But you will not appear with any other than the
regulation swords."

"Oh, I say, now----" broke forth Ferrers anxiously, but the door opened,
and Lieutenant Dick Prescott strode in, looking the perfection of
handsome soldiery.

"You sent for me, sir?" Prescott asked, coming to a very formal salute.

"Yes, Mr. Prescott. This young gentleman is Lieutenant Algernon Ferrers,
lately appointed from civil life. As Mr. Ferrers will presently be glad
to admit that he knows less than nothing about Army life, I can think of
no one better qualified than you, Mr. Prescott, to explain to him the
nature of military life."

"Thank you, Colonel," replied Prescott gravely.

"Kindly take Mr. Ferrers over to the officers' mess and see that he is
made to feel at home among you youngsters. And advise him, in all
necessary respects, as to what is expected of him in this regiment."

"But my rooms, sir? My little dog-kennel?" urged Ferrers.

"Mr. Prescott will take you to Lieutenant Pope, the battalion
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