itive
proof."

"There is something that Captain Cortland and I have had in mind to do
for you. The present time, therefore, seems an especially suitable one
for showing the full measure of our confidence in you, Corporal. Of
course, if any evidence came up that would sustain a charge of crime
against you, then what we are thinking of doing could be very easily
undone at need. Corporal Overton, at parade, to-morrow afternoon, your
appointment as sergeant in B company will be announced."

Hal started, colored, then turned pale.

"I--I thank you, sir," he stammered. "But--but----"

"Well, my man?" inquired the colonel kindly.

"Pardon me, sir, but wouldn't the appointment be better made at some
later date?"

"Why?" shot out Colonel North.

"I fear I may not have as much force with a squad room as a sergeant
should have, sir."

"Then you will have to develop that force," replied Colonel North dryly.
"It's in you, I know."

Poor Hal! At any other time this much-wanted promotion would have been
hailed joyfully. Now it seemed almost like wormwood.

CHAPTER VII

BACKING THE NEW SERGEANT

"CORPORAL OVERTON, B company, is hereby appointed a sergeant in the same
company, the appointment to take effect immediately. Sergeant Overton's
company commander will assign him to the charge of a squad room in B
company."

That was published with the orders the very next afternoon, at parade.

It came with startling suddenness to most of the men in B company. Noll
was the only one who had been warned in advance, and he had held his
peace.

Only one other man in the battalion had known it, and that was Grimes,
the grimly silent private who sold goods in the quartermaster's store.
Of Grimes, Hal had already purchased the necessary sergeant chevrons
that he might have them ready.

"On dismissal of the company Sergeant Overton will at once report to
me," announced Captain Cortland.

Hal, therefore, on falling out of ranks, went directly to his company
commander, saluting.

"You are to have charge of the squad room next to Sergeant Hupner's,"
began the captain, pleasantly.

"Very good, sir."

"And now, my lad, don't feel at all down cast over some circumstances
that have come up in barracks," continued the captain, resting a
friendly hand on the new young sergeant's shoulder. "Take firm charge of
your squad room from the outset. Force your men to respect as well as
obey you. You will have all the necessary coun