“Step here and sign these vouchers in duplicate,” said the sergeant. I signed the papers. The sergeant threw the different articles of the uniform and equipments in a heap on the floor, asking questions and answering them himself after this fashion: “What size jacket do you wear? No. 1. Here's a No. 4; it's too large, but you can get the tailor to alter it. “Here's your overcoat; it's marked No. 3, but the contractors make mistakes; I've no doubt it's a No. 1. “That forage cap's too large, but you can put paper in the lining. “Never mind measuring the trousers; if they're too long you can have 'em cut off. “The shirts and drawers will fit anybody; they're made that way. “You wear No. 6 boots, but you'll get so much drill your feet'll swell so these No. 8's will be just the fit. “This is your bed blanket; don't get it mixed with your horse blanket. “I'll let you have my canteen and break in the new one; mine's been used a little and got jammed a bit, but that don't hurt it. “This is your haversack; take my advice and always keep it full. “This white piece of canvas is your shelter tent; it is warranted to shelter you from the rain if you pitch it inside a house that has a good roof on it. “These stockings are rights and lefts. “Here's your blouse. We're out of the small numbers, but it is to be worn on fatigue and at stables, so it's better to have plenty of room in your blouse. “You will get white gloves at the sutler's store if you've got the money to settle. He'll let you have sand paper, blacking, brushes, and other cleaning materials on the same terms. “Here's a rubber poncho. “Let's see! that's all in the clothing line. Now for your arms and accoutrements!” I appealed to the sergeant: “Let me carry a load of my things to the barracks before receiving my arms and other fixings?” “Can't do it--take too much time; and if you did go over with part of your outfit, somebody'd steal what you left in the barracks before you returned with the rest.” “Go it, then,” I exclaimed in despair, and the sergeant continued: “This carbine is just the thing to kill rebels with if you ever get near enough to them. It's a short-range weapon, but cavalrymen are supposed to ride down the enemy at short range. “The carbine sling and swivel attaches the carbine over your shoulder. “This cartridge box will be filled before you go on the skirmish line; so will the cap pouch. “This funny-looking little thing with a string attached is a wiper with which to keep your carbine clean inside. “The screw-driver will be handy to take your carbine apart, but don't do it when near the enemy. They might scoop you in before you could put your gun together. “Your revolver is for short-range work. You can kill six rebels with it without reloading, if the rebels will hold still and you are a crack shot. You can keep the pistol in this holster which attaches to your waist-belt, as does also this box for pistol cartridges.