“Don’t ask unnecessary questions, young man,” rebuked the officer, whereat Sam subsided. “Is there any system, other than what you have spoken of, for stowing the clothes, sir?” questioned Dan respectfully. “Yes. I’ll explain. Place the blue clothes and cap in the bottom of the bag, white clothes and hats next, small bags, socks and other articles on top. Secure the bag with two turns of the lanyard as close down on the contents as possible—this way. Do you understand?” “Yes, sir; thank you, sir.” “That will be all for the present. Have you had your breakfast?” “No, sir, and we’re half starved,” spoke up Sam Hickey quickly. “I could eat a horse.” “No comments, please. Remember, men, you are now full fledged rookies. You are in the service of the United States Government and you must remember to conduct yourselves accordingly. I will see that you get further instruction after breakfast.” The bugle was blowing the breakfast call at that moment. The quartermaster conducted the lads outside the building and around into another apartment where a group of white-uniformed young fellows were standing about waiting for the command to seat themselves at the tables. “Fall to!” commanded the officer. There followed a rattling of dishes and a scraping of feet as the apprentices seated themselves at the long table, each with a keen zest for his morning meal. CHAPTER III—WHO THREW THE PIE? The breakfast consisted of creamed chipped beef, potatoes and hot corn bread, topped off with apple pie. “This looks good to me,” muttered Sam Hickey in a low tone, because out of the corners of his eyes he saw the quartermaster observing him attentively. After they were well started on the meal, the officer left the room in order that the new boys might get acquainted, which would not be likely as long as he was in the room. “Hullo, red-head!” greeted an apprentice across the table from Sam. “What might be your name?” “It might be ‘most anything, only it isn’t. I’m Sam Hickey; who are you?” “Louis Flink. Where you from?” “Piedmont. Where do you live when you are at home?” “Pennsylvania.” “Then you must be a Pennsylvania Dutchman. I’ve heard of that kind before, but you’re the first one I ever saw.” There was a titter at this, and Flink’s dark face flushed. “Sam, you shouldn’t have said that,” warned Dan. “It was not very courteous.” “Neither is he. I don’t like him.” “I’ll lick you for that when we get outside,” growled Flink. “You’re too fresh.” Sam was about to make a retort when Dan pinched him sharply. “Keep still. You will get into trouble.” Sam’s freckles were standing out again and his shock of red hair seemed to be rising higher. “He—he threatened me—he gave me a dare. I’ll make him wish he were back in Pennsylvania,” protested Sam belligerently. “Take my advice and do nothing of the sort. You forget that everything we do now will count for or against us. It won’t do to start in on our career with bad conduct marks against us.”