They were once more being put through the manual of arms when a messenger approached the quartermaster. A brief conversation ensued. The quartermaster ran his eyes down the line. “Hickey, fall out!” he commanded. The red-haired boy did so. “Do not lose your temper. You are going to be called down. Be respectful and use your head,” warned Dan in a whisper, as Sam stepped back from the line. “Report to the executive officer in the chief yeoman’s office on the balcony above,” commanded the quartermaster. “Aye, aye, sir,” replied Sam, with a salute. He made his way up the stairs, and at the door of the office gave the orderly his name. After a moment the orderly reappeared, motioning Sam to follow him. The lad walked into the private office of the executive officer, where he stood twisting his hat in his hands awkwardly. The executive officer eyed him disapprovingly. “What’s your name?” “Samuel Hickey, sir.” “How long have you been here?” “One day, sir.” “You are the man who threw the man Flink against me, are you not?” “Yes, sir,” answered Sam, making a great effort to suppress the grin that curled the corners of his mouth. “Tell me how it happened?” “We were having a cock-fight, sir.” “Yes; go on.” “They were all down except the fellow Flink and myself. We were fighting it out. He was a pretty tough proposition, and I had a hard time of it.” “You employed no unnecessary roughness?” “I was not very gentle about it, sir,” answered Sam truthfully. “I was trying to bump him over.” “And you did not care particularly how hard you hit him?” “I hit him as hard as I could every time, sir.” “There is bad blood between you and this man, is there not?” Sam looked surprised. He was not aware that the executive officer knew anything about that. “I don’t like him, sir, if that is what you mean.” “Why not?” “I would rather not say, sir.” “Has he done anything to you?” “I can’t say, sir.” “You mean you will not?” “I would rather not, sir.” “Young man, you are new here, else I should be inclined to treat you with great severity. I am satisfied that you threw the man Flink out of the drill hall with malicious intent. That, of itself, is sufficient to merit calling you before the mast for examination and sentence. I do not wish to do that, in view of the fact that you do not fully understand the ways of the school. But discipline must be maintained. I will see to it that no marks are laid against you in this instance. However, as soon as you have finished your routine, you will take an extra duty tour of two hours, carrying a rifle. You will so report to your commanding officer.” “Yes, sir,” answered Sam meekly. “What do I do with the gun?” “Carry it. You will receive your instructions from the quartermaster. Return to your company.” Sam saluted and walked back to the drill hall. He did not feel particularly humiliated, well knowing that, while he was to blame in a way, the other fellow was more so.