The signal being given, they marched to the kitchen where there was dished out to each one what was to be the first meal of the day. This proved to be steamed rice and milk, bacon, scrambled eggs, fried potatoes, buttered toast, bread and coffee. With this as a starter the boys marched into the mess hall and sat down at long tables to eat. “How goes it, Chunky?” asked Ned, as he noticed his stout chum beginning to eat. “Tell you better when I’ve had my second or third helping,” was the somewhat mumbled reply. “Talk it out, Chunky,” advised Jerry. “Don’t scramble your reply; leave that to the eggs you’re sailing into.” “Huh, I’ll sail clear through these, and then some.” “Can you have as much as you like?” asked a rather timid lad next to Ned. “All you want, son, and more,” answered the squad leader, who was walking about, and who had overheard the question. As each one finished he took his mess kit down to the end of the hall, where there was a kettle of scalding water, and washed his cutlery and dishes. There are no official dishwashers in the army, save those who serve in the officer’s mess. “Well, do you feel better?” asked Ned, as he and Jerry filed out with Bob. “Lots,” was the answer. “What call’s that?” he inquired, as another bugle note blared out. “Sick call and fatigue,” answered Jerry, who was learning the army orders and regulations. This call came at 6:45 and gave opportunity for such as were physically disabled in any way to escape drill for the day. If a man is not feeling physically fit in the morning he so reports to his first sergeant, who places the name on a list. Then, when the proper call comes, and all who are in need of medical attention are collected, an officer marches them to an infirmary. Of course, this applies only to those slightly “under the weather.” In case of a very ill recruit the doctor goes to him, instead of having him go to the medical man. If a man is taken ill, or feels the need of medical attention at any time other than the official sick call, an officer is detailed to take him to the doctor, or the doctor comes to him, at any hour it may be necessary. Fortunately there were very few who responded to sick call the first morning in Camp Dixton. When it was over, at 6:50 o’clock, came the first call for the day’s drill. Five minutes later came the assembly, which meant that every man, not excused, must be in line. Then the drill began. It was to last an hour. There were six drills during the day (or were at Camp Dixton), besides guard-mount in the late afternoon. Between the drills came dinner, of course. But the new soldiers were impressed with the drills. There were so many of them, and when there was no drill there was a school of instruction.