The battalion of four companies comes next and a major commands a battalion, while three battalions usually make up a regiment, which is commanded by a colonel, with a number of staff officers to advise and aid him. It takes two regiments of infantry to make a brigade, which is in charge of a brigadier general. Next comes a division, which is the largest group in the army, and is made up in various ways, from infantry and artillery and machine gun battalions. “I wonder what’s up?” said Ned, as he walked with his chums to the designated place. None of them was in uniform, as yet. That would come later. “What do you mean--up?” asked Jerry. “I mean it looks as though we were going to listen to a speech,” went on Ned. And this was just what was going to happen. The captain of the company to which they were temporarily assigned, had gathered the recruits about him. “I want to tell you a few things before we begin the physical drill,” he said, “so you will appreciate the importance of it. If I did not, you might think that some of it was of little use. But I want to say that it all has a value that has been tried and proved. “You know the army that is to help whip Germany is just like a big machine. You are all parts in that machine, and every part, no matter how small, must work in perfect unison with every other part, or there will be failure. To begin with, you must be physically fit to stand much hard work, and this drill is to get you in good condition. “Some of the motions you are made to go through may seem foolish to you, but they are all for some good purpose. You have muscles which, ordinarily, you seldom use. It is to bring out these muscles, and make them fit for service, that certain motions and practice are necessary. You’ll be surprised on finding what a little exercise will do for certain weak and flabby muscles that you have. They will be waked up and made to do their duty.” And the boys found, before the day was over, that their captain spoke the truth, and with a knowledge that could not be questioned. “Oh, look who’s here,” said Bob to Ned in a low voice, as they had a little respite from twisting and turning and stooping and rising. “Who?” asked Ned. “That Pug Kennedy we had the row with in the train. They’re going to put him in our squad, I’m afraid.” “That’s bad,” said Jerry. “But still it won’t do to kick. This is only temporary, and he may be changed, or we may. Don’t give up the ship now.” Pug Kennedy was, indeed, put in the squad with the three Cresville friends, and his unpleasant face grinned at them as the drill went on. Pug Kennedy lived up to his reputation. He was a “scrapper,” and he did little but growl at every new order. He did not see any reason for this, nor sense in that, and only the fact that he did his growling in a low voice saved him from being disciplined. The officers did not hear him.