The meal over, Sears retired into a corner with Hal. Johnson joined them with Noll. The two youngest officers in the regiment were handed printed slips containing the routine work of the day at Fort Butler, and also the hour for the call to each duty. Sears and Johnson added much more information. "You'll come to us for anything else that you want to know, of course," said Sears, in conclusion. "You are aware, of course, that your superior officers are paid to answer questions." "Thank you," acknowledged Hal. It was soon nine o'clock, and the two Army boys, tired with their day of travel and of new life, left the club early, going directly to quarters and to Hal's room. "I won't stay long," declared Noll, sinking into the easy chair that his chum pushed forward. "But I've simply got to talk a bit with you, bunkie, my head is so full of it all." The chums chatted on until at last the notes of a bugle were borne to their ears. "Listen!" cried Hal, holding up one hand, his eyes glowing. "The same good old Army taps!" "We don't have to go to bed, since we added swords to our equipment," laughed Noll. "No; but we had better turn in. We have as much work to do as any of the enlisted men." An hour later, when all was quiet, there came a heavy pounding on Hal's door. As the young lieutenant awoke and leaped from his bed he was sure that he heard a similar commotion going on at Noll's door. "Who is it?" called Hal, throwing on a bathrobe and going toward the hall door. "Private Graham, of the guard, sir. Major Tipton's compliments to Lieutenant Overton, and the major directs that the lieutenant report immediately at headquarters." Then, as Hal and Noll both opened their doors, the soldier added: "Major Tipton authorized me to add, sir, that the Mexican border trouble has broken out, and that you'll both march soon with your men." CHAPTER X ON THE SCENE OF BORDER TROUBLE The speed with which a soldier can dress, and do it tidily, would astonish the average civilian. Very soon after the call had sounded at their doors Hal and Noll, their swords hanging at their left sides and their revolvers belted on, stepped in at headquarters. "Come right in, gentlemen," called Major Tipton, from the rear office. Lieutenant Brandon, battalion adjutant, was already with his chief. "Your first call has come sooner than you expected," smiled Major Tipton. "Captain Foster will be here presently, and then we will go over the matter together. Ah, Foster! Come right in." Then the orders were made clear.