Having said this the sergeant turned back to some papers that he had been examining. "You will fill out these papers," Private Aldridge explained to the boys, after he had led them to the high desk. "I think all the questions are plain enough. If there are any you don't understand then ask me." It was a race between Hal and Noll to see which could get a pen in his hand first. Then they began to write. The first question, naturally, was as to the full name of the applicant; then followed his present age and other questions of personal history. For some time both pens flew over the paper or paused as a new question was being considered. When he came to the question as to which arm of the service was preferred by the applicant Noll turned to Hal to whisper: "Is it still the infantry?" young Terry asked. "Still and always the infantry," Hal nodded. "All right," half sighed Noll. "I'm almost wishing for the cavalry, though, so I could ride a horse." "The infantry is best for our plans," Hal replied. When they had finished making out their papers Hal and Noll went back to the sergeant's desk. "Do we hand these to you?" Hal asked. "Yes," said the sergeant, taking both papers. He ran his eyes over them hurriedly, then rose and passed into an inner office. When he came out all he said was: "Take seats over there until you're wanted." Two or three minutes later a buzzer sounded over the sergeant's head. Rising, he entered the inner room. "Our time's come, now, I guess," whispered Noll. "Or else something else is going to happen," replied Hal, smiling. "You and I are not the only two problems with which the Army concerns itself." Noll's guess was right, however. The sergeant speedily returned to the outer office and crossed over to the boys, who rose. "Lieutenant Shackleton will see you," announced the sergeant. "Step right into his office. Stand erect and facing him. Use the word, 'sir,' when answering him, and be very respectful in all your replies. Let him do all the talking." "We understand, thank you," nodded Hal. The sergeant, who had his cap in his hand, turned to leave the office for a few moments on other business. As he was going out he nearly bumped into a heavily-built young fellow who was entering. Hal Overton had reached the door leading into the lieutenant's office and pulled it open. Just as he did so he heard a rather familiar voice behind him demand: "Where's the officer in charge?" "In that office," replied one of the soldiers, pointing. The newcomer did not stop to thank the soldier, but sprang toward the door that Hal had just opened. "Here, you kids can stand aside until a man gets through with his business in there," exclaimed Tip Branders, gripping Hal by the shoulders and swinging him aside. CHAPTER III THE ORDEAL OF EXAMINATION HAL OVERTON was so astonished that he offered no resistance to the bully from home.