By this time Hal and Noll had been in the Army nearly three weeks. Some of the rookies in the same squad had been in the service considerably longer. The length of time that he remains a recruit depends very much upon the rookie himself. "Our arms?" said Noll to his chum. "That's the last step toward being a real soldier." "No; the last step is when your company commander pronounces you a qualified private soldier," rejoined Hal Overton. "And that's after you've been drafted into a real regiment, at that." The loneliness had all vanished now. Both Hal and Noll were now wholly in love with the life, and anxious for the day when they should be sent forth to their regiment. They had requested that they be sent to the same regiment, and had little doubt but that their wish would be granted. No longer did the arduous work make them tired. Instead, the steady, brisk and systematic exercise left them keen and very much alive when the command "dismissed" came. At last a bugle sounded the recall for the rookie squads. Corporal Davis finished the instruction in which he was engaged, then called out: "Halt! Dismissed." In an instant the rookies left the ranks, glad of a bit of play-time before supper. But Davis called after two of them: "Overton and Terry, don't forget that you're under orders to report at company formation before parade this afternoon." "We won't forget it, Corporal," Hal answered. "Why are you ordered to company formation?" asked one of the men of the squad curiously. "We haven't the least idea," Hal answered frankly. "Oh, well, I can be near enough to find out," rejoined the curious one. "Say," suggested Noll almost excitedly, "it can't be that we're considered far enough advanced to turn out with the company?" "Hardly likely," murmured Hal, "when we don't know the manual of arms yet." "Then what----" "Wait." Yet Hal Overton was certainly decidedly curious, despite his coolness. Both our young rookies hung about until they heard first call for parade. Then they hurried toward the company parade ground. Soon the fall-in order was given, and the older rookies fell in under arms. Sergeant Brimmer, true to his word, stepped up and placed Hal and Noll six paces to the rear of the second platoon. "Obey all orders that do not call for the manual of arms," was his parting instruction. Then Brimmer went to his own position. The company was assembled, roll-call followed and there was a brief inspection of arms. While this was going on the post adjutant appeared and took up post. "Publish the orders," commanded the captain, at last. From the breast of his blouse the adjutant drew forth an official paper. While the men in ranks stood at order arms, the adjutant read aloud: "'For exceptional zeal, intelligence and loyalty in preventing the escape and attempted desertion of a prisoner, Recruit Privates Overton and Terry are hereby commended.'" This was signed by the post commander.