The man who gets into bad company when away on leave is the soldier who has the most difficulty in getting leave another time. On the other hand, the soldier of good conduct can have much leave during the month. It is a practice at many posts, when a man has a trade, and can get small jobs to do near the post, to allow him as many half days for that work as may be granted him without injury to the service. In this way handy men or mechanics among the soldiers often add many dollars to their pocket money. As Private Bill Hooper went away to clean up his uniform and shoes, Hal blithely kept at work putting his rifle in A 1 order. Both were interrupted, half an hour later, by the bugle call for separate company drill. Private Overton was among the first on the drill ground. His clothing looked as though it had just come from the tailor's; his rifle had the appearance of being fresh from the arsenal. "There's a man for you, Hyman," spoke Sergeant Hupner, in an undertone. "If the kid keeps on as he has started he'll be a winner." "I've had my eye on him," nodded Private Hyman. "He seems to be good all the way through." "Is he ever a little bit fresh in the squad room?" continued Sergeant Hupner. "If the kid is," replied Hyman, "I've never happened to be around at that time. But he stands up for himself when he has to. I suppose you've heard, Sergeant, how he trimmed Bill Hooper off?" "Yes," nodded Hupner; "that sort of thing won't hurt Hooper at all, either." "Hooper may lay for a chance to accuse Overton of something in the squad room that the kid didn't do." "I'll have my eyes open for Hooper," replied Hupner dryly. "I haven't anything against any of the other sergeants in this battalion, but I really wish some other sergeant had Hooper in his squad room." "B Company fall in," sounded the voice of Captain Cortland. First Lieutenant Hampton and the sergeants hastened to their posts, while the corporals and privates went to their places in the ranks. The command for open order was given, after which Captain Cortland commanded: "Inspect the second platoon, Lieutenant Hampton." With that the company commander himself passed behind the backs of the men of the first platoon, looking each man over keenly. "Private Hooper, fall out!" ordered Captain Cortland sharply. When the captain had finished his own work, and Lieutenant Hampton had reported all men in the second platoon to be soldierly in appearance, Captain Cortland turned to Bill Hooper with a look of disapproval. "Private Hooper, this is the third time within a month that you've failed to report in neat and soldierly appearance. Who is in charge of your squad room?" "Sergeant Hupner, sir." "Sergeant Hupner," resumed the captain, "what have you to say to this man's appearance?" "I ordered him, at least a half an hour ago, sir, to clean himself up."