Each soldier is provided with a warm blanket and a rubber poncho, which is a blanket with a slit in the middle so that the head may be thrust through and the poncho worn, at need, as a rain coat. But to-night Noll Terry spread his poncho on the ground, Hal laying his a-top. Then both young soldiers lay down, drawing up their combined stock of blankets over them, for the early night had turned out chilly. "Rest enough, now, for to-morrow's hike," mumbled Hal drowsily. "Yes; unless we're turned out to meet a night surprise," returned Noll dryly. In another part of the camp Hooper and Dowley, both warned for the guard, but not yet on post, were whispering by themselves. "To-morrow Kid Overton begins to get his," chuckled Hooper. "Yes; he'll begin to see those corporal's chevrons fading in the distance." "We ought to fix Terry with him." "One at a time; that'll be surer," scowled Private Dowley. Hal and Noll slept the night through. Hal dreamed he was chasing an elusive rascal, who performed wretchedly on the cornet. As the rascal fled he continued to play on the cornet. Then young Private Overton opened his eyes. The cornet player turned out to be the bugler, who was blowing lustily, twice through, the first call to reveille. Hal sprang up from his blankets. After he had crawled out of the pup-house, Noll joined him. Wood and water were quickly brought. The field breakfast was like the field supper of the night before. Then the bugler got busy without delay. The men fell in and roll-call was read. Immediately Captain Cortland's crisp voice gave the orders that opened up the ranks. An unexpected inspection was on. Lieutenant Hamilton stepped before the first platoon, Lieutenant Prescott before the second. Inspection of pieces was on. Hal and Noll stood in the second platoon, about half way down the line. Noll held his piece at port arms as soon as Lieutenant Prescott reached the man before him. By the time that the young West Pointer halted before Noll, Hal, as the next man, threw his rifle over to port arms. The inspection of Noll's rifle proved satisfactory. Then the lieutenant halted before Overton. "Open your magazine," commanded Lieutenant Prescott. Hal obeyed. "Draw your bolt." Hal did so, after a hard tug, holding the bolt in his hand. "Let me look at that bolt," ordered Prescott, gazing at the piece of steel mechanism in astonishment. He took it from the young soldier's hand and looked thunderstruck. "Don't replace your bolt until ordered, Private Overton. Fall out to the rear." Overwhelmed with amazement, his face flushing hotly with shame, Private Hal Overton gave his officer the rifle salute, then obeyed. Noll Terry's face went white with anxiety over his bunkie's misfortune. When inspection had been completed, Lieutenant Prescott made his report to Captain Cortland, who immediately followed his young second lieutenant to where Hal stood.