"Confound it, yes," returned Captain Holmes. "I must put in the time until midnight with Sergeant Lund going over clothing requisitions for my new draft of men." "My requisitions are all in, and I expect the clothing supplies to-morrow morning," Dick continued. "That is because you got your draft of new men two days earlier than I did," grumbled Greg. "You're always the lucky one. But what are you going to do to-night that you want company?" "I thought I'd like to take a walk in the moonlight," Dick responded. "Great Scott! Do you mean to tell me you don't get enough walk in the daytime in the broiling sunlight?" "Not the same kind of walking," Prescott smiled. "I want to stroll to-night and talk. But if I must go alone, then I shall have to think." "Don't attempt hard work after hours," advised Holmes. "Such as walking?" "No; thinking." Dick finished his meal and stepped outside in the air. The first to join him was Lieutenant Morris. "Feel like taking a walk in the moonlight?" Dick asked. "I'd be delighted, Captain, but to-night I'm officer in charge at the company barracks." "True; I had forgotten." Other officers Dick invited to join him, but all had duty of one kind or another, or else home letters to write. "Did I hear you say you were going to take a walk, Prescott?" asked Major Wells. "Yes, sir. By any great good luck are you willing to go with me?" "I'd like to, Prescott, but as it happens there is the school for battalion commanders to-night. A talk on trench orders by the brigadier is listed, I believe." "I'm afraid I shall have to go alone," sighed Dick "Yet I've half a mind to stroll over to company office and invent some new paper work. With every one else busy I feel like the only slacker in the regiment." "If you really go alone," suggested the major, "perhaps you could combine pleasure with doing me a favor." "How, sir?" "My horse hasn't had any exercise for three days. I'd be glad if you'd take him out tonight, if it suits you." "Nothing could please me better, sir," Dick cried eagerly, for he dearly loved a horse. "How soon will you be ready?" "At once, Major." "Then I'll send around now for the horse." Just a few minutes later an orderly rode up, dismounted, saluted and turned the saddled animal over to A company's commander. "This is luck, indeed!" Dick told himself, as he felt the horse's flanks between his knees and moved off at a slow canter. "I wonder why I never tried to transfer into the cavalry." While waiting for the horse he had telephoned the adjutant, stating that for the next three hours he would be either in camp or in the near vicinity.