[Dick Prescott’s First Year at West Point by H. Irving Hancock]@TWC D-Link bookDick Prescott’s First Year at West Point CHAPTER XI 11/14
That yearling, on the other side of a tent wall, grinned, and presently took counsel with other yearlings. It was almost at the stroke of taps that night when Bert Dodge marched from guard tent with the relief under Cadet Corporal Hasbrouck. As the other sentry on number three fell in, and Dodge stepped out to take up his vigil, Corporal Hasbrouck gave added instructions to the new and untried sentry. "Sometimes, Mr.Dodge, this post has been known to be about as dangerous as one in war time." "Yes, sir, answered Dodge respectfully, as he was bound to.
Then as the cadet corporal marched on with the relief, Dodge glanced after the vanishing squad to mutter to himself: "What a lot of nonsense.
I'd like to see anyone rush me!" "I wonder what Dodge will do on number three to-night," yawned Anstey, just before the three tentmates fell asleep. "Oh, I wonder what it will be," grinned Greg. Then the three went sound asleep. Dick turned later and awoke just in time to hear the voice of a sentry calling: "Half past eleven! Post number one, and all's we-ell!" Then, a little further away, another voice took up the refrain: "Post num-ber two, and all's we-ell!" "Jupiter!" gasped sleepy Prescott, becoming instantly wide awake. "Post number three doesn't answer.
They've gone and got old Dodge." There was a rapid sound of feet in the company street as Corporal Hasbrouck and the guard rushed along at double quick. "Hey, you--wake up!" commanded Dick, vigorously prodding the plebe sleepers on either side of him. "All present, sir!" sleepily mumbled Anstey. "What's up ?" demanded Greg, sitting up. "The very deuce!" retorted Dick.
"There! Listen to that!" "Bang!" sounded a rifle report.
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