That meal was through at about seven in the evening.

Then came study time, lasting until 9.30 in the evening.

At 9.30 the plebe was at liberty to turn down his mattress and go to bed, if he felt tired enough; if not, he was at liberty to study a little longer.
At 10.30, however, taps sounded on a drum just inside the north sally port.

Now Mr.Plebe was obliged to turn out his light, instanter, and be in bed against the visit of the subdivision inspector, an upper class cadet, immediately afterward.

If Mr.
Plebe failed to be in bed he was reported--"skinned"-- and punished accordingly.
In between there were always the drills, the gymnasium work, inspections, guard mount for each plebe about once a week after he had been admitted to the ranks of the battalion.
To the boy fresh from home it is a fearfully hard lot at first.