I came within a hair's breadth of applying to the commandant of cadets for a new instructor in drill.

Only you told me that no heed would be paid to such a request from a new plebe." "I should rather say not," grinned Anstey.

"However, you'll be through the prelim.

grind soon, and then you'll be admitted to a company in the battalion." "I'm fitted for it now," growled Bert.
"You won't get into a company, though, until Corporal Spurlock reports you as fitted." "That fellow is the most rascally tyrant I ever saw anywhere," growled Bert, picking up a text-book on mathematics.
By this time the season of outdoor drills and daily dress parade had arrived.

This particular afternoon, however, in the latter part of March, a heavy, blinding snowstorm had come along.