"Some of 'em are a little awkward yet, and a few are suffering from change of water, but they're good boys and we can depend on 'em, sir, when the time comes." "Especially since you have been thrashing 'em into shape for so many days, sergeant." "Thank you, sir." An orderly came with a message for Colonel Winchester, who left at once, but Dick and the sergeant, his faithful comrade and teacher, stood beside the stream.

They could easily see the bathers farther down, splashing in the water, pulling one another under, and, now and then, hurling a man bodily into the pool.

They were all boys to the veteran.

Many of them had been trained by him, and his attitude toward them was that of a school teacher toward his pupils.
"You have ears that hear everything, sergeant," said Dick.

"What is this new movement that I've heard two or three men speak of?
Something sudden they say." "I've heard too," replied Sergeant Whitley, "but I can't guess it.
Whatever it is, though, it's coming soon.