Argosy, Vol. 85, No. 3 — page 89: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A .SOLDIER’S HONOR. like this, without getting even a look-in,” he declared hotly. ‘‘ Where there’s a will, there’s always a way. Monk, what are the orders for the day?” “Exhibition drill this afternoon. There go the bugles for it now. Then, to-night, there’s a reception at the supe’s house.” ‘“‘ Ah?” Kerr exclaimed. ‘“ A reception, eh?” “Yes; but that’s for officers only. No chance to horn in there. I don’t know, old man, but what our only hope is to shout out an S. O. S. at the prince from the ranks as you first suggested.” “No,” Mosely shook his head, as he struggled into the sleeves of his overcoat. ‘“‘ America first, my boy.. We mustn’t let these foreigners get the impression that there is any ragged discipline here. Be- sides, it would only prejudice old Choo- choo-cars against us. These Orientals are great sticklers for etiquette and ceremony, you know. No,” he repeated; “I’ve got a better scheme than that. Invitation or no invitation, I am going to that recep- tion.” ; Accordingly, there was no disturbance or undignified interruption in the exhibi- tion drill to which they now betook them- selves. With the rest of the battalion, Kerr and Darwin sloshed around through the snow of the parade ground in a series of evolu- tions which caused the somber eyes of the Chinese prince to lighten with a gleam of wonder as he admiringly clapped his gloved palms. The shy, fawnlike, little Princess Chu Sing, wrapped in her furs, also applauded daintily. With Asiatic reserve, she showed nothing that was in her mind, but down in her heart she thought she had never seen a more inspiring sight than these sturdy young sons of Mars. And when they passed in review, company front, with lines as straight as ruled edges, her brown cheeks glowed with. an irre- pressible touch of color and the breath came fast between her parted lips. After the drill was over, and along to- ward dusk, a gentle south wind sprang up, 431 bringing with it a distinct moderation in temperature. At about the same time lights began to glow out from the windows ot the superintendent’s residence, and busy preparations were in progress for the evening’s entertainment. How the ensuing complication occurred no one afterward was able to determine. It is a grave misdemeanor to tamper with the guard roster of an army post, and cer- tainly not one ordinarily apt to be at- tempted for the purpose of “ hogging ” extra.duty. Yet, strangely enough, when the commandant that evening instructed the first sergeant of ‘“‘ B ” company to de- tail a cadet as a special sentinel for the superintendent’s quarters during the hours of the reception, the name found deco- rating the top of the roster was that of Cadet Mosely. ' It was quite out of order, Kerr belong- ing properly almost at the foot of the list; but the first sergeant was a rather dense youth, a slave to routine—perhaps that fact had also been reckoned on—and when he saw the name there, that settled it. The assignment assured, Kerr prepared for it with the best his division could fur- nish. A pair of new trousers was requi- sitioned from a “ plebe”’ whose waist measure and length’ of limb approximated Mosely’s own; Darwin contributed a dress-coat with a prayer that the seams might hold; some one else gave a shako; and the various remaining articles of ap- parel were borrowed from other rooms along the corridor, either with or without the’ consent of the owners. If one is pos- sibly to hobnob with royalty, one wants to put one’s best foot forward, even though it is in another fellow’s shoes. So, thus accoutered, and with the cape of his gray overcoat thrown jauntily back to show his emancipated status as an up- per classman, Kerr emerged from bar- racks and strode across the quadrangle. Nine o’clock found him at the superin- tendent’s door, and a regular answered his ring. “Inform Colonel Vance that Cadet Mosely reports as ordered.” With mili- MICLOOOK C©