ve it to him. He
thinks he is going to run the company because his father has done so
much for it."

"And he thinks he and his friends are going to keep me in the background
because my father has done so little for it," added Rodney.

"Well, they can't do it, and they will find it out when the thing is put
to the test. You have a military education and Randolph hasn't. That's
one thing against him, and his overwhelming self-conceit is another. You
are rather young to look for a commission in a company of men, but you
will come in for the orderly sergeant's berth sure as shooting."

"I am obliged to those who suggested me for that place, but I'll not
take it," said Rodney very decidedly. "I enlisted for a soldier."

"Well, what in the name of sense do you call the orderly?"

"I call him a clerk," answered Rodney.

"Why, I thought he was drill-master."

"Of awkward squads--yes,"

"Then can't you see that that is another reason why we need you in that
berth? We all belong to the awkward squad now. You'll have to take it.
We need a drill-master, and must have some one who knows enough to keep
the company's books; and that's more than that friend of Randolph's can
do. I want nothing for myself, for I am not a military man. Hubbard will
come in for captain without opposition. It's the place he ought to have,
for he has done more for us than anybody else, and Odell and Percy will
be the lieutenants. Put those in the box when the time comes."

Rodney took the ballots that were placed in his hand, and just then some
one called out:

"Oh yes, oh yes, oh yes! All you Rangers fall in in single rank here in
front of headquarters, and be ready to cast your votes for captain."

Rodney laughed heartily.

"That's the deputy sheriff," said the recruit with whom he had been
conversing, as the two hastened toward the captain's tent. "There isn't
much military about that order."

"It'll do," replied Rodney. "The boys seem to understand it, and what
more do you want?"

"Now answer to your names," continued the deputy; whereupon Rodney
laughed again.

"What ought he to have said?" inquired his friend.

"Listen to roll-call, would be the proper order," said the Barrington
boy. "But it's all right. Guerillas are not supposed to be posted in
such things."

"But we are not guerillas."

"Look in your dictionary and you will find that you can't make us out to
be anything else," replied Rodney.

The two fell in side by side