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 "Lieutenant Grant sent you, eh? What can you do?"

"I don't know," Jerry acknowledged. "I can't cook."

"Looks like he's found that out. Whenever a man's good at nothing he tries to join the band or the field music. Humph! Where'd you get that drum?"

"On the way up the hill."

"What were you doing there?"

"Just following along, sir, to keep with the lieutenant and the company."

"You're the same young fellow who was in the naval battery, aren't you?"

"Yes, sir."

"Can you drum?"

"Not much yet, but I'll learn."

"Let's hear you. Sound a roll."

Jerry did, after a fashion.

"Tap common time."

Jerry did.

"Now quick time."

Jerry did.

"You've got a pretty good ear," the drum major approved. "I'm a drummer short. I'll see what I can do for you, but of course I'll have to ask the adjutant. Anyway, you can fall in with the field music in the morning for the march. Are those your best clothes?"

"Yes, sir."

"Maybe we can rustle a uniform for you, and have a tailor fit it."

"Could I stay in Company B?"

"Why?"