Page:On to Pekin.djvu/97

Rh foe; and there were such commands as "right face," "left wheel," and the like, all of which interested the few spectators at hand. The regimental band on board played from time to time, to make the hours pass more pleasantly and keep the men from feeling homesick.

Although Nuggy Polk did not care to admit it, Nickerson's words made him feel somewhat anxious concerning his talks with Gilbert. In a dim way he remembered something of what he had said on the road outside of Manila, and he wondered if he had told more than was desirable.

"I was a fool to get drunk," he muttered to himself. "I'll take good care not to get that way again."

But this mental promise amounted to nothing, for such promises had been made and broken a dozen times before. What Nuggy Polk needed was a thorough reformation, and this could not come too soon.

While the company of which Gilbert was first lieutenant was drilling, Nuggy Polk drew close to a group of soldiers from another command who were watching the manœuvres, and entered into conversation with one of the number.