The Rover Boys in Camp Part 21

"Wish we were going right now!"

"We shall start Monday morning," was the answer. "To-morrow we will get out our tents and camping outfits and see that all are in first-cla.s.s order. It is perhaps needless to add that during this encampment the officers will be in authority during all but off hours, when myself and my a.s.sistants will take charge."

This ended the talk, and the students immediately broke up into little groups to discuss the good news.

"We ought to have just a boss good time while in camp," cried Sam.

"Think of living in tents, and having nothing to do but fish, and swim, and make yourself comfortable."

"Sam must be getting lazy," returned d.i.c.k. "But I grant you I think it will be first-cla.s.s myself."

About the only pupil who did not relish going into camp was William Philander Tubbs.

"It will be beastly to live out in the open, on the ground," said Tubbs. "Supposing it should rain? Why, we'll all get wet!"

"Never mind, that will make you grow, Tubby," said Sam.

"Sam Rover, how often must I tell you not to address me as--ah--Tubby.

My full name is--"

"Oh, I know that--William Longfellow Washington Hezekiah Philander Salamander Tubbs. But you can't expect me to say that every time, can you?" questioned Sam innocently.

"Mine cracious! vos dot his hull name?" burst in Hans Mueller. "It's apout as long as a freight drain, ain't it, alretty!"

"No, my name is--"

"Perhaps I forgot one or two syllables," interrupted Sam. "Very sorry, I'm sure."

"I said my name--"

"I know you said it, half a dozen times, Billy. But you see life is so very short, and time so precious--"

"I meant to say--"

"Sorry, Billy, but I can't wait to hear it all," cried Sam, and ran away.

"He is--er--extremely rude," murmured Tubbs.

"Put dot's a long name, ain't it?" said Hans, "I couldn't remember dot no more as I can remember der names of all der kings py England alretty."

"Oh, I am disgusted!" sighed William Philander, and started to walk away.

"Vot is you disgusted apout, Mr. Dubbs?"

"Because they won't call me by my proper name."

"Do da call you by your imbrober name?" asked Hans innocently.

"Eh?"

"I said, do da call you py your imbrober name?" repeated the German youth.

"Oh, don't talk to me," howled Tubbs, and walked away more disconcerted than ever.

"Dot fellow vas so sharp like a pox of bebber, ain't it?" sighed Hans to himself.

The preparations for the annual encampment went forward rapidly. All of the outfit was inspected with care and found to be in good order. Each cadet was provided with a blanket, and a knapsack full of extra underclothing and other necessary things. The captain had already engaged three big wagons to carry the tents, poles, and cooking utensils, including several camp stoves, and from another quarter cots were to be sent to the camp direct, so that the cadets would not be compelled to lie upon the ground.

"Now, I guess everything is ready," said d.i.c.k; late Sat.u.r.day evening.

Sunday was a day of rest for the most part. In the morning the majority of the students marched to church under the directions of the captain and Mr. Strong, and part of the afternoon was spent in writing letters to the folks at home. "Lights out," sounded half an hour earlier than usual, so that the cadets might get a good sleep before starting out on the two days' march.

CHAPTER XV

ON THE MARCH TO CAMP

_Rat-tat-tat!_ _Rat-tat-tat!_ _Rat-tat-tat!_

The cadets got their first taste of the annual encampment early in the morning, when, instead of hearing the familiar bell, they were awakened by the rolling of the drum.

"Time to get up, everybody!" cried Sam, flinging the covers from him.

"It won't do to be late this morning."

"That is true, Private Rover," came solemnly from d.i.c.k. "I will fine any soldier of my command who is behind time."

"Thank you, Captain Rover, I'll remember that," came from one of the other cadets. "And how is Lieutenant Rover this morning"?

"Fine as silk," came from Tom, who was already splashing in the cold water of his washbowl. "I'll bet a big red apple against a turnip that I'm down first," and he began to don his uniform with remarkable rapidity.

All of the students were soon below, and then the various companies marched into the messroom for their last breakfast at the Hall for some time to come.

"I see the wagons have already left," said Sam.

"Yes, the drivers are to get the camp in readiness for to-night,"

answered his big brother.

Knowing that they had a long march before them, the majority of the cadets ate a hearty breakfast. Mrs. Green, the housekeeper, was sorry to have them leave, and had prepared an unusually fine repast.

"Mrs. Green is just all right," declared Tom. "I move we give her a vote of thanks." And this was later on done, much to the old lady's delight.

It was a perfect day. The sun shone brightly, and there was just enough breeze to keep the atmosphere fresh and exhilarating. Captain Putnam was to accompany the students on horseback, and the teachers had already gone off with the wagons.

"Battalion, attention!" shouted Major Larry Colby, when the cadets were a.s.sembled on the parade ground. And the order was immediately obeyed.

"Shoulder arms!" was the next order given, and up went every gun in unison. The movement was so pretty that the spectators who had gathered to see the boys march off clapped their hands in approval.