pleasant time. We were not troubled with incessant
inspections or otherwise. We either studied for
examination or walked around the grounds. At or near
seven o'clock, the time of retreat parade, we were
formed near our barracks and inspected. Our ranks
were opened and the cadet lieutenant inspected our
clothing and appearance generally. A not infrequent
occurrence on these occasions was:

"Well, mister, what did you shave with--a shoehorn?"

At this we would smile, when the lieutenant,
sergeant, or corporal would jump at us and yell:

"Wipe that smile off your face, sir! What do you
mean, sir, by laughing in ranks?"

If any one attempted to reply he was instantly
silenced with--

"Well, sir, don't reply to me in ranks."

The inspection would be continued. Some one, unable
to restrain himself--the whole affair was so ridiculous--
would laugh right out in ranks. He was a doomed man.

"What do you mean, sir, by laughing in ranks, sir?"

Having been once directed not to reply in ranks, the
poor "plebe" would stand mute.