In Barracks and Wigwam — page 75: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

Linn Saves His New Friend, 65 tenant Dimsdale,” he said. “I have always wanted to be a soldier myself. What are the chances nowadays for a young fellow to enlist and work his way upward from the ranks ?”’ “The chances for that are never very bright,” was the reply, “but in these times, when there is so much trouble out on the frontier, a young recruit with the right stuff in him has a fair show to climb the ladder of promotion.” “And in time, if he was well educated, he would stand on the same level with a West Point graduate?” asked Linn. “I mean, could he get to be lieutenant, and would he have equal chances for the future ?”’ “Yes, I think he would. It depends a great deal on bravery and obedience, and on:taking advantage of what opportunities turn up. We're talking now about a well- educated private. It would be different, you understand, with an ignorant man, no matter what else he was. And then, being on active service has everything to do with it. A young recruit, even if he had all the qualities in him to make a great general, would stand no show at all if he was tied down in some Eastern army post.” — Lieutenant Dimsdale was an enthusiast in his profes- sion, and, seeing that he had an interested listener, he talked rapidly and for some time of a soldier’s life, paint- ing it in bright and glowing colors, and: never dreaming that Linn was taking his words to heart and storing them away for future encouragement. _-“T- don’t know that I would advise a an of mine to enlist,” he concluded, “because it would be taking too great a responsibility on myself. But if I had failed to enter West Point I would surely have started in the ranks. As I said before, now is the time for a brave, steady, and educated recruit to win his way up—provided he can get. on the frontier. Just at present things are quiet, but it @ m Eboo KS (a(@) m won't be long until the. Indians are kicking up a row