In Barracks and Wigwam — page 83: what you’re looking at

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

Off to the Frontier. | ii 8 The officer did not doubt this statement after glance | keenly ‘at the applicant’s sturdy build. “You are unmarried, of course?” he resumed. “Yes, sir,’ was the smiling reply. ‘And what of your character and habits? I suppose i you can produce a certificate “No, sir; I can't do that,” Linn said, quickly. “But I Biguié* you on my honor that I am all a gentleman should be. [ have good reasons for wishing to enlist. I have always wanted to be a soldier, and as West Point is out of the question, I have chosen this course.’ The officer hesitated a moment. It was doubtless his duty to insist upon a clearer statement, but he liked the lad’s looks and his straightforward speech; and, more-— over, the recruiting business had been very slack and dull ‘ of late. So the upshot of it was that Linn was excused from> further questioning, and was taken to an inner room to he weighed and examined by two privates in the presence of the recruiting officer. He passed through the ordeal with flying colors, and after slipping on his clothes a took the oath of service. He was now a duly enlisted private in the regular army, © sworn under the name of Linn Osborne to serve for five years at the monthly pay of thirteen dollars, and entitled to receive rations, clothes, bedding, and medical attend- ance from the:'Government. He Sia had the privilege of discharge at the end of three years, providing he had_ served faithfully and obediently during that time. Linn retained a few dollars of his money, and gave the rest to the recruiting officer, taking a receipt for it. He was provided with sleeping quarters in the building, and_ here he spent three days. Then, with five other recruits, (é micbuoke m he was sent off to Columbus Barracks, where he spent CO