one o'clock
Then two boys from the country asked about the service , and went off very quickly when they found they would have to remain in it for three years at least . A great many more stopped in front of the gay pictures and gazed admiringly at Corporal Goddard 's bright brass buttons and brilliant complexion , which they innocently attributed to exposure to the sun on long , weary marches . But no one came to offer himself in earnest . At one o'clock Lieutenant Claflin changed his coat and went down-town to luncheon , and came back still more content and in feeling with the season , and lighted another cigar . But just as he had settled himself comfortably he heard Corporal Goddard 's step on the stairs and a less determined step behind him . He took his feet down from the rung of the other chair , pulled his undress jacket into place , and took up a pen . Corporal Goddard saluted at the door and introduced with a wave of his hand the latest applicant for Uncle Sam 's service .