eleven o'clock
Noll was up on deck enjoying himself ; Hal , as acting first sergeant , was otherwise occupied during the greater part of the forenoon . At the head of B Company 's quarters , two decks below , young Overton sat at a little table , busily working over a set of papers that he had to make up . This `` paper work '' is one of the banes of first sergeants and of company commanders . It was after eleven o'clock when Sergeant Hal finished his last sheet . The papers he folded neatly and thrust them into a long , official envelope , which he endorsed and blotted . Rising , he thrust the envelope into the breast of his blouse and started for the nearest companionway . `` I 'm glad , old fellow , that you are the acting first sergeant , '' grinned comfortable Noll Terry , as his chum came upon deck with forehead , face and neck beaded with perspiration .