“So,” he went on, “I’m looking for eighteen volunteers who’ll put in the next month and a half working harder than you’ve ever worked. In return, you’ll learn a variety of construction skills and you’ll get to stay on here in Montana as a member of a brand-new camp with an important mission.

“I’m requesting a few individuals for various reasons. Linchfeld, you’ve had some building experience. Lundgren, I’m assuming you’ll want in, since your family’s in Monroe. Moss Trawnley, we can use some mechanic’s skills. Now, that leaves fifteen slots. Volunteers?”

Talk broke out, but I didn’t listen.

I was going? They were letting me stay in after all? I wanted to shout out a huge Yes!

Then a different thought sent my spirits plunging. What if Captain Strom just hadn’t heard about the latrine fight yet, and once he did, I’d be taken off Major Garrett’s list and discharged after all?

Hands were going up here and there, mostly Montana boys wanting to stay in state.

I heard Sam say, “Samuel Whitney, sir. I’d like to volunteer.”

“Very good. That makes seventeen. I need one more.”

And then Apple muttered, sounding anguished, “The Grand Canyon! I don’t believe it. That’s as good as Yellowstone! What a guy doesn’t have to do for his buddies.”

He raised his hand, “Edward Durgan,” he said. “I’ll go.”

“That’s the group, then,” the major said. “I’d like to talk to you for a few moments before breakfast.”

Sergeant Mackey took over. “You heard it. Construction cadre stay here. The rest of you, dismissed!”

The formation broke up amid loud chatter. My friends slapped my back.

“See!” Nate said. “I told you!”

“If it’s not a mistake,” I said.

“All right,” Major Garrett said. “Gather around. I’m going to make this fast, because I want you to get some food in you and then get your belongings packed up fast. A truck will pick you up at 0900 to take you to the railroad station. I’ll fill you in more once we’re on our way, but does anyone have any immediate questions?”

One of the Montana enrollees said, “I’m just wondering, are we supposed to build the camp all by ourselves?”

“You’ll be working with local carpenters, and the army has developed construction procedures that are fast and simple.”

Sam asked, “What about the rest of our conditioning period here?”

“It’s over as of now.” Major Garrett glanced around. “Okay. If that’s it, you better get yourselves to the mess hall.”

I turned to my friends. “You guys go on to breakfast,” I told them. “I’ll catch up.”