Chapters 5 through 8 Summary

In Chapter Five, Gorman begins showing Charley around the camp and telling him about his duties. Gorman tells Charley that he's to be always near the captain while he's on duty. He has to be accessible anytime the officer wants him. He does errands, helps with maps, carries water and anything else that's asked. But as the drummer, he also calls the men to their various duties throughout the day. Gorman says that the drummer must, above all else, learn the codes well. He must also never be late or face a serious punishment. Gorman says he had been switched once for being late. Gorman says that the army, unlike school, doesn't tolerate tardiness. Charley laughs to himself, thinking of the severe punishments handed out by the nuns who teach at the Catholic school he had attended in New York.

Charley...