A PROMISING OFFICER The lengthening shadows lay blue and cool beneath the alders by the waterside, though the cornfields that rolled back up the hill glowed a coppery yellow in the light of the setting sun. It was hot and, for the most part, strangely quiet in the bottom of the valley since the hammers had stopped, but now and then an order was followed by a tramp of feet and the rattle of chain-tackle. Along one bank of the river the reflections of the trees quivered in dark-green masses; the rest of the water was dazzlingly bright. A pontoon bridge, dotted with figures in khaki, crossed a deep pool. At its head, where a white road ran down the hill, a detachment of engineers lounged in the shade. Their faces were grimed with sweat and dust, and some, with coats unbuttoned, sprawled in the grass. They had toiled hard through the heat of the day, and now were enjoying an Ȝeasy,ȝ until they should be called to attention when their work was put to the test. As Lieutenant Richard Brandon stood where the curve was boldest at the middle of the bridge, he had no misgivings about the result so far as the section for which he was responsible was concerned. He was young, but there was some ground for his confidence; for he not only had studied all that text-books could teach him but he had the constructorșs eye, which sees half-instinctively where strength or weakness lies. Brandon began his military career as a prize cadet and after getting his commission he was quickly promoted from subaltern rank. His advancement, however, caused no jealousy, for Dick Brandon was liked. He was, perhaps, a trifle priggish about his workȔcock-sure, his comrades called itȔbut about other matters he was naïvely ingenuous. Indeed, acquaintances who knew him only when he was off duty thought him something of a boy. In person, he was tall and strongly made, with a frank, sunburned face. His jaw was square and when he was thoughtful his lips set firmly; his light-gray eyes were clear and steady. He was genial with his comrades, but usually diffident in the company of women and older men. Presently the Adjutant came up and, stopping near, glanced along the rippling line that marked the curve of the bridge. ȜThese center pontoons look rather prominent, as if theyșd been pushed upstream a foot or two,ȝ he remarked. ȜWas that done by Captain Maitlandșs order?ȝ ȜNo, sir,ȝ Dick answered with some awkwardness. ȜFor one thing, I found theyșd lie steadier out of the eddy.ȝ ȜThey do, but I donșt know that itșs much of an advantage. Had you any other reason for modifying the construction plans?ȝ Dick felt embarrassed. He gave the Adjutant a quick glance; but the manșs face was inscrutable. Captain Hallam was a disciplinarian where discipline was needed, but he knew the value of what he called initiative. ȜWell,ȝ Dick tried to explain, Ȝif you notice how the wash of the head-rapid sweeps down the middle of the poolȔȔȝ ȜI have noticed it,ȝ said the Adjutant dryly....