In the shade of the nearest trees a team of mules had dozed while
the bridge construction was going on. Behind the mules was hitched
a loaded wagon belonging to the Engineer Corps.
"Sir," reported Prescott, approaching Lieutenant Armstrong and
saluting, "I have the honor to report that the bridge is constructed."
Lieutenant Armstrong returned the salute, next called to an engineer
soldier.
"Carter!"
"Sir," answered the engineer private, saluting.
"Drive your team over the bridge and back."
Mounting to the seat of his wagon, the soldier obeyed.
Dick Prescott and his mates did not watch this test closely.
They were sure enough of the quality of the work that they had
done.
Reaching land at the further side of the bridge, the engineer
soldier turned his team in a half circle, once more drove upon
the bridge and recrossed to the starting point.
"Very well done, Mr. Prescott," nodded the Engineer officer, with
a satisfied smile.
"Take down the bridge," ordered Dick, after having saluted the
Army instructor.
Working as hard as before, the young men of the third and first
classes began to demolish the bridge that they had constructed.
When this had been done, and Dick had officially reported the
fact, Lieutenant Armstrong replied:
"Mr. Prescott, you will form your detachment and march back to
camp."
"Very good, sir."
Always that same salute with which a man in the Army receives
an order.
Pages:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25