“True,” the Adjutant agreed with a smile. “Well, we’ll let the pontoons stand. The traditions of the British Army are changing fast, but while we don’t demand the old mechanical obedience, it might be better not to introduce too marked innovations. Anyhow, it’s not desirable that they should, so to speak, strike a commanding officer in the eye. Some officers are conservative and don’t like that kind of thing.”
He moved on and Dick wondered whether he had said too much. He was apt to forget his rank and comparative unimportance when technical matters were discussed. In fact, it was sometimes difficult not to appear presumptuous; but when one knew that one was right——
In the meantime, the Adjutant met the Colonel, and they stopped together at the bridge-head.
“I think we have made a good job, but the brigade’s transport is pretty heavy,” the Colonel remarked.
“I’m satisfied with the bridge, sir; very creditable work for beginners. If the other branches of the new armies are as good——”
“The men are in earnest. Things, of course, are changing, and I suppose old-fashioned prejudices must go overboard. Personally, I liked the type we had before the war, but we’ll let that go. Young Brandon strikes me as particularly keen.”
“Keen as mustard,” the Adjutant agreed. “In other ways, perhaps, he’s more of the kind you have been used to.”
“Now I wonder what you mean by that! You’re something of what they’re pleased to call a progressive, aren’t you? However, I like the lad. His work is good.”
“He knows, sir.”
“Ah,” said the Colonel, “I think I understand. But what about the drawings of the new pontoons? They must be sent to-night.”