“It looks all right,” he said. “Are you sure the piers are sound? I haven’t time to examine them, but I know that a man who has built as many bridges as you, would make them right.”
“I am glad you are pleased, sir,” replied the builder.
“You have certainly made record time,” continued the inspector, “and I shall carry back a good report.”
“Thank you very much,” said the builder; but his pleasure was somewhat spoiled because of the shallow pier.
“It is all nonsense,” he thought, “to be so particular; besides, the current in that river is so slow that there is no danger.” And it seemed true, for three years later, the bridge appeared to be as firm and strong as when it was first built.
IV.
But one day in the early part of the fourth year there came a great flood. The slow-moving current became a raging torrent, sweeping everything in its way and blocking large timbers and trees against the bridge.
It so happened that a party of young people were riding along in a big hay wagon drawn by four beautiful bay horses. When they came to the bridge the driver stopped.
“Shall we cross?” he asked.
“Oh, yes,” the children shouted, “it will be fun.”