Brandon of the Engineers

On his return to Santa Brigida, Dick went to see a Spanish oculist, who

took a more hopeful view than the Kingston doctor, although he admitted

that there was some danger of the injury proving permanent. Dick felt

slightly comforted when he learned that the oculist was a clever man who

had been well known in Barcelona until he was forced to leave the city

after taking part in some revolutionary plot. He was, however, unable to

resume his work, and while he brooded over his misfortunes a touch of the

malaria he had already suffered from hindered his recovery. One of the

effects of malaria is a feeling of black depression. He was feebly

struggling against the weakness and despondence when Fuller arrived and

soon afterwards came to see him. Dick, who was sitting in the darkest

corner of the veranda, had got rid of his bandage; but an ugly, livid

mark crossed his forehead to the shade above his eyes and his face looked

worn. Fuller talked about the dam for a time, and then stopped and looked

hard at his silent companion.

"I imagined all this would interest you, but you don't say much."

"No," said Dick. "You see, it's galling to listen to plans you can't take

part in. In fact, I feel I ought to resign."

"Why?"

"It looks as if it may be a long time before I can get to work and I may

never be of much use again."

"Well, I suppose it's natural that you should feel badly humped, but you

don't know that you'll lose your eye, and if you did, you'd do your work

all right with the other. However, since you started the subject, I've

something to say about our contract. If the new scheme we're negotiating

goes through, as I think it will, I'll have to increase my staff. Should

I do so, you'll get a move up and, of course, better pay for a more

important job."

Dick, who was touched by this mark of confidence, thanked him awkwardly,

and although he felt bound to object that he might be unable to fill the

new post, Fuller stopped him.

"All you have to do is to lie off and take it easy until you get well. I

know a useful man when I see him and it won't pay me to let you go. When

I've fixed things with the President I'll make you an offer. Now

Stuyvesant's waiting for me and I understand my daughter is coming to see

you."

He went away and soon afterwards Ida Fuller came in. Dick rather

awkwardly got her a chair, for his shade, which was closely pulled down,

embarrassed him, but she noticed this, and his clumsiness made a strong

appeal. She liked Dick and had some ground for being grateful to him. For

half an hour she talked in a cheerful strain and Dick did his best to

respond, but she saw what the effort cost and went away in a thoughtful

mood.