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Show 20T there's the other: Carson, Carlson --" "Carlton. Captain Carlton, our doctor. He staid back too." Mrs Satterwhite clattered out a laugh. "No great loss." She gazed at Louise merrily. "Hate to have my life depend on h im." Again Louise could find no reply, but luckily she was spared the effort: Nell Smeari, wife of the Colonel's adjutant, came up, and the conversation moved to other topics. By then it was past noon. The sun rode overhead, unchallenged by clouds, and from the white sand of the beach heat-waves quivered in the light. Beyond the road -- lined with the Engineers' automobiles -- farmers worked in the rice-paddies. The men brought wood from the grove, and soon half a dozen meals were being cooked, the wood smoke mingling with the salt smell of the sea. From the water came the shouts of the children, and an occasional plop, as Lieutenant Jennings attempted a dive. After the meal most of the picnickers stretched out and gave themselves over to sleep. Some of the Engineers started a volleyball game, and two couples with small babies asleep played bridge. The afternoon passed. Mrs Satterwhite went from group to group, apportioning her presence deftly, while the Colonel sat back on a camp stool and let the circles form. It was commented on, among the Detachments, how much the Satterwhitss resembled each other: both were tall, gaunt, and sharp-featured, the |