We noticed that the greeting became less cordial, but still it was "Good-morning, Captain Eads." This fell till we were surprised to hear "Pipe" talking of "Mr.Eads." Before the troubles were over, the "Colonel" had fallen to "Jim Eads," and to tell the truth, long before the work was out of the shops, "Jim" was now and then preceded by a big "D." A man may be possessed of great ability, and be a charming, interesting character, as Captain Eads undoubtedly was, and yet not be able to construct the first bridge of five hundred feet span over the Mississippi River,[27] without availing himself of the scientific knowledge and practical experience of others.
[Footnote 27: The span was 515 feet, and at that time considered the finest metal arch in the world.] When the work was finished, I had the Colonel with me in St.Louis for some days protecting the bridge against a threatened attempt on the part of others to take possession of it before we obtained full payment.

When the Colonel had taken up the planks at both ends, and organized a plan of relieving the men who stood guard, he became homesick and exceedingly anxious to return to Pittsburgh.

He had determined to take the night train and I was at a loss to know how to keep him with me until I thought of his one vulnerable point.

I told him, during the day, how anxious I was to obtain a pair of horses for my sister.

I wished to make her a present of a span, and I had heard that St.Louis was a noted place for them.