The Other Side of the Bridge

Much to Arthur’s chagrin, Jake begins to pursue Laura. Arthur watches helplessly, never lifting a finger to stop Jake or interfere in any way.

World War II becomes a more central plot point as it winds down and the first soldiers return. One of the POWs working Arthur’s farm gets a telegram informing him that his brother has died. Arthur’s mother, who has come to think of the two POWs as family, consoles him.

Of all the boys who went with Arthur to enlist, only one, Ted Hatchett, is still alive. He returns home badly disfigured, missing both legs, an arm and an eye. He also does not talk. Arthur, after overcoming his initial horror, begins to visit him regularly.

Arthur loses interest in Jake and Laura, preferring to simply avoid his brother. He begins to spend more time with Ted Hatchett, who still has not spoken to anyone. Arthur tells him stories about his work and the farm. Ted does not respond.

Arthur goes to help the Reverend March fix a generator and considers warning him about Jake and Laura, but decides that no one would believe him because “Jake’s lies were far more convincing than the truth” (281).