The states-graphic. (Brownsville, Tenn.) 1???-1984, 1917-02-09

"When the Bridge Is Finished"
as to be out of any possible hearing
from the car.
"Now," she said to Meade, who fol-
lowed her.
His heart was beating almost as rap
idly as 1t had on the bridge, and for
exactly the same reason--fear OF los
ing her. He tried to speak.
"Weli, young MANI" said Hing
worth, Ticking the ashes from his cigar
and wishing to get 1t over, you said
you had something to say to me"
ITS very hard thing to say, sir"
He looked helplessly at the girl, but
she was speechless. 1t was his task.
If she were not worth asking for, she
was not worth having, she might have
said. "Well sir" he Logan desperate
ly 81 love your daughter, Helen. !
want to marry her."
"Umph,' said the colonel, Il sup.
posed as much. How long have yor
and Helen known each other?"
"0ver year, sir, but / loved her
from the very moment | saw her.
| did not dare hope, didn't dream,
never imagined, and strange as IT may
seem, sir, she--seems to love me-"
"Of course do, said Helen, realiz
ing that It was now high time for hel
10 eoIne to. tie rescue n ha''n-
"and 50 would any other woman
''You know, Of course, that while I
am not rich, l am not poor, and | can
support any wife in every comfort, sir"
urged the man. greatly relieved by the
womans prompt avowal.
"She'll need few Injuries besides,
| I'm thinking
Yes, OF course, sir, I'll see that she
gets them This bridge is going to
make us all famous, and shall have
my fathers influence and"
."When the bridge is finished said
the colonel decisively, come to me and
you shall have my daughter"
"0h, father, the bridge won't be fin
ished for" began the girl.
II understand, SIR" answered the ems
gineer, too happy at her fathers con-
sent to make any difficulties over any
reasonable conditions he might impose.
Eyes, Helen, It's all right your father
is right. This jobs got to be done be-
fore L"
"Oh, don't say before you tackle an
other" protested the girl, half disap-
pointed, and yet seeing the reasonable
ness of both men, while the colonel
laughed grimly.
THAT'S about the size of It." said the
old man, mo matter how you put 1t.
One thing at time. Meade, | don't
know anybody on earth would rather
have for my son-in-law than clean,
honest, able American with record
like yours. A man who can look me
In the eye and grasp me by the hand,
like this"
He put out his hand as he spoke.
Meade's own palm met 1t and the two
men shook hands internationally but
firmly, after the manner Of the self
restrained, practical American, who Is
always fearful of scene and does not
wear his heart upon his sleeve. The
colonel threw away his cigar, slipped
his arm around his daughters waist,
kissed her softly on the forehead.
81 hate TO lose you, Helen. hate to
give you up to anyone. We have been
very happy together since your mother
died, leaving you a little girl to me
but 1t had to come. suppose, and per-
haps | shall be glad in the end. Good
night, Meade. You will be coming In
presently, Helenf"
He turned and walked away as they
answered him. They watched him go
slowly with Bonded head. They
watched him climb, rather heavily, up
the steps to the car-that he was an
old man seemed rather suddenly borne
In upon them He stood for moment
in the light, smiling, remembering, and
then turned and marched within the
car. He switched the light out as he
passed down the corridor.
"Wasn't he splendid7r said Helen,
when she had time to breathe and free
dom to speak.
"One Of the finest old men on earth.
He and father would make great
team
Ito be continued