The Dermott news., 1917-06-21


 lifted the platform, and descended the steps,
 Here I am" he said as he stopped by the two.
 l His daughter took him by the arm and they walked down the platform so 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-fe ar of los ing her. He tried to speak.
 well, young man?' said Hing worth, hicking the ashes from his cigar and wishing to get it over you said you had something to say to me-
 Its very hard thing to say sir" He looked helpleSsly ut the girl. but she was speechless. It was his task. If she were not worth asking for she was not worth having, she might have said. "Well. sir" he began desperate ly, "I love your daughter, Helen. I want to marry her
 "Umph," said the colonel, "I sup posed aS much. How long have you and Helen known eaeh other?"
 "Over q year. sir, but l loved her from the very moment I saw her. i did not dare hope. I didn't dream, l never imagined. and strange aS il may seem. sir. she-seems to love me.
 "Of course do." said Helen. realiz- ing that il was now high time for her to come to the rescue of her lover, and 50 would any other woman.'
 You know, of course. that while l am not rich. I am not poor, and l cnn support my wife in every comfort, sir urged the man, greatly relieved by the Womnn'S prompt avowal
 shell need n few luxuries 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 l shall have my fathers influence and"
 When the bridge k finished" said the colonel decisively, "come to me and l you shall have my daughter"
 oh father the bridge won't be fin- ished for began the girl.
 Il understand, sir answered the en- gineer. too happy at her fathers eon- sent to make any difficulties over any reasonable conditions he might Impose. ] Yes, Helen it's all right; youf father is right. This jobs eot To b. done be fore I--"
 "oh. don't say before ylu tackle an other protested tha 1lrt hatf dIsap pointed. and get seeing the reasonable ucsS nt both men, Waj,e the eoleHy. lauehed grimly.
 "Thafs about thc size If it" said the old Hua. mo matter how Hou put tt One thing at q aWe. Meade. l daHt know anybody ou earth would rufher baNe for my son ln-l3w than clean. honest. able American with record ike yours. \ man who can lock Wc in the eye and grasp ae hy the hand. l like this.s
 He put out his hand as he spoke. Meade's own paim mot it and the two men shook hands internationally hHt firmly, after the manner of the self restrained, practical American, who k 1 always fearful of scene and does not wear his heart upon his sleeve. The colonel throw away his cigar, slipped i his arm around his daughters waist, 1 kissed her softly on tine forehead.
 T hate to lose you, Helen. I hate to give you up to anyone. We have been very happy together since your mother died leaving you Il little girl to me; but it had to come. suppose, and per haps l shall he glad in the end. Good night, Meade. You will be coming in l presently. Helen?" He turned and walked away as they answered him. They watched him go slowly with pended head, They watched him climb. rather heavily, up i the steps to the car-that he was m old man seemed rather suddenly borne l in upon them, He stood for n moment in the light, smiling, remembering, and then turned and marched within the ear. He switched the light out as he passed down the corridor.
 Wasn't he splendld7" said Helen. when she had time 10 breathe and free dom to speak.
 one of the finest old men on earth. He and father would make great 1 team"
 ''I was interested in the bridge. be- fore" said the woman, but think how l skall watch 1t now. You must write me every day and tell me every inch that you have gained"
 Trust me. I'll measure 1t in millI- meters"
 And now. sweet love. good night" i she whispered. And she laughed as, she looked back it him through the door.