The Dermott news., 1917-08-02
CHAPTER VIII.
For the Father,

group of anxious reporters, clustered at the door of the Uplift building. wer, galvanized into life by the arrival of { taxicab. Out of it leaped Bertran Meade. He was recognized instantly
 You know about the bridge Meadef" asked one. forcing his 0ay 1 through the crowd. which broke Into a sudden clamor of questioning. Meade nodded. He recognized the speaker. their hands met. This was a man of his own age named Rodney who had been Meade's classmate al Cambridge, his devoted friend there after. Instead of active practice. he had chosen to become q writer on sci- entific subjects and was there as a representative of the Engineering News. There were sympathy and af- lection In his voice and look, and In the grasp of his hand.
 Have you seen my father. Rodney ?' Meade asked. quickly moving to the elevator. followed by all the men.
 At the house they said he was not there, and here at the office we get no answer"
 AS Meade turned he saw his fathers secretary coming slowly through the entrance. "Shurtllff." he called out. My father?"
 Il left him In the office two hours ago. He told me to-to-go away and leave him alone. have been wan- dering about the streets"
 Outside in the street the newsboys were shrieking:
 "Extry Extryl All about the col lapse of the International bridge. Two hundred engineers and workmen lost"
 Shurtliff had one of the papers in his hand. Meade tore 1t from him.
 "Who Is Responsibler stared at him in big red headlines.
 "Gentlemen," said Meade, T can answer that question"-he held up the paper so that all might see-"the fault the blame-is mine"
 "We'll have to see your father, Bert" said Rodney.
 He Is in this building, we know, and he'll never leave it without run hing the gantlet of us all." cried an- other amid a chorus of approval.
 Meade realized there was no escape. They all piled into the elevator with him and Shurtliff. They followed him up the corridor. He stopped before the door of the office.
 "I forbid you to come in." he said. This is my fathers private"
 Have no fear. Bert" said Rodney firmly. We don't intend to break in. We understand how you feel. We will wait here until you say the word. and then all we shall want will be state ment from your father"
 ''Thank you. old man. Come. Shurt- liff." said Meade. turning his key in the lock. The two men entered and carefully closed the door behind them.
 The door was scarcely shut when Helen Illingworth left the elevator and came rapidly up the corridor. She had called at the ofiice before and had no need to ask the way. Tho reporters gathered around the door moved to give her passage while they stared at her with deep if respectful curiosity.
 Pardon me. gentlemen" she began, but I am very anxious to see the younger Bertram Meade"
 He has just gone into the office" !" answered Rodney respectfully.
 The girl raised her hand to knock.
 "A moment, please; perhaps you had better understand the situs ton. The International bridge"
 The girl came to a sudden determi- nation. She could not declare herself too soon or too publicly.
 My name is Illingworth." she said. and as the hats of thu surprised report CTS came off. she continued. "I am the daughter of the president of the Mart let Bridge company. which was erect ing the International" "Yes, Miss nlingworth." answered Rodney. '.and did you como here to represent himr
 'T am Mir. Bertram Meade. Jr.'s promised wife. and I am here because 1t Is the place where I ought to be When the man love is h trouble. must bs with him."