XVI
A FRIEND IN NEED
TWO Two days after Tom had signed the highway contract, Babcock sat in his private office in New York, opening his mail. In the outside room were half a dozen employees—engineers and others—awaiting their instructions.
The fine spring weather had come and work had been started in every direction, including the second section of the sea-wall at the depot, where the divers were preparing the bottom for the layers of concrete. Tom's carts had hauled the stone.
Tucked into the pile of letters heaped before him, Babcock's quick eye caught the corner of a telegram. It read as follows:—
Mother hurt. Wants you immediately. Please come. Jennie Grogan.
For an instant he sat motionless, gazing at the yellow slip. Then he sprang to his feet.
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