"'Blade'? Extree 'Blade'?" demanded a newsboy, holding out a paper.
"Better take one, Mr. Dodge," advised a man in the crowd. "Mighty interesting reading in this extra!"
Almost mechanically the banker paid for a paper, folded it, then stepped into the automobile.
On his arrival home, and after having turned the car over to his chauffeur, Mr. Dodge went to his library, despite the fact that he knew his dinner was waiting.
There he spread out the extra "Blade" on a table and began to read the featured news story.
As he read the elder Dodge flushed deeply. Though the names of Bert and Bayliss were not mentioned, he had no difficulty in connecting them with the ludicrous story.
Turning, Mr. Dodge rang. A man servant answered.
"Mrs. Dodge wishes to know, sir, when you are coming to dinner," said the man.
"Ask Mrs. Dodge, from me kindly to let the dinner go on, and say that I am busy, now, but will come to the table as soon as I am at leisure. Then ask Mr. Bert to come here to me at once."
Bert entered. He had removed his wet garments, and put on fresh clothing. He had been at dinner when interrupted by his father's message.