The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1871-06-22

outlay, lie Qetermlneu lO WOrK IHe patent
himself. AS he was poor man, how
ever, he had to start on borrowed capi-
tai; and Just as he was on the point OF
success, the lender of the money came
down upon him; either mistrusting the
speculation, or anxious TO secure the
profits for himself There was no help
for it; the bills were due, the debtor
had not got the money to meet them
with, and the creditor refused to renew.
The poor mechanician felt as if fate
were against him, and in the poignancy
of his despair, determined to put an end
to himself.
"Well," said Tom, in fever, "but how
much are these bills for that are out
against you ?"
with interest, fifteen hundred
pounds"
"That would set you quite free:"
"Quite."
"And how much more would start
your invention fairly, so that it might
begin to pay"
"If L had another thousand, success
would be certain"
"Well, look here" cried the imprudent
Tom; "I have only got five thousand
pounds III the world, SO do not hurt me
without getting any good yourself.
But if, on going over the matter care
fully, there really seems good prospect
OF making the thing pay for an expendi-
ture of two thousand five hundred, we
will get into partnership"
1t was q wonderful thing to see how
the light of hope and triumph flashed
upon Collns's face as he heard these
words.
"Come, come to my lodgings" said
he, "and will satisfy you. Oh, can
bear the journey to London well enough,
never fear"
Tom Chatteris knew nothing whatever
about mechanical contrivances, but ne
had certain amount of general intelli-
gence; and Collins's explanation of his
model was so lucid that it became evi-
dent enough that, supposing he was
right about the present state of that
description of machinery, he had i'm
proved upon it very considerably. He
supported his views of the case by let
ters from well known firms consenting
to give his patent trial, and authoriz-
ing him to send them the novelty when
ready; and he also had account books
and other memoranda showing the state
of forwardness in which his little manu-
factory was when slenced for want of
the sinews of trade.
In short, good deal less would have
suiiiced to determine Tom, whose impul-
sive and speculative nature had caught
fire at the others enthusiasm. Neck or
nothing, he went heart and soul into
the affair, sold out three thousand
pounds, took up the bills, and provided
Collins with the means of completing
his orders as soon as possible.
He was little damped on Sunday,
when he went to the Fassils'. Ju., in
deed, was pleased enough to learn that
he had at last heard of something but
when he was off with her brother for
the hebdomadal walk, he got rarely
croaked at.
go Tom, Tom," said William Fassil,
81 would not have believed such green
trick possible! To cut down mailman
who hangs himself, is all very well, but
to 60 into partnership with him after
wards -
"Of course, it sounds queer, if you
put it in that epigrammatic way" said
Tom; "but l believe it is a real good
thing for all that"
"Well," said Fassil, "you certainly
always were the most wonderful fellow
to fall on your legs l ever did know;
that is one comfort"
CHAPTER IV.-sAFE UP TO TIE SURFACE.
l an so sorry to be unable to say, or
even hint, what Mr.. Collins's invention
was, or to what branch of industry it
applied. If l were to do so, very many
people might name names, and Mr.. S.
p. Collins would not like his real one
divulged in connection with that suici-
dal episode. He often confesses, indeed,
that at one period of his life he was, for
a short time, in terrible state OF sus-
pense but he does not intend to be
taken literally. You must, therefore,
take Tom Chatteris's marvellous piece of
luck on trust, and without verifcation
for the success of the scheme in which
he had embarked with d gamblers des-
peration was never in doubt from the
day that Collins completed his first
order; and Tom embarked the rest of
his capital and all his time in the affair.
in position to marry Ju. Fassil, who
likes the north, where they live, and is
gradually developing n fine pity, which
is nearer akin to scorn than love, for all
people who are not rich. But she is
very charming in her own set, and an
angel at home.
Tom chuckles inwardly to notice her
unwilling adoption of the pursy hauteur,
but refrains from quizzing her, for that
particular manner pays i'll their neigh
borhood. A goose who kept her head
down in flock where all the long necks
were erect, would run the chance of be-
ing stifed.
As for Tom himself, he has developed
into capital man of business, so far as
action and energy are concerned; though,
of course. if his partner died, the best
thing he could do would be to take to
farming, or some congenial pursuit of
that kind. He hunts twice a week,
keeps a good table, believes III his wife
to any extent, plays at no game but
whist, and never exceeds half-crown
points.
He patronizes the local races, but re-
mains in his carriage, and does not go
near the ring. He gives no very high
moral reason for this prudent conduct.
Well, the fact is" says he, sit does
not do to tempt Fate and l have had
such tremendous windfall, that have
most probably exhausted all the luck
due to me during the whole of my nat
ural life"