Morris tribune., 1886-03-24

"That's more than an ordinary boy"
was the surveyors mental comment.
.He's got grit enough to do all that
he's set out to do
Two days later the surveyor exam
ed the spring and its possibilities. 1t
was strong spring, and high enough
above the town to carry the water
thither without any outlay beyond the
placing of the pipes.
ave leased the SPRING" Fred said,
as he issued from clump of bushes.
'It's down in black and white. Mr..
Benson couldn't write very well, and so
drew it up myself. 1t may be worded
little stragglingly, but guess it will
do"
.'Allow me to look at the paper"
Fred produced it. A smile came to
the surveyors lips as he read it. 1t
was dated signed and witnessed, and
read as follows:
II hereby agree to lease to Frederick
Sedowick, or any person or persons, or
corporation, represented by him, the
spring upon my property and the use
| Of the water thereof, for the term OF
+ 999 wears, for the consideration OF $lOo
a wear. This use is not to be exclusive,
| and not to work injury to me or to my
| property, or my own need of the wa
| ter"
sIt is an assent" decided MIR. Lynch.
Though not in strict form, it can be
made binding. We would be willing
to pay Mr. Benson 5000 a year, and SO
it is not likely he'll recode. Did you
tell him your purpose?"
NO." replied Fred. 'He thought 1t
funny proposition to come from me,
/ knew, but he saw that was in earn
est. L guess he had notion some one
sent ME. You see, l have no money
nor has father. F"
"The contract isn't valid, Mr.
Lynch said.
.Why not?" asked Fred with a
stare. t J,
Because you are not of age, re-
piled Mr.. Lynch, a quizzical look IN MS
eyes.
Fred gave vent to prolonged whis-
tie. =;
81 never once thought of that he
said. II don't believe it crossed Ben
sons mind, either. What's to be done!
You will have to see him yourself.
No." replied Mr.. Lynch. You
must do all yourself, for l want the
credit to be entirely yours. Oh, we, Il
give Barnestoa something to talk
about"
He laughed gleefully, and thrust the
lease into his pocket. =.
..Master Sedgwick, the lease willdo, "
he said. '.Mr. Benson will regard it as
big thing for him. E -.
''Sir, how did you learn my nameP
Fred asked, looking little mystihedd:;
''Ah, now, that isn't sharp in you, "
rejoined Mr.. Lynch with grin. 'lsn
it in the lease?"
$50 it is" admitted Fred.
"How about the $50,000?"
'I'll raise thatn' cried Fred.
He was as good as his word. He did
not expose any of his plans, but was sc
sanguine and enthusiastic that he in
spired the leading men with the same
spirit.
The directors of the road met com
mittee of the citizens. Mr.. Lynch pre-
sented the case, and Barneston secured
the road, and it never was called
sleepy old town after that.
The citizens were profuse in theil
thanks to Mr.. Lynch.
81 don't deserve any credit" h
said ''Here's the boy who brough
the railroad to Barneston."
Fred became the hero of the day
Suddenly everybody seemed to remem
Der that he always had been pushing
quick-witted fellow.
Mr.. Lynch appreciated him enough
to place him on his corps. Fred ros'
rapidly to distinction, and is now no
only the chief engineer of the brancl
road to E, but of the main line an'
all it's subsidiaries. s.-Interaor.