Alpena weekly argus. [volume] (Alpena, Mich.) 1871-1893, 1891-04-22


sented an idea that looks eminently
practical. do not propose to allow
anybody to deprive you of the credit
of it. will be here one week from
to-day. when you can report progress.
The immensely of the undertaking
confused Fred. He hadn't thought
of carrying the heavy end of it.
"What am l expected to do be-
tween now and then ?" he asked.
"You are to secure lease of the
spring and raise the $4,000"
"All right" cried Fred. "Pll do
it. l am much obliged to you for
giving me your attention"
He lifted his hat and started off.
That's more than an ordinary boy,
was the surveyors mental comment.
Hes got grit enough to do all
that he sets out to do"
Two days later the surveyor examin-
ed the spring and its possibilities. 1t
was a strong spring, and high enough
above the town to carry the water
thither without any outlay beyond the
placing of the pipes.
1--WE leased the spring." Fred said
as he issued from clump of bushes.
ats down in black and white. Mr.
Benson couldn't write very we'll, and
so l 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 f:
81 hereby agree to lease to Fred
erick Sedgwick, or any person or per-
sons, or corporation, represented by
him, the spring upon my property and
the use of the water thereof. for the
term of 999 years, for the considera.
ton of 800 year. This use is not
to be exclusive, and not to work in
jury to me or my property, or my
own need Of the water"
at isan assent" decided Mr.. Lynch.
Though not in strict form, it can be
made binding. We would be willing
to pay Mr.. Benson 5000 year, and
SO 1t is not likely he'll recede. Did
you tell him your purpose ?"
NO." replied Fred. "He thought
it a funny proposition to come from
me, knew, but he saw that was in
earnest. I guess he had notion
some one sent me. You see, have
no money, nor has father"
1.-THE contract isn't valid" Mr..
Lynch said.
"Why not1" asked Fred with a
stare.
Because you are not of age" re-
piled Mr.. Lynch, quizzical look in
his eyes.
Fred gave vent to prolonged
whistle.
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 all yourself, for want the credit
to be entirely yours. Oh, we'll give
BarDeston something to talk about"
He laughed gleefully, and thrust
the lease into his pocket.
Master Sedgwick, the lease will
do" he said. "Mr. Benson will re-
gard it as big thing for him."
"Sir, how did you learn my name ?"
Fred asked, looking little mystifed.
"Ah, now, that isn't sharp in you"
rejoined Mr.. Lynch with grin.
isn't it in the lease ?"
$50 it is" admitted Fred.
How about the $4,000
I'll raise that !" cried Fred.
He was as good as bis word. He
did not expose any of his plans, but
was SO sapguine and enthusiastic that
he inspired the leading men with the
same spirit.
The directors of the road met a
committee Of the citizens. Mr..
Lynch presented the case, and Barn
eston secured the road, and it never
was called sleepy old town after
that.
The citizens we're profuse in their
thanks to Mr.. Lynch.
II don't deserve any thanks" he
said. Here's the boy who brought
the railroad to Barneston."
Fred became the hero of the day
Suddenly everybody seemed to re-
member that he always bad been a
pushing quick-witted fellow.
Mr.. Lynch appreciated him enough
TO place him on bis corps. Fred rose
rapidly to distinction, and is now not
only the chief engineer of the branch
road to E, but Of the main line
and all its subsidiaries.
The Treasure Chest.
gnanish Moor hoino on tho avo