The Forrest City times., 1899-01-13
About a
Fellow Countryman.
Copyright, 1889

" EARS ago | was employed as an ex-
pert engineer by European gov
ernment, and chanced to be closely tied
down at our hotel by my wife's serious
illness. Being thus alone and de-
pressed. l welcomed the sight of
fellow countryman, solitary like my
self
We met for several days, both at
table and in the smoking-room, and
as our acquaintance ripened the con-
yersation naturally drifted to topic
of mutual interest, ordnance or gun
merry.
II have come to Europe" said my
friend. who was man of some so
winters, Ito introduce patent"
"Ah, that is interesting" said I.
'Yes, l have worked for years upon
the loading of heavy guns and have
reached what l consider a happy re-
suit"
And have you presented your pa
pers to the war Office ?" inquired.
We'll, that is the trouble" ex-
claimed Col. Holden. whose face flushed
with suppressed irritation. Il have
done so, with no success"
But what was the reply-what were
their reasons for not trying or exam
ining your model?" / asked.
There has been no reply be blurt-
ed out, his indignation showing itself
more and more
"Ah, that is strange" said l. "I am
closely connected with the officers of
the department, and though cannot
say they are quick to adopt innova-
tions, they are always courteous to
those who present themselves and will
usually, at least, make fair examina-
ton"
We'll, don't see what is wrong with
my papers" said the eholerie colonel,
as l now observed hiaa to be. Since
you are acquainted with those matters,
II can do no harm TO show you my pa
pers, and if you will have alike pa
uence and kindness you may throw
some light upon my quandarles."
am quite at your service" l as
sured him. and so we appointed a time
when should go to his room.
The next day, at the hour named,
raped at his door. 1t was promptly
opened and the colonel ushered me in
with evidences of excitement. gun,
about the size of one used on a pleas
ure yacht, little beauty, stood as if
ready for action, in one corner of the
room, while the large center table was
covered with papers.
10 commence with, here is a copy
OF my letter TO the war Office"
took up the sheet and controlled
my features while read plain state
ment that in view of the utter ignor-
ahce and deplorable lack of advance
ment in the European ordnance" the
writer almost from a sense of pity
would show the war office how
10 convert their very ancient guns
INTO modern ones if invited to make a
Jest OF the model which he had
brought.
This was followed by a second and
'nird note requesting an audience or
nearing. And TO none had there come
any reply.
well, my friend" said I, after look
mg with considerable surprise at the
houel and the patent, which was mar
seiousiy clever, II fear you have not
oeen happy in nyour tone toward those
onclais. You see, though you may
consider them behind the time, it is
nest not 10 tell them so, and If you
axe will undertake to get you, not
only hearing, but trial."
he thanked me heartily, and the
ioliowing day found myself at the war
oinee. Herr Won Staed," said to the
secretary, dignified, courteous man,
countryman of mine chances to be
., hotel. and though he is, perhaps,
"nat We term rough diamond, an old
soioier as well, he has certainly struck
clever invention which would be of
use to YOU"
indeed" said the secretary. may
ask who your friend is, and what is
his invention % ~
His name is Holden"
AT which the secretary smiled and
u'e" from a pigeon hole the eccentric
communication, copies of which had
already seen.
l fear your friend is over-burdened
"A conceit," observed the secretary.
tyoa sure hs has good thing?"