The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1899-01-19
About a
Fellow Countryrnan.
Copyright, 1889
-So&@kA

v EARS ago I was employed as an ex-
i pert engineer by a European gov
eminent, and CHANGED to be closely tied
down at our hotel by my wife's serious
illness. Being thus alone and de-
pressed, welcomed the sight of a
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-
versation naturally drifted to a topic
OF mutual interest, ordnance or gun
merry.
II have come to Europe" said my
friend, who was a man of some so
winters, Ito introduce patent
"Ah, that is interesting" said I.
"Yes, I have worked for years upon
the loading of heavy guns and have
reached what I consider a happy re-
suit
And have you presented your pa
pers to the war Officer inquired.
well, that is the trouble ex-
claimed Col. Holden, whose face flushed
with suppressed irritation. II have
done so, with no success"
But what was the reply-what were
their reasons for not trying or exam
lining your model?" asked.
There has been no reply" he blurt-
ed out, his indignation showing itself
more and more.
"Ah, that is strange" said I. II am
closely connected with the officers of
the department, and though cannot
say they are quick to adopt innova-
tons, they are always courteous to
those who present themselves and will
usually, at least, make fair examina-
ton"
"Wen, don't see what is wrong with
my papers," said the choleric colonel,
as l now observed him to be. "Since
you are acquain ted with those matters,
IT can do no harm to show you my pa
pers, and If you will have alike pa
thence and kindness you may throw
some light upon my quandaries.''
II am quite at your SERVICE" as
sured him, and so we appointed time
when should go to his room.
The next day, at the hour named, I
raped at his door. It was promptly
opened and the colonel ushered me in
with evidences of excitement. A 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.
ITO commence with, here is a CODY
of my letter to the war Office"
1 took up the sheet and controlled
my features while read plain state
ment "that in view of the utter ignor-
ance and deplorable lack of advance
ment in the European ordnance" the
writer almost from a sense of pity
would show the war office how
to convert their very ancient guns
into modern ones if invited to make a
test of the model which he had
brought.
This was followed by second and a
third note requesting an audience or
hearing. And to none had there come
any reply.
well, my FRIEND" said I, after look
ing with considerable surprise at the
model and the patent, which was mar
velously clever, Il fear you have not
been happy in your tone toward those
officials. You see, though you may
consider them behind the time, it is
best not to tell them so, and if you
like I will undertake to get you, not
only a hearing, but trial."
He thanked me heartily, and the
following day found myself at the war
Office. Herr Won Staed," said to the
secretary, dignifed, courteous man,
"a countryman of mine chances to be
at my hotel, and though he is, perhaps,
what we term rough diamond, an old
soldier as well, he has certainly struck
a clever invention which. would be of
use to YOU" :. $780,!
''Indeed!" said the secretary, may
I ask who your friend is, and what is
his invention?'' -
"His name is Holden"
At which the secretary smiled and
drew from a pigeon hole the eccentric
communication, copies of which I had
already seen. ~.
II fear your friend is over-burdened
with conceit," observed the secretary.
"Are you sure he has a good thing ?"
EYES," I said, ."and if you will &C.
cept my apology for his indiscreet and
awkward style, I will undertake to re-
duce him to greater respect
The secretary motioned to domestic
near the door and told him to request
Lieut.. Stalehaver to join us. When the
young officer appeared the secretary
kindly said, "Lieut. Stalehaver, please
listen to Mr.. Thompson's account of the
invention offered to us last week in
those extraordinary letters.
"After had explained the invention,
"Good," said the honorable secretary,
"Lieut. Stalehaver, form q committee
of three officers and wait upon this gen
tleman. Bring me the result"
repaired at once to Col. Holden
with the good news, and some days
later not only an investigation was
made, but the model was tested.
I was absorbed in other matters; and
also greatly disturbed by my wife's
illness, 50 only from time to time did
see my American friend, whose chol-'
eric propensities had changed into
bland amiability and high spirits.
Seated at dinner one evening, my
quiet was disturbed by the excitement
Of Col Holden, who grasped me BY the