The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1901-07-10
It was punham's turn to laugh.

Stlu. Leu us JUN neT.
"Wait a moment" said the young
inventor. Let me explain about Sis.
She's engaged to John Edgecomb, who
helped me perfect this outfit. Jim
turned over his interest in IL to Sis,
and she promised him that IL II could
be sold for enough to start home
for them she would rarry him right
away. Sis is little peculiar, but she's
smart"
This adds flavor of romance to
the affair."" said Dunham with smile,
And I'm very fond Of romance"
Miss Lucy Brandon gave him an
other keen look from her bright black
eyes, but her gaze softened as she met
Dunham's frank and sunny smile. The
three turned and walked up the ave-
nue. together, while the inventor brief
of his futile efforts to place 1t. The
account was punctuated from time to
time by comments from the black-eyed
girl, comments so quick and apropos
that Dunham's admiration for her wit
was mixed with surprise at her knowl-
edge of mechanics.
Now" he said, "a word or two
about myself. | am not really and
truly promoter, you know. Wait
moment. | hope to be promoter on
this occasion. Not exactly simon
pure promoter, either. | think the real
article usually works for himself
disdain any such base purpose. But.
here, come into this bank with me.
and let me put your faith to a severe
test"
He led them up the steps of the
handsome building and into the wait
ing room and seated them at the writ
ing table.
This is Mr.. Calthorpe's bank, isn't
it?" inquired the young woman.
'Mr. Richard Calthorpe Is the banks
president" said Dunham. Are you
acquainted with him?"
"He attends the same church we
do" said the young woman, "and is
superintendent of the Sunday school,"
That's good" said Dunham, "Ex-
cuse us. Joe. l want a recommends
tion from President Calthorpe. Step
this way, please, Miss Lucy" And
he led her back to one of the ornately
decorated private offices.
When they returned few moments
later the girl looked greatly puzzled
and the gaze that rested on Dunham
from time to time had lost all its sug
gestions of suspicion.
And now," said Dunham, 81 must
talk fast. At o'clock am to meet
half dozen men who are interested
in local mandatory Of small hard
ware and who are desirous of securing
additional capital. The business is
we'll established and paying handsome
ly, but it can be profitably extended.
Among the gentlemen will be the man
ager of the factory, man of first-class
mechanical ability. l intend to sub
NIT the cutoff to him. II he thinks
1t can be manufactured by the COM
pany at a profit I will sell 1t to him
for the best price obtainable and for
spot cash. Now | want you to trans
fer the whole thing to me, Patents in
your name, isn't it?"
YES" said Joe, "but-" He hesi-
tated and turned his troubled face to
his sister.
That wise young woman met his
glance calmly.
"Joe, DEAR" she said, you must do
whatever he tells you"
IF there is any bunco about 1t you
can blame your clever sister, joe"
laughed Durham, as he pushed for
ward the ink and pens.
With trembling fingers the young in
ventor filled out and signed the neces-
sary papers, and presently Durham
gathered them together and taking up
the model started for the street.
What next stammered the dazed
inventor
meet me here in front of the bank
in just an hour from now" said Dun
ham. Zone moment. What is the sum
you hope to get from this?"
'I'd let it go for $780," said the in
ventor.
"One thousand" said the girl, with
| her eyes on Dunham's face.
Dunham made no comment on the
| figures.
Don't forget-3 O'clock" he said,
and he was gone.
"Do you think he'll show up again,
Sis?" anXiously inquired the young in
ventor, as he watched Dunham's re-
treating form.
"Of course / do" said the girl stout
ly.
But 1t was weary hour of waiting
for sister as well as brother. They
did not venture far from the place of
meeting. and several minutes before
the appointed time they were posted
on the bank steps on the lookout for
their new found friend.
Hes comins," whispered Joe.
"Of course he's coming, you goose, "
she laughed. But Joe knew by her
tone that she was relieved.
Empty handed, as you see,' -
laughed Dunham. "But here. let us
turn the corner on to this quiet street.
What have to tell you will take but
n.