Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1902-11-25
cHAPTER yI.-(Continued.)


Gripp glanced from one to the other Ii
was a significant glance he cast upon
Atheron. however. The latter Redeemed.
6aen grew pale as he turned to the young
man. meaning smile illuminated
Grips evil face. Mayberry, noting it,
Snarve.ed what it meant, but the next
minute Mr. Grip disappeared.
Would be avail himself Of any infor-
nation be may have obtained listening
to youT
Maybcrry had doubts Of Mr.. Grip. He
desired 10 near what the puddler thought.
Would he? Would cat steal cream
Would a dog steal a bonel | believe
<aripp would cheat his own grandmother.
Atherton's tone was tense with excite
ment as he added: But if he does steal
my idea-well. he'll never rue 1t but
once"
In that case. what you and | must do
is to ger to work ct once. Like you, |
wouldn't trust Grip, further than | could
throw church by the steeple.'
Then they, too left the restaurant. and
as they walked on they talked about the
plans for demonstrating the value of Ath-
erton's process. Presently Mayberry
said:
Would It not be as well for US to set
tie on something? Say, for a consIdera-
-tion, you give Lae authority to represen-
you-or give me the refusal Of your pat
.ent for 50 many days. In case | do not
dispose OF 1t to your satisfaction, or sue
coed in interesting men who have means
20 give the process a thorough trial, then
that will end it.
THAT is business-like, too"
Il could now the paper to the person
I have in view
ITO be sure. III give you any time in
reason"
Say thirty days"
''Or sixty, for that matter. Say sixty
days and done with it."
Let us step in here. know these peo-
pie very well.
Atherton looked at the sign over the
ioor. Il read Mead Bros. & Co."
Il will be obliged to you for piece
OF paper and pen and ink said Mayberry
10 a clerk who occupied the front office.
and who nodded to Mayberry smilingly.
The clerk passed the articles toward him,
and Mayberry hastily penned the paper
he deemed necessary TO the business in
hand. He finished tie writing. passed a
dollar to Atherton. and the last-mention-
ed was placing ii in his pocket, when Lis
glance followed that of Mayberry's, who
was gazing curiousiy at some person in
the inner Office.
Atherton's eyes were turned in that
direction also, and he beheld a man talk
ing earnestly to the eldest of the Mead
Brothers. Mr.. Mead was nodding slow
". but approyngly. The man who was
talking to him was speaking earnestly
and rapidly. His back was to the door,
which was opened that instant by one ii
the clerks. Mayberry and Atherton could
Eear Mr.. Mead's response. 1t was ut
tered in very clear. distinct tones.
If your invention is what you claim,
you may consider me good at any time
for from twenty to forty thousand IL
begin with. Convince me-make me see
through your eyes-and l will advance all
that may be required
Then | need go no further"
mot il you desire to do business with
me-
Precisely. We understand each 9TH
or. will call in to-morrow-at any hour
most convenient to you"
Make it the same as to-day"
Good day. Mr.. Mead"
GUt0 AAys
The man turned and beheld Atherton
and Mayberry looking straight at Linn
through the door.
1t was Jackson Grip.
When Mayberry glanced at his compan-
lon, Atherton was deathly pale, and trcm-
bling Whether it was with passion
whether he was trembling with anger or
fear. or both. Mayberry could not deter
mine Atherton suddenly bade his young
companion good day. and FASTENED out OF
the Office alone.
Mayberry asked himself the second
time tiIst day why Anterior was excited
10 Grips presence. 1t was PLAIN that be
could not look on Mr.. Grip unmoved.
And now there was no room 10 doubt
Mr.. Grips aim and true character. He
was trying to sell Atherton's process
More than that. He was dealing with
che very man Mayberry had resolved to
speak TO first concerning the new pro-
cess.
While Mayberry was turning these
things oyer in his mind. Mr.. Gripp passed
out, aud turned in the same direction
Atherton had disappeared.