Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1902-06-26

ION time" said Durham. II wasn't
quite sure that inventors had a repu
tation for being punctual. Shall w
go to my room?
Sisters outside" said the young
man. He laughed In slightly con
strained way. III you heard us talk
ing in the car last night you must
know that sister hasn't a very high
opinion of my business abilities. She
has come with me to-day to see that
] am not buncoed."
1t was Dunham's turn to laugh.
That's true sisterly Affection" he
said Let us join her"
wait a moment" said the young
inventor. LET me explain about sis.
She's engaged to Jim Edgecomb, who
helped me perfect this cutoff. Jim
turned over his interest in 1t to sis,
and she promised him that II 1t could
be sold for enough to start home for
them she would marry him right
away. She is little peculiar, but
she's smart"
This adds flavor Of romance to
the affair" said Durham, with his
pleasant smile, "and I'm very fond Of
romance"
Miss Lucy Brandin gave him an
other keen look from her bright black
eyes, but her daze softened as she met
Dunhams frank and sunny smile.
The three turned and walked up the
avenue together, while the inventor
briefly told the story Of his invention
and of his futile efforts to place it.
The account was punctuated from
time to time by comments from the
blackeyed girl, comments SO quick and
apropos that Dunham's admiration
for her wit was mixed with surprise
at her knowledge Of mechanics.
Now" he said, "a word or two
about myself. am not really and
truly a promoter, you know. Walt q
moment. | hope to be promoter on
this occasion. Not exactly a simon
pure promoter either. think the real
article usually works for himself. |
disdain any such base purpose. That
sarcastic smile doesn't become you.
Miss Lucy. You'll be sorry for 1t, !
hope later. 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.. Calthrope's bank, isn't
IT." inquired the young woman.
"Mr. Richard Calthrope is the
banks president" said Durham. 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 Durham. Eek
cuse us, Joe. want recommends
ton from President Calthrope. Step
this way, please, Miss Lucy" And
he lead her to one of the ornately
decorated private offices.
When they returned a few minutes
later the girl loked greatly puzzled
and the gaze that rested on Durham
from time to time had lost all of Its
suggestion of suspicion.
And now" said Durham, 81 must
talk fast. At 2 o'clock | am to meet
a half dozen men who are interested
in local mandatory of small hard
ware, and who are DESTROYS of secur-
ing additional capital The business
Is well established and paying hand
somely, but it can be profitably ex-
tended. Among the gentlemen will be
the manager of the factory, man Of
frst-cass mechanical ability. | in
tend to submit the cutoff to him. If
he thinks it can be manufactured by
the company at a profit | will sell it.
to him for the best price obtainable,
and for spot cash. Now want you
to transfer the whole thing to me.
Patents in your name, isn't it?'
Yes said Joe, but He hest
tated and turned his troubled face to
his sister.
That wise young lady met his
glance calmly.
Joe, dear she said in the Ian
guage of the street, don't know what
we are up against, but you must do
whatever he tell YOU"
"lf there is any bunco about 1t you
can blame your clever sister, joe"
laughed Durham as he pushed for
ward the ink and pens Time is
slipping away. Please be quick"
With trembling fingers the young
inventor filed out and signed the nee
essary 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 one hour from now" said Dun
ham, Zone moment. What is the
sum you hope to get from this?'
"l'd let 1t 60 for $780," said the in
ventor.
Zone thousand" said the girl with
her eyes on Dunham's face.
Durham made no comment on the
figures.
Don't forget-3 O'clock" he said,
and was gone.
DO you think he will show IN
again. sis?" anxiously inquired the
young inventor, as he watched Dun
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