Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-02-19


ager and then thcre'll be trouble. The
way things are running now, a workman
hasn't much chance. If he dares to say
his soul is his own, he hears Of it. And
if he stands up for his rights they man
age to get rid Of him some way. It's
not hard finding an excuse. Capital rules
the day"
Maybe things will take turn for the
better papa" said Irene, smiling.
II hope things may-l hope they may,
but it don't look like it, I'm too poor
to try my own ideas and because | don't
knuckle to some fellow who would rob
me of my brain work. I'm out in the cold
and likely to be-"
at may be, Mr.. Mayberry will help you
find way to try your invention"
Maybe"
Atherton looked at her sharply. She
was apparently unconscious Of his scru-
tiny. He was going to speak, when
light rap on the door attracted his at
tention.
Come in"
AS large, heavy built man entered
Anterior exclaimed
"Ah, Jack! Just the man l want to
see"
Il was out when you came over" said
| the visitor.
sit down, Jack"
The visitor settled himself comfortably
| by the fireplace. 1t was merely a mat
ter Of habit. He might have sat out Of
doors, the weather was so fine.
Anything new, JackT'
They do say as how Gummitt will he
over u.s."
"Ahw
However, it amt just settled"
mo? What seems to be in the way,
now?"
80! I'm not sure. They do say as how
Gummitt has some prime new idea"
Atherton who was standing, wheeled
around suddenly upon hearing this
"Gummitt got an idea-a prime idea"
Jack Jones' eyes twinkled He could
scarcely preserve his gravity. Something
was yelling up in him-somcthing he was
trying to keep down, but it would not be
repressed.
"Ies-Sam's got an idea-a brand new
one. | do not say twas his own. What's
to hinder any man having a new idea
isn't 1t as easy to carry borrowed ideas,
as It's to carry your own?"
The puddler drew deep breath, picked
up chair planted it ia front of his neigh
| bor and sat down. Then he said in
sharp tone
Jack, what's in this? You've heard
something. Tell me all about It,"
Give fellow time, Dan. Don't come
at me like house aire."
"Come-out with it, Jack"
why, then, they do say Gummitt has
found a new process"
What is this idea? Is it anything like
mine, Jack"
"Well, now, If you come at me that
way" Jack began, but his friend inter
ruptcd him.
Come, Jack; you know-everybody
knows-Sam Gummitt is man who has
only his doggedness and his close mouth
10 recommend him. | don't deny he is
good workman-but he is not as good as
half dozen you know. And he never
originated an idea in his life. So, if it
is anything like my idea"
at is
Atherton leaned back, and oked at
his visitor steadily.
WHO told you this?'
| "Well-it's come to me two or three
ways, Dan. But there's no doubt Of II.
II it isn't your idea, it's mighty nigh it."
Atherton rose and paced the floor. Then
he stopped in front of his guest.
Jack, do you know what I'll do If
Sam steals my inventionW
Give him licking-a right down good
one. He'd deserve it,"
I'm do worse than that. I'll show him
up-and whoever backs him. If there's
any law in the land"
a. 10
your justice? If he has some one at his
back with Il long purse--eh? What will
you do thenW
Atherton's answer was sharp and
quick
IF can't get justice, and Sam Gum
mitt steals my plans, I'll deal with him
myself. don't think he'll like to force
me to that-but let any of them try to
rob me- and they will find it'll cost them
more than they will like to pay"
II just thought I'd give you warning"
"l'll not forget it, Jack"
II hear so many stories about people
stealing patents-and we're always read
ing about nfringements. But it's time
enough to worry when you're sure he's
got your invention
NO" said AthertNn with energy. "Now
is the time"
They sat looking at each other quietly
a few minutes, when Jack suddenly said:
TEL you what, Dan. There's n man
could maybe help you. Why didn't you
think of him long ago? He knows all
the owners-and they say he has a pile
of money, too"
"Ah. that's my man-somebody who
has, or can control, a good deal of
money
yes, it will take a goodish bit, l reck-
on. This man can help you in every way
with owners, seeing MS be is dealing with
them every day, and knows the inside aud
outside Of the whole business"
"Who is your MANI
Jackson Grpp."
Jackson Gri-." The puddler half
rose; his face grew pale; his eyts were
fixed on his visitors in stare that alarm
ed his neighbor, who in his turn stared at
Atherton. Then he called out loudly:
"Ho. there, come here quick"
2 Irene Atherton sprang to the door in
5 answer to the call. AS she entered the
= room, big Jack put out his hands; he was
' Z! Al. tl,. 4 1