Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-02-26
The Iron Workers Daughter
HOWARD FORESTER.
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CHAPTER vI.-NContinnedD


GriUp glanced from one to the other, II
was significant glance he east upon
Anterior, however. The latter Redeemed
then grew pale as he turned to the young
man A meaning smile Illuminated
Grips evil face. Maybcrry, noting it,
marvclcd what 1t meant, but the next
minute Mr.. Grip disappeared.
Would he avail himself of any infor.
nation he may have obtained listening
to you"
Mayhcrry had doubts of Mr.. Gripp. He
desired to hear what the puddlcr thought.
would he? Would a cat steal cream;
Would n dog steal bone? ] believe
Gripp would cheat his own grandmother"
Athcrton's tone was tense with excite.
ment as he added: But if he does steal
my idea-well, he'll never rue it but
once"
"In that case what you and must do
Is to get to work at once. Like you,
wouldn't trust Gripp further than | could
throw a church by the stceple.'
Then they, too, left the restaurant, aud
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's Say, for consldera-
ton, you give me authority to represent
you--or give me the refusal OF your pat
ent for so many days. In case do not
dispose of 1t to your satisfaction, or sue
Deed in interesting men who have means
10 give the process a thorough trial, then
shat will end it."
'"That is business-like, too"
II could show the paper to the person
l have in view"
ITO be sure. I'll 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.
Anterior looked at the sign over the
door. Ii read "Mead Bros. & Co."
II will be obliged to you for a piece
Of paper and pen and ink" said Mayberry
to a clerk who occupied the front Office,
and who nodded to Mayberry smlingy.
The clerk passed the articles toward him,
and Mayberry hastily pcnned the paper
he deemed necessary to the business in
hand. He finished the writing passed a
dollar to Atherton, and the last-mention-
ed was placing it in his pocket, when lis
glance followed that of Mayberry's, who
was gazing curiously 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 noddng slow
ly, but approvingly. The man VINO was
t0llxinU tn him kinu ilv
and rapidly. His back was to the door,
which was opened that instant by one Of
the clerks. Mayberry and Anterior could
hear 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 to
begin with. Convince me-make me see
through your eyes-and l will advance all
that may be required
"Then | need so no further"
mot If you desire to do business with
me-"
Precisely. We understand each 9th
er. l will call in to-morrow-at any hour
most convenient to you"
Make it the same as to-day"
Good day, Mr. Mead"
Good day"
The man turned and beheld Athcrton
and Mayberry looking straight at him
through the door.
1t was Jackson Gripp.
When Mayberry glanced at his compan-
Ion, 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 babe his young
companion good day, and fastened out of
the Office alone.
Mayberry asked himself the second
time that day why Anterior was excited
In Grips presence. 1t was plain that he
could not look on Mr.. Gripp unmoved.
And now there was no room to doubt
Mr.. Grips aim and true character. He
was trying to sell Athertons process.
More than that. He was dealing with
the very man Mayberry had resolved to
speak to first concerning the new pro-
cess.
While Mayberry was turning these
things over in his mind, Mr.. Gripp passed
out, and turned in the same direction
Atherton had disappeared.