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


When the doctor arrived Dan Atherton
was walking up and down his house in
fine temper.
II am very much obliged to you, Jack"
he said to his fellow-worker and neigh
Dor as that individual looked open-mouth-
ed at him, but really | am as well as
ever | was"
The doctor, young practitioner, lcok-
ed at Anterior narrowly, then at his
daughter, who speedily beat a retreat to
another room, then at Jones.
at does not look as IL my services were
needed"
mo, they are not. But your time is
worth something. o! yes, but you must"
said Atherton as he forced bill into the
young mans hand. I'D rather pay to be
well than sick any time"
He spoke so cheerily that Jack Jones
looked more and more amazed at him.
''If ! need a doctor, be sure | shan't
forget you, either. guess it was fit
of Indigestion, or something. have been
a little out of sorts"
"No doubt that's it," said the doctor,
finding he must say something. "At all
events, there does not seem to be any
thing wrong with you now
The doctor retired speedily, two dollars
richer than when he came. Then Jones.
who was puzzled exceedingly, went home,
wondering at the strange thing he had
witnessed.
Dan Anterior, despite his daughters
wishes, went out, saying he might not re-
turn until evening. His daughter ponder
ed over his strange illness the sudden
seizure and swift recovery were unac-
countabe
Meantime Dan Anterior made his way
to the Office Of a mill owner who had
the reputation of philosophical, enter
prising, liberal man. The puddler had
worked in his mill, but had never nd
dressed a word to the mill owner in his
life.
He found some difficulty in getting ac-
cess to the owner. 1t was only when
| three or four visitors were bowed out
of the mill owners Office that Atherton
was admitted. Mr.. Chubb looked at him
sharply as he awaited his communication.
My name is Atherton, sir. | worked
in your mill four years ago"
"Well, Mr.. Anterior"
81 called to see you on a matter of
| business. About a new process"
"Humph! A new process, Ell? Sit
down. | find I've got-yes, just ten min
utes to spare. If you can give me an
idea of your process, or what you propose
to do. in that time"
mo, | will not take up your time, Mr..
Chubb. | can't give you an idea of a
thing it's taken me eight or ten years
to study out, in ten minutes. / thought
you might be interested in it-that you
would at least listen to plan that will
double your present capacity without
costing you much, if it works at all; but
I'll not bother you, sir. Good day, sir"
And the pudder found himself standing
on the sidewalk, cursing the pride of the
mill owner, CHASING him with all the
spoiled capitalists, while Mr.. Chubb was
wondering, as he said to himself: what
the world was coming to, when a work
ingman-a common northumberland
talk to a man like him in that style!'
Atherton was standing irresolutely be-
fore Mr.. Chubb's office, when he espied
Arthur Mayberry approaching.
His first impulse was to turn his head
aside. Then he chided himself for an
ungrateful, narrow-minded fellow. He
owed his daughters life to this young
man. Why should he avoid him? More
see him in answer to his advertisement
He turned, and when young Mayberry
came abreast of him said:
I'VE meet again"
yes, and at a time that just suits me,
If it suits you Mr.. Atherton."
"Oh, any time suits me-"
Il know place, q quiet place, where
we can talk business without Interrupt
ton. Or, if you prefer it-as do-there
is very quiet restaurant near here,
where we can get some oysters"
"I'll take the oysters" said Atherton
Come" said the puddlers new-found
friend, as he led the way.
THAT Chubb has given me such a back
set" said Atherton, angrily, that a man
can get a bargain of me now"
Il don't ask any more than would be
willing to give" said Mayberry IF
your idea is worth money, | will try to
get it out Of it for you and me and my
hacker"
Arthur Mayberry guided the puddler to
a restaurant near at hand, ordered oys-
tiers for two. and, passing into box, seat
ed himself, saying: Now l am prepared
to listen to you, Mr.. Atherton."
The puddler began in a low tone. and
very soon the eyes Oh MS listener spar
Killed.. AS Atherton described his plans,
Mayberry struck the table with his land.
you have struck it, Mr.. Athcrtonw
"Eh? You see it?'
"Sce it! Why, see it as plain as l
see you"
I'm not a visionary, am I?'
"A visionary! You are eminently prac-
teal"
The young mans estimate of the pud-
died underwent a sudden change. Here
was man of extraordinary ability-a
rough diamond utterly overlooked.
But tell me-" he said to the puddlcr.
''where did you acquire such informa-
tion?"
well, by using my eyes, and real ding
mostly thinking out things that's puz-
Zled most OF us"
Atherton's tone and manner was that
of modest man. But he was confident
of his powers-conidcnt and Self-reliant.
Mayberry thought, "all that this man re-
quircs is education to shine"
you think my idea is all right, ch?"
MIR, Atherton, | won't say lust all |
think of it now. ! know it will work.