The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1906-03-23

TRADEP"
ricultural warehouse appeared. but in
stead of going straight to Tillson he
stopped Mt the gate and began to ex-
anime it curiously.
Queer contrivance that he said
presently. Good idea, though. Grand
good idea. How did you happen to
think of it?"
ITS some of my hired mans dilly
dallyn'." replied Tilson grufly. Hes
forever up to somethin' of that sort.
Wastes half his time"
Zeke flushed a little, but did not look
up.
mo wasted time about that" de-
clared the drummer emphatically. ITS
a valuable idea. There's money in it,"
Money" questioned Tillson eagerly.
Then he saw one of the horses squeeZ-
ing his body through the open door
way of the corncrib, and he rushed off
He would have sent Zeke only he pre-
ferred him to continue at the post hole
digging.
$50 it's your idea, is it?" said the
drummer as he crossed to Zeke's side
Going to have it patented, of course?'
Zeke laughed "Patentedr he echoed.
THAT foolish thing? Why, it's moth
ing but lot of stones and two hinges
placed so the gate will shut itself"
But that's just the sort of thing
which usually proves valuable" per
sisted the drummer. THE simpler the
device, if it's useful, the better You'll
make mistake if you don't protect
the idea"
'Then | guess I'll make the mistake"
said Zeke carelessly. Patents cost
money, and,I haven't any. Besides, If
had, | wouldn't risk so cents on that
foolish thing"
The drummer regarded him thought
fully. Look here" he said suddenly.
How would you like to make trade?
| could appropriate the idea for my
self if did business that way, but |
don't. Still, | like to make money
wherever | see a chance. My house
does a good deal in patent articles. and
| can generally guess pretty close
whether there's money in an idea or
not Now, if you say so, | will put
this through at my own expense and
keep half the profit What do you
say?"
You mean, use stones like that, and
all?" asked Zeke skeptically.
mo; it's only the idea / want. We
would find some substitute for the
Stones"
Zeke's Indifference began to vanish.
IF you really think it's worth any
thing" he said doubtfully, "I'll be glad
TO have you fix 1t up But | don't want
you to lose money" Then little won
Geringly, Il thought patents were made
Of pulleys and springs and-and such
things and that twas geniuses who
got 'em up who studied years and
years to make 'em all right"
The drummer smiled. at is that way
sometimes" he said. but not always
l have known inventors to have their
ideas come to them in a moment, in
fash of thought. But suppose we fix
this up now"
He opened a notebook and wrote for
some seconds, then tore out the leaf
and handed it to Zeke.
"It's sort of agreement for you to
put your name to-" he said. "Read 1t
first. though. Never sign anything I'M
til you know what it is. Later l will
have regular papers made out for both
of u.s."
Zeke read the paper and signed his
name with the pen which the drum
mer held ready. Then he resumed his
digging. A few moments later Tillson
came hurrying back.
1.-The drafted horse ate full peck of
good corn" he began wrathfully. mo
supper II he get this night Now, what
Is it bout that gate bizness? How's
there money in itT
"By getting the invention patented"
answered the drummer carelessly, "but
Zeke and have fixed that up. Well, /
must be going"
But look here" exclaimed Tillson.
"Ye must talk with me bout that gate.
It's mine. Zeke amt nothin' to do
with It."