Alaska sentinel., 1907-03-14

way again. Then he smiled. Any way, I expect to see you In New York"
 "I hope so," said the boy, gravely.
 I'm quite sure of It." said the tsran- ger. Do you suppose Joe would give you a five-day option on this plant if you made him reasonable cash pay ment?
 The boy stared.
 I'm sure he would" be answered.
 The stranger stepped to the little desk in the office and wrote a few words on a slip of paper.
 That will hold him. I think" he said as he read 1t over. Have him sign this when you give him this" And he drew several bank bills from his pocket and put them In the boys hand.
 Fl don't understand" stammered the boy.
 Joe will understand" laughed the gray stranger. "You'll hear from me again. Good-by, boy"
 And he was In the car and rapidly whirlng along the Melrose road.
 The boy stared after him. Then he looked down at the bills be firmly held In his hand.
 "A hundred dollarsl" he gasped. And I never thought to offer him a receipt! I'm afraid that bump on hls head must have rattled him. We'll, I'll do just as he said. Won't Joe be surprised" :"
 It was o'clock the next afternoon and the boy was busy in the big shop when he heard the sound of wheels and the next moment a shadow dark ened the doorway.
 He looked up.
 A little man was standing there, a keen-eyed little man with thick gray hair and thick gray eyebrows.
 Are you Benjamin Phillips2" the stranger asked.
 "Yes, sir"
 Then I want little talk with you"
 The boy came forward and gave the man chair and leaning against the | desk awaited his next words He was a deliberate little man and before he resumed the conversation he wiped his face with his handkerchief and drew a package of papers from his pocket.
 T am MT. Grigsby," he said, MT. Andrew Grigsby, the attorney from | Melrose"
 The boy acknowledged the informa- | ton with a bend of his head.
 "I have often heard your name, MT. | Grigsby," he sald
 Thank you. I represent a client who has taken an interest In you. He meant to see you personally, to-day, but was called to New York by urgent business. I take 1t for granted that you know the party to whom I refer"
 "The man in gray" said the boy. The little lawyer stared.
 "Is that what you call him? I be- lieye there was a gray affect about his appearance. But that Is immaterial. My client has deputed me to make the necessary legal arrangements to ensure | the carrying out of certain plans he has formed for your welfare. In the first place he desires to become your legal guardian. Does that agree with | your wishesr
  ''Then that can be passed for the moment" And he shifted the position | of one of the legal-looking documents. Next we will take up the purchase of this shop. I have here check for eight hundred dollars to complete the sale when the proper papers are pre- pared. The title will be vested in your r1i m That Is satisfactory?"
 "Ye-yes," said the boy. My client also desires to make ar- engagements to enter Into an agreement with you for the manufacture and sale of a certain invention you have per fected. You will at once forward 8 model to the patent attorneys mention ed In this letter of advice, your guard ian assuming all expenses connected with securing the protective rights My client also binds himself to provide the necessary capital for the promotion of the sale of this device when the patent Is secured. That Is all, I believe, that I have to offer in the way of proposi- itons. There are two or three papers here that will require your signature" And he arose and stepped toward the desk.
 "One moment" said the boy, and his voice trembled as he spoke: "I would like to know the name of my-my ben efactor"
 Bless my soul," cried the little man, don't you know his nameT
 "No," replied the boy.
 "Well, well. Why, its Dupont Cor ham, the financIer, the head of the great firm of Dupont Gorham & Co. Everybody has heard of Dupont Cor. ham. He's one of the foremost money factors of the country. And you didn't