Orange County observer. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1880-1918, 1909-06-17

The caller was ushcrcd into the
CAPITALISTS library. He was Il young |
man and 70. familiar with the evil |
dences O; wealth about him. He
paused in the doorway.
The capitalist was sitting near a
blazing log in the great fireplace with
its massive mantel. He was in a
huge easy chair with one foot propped
on a cushioned stool.
He looked around at the young
man.
Come in" he said, in q quick.
peremptory way. sit down here"
He pointed with a stout cane that
had been leaning beside his easy
chair.
Il am sorry to intrude upon you
when you are ill.," the young man
said.
The capitalist shook his gray head.
I'm not ill.," he sharply said.
Rheumatism isn't illness; besides, 1
told you I'd give o an interview"
Il can meet you at your Office at
any time" the young man suggested.
The capitalist thumped the floor
with his cane.
You are here" he said. stalk
fast"
The young man made no reply.
His face was flushed, but his hand
was steady as lie drew a metal con-
trivance from the box he had carried
in his sack coat pocket.
Its a simple DEVICE" he said.
- -
The capitalist stared at the shining
thing.
TOO simple" he growled.
He looked around at the young
man. Then he looked back at the
device.
"Simplicity cheapens the cost, -
said the young man.
That's one thing against it. Dc
I understand that it's your inven-
tion?"
Yes"
"Protected?"
I'm eve countries"
The capitalist stared hard at the
thing in his hands.
Tell me about it," he snapped.
The young man drew some papers
from an inner pocket. They were
covered by figures and drawings.
Five minutes later he was still
talking wnen a girl appeared in the
doorway. She was fair and slender
a girl of two-and-twenty.
When she saw the caller she die
not advance, but waited in the door
way.
That's a dangerous contrivance,
she heard the old a say.
"Why?" the caller inquired.
cit is too revolutionary. It nigh
set into unsafe hands. If 1o took i
there would be new machinery t,
purchase, new methods of manufac
ture to consider. We are doing quit
we'll enough as it is. Our machine
are the best in the market. We ar
producing to the very limit >
But this transmitter of mine is a,
Improvement" the young man urged
"Granted."
"Well?"
The old mans smile was frosty.
"When dividends are satisfactory
why improve?"
The caller stared at the capitalis1
But you will admit the device j
valuable?"
Yes. am ready to give, you $40
600 for your rights in it. When
get it I will destroy it,"
The young man shook his head.
Il refuse to SELL" he said.
The old man looked at him angril,
What Go you want?" he d.
manded.
Il want an interest in my work,
the caller answered. II toiled owe
this thing for two years, night an
day. I've forgotten sleep, I've TO.
gotten food, because of it. l can
give it up. It seems like a part
me-"
The old man laughed harshly.
But if you can't utilize it, VIII;
will you do?" he sharply asked.
Il will wait"
And ~starve?"
Il will not starve. I can work"
The old man laughed again.
perhaps you think you can obta:
the necessary capital to manufactu.
the thing?"
The young man shook his head.
No." he said. "It would look tt
much like ar experiment. l am u
known and have no credit"
The capitalist nodded.
That's right. And money
scarce. What do you estimate tt
cost Of your plant?"
Twenty thousand dollars"
"And after that you would
obliged to find a market"
The young man Strengthened up.
81 have made the machine"
said. II believe I can make a mark'
too"
The old man laughed harshly.
you can't do business without us
Il can wait" said the young ma
And you won't take my ofer?"