The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-11-16

"Why. yes" he started to explain; 'it's that burner over there that
 "Bpt wouldn't sell it just yet if I were you." said Nat "It may be worth a good deaP'-
 Now. look herew Burnham got to his feet in anger. What business have you got putting into this" he demanded. putting himself between Duncan and the inventor.
 Me" Duncan queried simply. "Only just because Pm a business man. If you don't believe it ask MT. Graham"
 He's got a perfect right to advise me. MT. Burnham," interposed Ora ham, rising.
 Well. but-but what objection we you got to his making a little money out of this patentY' Burnham blus- tered
 None, only want to look into the matter first. ! think 1t might be-ah- advisable"
 What makes you think sop de handed Burnham. his tone withering.i
 
 moning his faculties to cope with matter of strict business. ''it's this way. I've got an idea" he said. polk ing at Burnham with the forefnger which had proved 50 effective with Pete Willing. 'that you wouldn't offer 500 iron men for this burner unless you expected to make something big out of it. and it ought to be worth just as much to Mir Graham as ts you"
 "Ah. you don't know what you're talking about"
 "l know that" Nat admitted simply, "but do happen to know you're pro- noting a scheme for making gas from crude oil. and if Mir. Graham will lis ten to me you won't get his patent un- til I've consulted my friend Henry Kellogg"
 "Kelloggl"
 "Yes. You know-of L. J. Bartlett & Co" Nat's forefinger continued to do deadly work. Burnham backed away from it as from a fiery brand.
 "Oh, we'll" he said. dashed. 'if you're representing kellogg"-and Nat took care not to refute the implication-"I -I don't want to interfere Only" he pursued at random in his discontinue. "I can't see why he sent you here"
 'Id be ashamed to tell you," Nat re- turned with an open smile. Better ask him."
 Burnham gathered his wits together for final threat. That's what will do?' he threatened. And Pll do it the minute l can see him. You can bet on that. MT. what's-your-namer'
 "No. can't" said Nat naively. "I'm not allowed to gamble"
 His ingenious expression exasperat- ed Burnham- The man lost control of his temper at the same moment that he acknowledged to himself his de feat In disgust he turned away.
 "Oh. there's no use talking to you"-
 ''That's right" Nat agreed fairly.
 "But I'll see you again. MT. Gra- ham,
 "Not alone, if I can help it, MT. Burnham." Duncan amended sweetly. But" Burnham continued. severely
 
 squarely to Graham, you take my tip and don't do any business with this fellow until you find out who he is" He flung himself out of the shop with . parked Good dayr' "Well, MT. GrahamT' Duncan turned a little apprehensively to the inventor Margaret used to talk that way sometimes" he remarked "She was the best woman in the world-and the wisest- She used to take care of me and protect me from my foolish i'm pulses. just as you do. my boy" For space Duncan kept silent, re- specting the old mans memories and a great deal humbled in spirit by the parallel Sam had drawn. Then. "I was afraid what I said would sound queer to you. sir.'' he ventured-"that you mightn't understand that I'm not here to do you out of your invention"
 There's nothing on earth. my boy" I-Graham's hand fell on Nat's arm ''that could make me think that But $500. you see. would have repaid you for taking up that note. and-I could have bought Betty a new dress for the party. But I'm sure you've done what's s best You're a business man.
 "Don'tr' Nat pleaded wildly. i've been called that so much of late that it's beginning to hurtr'
 The old man turned away sadly, lighted a candle and went down into the cobwebby cellar to patch a bro ken window.