Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-12-09

take care of it or pay the interest just
now But I guess it'll be all right.
Mr.. Lockwood's kind. very kind"
I'm afraid you're a little too sure,
SAM" Roland contributed tactfully.
when there's money due Lockwood
he wants it, and most times he gets
it or its equivalent"
But" Burnham changed the SUBJ
ject adroitly, what was this-burner.
did you say-that Mr.. Barnette for
got to tell me about?"
"Oh, just one of my inventions, sir.
I've spent most of my life at it, sir,
but somehow nothing has ever turned
out well-not so far. mean. But
mean to hit it yet"
That's the way to talk" Burnham
cried heartily. Never give up, I say!
But tell me about some of these in
ventions, won't you?"
"Welr-Sam knitted his fingers and
pursed his lips refiectively-'I patent
ed new type thrashing machine once,
but couldn't get anybody to take hold
| OF IL. lou see, maven oiiS hiohSs'
Mr.. Burnham."
How would you like to talk 1t over
with me some time? I'm interested in
such things-as a sort of side issue"
will you?" Sans eagerness was
not to be disguised.
BE glad to. Tell me, how did you
get your power.
From gas, sir, though coal will do
most as we'll. You see, I've got this
burner patented that makes gas from
crude oil-no waste, no odor nor trou-
BILE and little expense. It'd be cheap
er than coal, I thought; that's why
| invented it, l could get steam up
mighty quick with that gas arrange
ment. use it for lighting here in
the store now?"
DO you, indeed?" Burnham's tone
indicated failing interest, but such
diplomacy was lost on Sam.
IF you've got time 1 could show
you. It's right over here"
A glance at his watch accompanied
Burnham's consent to spare a few
minutes There's a telegram l must
send presently" he said. But I'd
like to see this burner, if it won't take
long"
No, not long; just minute or two
Sam was already dragging the affair
out from under the window box. You
see''-
20 q ITir
with all the fond enthusiasm of fa-
ther showing off his firstborn and
wound up with demonstration of the
illuminating appliance. I'm afraid,
though, he got little encouragement
from Mr. Burnham. He considered
the machine with a dispassionate air,
it's true, and admitted it's practical
advantages, but wasn't at all disposed
| to take a roseate view of it's future.
YES" he grudged when Sam put a
match to the jet, that's certainly a
| very good light"
"All right, amt it?" chimed Roland,
enthusiastic.
"Oh, it may amount to something
II UdTu W lSll. VI SOui DC yoo Nio"b
sir" he continued, addressing Graham
directly, you've got competition tol
overcome"
Sans old fingers trembled to his
chin. Moo" he said, Il didn't know
that. I've got the patent
"Of course that's something. But
the Consolidated Petroleum crowd has
another machine, slightly different
which does the same work and, II
should say, does it better"
Isis that SOP" quavered Sam. MY
patent
Now, see here, Mr.. Graham" Burn
ham argued, we're practical men, both
of US
NO. l shouldn't say that about my
SELF" Sam interrupted. Now, you, sir,
I can see you're a man who under
stands such things. But r
Nevertheless you must know that a
patent isn't everything. You said a
moment ago a man had to have money
to make anything out of his inven-
tons"
Did -" Sam interjected, surprised.
Certainly you did. And dead right
you are. A patents all very well, but
supposing you're up against a power
full competitor like the Consolidated
Petroleum company. They've got a
patent too. Granted, it may be an in
fringement Of yours even. What can
you do against them?"
why, if it's an Infringement
Sue, of course. But do you suppose
they're going to lie down just because
an unknown and penniless inventor
sues them? Bless you, no! They'll
fight to the last ditch. They'll engage
the best legal talent in the country.
You'll have to carry the case to the su-
preme court of the United States if
you want. winning decision. And
that's going to cost you thousands
hundreds of thousands-a Million
Never mind. A thousands enough"
said Sam gently. Il see what you
mean, sir. It's just another case
where I've got no chance"
"Oh, wouldn't put it as strong as
that
But have no money"
Still, you never can tell. I'll think
it over if l get time"
why, that's kind of you, sir; very
kind"
1t was at this point that Roland rose
to the occasion like the noble ass he
is. Roland never could see more than
an inch beyond the end of his nose.
Say, Mr.. Burnham,' he fioundered, |
don't you think you could help Sam
to-
Il think" said Mr.. Burnham. with
additional business of looking at his
watch, I'D like to send that wire l
spoke Of"
Yes, Roland" Sam agreed meekly, |
you mustn't keep your friend from
his business I'm glad YOU looked in, !