Highland recorder. (Monterey, Highland County, Va.) 1877-1972, 1911-06-09

: l)ndSlTe MS importance. EXCUSE me,
Mr.. Lockwood. but I'd like to inter
docs you to a friend Of mine, MIR.
Burnham, from Moo York"
Amused. ,Burnham stepped into the
breach. How are you?" he said with
the proper nuance of cordially, offer
ing his hand
Lockwood shook it Internationally.
How de do?" be said perfunctorily.
. 81 brought Mr. Burnham in to see
Sam
YES" Burnham interrupted Roland
. quickly; "Barnette's been kind enough
| to show me round town bit"
Here on buSiness?' inquired Lock
wood pointedly.
mo. not exactly" returned Burnham
with practical ease; lust looking
round"
only lookin'. eh?" Blinky's coun-
tenance underwent one of its erratic
quakes as he examined Burnham with
his habitual intentness.
The New Yorker caught the wink
and lost breath. ..'Ah-yes-that's all"
he assented uneasily And as he
spoke another wink dumfounded him
Why" he asked. with distinct loss
of assurance Don't VOC believe it,
Don't see no reason why | should
not" gruntrd Blinky. Hope you'll
like what you seq Good day"
$50 long, MIR. Lockwood" returned
Burnham uncertainty.
Lo' kEond paused outside the door
Come long. Roland"
YES. sir: right away; just a min
ute" Roland was lingering unwilling
t.. detained by Hurnham's imperative
hand! What d you want? got to
hurry
What WAS he winking at me for"
demanded Burnham heatedly. Have
you
oh" Roland laughed. "He wasn't
winking. Ee can't help doing that
It's Il twitrhin he's got in his eye
That's why hey call him Blinky."
oh that WAS it, -Rurnham accept
eel the explanation with distinct relief
while Duncan who had been an un.
regarded spectator. suddenly found
ra,isa to retire behind one Of the show
cases Gil Important business.
So that was the explanation!
After his paroxysm had subsidized
and he felt able to control his facial
muscles Duncan emerged suave and
solemn. Roland had disappeared with
Blinky. and Burnham was alone.
Anything you wish. sir?' asked
Nat
only to see Mr.. Graham"
Hes out just at present, but /
think he'll be back in a moment or so.
Will you wait? You'll find that chair
comfortable, l think"
believe WILL" said Burnham, with
an air. He seated himself. 81 can't
wait long. though" he amended.
Eyes. sir. And if you'll excuse me-
Burnham's hand dismissed him with
tolerant wave. Go right on about
your business" he said. with supreme
| condescenSion.
And Duncan returned to his work In
the back yard.
1t wasn't long before he found occa-
| sion to go back to the store, and by
that time old Sam was there In con-
versation with Burnham.
"That's part of my business" he
heard Burnham say in his sleek, ole
acinous accents "Sometimes l pick
up an odd. no count contraption that
makes me a bit of money, and more
times I'm stung and lose on II. There
might be something to this gas burner
Of yours. and again there mightn't.
I've been thinking l might be willing
to risk few dollars on it if we could
oona m tarms" -
do You mean it really?" said old
Sam eagerly
"Not to invest in it. so to speak: /
don't think IFS chances are strong
enough for that. But if you'd care to
sell the patent outright and aren't too
ambitious we might make a dicker
What d you say?''
why, yes" said Graham, quivering
with anticipation Eyes. indeed. if
"Well?"
If you really think it's worth any
thing. sir"
Burnham laughed doubtingly and
said:
well. as I say. there's no telling.
but was thinking about it at dinner,
| and l sort of CON ludad I'd like to OWN