Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1911-02-22

g NJ? Duncan quer1ed simply.
Only just because I'm a business
man. II you don't believe 1t ask Mr..
Graham
He's got a perfect right to advise
me. Mr. Burnhan." interposed Ora.
ham, rising.
We'll. but-but what objection We
you got to his making little money
out Of this patent?" Burnham blus-
tered.
None, only want to look into the
matter first. I think it might be-ah-
advisable"
What makes you think SOP de-
manded .Burnham, his tone whitening. I
We'll" said Nat. with an effort sum-
moning his faculties to cope with q
matter of strict business, Its this
way. I've got an idea" be said. p0k-
ing at Burnham with the forefinger
which had proved so 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 Mr.. Graham as to
you"
"Ah, you don't know what you're
talking about"
II know that" Nat admitted simply.
but l do happen to know you're pro-
noting scheme for making gas from
crude oil. and If Mr. Graham will lis
ten to me you won't get his patent I'M
til rye consulted my friend Henry
Kellogg"
"Kelloggv'
Eyes. You know-of L. J. Bartlett &
Co." Mats forefnger continued to do
deadly work. Burnham backed away
from it as from a fiery brand
"Oh. well.' he said. dashed. 'tif you're
representing Kellogg"-and Nat took
care not to refute the implication-"I
II don't want to interfere. Only" he
pursued at random in his discontinue.
Il can't see why he sent you here"
I'D be ashamed to tell you." Nat re-
turned with an open smile. Better
ask him"
Rurnham gathered bis wits together
for final threat. That's what I Will
do" he threatened. And I'll do It
the minute l can see him. You can
bet on that, Mr.. What's-your-name!'.
mo, can't" said Nat naivesy. 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. Mr.. Ora.
ham,
,''Not alone, If can help it, MI.
Burnham." Duncan amended sweetly.
But" Burnham continued, severely
ignoring Nat and addressing himself
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
a barked Good dayr'
"Well. Mr.. Graham?' Duncan turned
little apprehensively to the inventor.
Margaret used to talk that way
sometimes" he remarked "She was
the best woman IN the woodland 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 a space Duncan kept silent re-
spectins the old mans memories and
great deal BUNDLED in spirit by the
parallel Sam had drawn. Then. Il was
afraid what |. 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"
Ora hams hand fell on Mats 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 new dress for the
party. But I'm sure you've done what's
best. You're business man.
"Don't!' Nat pleaded wildly. "Tve
been called that so much of late that
it's beginning to hurtr
The old man turned away sadly.
lighted candle and went down into
the cobwebby cellar to patch a bro
ken window