The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1911-02-03

pected encounter was. IN tue uIiiuesI
term. extreme. At sight of. his en-
ployer he pulled up as II slapped.
"Oh." he faltered. II didn't know you
was here. SIR"
mo" said Blinky. with keen relish;
II guess you didn't"
"I-ah-come over to see Sam about
that note" stammered Roland.
"Waal. don't you bother your head
bout what amt your business. Roly.
Come on back to the bank"
"All right SIR" Roland grasped
frantically at the opportunity to en-
phasize his Importance. Excuse me.
Mr.. Lockwood. but I'd like to inter
docs you to a friend Of mine. Mr.
Burnham. from Moo York"
Amused. Burnham stepped into the
breach. How are your" he said with
the proper nuance of cordially. offer
Ing his hand.
Lockwood shook It Internationally.
"How de dor" he said perfunctorily.
II brought Mr.. Burnham In to see
Sam
EYES," Burnham interrupted Roland
quickly; "Barnette's been kind enough
to show me round town n bit"
Here on business" inquired Lock
wood pointedly.
''No, not exactly" returned Burnham
with practical ease; lust looking
round"
''Only lookin'. ehY 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 you believe itT
Don't see no reason why l should
not" grunted Blinky. "Hope you'll
like what you see. Good day."
80 long. Mr.. Lockwood" returned
Burnham uncertainty.
Lockwood paused outside the door
"Come long, Roland"
"Yes, sir; right away; just min
ute" Roland was lingering unwilling
ly. detained by Burnham's imperative
hand. what d. you want? / got to
hurry"
What was he winking at me for?"
demanded Burnham heatedly. slave
you
"Ohr Roland laughed. "He wasn't
winking. He can't help doing that.
It's twitchin' he's got in his eye.
That's why they call him Blinky."
"Oh, that was It" Burnham accept
ed the explanation with distinct relief.
while Duncan. who had been an I'M
regarded spectator, suddenly found
cause to retire behind one of the show
cases on important business.
So that was the explanations!
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 moment or so.
Will you wait? You'll find that chair
comfortable. / think"
Believe | WILL" said Burnham. with
an air. He seated himself. 81 can't
wait long, though" he amended
"Yes. sir. And If you'll excuse me-
Burnham's hand dismissed him with
a 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
aginous accents. Sometimes I pick
up an odd. no count contraption that
makes me bit of money. and more
times I'm stung and lose on It. There
might be something to this gas burner
Of yours. and again there mightn't
I've been thinking I might be willing
to risk a few dollars on it If we could
come to terms"
do you mean it really?" said old
Sam eagerly.
mot to invest in II, so to speak;
don't think its 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 decker. |
What d. you say?"
why. yes,"' said Graham, quivering
with anticipation "Yes, indeed, IT,
"wen?"
eff you really think it's worth any
thing. SIR"
Burnham laughed doubtingly and
said:
"Well. as say, there's no telling,
but was thinking about It at dinner,
and sort of concluded I'd like to own
that burner, so made out little bill
Of sale. and says to myself. says 1,
If Graham will take $500 for that
patent I'll give him spot cash, right In
his hand says l."
With this Burnham tipped back in
his chair and brought forth a wallet
from which he drew A sheet OF paper