The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1911-02-09
cepyrisAt. 1910 by winehsli Smith
and LOUIS Joseph Vance

G>~O~~~>N>~C~~>> ~~>>>>~>,>>>>~>>~>A
None only / want to look into the
matter 6rst. | think II might be-ah-
advisable"
What makes you think so?" de-
manded Burnham. his tone withering
We'll" said Nat. with an effort sum
moning his faculties to cope with a /
matter of strict business. its this |
way I'VE got an idea" he said. pok- |
ing at Burnham with the forehnger
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 ii. and ii ought TO be worth
Just as much 70 Mr. Graham as to
you"
"Ah, you don't know what you're
talking about"
81 know that" Nat admitted simply.
"but ! do happen to know you're pro
noting Il scheme for making gas from
crude oil and If MIR Graham will lis.
ten to me you won't get his patent un-
Ill I've consulted my friend Henry
Kellogg"
Kellogg
YES. You know-of L. ]. Bartlett &
Co." Mats forefnger continued to do
deadly work. Burnham backed away
from il as from a fiery brand.
"Oh. we'll" he said. dashed, 'tf you're
representing kellogg" and Nat took
care not to refute the implication-H
i don't want to interfere. Only" he
pursued at random in his discontinue
81 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"
Burnham gathered his wits together
for fnal threat. That's what will
dor he threatened. And I'll do 1t
the minute ] can see him. You can
bet on that, Mr.. -your-name!'
mo, | 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, Mr. Gra.
ham
Not alone, If | can help It, Mr..
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
barked Good dayw
well, Mr.. Graham?" 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 Inn
pulses, just as you do, my boy"
For a space Duncan kept silent, re-
specting the old mans memories and
great deal humbled in spirit by the
parallel Sam had drawn. Then. II was
afraid what | said would sound queer
10 you, sir" be ventured-"that you
mightn't understand that Pm not here
10 do you out of your invention"
There's nothing on earth. my boy"
-Graham's hand fell on Mats arm
"that could make me think that But
$780, you see. would have repaid you
for taking up that note. and-l could
have bought Betty new dress for the
party But I'm sure you've done what's
best. You're a business man.
"Don't!' Nat pleaded wildly. i've
been called that so much Of late that
it's beginning to hurtw
The old man turned away sadly,
lighted a candle and went down into
the cobwebby cellar TO patch a bro
ken window.