The Oskaloosa herald. (Oskaloosa, Mahaska County, Iowa) 1885-1919, 1912-09-19
The Tie That Binds
BY George j. Thiessen

the Herald staff, whose stories and ar.
ticles have appeared in many we'll
known magazines, contributed the fol-
lowing little sketch to this paper
Editor.l
Harold Harding stood in the steps
of the Office of large manufacturing
company and watched the factory
vomit it's tired mass of humanity upon
the street. He, who had lately been
one of them, studied the figures as
they passed him and shuddered
I"What had life In store for them?"
he thought. What"
Someone touched him on the shout
der. He turned, and gazed into the
] face of a middle-aged stranger who
asked Mr.. Harding, believer"
Yes" was the reply. And your"
! . "Mr. Wilson, the attorney for the
King Manufacturing company"
) Harold smiled the other contin-
ued: we have carefully examined
your invention and decided to pur-
chase it at your figures. If you care
to come to my office, you can sign"
Sorry" Harding interrupted, hut
you came too late. | have already
promised the Whiting company they
could have first chance-you people
waited too long. am to have my
answer tomorrow.
Wilson was i'll at ease. The pat
ent was valuable, and now that an
other company was interested in its
purchase he was determined to try
argument. But" he expostulated at
length, I'VE have the papers already
drawn up. Why should you not, as
a business precaution, sell to the first
one who is willing to pay you your
price,"
Because of my word"
The attorney merely shrugged his
shoulders. Should you change your
mind" he said, "or the other firm
decides not to purchase, we shall be
glad to reconsider our offer of today"
Thank you" was the reply.
The stranger descended the steps;
entered his carriage and drove away.
Harold stayed but a few moments
longer, then with a light heart and a
smile upon his lips, he walked rapid
ly down the street toward home.
I"Olga will be surprised-and glad"
he muttered to himself, thrusting his
hands deeper into, his pockets. This
city life does not suit her. | know.
But now that | have money" he
smiled and pushed upon the door of
the little house in which they lived.
His wife greeted him with kiss; he
told her of his offer. How proud of
you am" she exclaimed. There is
no one on earth like you!"
He laughed and then sat down to
the simple meal that she had pre-
pared.
The morrow came. Harding was up
bright and early, anXiously waiting
for the president of the King Manu-
featuring company to arrive at his
Office. After ages-so 1t seemed 10
him-he was admitted, and within a
few minutes, papers were drawn and
signed. The inventor had sold his
patent for twenty thousand dollars.
Olga must know of it at once; he had
promised her. Turning, Harold was
about to leave when-"Mr. Harding,
you are not employed at present, are
you?"
mo"
we need foreman in our expert
iment department. In case yon wish
the place kindly let me know by next
Monday ! presume you will want
a few days of rest before going back
to work-you've had a hard time OF
1t, | understand"
The inventor nodded. Thank you, "
he said, Il shall let you know"
Then he left for home, hugging his
precious contract all the way. AT
the front door he met her and told
her of his success. They entered the
tiny parlor together and Sat down.
And I'm offered a position as fore
man in the King company" he added,
after he had told, for the twentieth
time, of the sale. Good things never
come" She looked disappointed; he
noticed. And don't that please you,
my dear? What would you have me
,do?"
Putting her arms around his neck
she nestled closer to him, and whis-
pered: Let us go back to the farm,
now that we have the means to own
one. The harvest time is come; the
new mown hay has perfumed the air,
And the moon, Harold, you remember
how brightly it used to shine in the
lane? You remember, Harold the
time when ! first met you?"
He was silent. Slowly the scene
passed before his eyes. He saw her
standing beneath the lilac bush, shy,
innocent and pure as the dove which
called to its mate above their heads (;
remember their courtship; the sacri-
fee she had made for him by coming
to the city. He bent forward; press.
ed her closer to him.
I'VE will go back" he said, simply.