The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1921-06-29
Alvin Inverts a
Heart Opener
Ey WILLIAM FALL
,@. 1921. western Newspaper Union. }

II WAS patent rat trap that broke
up the engagement of Miss Viola Bar
ton and Alvin Draper L had sundered
them, brought out sharp definite an
nouncelnent from the estimable lady,
ana declaration from Alvin that it
would make no difference-he would
always cherish his lost love and
hope.
She was always fine as silk" in
sisted Alvin Il year afterwards May
be time will make difference-time
and my damage suit."t
The damage suit" was history in
the town. 1t all came out of the rat
trap.
When Alvin invented his great rat
trap his fiancee did not say much. for
1t looked as though he had really
struck il at last.
AT the zenith of his inventive glo-
| ry, however. there came danpener.
He was sued for infringement on
previous patent. Two years passed
by. and the case was still pending.
1t had cost him several thousand dol
lars in legal fees, and after he had
| stubbornly resisted the pleadings Of
| Viola to forget the whole thing and
invest what was left in some practical
business, she broke the engagement.
I'm bound to win," insisted Alvin
| Why. the Specially Manufacturing
! company has a sanding offer of ten
| thousand dollars for my patent the
minute the courts give me a clear
| title
in UixxIr ~
| church. 1t had run down because it's
pas ors had been slow-going, easily
| contented men, and the congregation
had been spoiled thereby. Finally
new minister was assigned. 1t turned
out to be Edward Barton, a favorite
brother of Viola
'The church needs all kinds of re-
4 pairs." he confidentialy impaired to
| Alvin one day.
| Alvin reflected over all this. He
met his former fancee on the street.
! She idolized her brother, and when
J Alvin referred to him she forgot the
| gulf between them.
Il think l see way" said Alvin.
| "Oh. if you only could" began Viola,
and then she flushed crimson. remeln-
| bering the past.
| Immediately alvin forgot the pend
4 ing snit
The young minister was called away
from town temporarily. One evening
there was church socialsie. Alvin
| was always the life and leader of
such functions. Viola was also there.
Alvin raped on table for order and
attention.
"Friends." he said. placing box be
fore. him.. u have something to say
before we go up to our homes. This
is the best church in the world--fixed
up. Our splendid yo1ng pastor is the
best preacher in the world--pa.d up
| We've all got into mean and stingy
rut. Let's get out of IT."
The church deacons booked askance.
the lay members curious and excited.
you know I'm a sort of dabbler in
inventions" proceeded Alvin. placing
his hand on the box. This is my
latest one. It's called the cash an
nunciator,' and I've got it especial
ly for this church"
Alvin took off the cover of the box
amid grim, expectant silence. Then
he placed beside il some coins.
This is my patent collection box"
he proceeded. "afd want the church
to adopt It, My contribution will he
the coins yon see here. Now observe:
wish TO donate dollar"
He slipped silver dollar through
the slot in The box. 4 mellow tinkle
seemed to gently thank the donor.
"Twenty-five cents"
A hoarse cracked bell note rang oct.
"One cent" spol;e Alvin finally.
An mccarthy racket came from the
| box
The audience snickered-some OF
them roared with laughter Ailserlv
| j I'm nIibe The richest man in town.
looked sheepsb. Robert Jones see
ond in social Importance. scowle.l Sc
verelv Then the corner Of his lips
began to twiieh.
MIR. Draper" he spoke cut you
can put =, hve-aollar attaclifnent for
me regularly on that invention Of
you5s."
~Ill mal-e Zen. annoupced alr
Duke. after pai9e.
"Yps. no riar9 aeEu'es. spoke MP
0racon smith ~Hnu've given rs u
.snoa icssau. Nj i';nasr. I'm fhr-ap
greciarina the o,l ci3arrh and 'lit
| n rrs eanjstrr as iheY de- eFve to iie.
The following Sta.ay showed rfae
titnl results ile ness better still. Thai
we@'; siyiu received Il e ter whlrh
he greeted With i harrah-his SSH
WAS Won.
Hc met Vloia. Ter face beaming.
that afternoon,
81 must congratulate van On your
good fortune" She said brightly "And
Oh what magic wonders 79u have az
roaplished with the church. The trus
eeS have raised five thousand dol
lars. md my brother will be taken care
Of as he SHOULD ! am afraid mean
must confess thaF you have invented
new WAY 10 reach ny heart