Jasper County Democrat, Volume 13, Number 73, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 December 1910 — Page 2

THE FORTUNE HUNTER

CHAPTER X. NAT bad a busy day or two after that, trying to set things to rights in the store for the better reception and display of the new stock Sperry dropped him a line saying that the goods would ar-

BOLAND BARNETTE.

rive on the third day. and there was much to do to make’way for them. Between spasms of wot.k Dnncan had bis luitid<_fiill. aUeiitklle. Iff the . soda fountain Soda water tieinji practically tin only siltable thing in the store, it had t<? serve as an excuse for the inquisitiveness of many of my fellow citizens. 10 say nothing of—l ! should put it, but especially—their wives and daughters. The consumption of vaniliy sody in those two days broke ail known Radville records and stands a singular tribute to the Spartan fortitude of Radville womanhood, particularly the young stratum thereof. From my window in the Citizen office 1 was able to keep a tolerably close account of events and obtain a consensus of public opinion So far as the latter bore up'n Duncan, it was divided into two rather distinct parties, one. of course, favoring him. and this was feminine almost exclusively. Tracey Tanner, to be sure, confessed with-, in my hearing to predilection for the Noo York dood. but was inclined to hedge and climb the fence when assailed by Roland's strictures. Roland, I suspect, was a wee mite jealous. He had been paying attention to—l mean, going with—Josie Lock wood for several months Instinctively he must have divined bis danger, and it's not in reason to ex.’: admiration of the usurper from tin- ' serf . 1 < ve:> when the act of ttswr’>:itf<e- itas not vet been definitely crjnsum mated ilohtnd went to the lehctfi <d :.-;tng Unman “sissy” arid prl;'tss< 1 m believe that Hiram Kiitt was iv;s-.in calling him a “s pieior.-- . .. i It'oLed-luiii.i-d darkly tl.at 'ntm-.-.i; knew Xew York no better than \v ill‘Bigelow “And if he come from there, " be asseverated. -“T-betchef he didn’t leave for no good purjM>se.” His teminw thspfred;:Tne with the sapient reflection that it’s a terrible thing to be in love even if only with an Old man s millions. “There's goiu" to be a real Noo Yorker here before long,” Roland boasted. “He’s cornin' to see me on some special private busness of ourn.” “Huh,” commented Tracey, the skeptical, “what kind of a Noo Yorker ’d come all the way here to see you?” “That’s all right. You’ll see when he gets here. He's a pro-motor.” “A what?” “A pro-motor, a financier.” Roland pronounced it “finnan seer,” thus betraying symptoms of culture and bewildering Tracey beyond expression. i “What’s that?” he demanded aggressively. “That’s a feller ’t can take nothing at all and incorporate it and make monqy out of it,” Roland defined with some hesitancy. - “And that’s why he's coming down here to take a look at you?” inquired

SAM GRAHAM WAS WORRIED

Tracey, slipping nimbly round the cor ner. Curiously enough in rny understanding (for I own to n<> great faith in Roland's statements, taking them by and his friend from New York put in an unheralded appearance in Radville that same night, on the evening train The Bigelow House received him to Its figurative bosom under the name oi \V. H Burnham He sent for Roland promptly and treated him to a dinnei at tile hotel,, something which 1 have always regarded, as a punishment several sizes too large for the crime. Later having displayed him on ' !i<> streets in witness to iiis good laitn. Roland spent the evening with Mr B'.;r:;h:im, mysteriously confabulating behind closed doors tn the hotel Duncan was at the station a few days later superintending the'transpor tatlon of the new stock, which had come by the early local. Betty was busy with her housework upstairs, and only old Sam kept the shop Lam wasn't in the best of spirits His evergreen optimism seldom withered. but in spite of all that had already lieen accomplished In behalf of the store, in spite of the rosier aspect of his declining fortunes and his con fidence in and affection for Duncan. S i i was worrit'd He had been over to the hank once even at that early hour, luit B:ink> Lockv nod had driven . out of town to see about foreclosing one of his numerous mortgages in the neighborhood, and tils note, which fell due at the bank that day. was still a weight upon Sam’s mind “RtiTaml and Burnham found him wandering nervously round the store, alternately taking his "ii'at down from the peg. as i! minded to make a secund trip to the bank and replacing It as be realized that patience was his part. “Why, hello. Roland!” he cried cheerfully. hanging up his hat for perhaps the twentieth time. And, “How de doo, sir?” he greeted the stranger. "Good morning, sir." said Burnham pleasantly. “Say. Sam,” Roland blundered u ith his usual adroitness, “this gentleman’*— Burnham’s hand fell heavily on bis fOrea rm “What’s that. Roland?" Sam turned curiously to them. “Oh. nothin’; I was -er—just goin’ to say that tins gentleman’s my friend from Noo York. Mr Burnham, and we just happened to look in" "The friend you were going tu write to about my burner?" inquired Sam It was here that Roland got a look from Mr Burnham that withered him completely “Why. no.Mr Graham." Burnham interposed deftly “Mr Barnette nmst have been \ iking <>l someone else he knew in New York i*’~ “Didn’t know he knew- more’h one there.” Sam observed mildly Burnham’s glance jumped warily to Sam’s face, but withdrew reassured, • having detected therein nothing but ' th? o’.’ ; bindly end simple na"A' ah events.” he continued, I “I don’t reira raber hearing anything .-•1 ;>nt the matter < what did yoii call it? A burner, eh ?> from Mr Barnette.” “I s’pose Roland forgot.” Sam allowed "lie’s so busy courtin’ our pretty girls. Mr. Burnham”— “Yes, that was iy" Roland put in hastily, seeing bis chance to mend matters “I did Intend to write you about it, Mr. Burnham, but it kind of slipped my mind. We’ve bad a lot of important business over to the bank recently.” “By the way. Roland, did you just come from the bank? Is Mr. Lockwood back yet?” “No; I got off this morning. I don’t think he is. Sam. Did you want to see him?” “Well, yes,” Sam admitted. “I guess you know about that, Roland.” “Mean business, sometimes, asking favors of these bankers, eh. Mr. Graham?” Burnham remarked. Graham nodded dolefully. “Yes, it is unpleasant,"’ be admitted confidingly. “You see. there’s a note of mine come due today, and I’m not able to take care of It or pay rhe interest just now. But I .guess it’ll be al! right.

Mr. Lockwood's kind, very kind " "I’m afraid you’re a little too sure, Sam,” Roland contributed tactfully “When there’s money due Lockwobd be’wants it. and most times he gets it or its equivalent” “But,” Burnham changed the subject adroitly, “what was this—burner, did you say-that Mr. Barnette forgot to tell me about?” "Oh. just one of my inventions, sir I’ve spent most of my life at it, sir. but somehow nothing has ever turned out well- not so far. 1 mean But I mean to hit it yet." "That’s the way to talk,” Burnham cried heartily “Nover give up. 1 say! But tell me about some of these inventions. won’t you?” “Well"—Sam knitted bis fingers and pursed bis tips reflectively—“l patented a new type thrashing machine once, but I couldn’t get anybody to take hold of it. You see, I haven’t any money, Mr. Burnham ” “How would you like to talk it over with me some time? I’m interested in such things-as a sort of side issue." “Will you?" Sam’s eagerness was not to ho disguised "Be glad to Tell me. how did yon get your j>ower?" “From gas, sir, though coal will do most as well You see. I’ve got this burner patented that makes gas from crude oil—no waste, no odor nor trouble and little expense. It’d be cheap er than coal. I thought; that’s why 1 Invented it I could get steam up mighty quh k with that gas arrangement I use it for lighting here in the store now " “Do you. indeed?" Burnham’s tone indicated failing interest, but such diplomacy was lust on Sam “If you’ve got time 1 con'd show you? It’s right over here.” A glance at his watch accompanied Burnham’s consent to spare a few minutes “There’s a telegram 1 must send presently." he said "But I'd like to see this burner, if it won’t take long.”

“WHAT WAS THIS—BURNER?"

“No. not long; just a minute or two.” Sam was already dragging the affair out from under the window box “Yot see”— He went on to expound its virtues with all the fond enthusiasm of a father showing off ins. firstborn and wound up with a demonstration of the illuminating appliance. I'm afraid, though, he got little encouragement from Mr Burnham lie considered the machine with a dispassjouate air. it’s true, and admitted its practical advantages, but wasn't at all disposed to take a roseate view of i,ts future. “Yes.” he grudged when Sam put a match to the jet. “that’s certainly a very good light.” “All right, ain't it?” chimed Roland enthusiastic. “Oh. it may amount to something It’s hard to tell Of course you know, sir.” he continued, addressing Graham directly, “you've got competition to overcome.” Sam’s old fingers trembled to his chin “No o.” he said. “1 didn't know that I've got the patent”“Ot course that's something But the Consolidated I’etroleum crowd has machine, gligtitty which does the saute work ajjd. I should say. does it better.” "Is—is that so?” quavered Sam “My patent”—. “Now. see here. Mr. Graham.” Burn i hain argut/d. “we're practical men. both of us“"No. 1 shouldn’t say that about my self;” Sam interrupted. “Now. you. sir. 1 can see you’re a man who understands such things But I”“Nevertheiess you must know tpat a patent isn't everything. You said a moment ago a man had to have money to make anything out of his inven tlons.” “Did I?” Sam interjected, surprised. “Certainly you did. And dead right you are. A patent’s all very well, but supposing ybu’re up against a powerful competitor like the Consolidated Petroleum company. They’ve got a patent too. Granted, it may be an infringement of yours even. What can you do against them?” “Why, if it’s an infringement”— “Sue, of course. But do you suppose they’re going to lie down just because an unknown and penniless inventor sues them? Bless you, no! They’ll fight to the last ditch. They’ll engage the best legal talent in the country. You’ll have to carry the case to the supreme court of the United States if you want a winning decision And that’s going to cost you thousands- ■■ -■ ~'' ■■ .' ■ ■. -I

“I’LL BE GLAD TO SHOW YOU ANYTHING I’VE GOT HERE.”

hundreds of thousands—a million”— "Never mind A thousand’s enough,” said Sam gently. “I see what you mean. sir. It’s just another case where I’ve got no chance.” “Oh. I wouldn’t put it as strong as that”— “But I have no money.” “Still, you never can tell. I’ll think it over If I get time." “Why, that’s kind of you, sir; very kind.” It was at this point that Roland rose to the occasion like the noble ass he is. Roland never could see more than an inch beyond the end of his nose. “Say, Mr Burnham.’’ he floundered, “don't you think you could help Sam to"— “1 think,” said Mr Burnham, with additional business of looking at bis watch. “I'd like to send that wire I spoke of.” “Yes, Roland,” Sam agreed meekly, “you mustn't keep your friend from his business I’m glad you looked iu. sir. You’ll call again. I hope.” “Thank you.” said Burnham, moving toward the door It was too much for Roland’s sense of opportunity He rolled In Burn ham’s wake sullenly reluctant. “Say. Mr. Burnham," he exploded as they got to the door, “if you’ll just offer Sam five”“That will do!" Roland collapsed as if punctured Burnham turned to Gra bam with a wave of his hand’ “I’m leaving on the afternoon train, but if 1 get time I may drop in again and talk things over with you There might be something in that thrashing machine you mentioned ”, “I’ll be glad to show you anything I’ve got here ” "All right Good day I'll see you again perhaps ” This cavalier snub was lost on Sam. an essential of whose serene soul is the quality of humility He followed them to the door as grateful as a lost dog for a stray pat instead of a kick. “Good day. sir Good day. Roland.” be sped their parting cheerfully. But it was a broken man who shut the door behind them and turned back, fingering his gray chin “Perhaps Mr. Burnham was right. Only I was kind of hopin’— Now, Mr. Lock wood over there”— He shook himself to throw off the spell of depression. "Well, well! He’s kind, very kind. With this young man in here and everything gettin fixed up and new stock cornin’ in— I'm sure Mr. Lockwood

“ONLY HER SENSE OF DUTY SUSTAINED ; HEB” ’ll see it the right way for us. He’s kind, very kind.” Thus it was that he presently called up the stairs in a very cheerful voice, “Betty, are you pretty near through up there?” The girl’s weary voice came down to him without accent “Yes, father, almost” “Well, then, you keep an eye on the store, please. I’m goin’ to step out for a minute." “Yes, father.” “And is—ls anybody asks for me I’ll most likely be down to the depot with Mr. Duucan ” ....

He didn't mention that he content plated calling on Ixx-kwiM>d. because be feared it might worry Betty Betty knew, or. rather, divined. And she bad do hope, no faith such as made Sam what lie was She came down the steps listlessly Only her sense of duty sustained her She owed something to old Sam for the, gift of life, dismal though she found 1L He needed her What she could do for him she would Sighing, she went to work Id work only could she forget The soda glasses needed cleaning and the sirup jars replenishing. for Ihe new order of sirups had come in the previous evening After a time, to a lune of pounding feet, Tracey Tanner pranced Into the shop with all the gra-eftfi ahand m of a young elephant Li ling its oats His face was fairly s< rlet from exertion end his pre) bulging with a sense of importance The girl looked up with out interest, uuudmg siighily In re spoffse t<- h’s breathless "’Lo. Betty" “Fathers gone out." she said, hold ing a glass to the light, suspicious of the lint from her dish towel “1 know-seen him down the street.” The boy halted at the counter, producing a handful of square envelopes “Note for you from the Loykwoods. Betty,” he panted “Josie ast me to bring It round” Betty pul down her glass in con sternation “From the Lock woods?” “Üb-bub!” Tracey offered it, but she withheld het band, dubious. “For me. Tracey?” “Üb-huh! It’s a ninvitation. I got four more to take.” He tnrust it Into

"JOSIE AST ME TO BRING IT ROUND.”

ber reluctant fingers "Got five, really, but one of eni's for me ’’ “An Invitation. Tracey!’' "Yeh Hope you have a good time when it conies off" Already he was bouncing toward the door “Goodby " “But wbat is it, Tracey?” “Aw. it tells in the ninvitation S’long.” “From the Lockwoods.'” she wills pered. Suddenly she'tore it open, her bands unsteady with nervousness The envelope contained a square of heavy cardboard of a creamy tint with scalloped edges touched with gold. On the face of the card a round and formless band had traced witl evident pains the information: MISS JOSEPHINE MAE LOCKWOOD Requests the pleasure of your company at a lawn fete and dance to be held at the residence of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. George Lockwood. Saturday, July 15, at 8 p. m. R. S V. P The envelope fluttered to the floor, while the card was crushed between the girl’s hands For a moment her face was transfigured with delight, her eyes blank with rapturous visions of the Joys of that promised night “Oh—it ’ud be grand!" Then suddenly the light faded. Her eyes clouded: her face settled into its discontented lines. She stuffed the card heedlessly into the pocket of her dingy apron and took up another glass “But 1 can’t go; I’ve got nothin’ to wear.” (To Be Continued.)

NOTICE OF DITCH SALE.

Notice is hereby given that on Friday, the 30th day of December, 1910, at one o’clock P. M., at the town of Wheatfield, in Jasper county,, Indiana, the undersigned Drain-age-Commissioner will offer for sale at public outcry, to the lowest and best bidder therefor, the contract for the construction of the R. E. Davis Ditch, Cause No. ill of the Jasper Circuit Court. Bids will be received for the construction of the work by sections, or as a whole, at the option of the Commissioner. Each bidder upon the dredge work will bo required to deposit cash or a certified check in- the sum of sl,000.00, or to give bond in said sum with two resident freehold sureties; as a guarantee that if awarded the contract, he will enter into a written agreement to perform according ,to the plans and specifications and give bond as the law requires, conditioned for the faithful performance of his contract. Biders for the scraper work will be required to deposit cash or a certified check, or to give bond in a sum equal to ten per cent of their bid. The Commissioner reserves the right to reject any and all bids. THOMAS F. MALONEY, Commissioner of Construction. Office stationery makes an acceptable Christmas present—if-it is printed in an up-to-date man-ner—-and that’s the only way The Democrat prints it. ; '

Big Public Sale The undersigned, having sold his'arm and expecting to move away, will sell at Public Sale at his residence in Newton tp., 1 mile North and 4% miles West of Rensselaer, 2% miles directly east of Mt. Ayr, commencing at 10 a. m., on WEDNESDAY", DEC. 21, 1910, 6 Head of Horses— Consisting of 1 Grey Mare 4 years old, wt. 1550, in foal to Ben Miller’s black horse; 1 Grey Mare 3 years old, wt. 1500, in foal to same horse. This is a number one good pair of mares and well matched and absolutely sound; 1 Black Gelding 5 years old, wt. 14 50, sound; 1 Bay Gelding 4 years old, wt. 14 75 and sound; 1 Bay Mure 10 years old, wt. 1150, in foal

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to Padgett’s road horse, this mare is a good driver and lady broke; 1 Brown Mare 12 years old, in foal. 12 Head of Cattle— Consisting of 9 number one good milch cows, two with calf by side, others giving a good flow of milk now; 2 three-year-old Jersey Heifers with calf; 1 two-year-old Heifer with calf. 23 Head of Hogs— Consisting of Shoats, averaging about 135 pounds each. Fann Implements, Wagons, Etc. — Consisting of 1 3 % inch tire Studebaker wagon with triple box; 1 top buggy; 1 Oliver 16-inch riding plow; 1 14-inch Oliver walking plow; 2 Avery cultivators; 1 disk; 1 16-ft. harrow; 1 hay ladder; 1 mud boat; 3 sets work harness; 1 set single harness; 1 set double driving harness. This stuff has been used just one season and is good as new. 1 cream separator, used about two months; about 20 tons good clover hay; 12 dozen chickens, some full blood Rhode Island Reds, also some full blood Plymouth Rocks; 6 turkey hens; some household goods, and other articles too numerous to mention. A credit of 12 months will be given on sums over $lO, with usual conditions; 6 per cent off for -cash. H. E. WADE. J. G. Culp, Auctioneer. C. G. Spitler, Clerk. Hot lunch on grounds.

J. M. Dyer E. L. Wright Dyer & Wright Live Stock & General Auctioneers Well Posted in All Breeds Satisfaction Guaranteed Terms Reasonable You Get Two Men’s Service for Price of One WOLCOTT, INDIANA Phone No. 51 7 A Phone at Our Expense

I . JOHN G, CULP ' Live Stock and General Auctioneer, RENSSELAER, INDIANA. Phone 262. Sales made anywhere in the United States. Satisfaction guaranteed on my part or no pay. Terms reasonable for first-class work and made known on application. All correspondence answered promptly. Best of references furnished from bankers, business men and stockmen. If you need my services address me; I can make money for all who employ me.

PARKER’S HAIR BALSAM Cleanses and beautifies the hair. Promote* * luxuriant growth. aKfTfo Never Fails to n estore Gray SA „ Eair to its Youthful Color, era'.p diseases & hair fining. "SJ 60e, end SI.OO at Druggists