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Read Ebook: The Young Salesman by Alger Horatio Jr
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Ebook has 1362 lines and 25419 words, and 28 pages
"It is a window fastener. You may think it a trifle, but it is the small inventions which from their nature come into common use, and thus pay the best."
"I can understand that. How long have you been at work on your invention?"
"A year. I had a little money when I began, and it has supported me while I was at work. Now that the invention is perfected, I am without funds. I may as well be plain, and say that I cannot pay my next week's board."
"Couldn't you get some man with money to help you?"
"It is what I have been hoping for. In fact, I called yesterday on a prominent merchant, and laid the matter before him."
"Who was it, Mr. Babcock?"
"Ezra Little."
Scott looked surprised.
"He is a relative of mine," he said. "How did he treat you?"
"He listened to what I had to say, and promised to write to me. He did so. Shall I show you the letter?"
"If you are willing."
The inventor drew from his pocket a typewritten letter, and showed it to Scott. It ran thus:
"MR. HENRY BABCOCK.
"DEAR SIR: I have thought over the small invention you showed me yesterday. I doubt if there is any money in it, but as I presume you are in want, I will give you thirty-five dollars for it. I can stand the small loss, and it will tide you over till you can get a position that will support you.
"Yours truly,
"EZRA LITTLE."
"Mr. Little is not very liberal," said Scott, smiling.
"No," answered the inventor, bitterly. "Think of the year's labor I have spent upon it, and the prospect before me if I accept this paltry sum. With economy it would last me a month, and then what would become of me?"
"True; but there are other men besides Mr. Little, who might perhaps deal with you more generously."
"You are right, but I don't think you understand my position. My available funds are reduced to two dollars. Sometimes in my desperation I have thought I would go down to Brooklyn Bridge, and end it all. I think I should have done so but for one thing."
"What is that?" asked Scott, beginning to show a strong personal interest in his unfortunate visitor.
"I have a little daughter--four years old. I must live for her."
"Yes, you must live for her and yourself, too. You may yet be successful."
"Do you perhaps know of some capitalist?" asked the inventor, eagerly.
"I know of a gentleman who is well supplied with money, and I will lay the matter before him. Meanwhile, as you need the money, accept this loan."
Scott drew from his pocket two five-dollar bills and tendered them to Mr. Babcock.
"You have given me new life and new hope," said the inventor, his pale face brightening. "Who is the gentleman?"
"A Mr. Wood--Justin Wood. He lives at the Gilsey House, and he has been very kind to me. In fact, I owe the position I hold to him."
"Is he--a practical man? Would he see the possibilities of my invention?"
"I can't say, but out of regard to me he would give it consideration."
"When can we see him? Excuse my impatience, but you can understand how much it means to me."
"I do, Mr. Babcock, and I will therefore go with you to his hotel this very evening, though we may possibly not find him in."
"If you will be so kind I will get ready at once."
In five minutes they were on their way to the Gilsey House.
EZRA LITTLE'S DISAPPOINTMENT.
Arrived at the Gilsey House, Scott went into the reading room, thinking he might find Mr. Wood there. But he failed to see him.
"Whom are you looking for?" asked Edward Stripling, the telephone boy, who occupied one corner of the room.
"Mr. Wood."
"Perhaps you are the one he wanted to see. He told me to tell any one inquiring that he would be back in fifteen minutes."
"Then we shan't have to wait long, Mr. Babcock."
The inventor took up a paper from the table, but he was so nervous that he could not concentrate his attention upon it.
Ten minutes later Justin Wood entered the room.
"I am glad to see you, Scott," was his cordial greeting.
"Thank you, Mr. Wood. I come on business. Let me introduce Mr. Babcock."
"Glad to see you, Mr. Babcock," said Wood, courteously.
"Could we go up to your room? We won't keep you long."
"Certainly. Follow me."
Mr. Wood had a front room on the third floor a pleasant apartment, for which he paid a high rent.
"Now, Mr. Wood," began Scott, "I am going to ask your attention for ten minutes."
"I will give you fifteen, if necessary," said Wood, smiling.
Thereupon Scott told the story of the inventor, to which Justin Wood listened attentively.
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