THE STORYTELLER.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 190, 1 August 1908, Page 3

THE STORYTELLER.

MAWHERS'S PATENT.

I. "Halloal Haven't met you for ages!" exclaimed a cheerful voice at Lucas Brougham's elbow, "it must be two years smce I ran across you one night at the Alhambra." "Yes; where, the dickens have you been all the time!" was the reply. , Working,- my boy, like a nigger—aV'Something which is going to bring TOMi a pile,", answered Philip Manners. ni bet you anything I'll bo a millionaire in a few years." " Glad to hear it. Millionaire friends often come in useful." "Doing anything special this evening?" No; too hard up I" "Ditto my case. So come and dine quietly with me at my diggings. Although I am practically on my last shilling it does not matter, as hard times will soon be over."

">t wish I felt as sure of it as you do.' I have just been up for my final exam, for the law; and if I have not passed I shall be in a beastly fix." "Oh, it's a dead certainty you've passed." "I don't feel sure of it myself by any m«ans. But tell me what is going to transform you into a millionaire!" And as the two men Bauntered leisurely towards the rooms in Gower Street which Philip had occupied for several years, he waxed enthusiastic over an invention which he had just carried ti perfection. "It will-mean the saving of twothirds of the petrol for motors and almost negative the noise of the machinery," he said by way of summing up. And it's the simplest contrivance possible. I can't imagine why it wasn't thought of years ago. Once on tin market there'll be a perfect rush to buy it, and my fortune will be made." "I congratulate you, old man. You will be tacky to get over the drudgerv of life at twenty-three. I only wish I had gone mfor inventing, instead of th" law.

But you're lucky to have escaped mr worries and anxieties of the last two years. I would not live them over .W m . fo , r anything. Mind you, I have had to keep the invention a complete •wwt; and there's another thine PI confide to you, and that is, I'm Tartly engaged to an awfully pretty girl Her people are dead against the engagement now, but once my patent is on the ma-;-tat and I'm a wealthy man, it'll fce quite a different matter." "You're a lucky beggar!" "I must confess to feeling jolly triumphant to-day, for I only completed my invention this afternoon. After two years of almost daily failure, it's a grand relief, I can tell you. HI show you the model of my invention. You'll «ee at once how well the heat is retained and intensified. When you come to think of it, decreasing the amount of petrol necessary to drive a motor, ani also decreasing the noise of the machinery to a minimum, will be a positive boon to humanity. Think of the enormous benefit it will be in London!" Yes; by Jove, yes! Awfully clever Of you to think of it." "Easiest thing really in the world; only wanted lots of dogged perseverance and endless thinking out. It wasn't necessary to be a genius to do it. If it had been, I shouldn't have discovered

"Success hasn't changed* you a bit. You're just the same unassuming chap you were at school." "I haven't reached absolute success yet; for success minus cash isn't worth much in this prosaic world. Besides, T have to get the money for patenting the invention." "Haven't you done that yet?" "No! Couldn't until to-day, as I only mastered the invention this afternoon. I shall be most interested to hear your opinion of it." And that opinion was very high. Although the mechanism was simple, the results promised to be as great as Philip prophesied. "You'll make your fortune out of it, Em certain," was Lucas's verdict. "I thought you'd say so. I sent f3r a bottle of 'fizz,' and we'll drink to its success. By Jove, it's been a close shave for me. Goodness only knows how I eould have held out another week. But many a millionaire has been in as sorry a plight during the days of his straggles." It was a distinctly cheerful dinner, for the two young fellows' spirits ran ligb.

"We won't make a late night of it," said Philip, when eleven o'clock struck, *ag I must catch an early train to Birmingham. I want to see an uncle of mine who is expected home there tomorrow. I'm going to borrow the monev from him to patent my invention. I'll take good care to reap the benefit of my own hard work." "Bight you are! And now I'll take myself off. And the best of good luckto your hopes of being a millionaire." As he entered the street Lucas's face grew anxious. In-all probability the • letterthat meant hi s first step to succes3in life or complete undoing was ■ awaiting him at his own quarters in Vincent Square. "Goodness only knows what I shall do if I haven't passed!." he thought, despondently, as he opened the front door with his latch-key. Several letters lay on the hall-table, including an official-looking one for him. He guessed intuitively that it contained the result of the examination. He seized it, tore it open, and read the fatal announcement of his failure. He staggered upstairs, sank into a chair, and buried his face in his hands. Save for three Sounds his whole capital was spent; for e had lived recklessly during his first ■years as an articled clerk. Had he passed he would have stepped immediately into a managership which had been promised him; and he had clung to the hope of passing and thus heading his financial difficulties. Now that hope was dead and he had to face the task an income without qualifiea/tfons. He shuddered. The prospect was heart-sickening. Then his thoughts shot off to a girl whom he loved. His hands fell from his face, and he sank back j with a stifled groan. "I was a fool to court ruin by attempting to pass examinations. I' have not the brains for it," he thought savagely. "Mechanics was the only subject I ever showed any capacity for. Hang it!" Absorbed in the utter misery of his disappointment, lost to all thoughts of his surroundings, lie remained leaning back. Time passed—grew into hours. At last despair suddenly faded from Iris /ace. Means whereby he could change • the whole current of his life had just occurred to him.

11. Philip's uncle, Mr. Herbert Stannish, was still away from his home when his arrived in the flush of happiness mUaving perfected his invention. me that he inllot TOuramgMtfSlSyr'He's sure, though, to be home to-morrow," said Mrs. Stannish. "I hope so," said Philip fervently. "Where is he staying?" "In Edinburgh." "I would run up to Edinburgh to see him, if I had the cash." "And probably pass him on the way. Much better curb your impatience and wait here. You look as if a few hours' rest Would do yon good." Philip shook his head. "If you'll give Me uncle's address, I'll wire him." ,-, That telegram failed to reach Mr. fer Stannish, who was of an erratic duSk- position, and had gone off to stay with P-;'lh? friends at Glasgow. In the end he ? remained there for two days. Those two = 3avs of uncertainty were days of menr tal torture for Philip. He passed every lour in a vortex of anxiety. To be in

£'.. - sight of the goal of his ambition and I"-. forced to remain inactively waiting was 'y simply maddening. He chafed, he fumed, *" Tie tortured himself, all to an aceom- - - paniment of wondering to whom else he could apply for money. But not a single name occurred to him. At last, quite ; unexnectedly, without wiring the fact of his approaching return, Mr. Rtannish

J, .entered the house. He was a firm bc- '&£.• Jiever in his nephew's abilities, and mom 'n th« probable success of his patent. Thus, without hesitation. Philip was given a cheque for £SO. "I don't want yon to be pressed for money at such an important moment ir your life, and I should advise vnur •«■ rag back to London this evening sin.l registering your patent the first thin" = to-morrow morning." were the words t that accompanied the gift. fr "Yes. 11l do so. And thank you verv f." much for the cheque. You shall have 4 .. everv shilling back, with a hundred per V " Cent."

. ' His spirits were nt fever heat when P., he alighted at Eitston. He drove r Straight to Barclay's, cashed the chenuo. '■ - and then went o n to the Patent Offirr . On seeing the design of the marhi'i:".'' to be mtented. the official cast n -enrch , * ins plance at Philip, saying: "This invention was patented t<m 3ars ago." __:. •'lmri-- 1! !e!" replied Philip. Hr ]i? Tanjhed as he spoke. It was eo ab.=olut >

ly impossible. But he turned as white as a sheet.

"I can show you the particulars,"said the official. Dead silence ensued as Philip scanned those particulars. Then a volley of imprecations fell from his livid lips. The splendid results of his two years' slavish brain-work had been stolen from him' He had been robbed of every fraction of reward for his patient, unflagging labour! And the name of the robber, thief, and traitor who had wrought this iniquitous wrong was Lucas Brougham! The patent was registered in his name! All control over the invention and all power to com wealth from it had passed legally into his hands. •"i Y D T', re - r . ight " ha 9 patented," said i-iulpi, in. a leaden voice, as he turned and waked heavily out of the office. He felt cold, numb, dazed with the appalling greatness of the crushing, cruel ruinous evil that had been wrought bv an old friend. The future that had stretched before his mental eyes a vista of dazzling brighTnls s only a few minutes before was a black, dark waste now. As one in a dream he walked alono- busy Chancery Lane, noting nothing, carina not if he lived or died-a crushed and broken-hearted man. He turned westward, towards (iower Street, and wandered on and on. At last he pulled himself together mentally, and thoughts of revenge replaced those of despair. He hailed a passing cab and got in. "Drive to Vincent Square," he said to the driver.

But no information respecting Lucas could he obtain. "He went away yesterdav, sir," said the landlady, "and didn't leave any address, and I can't say when he'll be back." "Gone to escape my vengeance," thought Philip. " But he sha'n't evade me for ever. Sooner or later we shall meet, and I'll have a settlement with him. And what shall I do now, at the present moment, with my most unlucky self? Remain brooding indoors over niv maddening folly in placing a fraction Jf trust m any fellow-mortal? Can't! I'll go to Exeter and break the news to Winnie that I'm a pauper for Jife."

m. It wag a cloudless summer's evening, the air warm and balmy. Sauntering up and down the terrace of St. George's Vicarage, East Exeter, were the vicar, Mr. Lightfoot, his daughter Winifrel, and Lucas Brougham. " So you have made a fortune at the age most men are only beginning their careers," said Mr. Lightfoot, in a voice of keen praise. "Yes," replied Lucas; "and out of oue of the simplest inventions possible. Not only will motors use about one-third the amount of petrol, but the effect on lessening the noise of the machinery will be great. In fact, it will quite revolutionise the construction of motors."

"Then all I can say is that you are a true benefactor to your generation, and that you have earned your wealth in the highest of interests. How did you discover this wonderful invention?" "By a mere lucky chance. I hit upjn it casually, and saw at once that there, was a fortune in it." " Every man would not have had the brains to see it. And how are you arranging to have it brought out." "The Leavensworth Company have bought the entire rights from me for a thousand pounds down and royalties later, after a stipulated number of machines have been sold. Roughly speaking, those royalties ought to bring me in many thousands a year." At this moment a niah was seen approaching across the fields.

"Philip Manners! How inopportune his arrival at this particular moment!' mentally exclaimed Sir. Ligbtfoot. " It's more than a year since I refused to allow him to enter this house. A disgraceful, lazy ne'er-do-well—couldn't even tell me what he was doing, how occupying his time, when last we met! Looks very excited, as if he had even been drinking."

Yes; it was quite evident that tho man approaching was labouring under intense excitement. His teeth were clenched together, his face ashy white, his eyes flashing. " In his present state I mustn't allow him to speak to Winifred," Mr. Lightfoot said to himself.

But Philip had no intention of nt once speaking to her. He strode straight to Lucas's side and grasped him by the arm.

"You scoundrel! You thief!" he exclaimed, in a low voice. Then louder, and with a tinge of command, he added: "Winifred, I must speak to this m'.m alone. He is the meanest and most despicable of thieves! A pickpocket, wiio robs you of your money, is less to be despised than he, for he has treacherously robbed me of millions!"

The man referred to shook himse'.f free from Philip and coined a free-from-alarni laugh. Yet both men's faces were equally livid.

"Better leave us to have our discussion out alone," said Lucas, turning to Winifred.

"Xo," she answered. "I will be the judge between you." "Oh, no, I can't consent to your being drawn into the quarrel which this mau is seeking with ine," exclaimed Lucas.

"On the contrary," said Philip, striving to control himself. ■' I ask no better judge than you, Winifred. Let me explain more fully this man's iniquitous action." " But what is it all about?" asked Mr. Lightfoot. "Philip will explain," said Winifred, placing her hand arrestingly on her father's arm. "The fellow is a liar! Don't belie.'c a word he says!" burst in Lucas, turning to Winifred. " And I must decline to remain, if you're going to interfjre in a man's quarrel." A look of scorn darted across her fane. For already Philip was beginning to tell at full speed the particulars of his terrible wrong. His lips quivered, words came spasmodically. It was pathetic to see agony of his great excitement. " He, that wretch," he said, when most was told, pointing dramatically at the scornful, defiant Lucas, "has robbed me of the reward of one of the greatest inventions of the age. He has snatched Irom me wealth, position, all and everything that has lured me on to work night and day for the last two years. Aud now to think that every vestige of reward has been snatched from me, all appropriated by that dishonest scoundrel. If "

"The fellow is mad!" burst in Lucas.| "The invention was mine! I told him of it a few months ago, and he hoped to i exploit my discovery. I trust, and fully | believe, that vou will accept my word iiii this matter, Mr. Lightfoot?" "But I shall not," sharply intervened) Winifred. j " Oh, very well!" And, saying it carelessly, he swung round and strode away. " Philip, have you no redress?" asked Winifred, gently and tenderly. j "Sfone—none!" was the despairing cry.

IV. Amongst a crowd of applicants for a clerkship at a pojjjid a week, Philip Manners_s)ifioiKstliting IcTse* Lhe head of the firm where the vacancy hail occurred, lie, who a few days ago had hoped to be accounted one of the cleverest inventors of the age, was now entering the ranks of wage-earners as an ordinary clerk, not even cognisant of shorthand] and typewriting. He stood apart from the other applicants, with whom he had little in common, for not one of them had worked and striven and aspired as he. At the present moment he stood glancing casually at the passing traffic. Suddenly he was attracted by the face of a man in a four-wheeler—for that man was Lucas Brougham, and in the cab were also a policeman and a third man. , " Ciood gracious! he's under arrest, I believe." thought Philip, and forthwith he eeased to take the slightest interest in the vacant clerkship. He hailed a. hansom and jumped in, and told the driver to follow the fourwheeler. Straight to the nearest policestation the latter was driven. The last case to be heard was just over as the men entered the court. At once Lucis was put in the dock, charged with payin" a forced Bank of England note for' £lO to the official at the Patent Office, lie, the prisoner, lieinjr aware that the note was a forged one. To anticipate events, the case was sent ilov trial and he was sentenced to two years' penal servitude. Philip remained in the back of the court, listening with keen attention to the statements respecting the worthlessness of the bank-note. "Strikes me forcibly that this negatives the fellow's legal power over my invention, for it must invalidate his claim to the patent," thought Philip. " If so, the invention lies at the merry of atirone and everyone. T'll drive -o the Patent Office to see how matters stand If the money ihw-n't reman good, I can't see how the rc.ji*tratn,n of the patent can." , . Splendid news awaited linn at the office, for the word "Cancelled was| written in large letters across the <'e-, «i<r„ to which Lucas had given the nam?, i "Brougham's flreat Patent." "Magnificent cheek!" mentally oxclaimed'Philip, smiling. He could snvle . now for he had recovered possesion of

i : his valuable property. " I'll call it the !' Petrol and Soundo Diniinisher Patent.'" When all was safely concluded lie t drove straight to the nearest telegraph office and sent the following wire to Winifred Lightfoot:— "Brougham arrested. His claim lo invention (/.nceVed. It's mine again now. Hurrah! Hurrah! Arriving noon to-morrow.—Philip." And (lashing hack came the answer:--"Intensely delighted. Too happy for words.—Winifred."