ley and Grannan for electrical supplies only
recently. It is for a trifle over ten thousand dollars."

"Surely you believe Mr. Farnum is good for that amount?" queried the
inventor softly.

"I'm sorry to say that I do not."

"Then why on earth did you buy the bill?"

The capitalist flushed, but said frankly:

"I expect before the day is over to be the owner of other claims against
this business."

"In order to wreck us and take the business?"

"Wreck you? Yes. That is good business. But, Mr. Pollard, we will
make it well worth your while to stay with the new owners." He was well
aware that the inventor might be on the verge of new inventions that
would outdate the "Pollard," and he wanted to keep anything new for
himself.

"Nothing would induce me to stay on if Mr. Farnum were forced out, Mr.
Melville."

"What's that? Forced out?"

The voice came from the doorway, the door having been noiselessly opened,
and Jacob Farnum stood at the entrance.

Melville and the lawyer turned in their seats and the others sprang to
their feet.

"Oh, it's you, is it, Melville? What can I do for you?" asked the
boatbuilder.

"You can settle for this claim, Farnum," and the capitalist held out
the paper.

"Very well. I will write you a check at once. The banks are closed for
the day now, but I will deposit the money the first thing in the morning.
Until I do that, I have not enough in bank to cover this," and he looked
at the paper. "By the way," and he turned to his employees and to the
inventor, ignoring the two outsiders, "the Navy Department has accepted
the 'Pollard.' I've sold her for one hundred and sixty-five thousand
dollars. Have you any more assigned claims against me, Mr. Melville?"
he drawled, again facing the capitalist.

"No," snapped the man. He had paid a thousand dollar bonus to get the
one he had; and was feeling sick over the outcome.

Just then the door opened and the stenographer showed Broughton Emerson
into the room.

"I see you answered my telegram in person, Mr. Emerson," said Farnum,
rising from the chair he had taken and shaking hands.

"Yes, I came in person, and quite prepared to furnish the capital you
need after the preliminaries are arranged."

George Melville rose and after a brief nod of farewell made for the door,
followed by his lawyer. Jack opened the door quietly, then shut it
just as softly.

Broughton Emerson invested heavily in Mr. Farnum's yard and the busin