The lawyer shook his head, consulting his watch.
“No show, I’m sorry to say,” he declared. “It would take fully two hours to prepare the papers. Mason is ahead of us one mail, and no other leaves until to-morrow morning.”
“I drew the design of the patents for my father,” explained Ben. “In fact, I have the rude draft of them in my pocket now. As to the description, I could write out those to the smallest detail.”
“No use now, too late,” insisted Mr. Pearsons.
“Let me ask one question, please.”
“Certainly, lad.”
“Have you a correspondent in Washington?”
“Oh, yes.”
“Then I suggest this: Why can’t we get up all the necessary formation for applying for the patents, describing them accurately, so they can be reproduced by your correspondent, and sending word for word the specifications, as you call them, and telegraphing them.”
The lawyer fairly jumped from his seat.