"I will give you fifteen, if necessary," said Wood, smiling.
Thereupon Scott told the story of the inventor, to which Justin Wood listened attentively.
"Have you a model of your invention?" he asked, turning to Babcock.
"Here it is, sir."
The young man asked various questions, which Babcock answered satisfactorily.
"I think well of your invention," said Mr. Wood, in conclusion. "Now, what do you want me to do?"
Scott answered.
"Mr. Babcock has exhausted all his means and is penniless," he said. "The invention is perfected, but he is not in a position to put it before the public. He has, to be sure, received offers of assistance from a gentleman whom we both know."
"To whom do you refer?"
"Ezra Little."