“The idea isn’t bad,” said Dick thoughtfully, as he studied the diagram carefully. “You want one hundred dollars for a half-interest?”
“I would dispose of a half-interest for that amount in order to get the money necessary to patent it.”
“Suppose you let me have this drawing for a few days. Here is my employer’s business address. That is my name printed in the corner. If I find there is likely to be any money in this thing, I’ll give you fifty dollars for a half-interest and stand the expense of patenting it myself. What do you say?”
“I agree to that,” said the Englishman, eagerly. “When shall I call on you?”
“Next Saturday about noon.”
“All right.”
Dick put the drawing into his pocket.
“I’ll let you have five dollars on account now, as you probably need the money,” he said, offering his new acquaintance a bill of that denomination. “If I don’t take up the scheme I won’t require you to return me the fiver.”
“That’s generous of you,” said the other, earnestly. “Meeting you is the first stroke of luck I’ve had for months.”
“Don’t be too sure of that,” replied Dick, cautiously. “There may be nothing in it, after all.”