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Oh! several of them, in fact, admitted Hiram, as if that were only a minor matter, after all, but in the end I found that a certain concern meant strictly business, and consequently I dropped all the rest.
Have they actually made you a definite offer for your valuable invention? asked Rob, taking considerable more interest in the matter, now that Hirams undoubted though erratic genius seemed to be steadying down with some tangible results.
Pretty much that way, I should call it, remarked the inventor, trying hard to appear natural, though trembling all over with excitement. They went so far as to enclose a check big enough to cover all expenses of myself and a companion for I was smart enough to say Id insist on having company for advice along with me to run out to their main works, and talk the matter over with a view to disposing of my patent rights to the device.
At that Andys face lost the look of sneering incredulity that had been a marked feature of his listening to all this talk.
Whew! is that a fact, Hiram? he exclaimed. Shake hands on it, will you? Didnt we always say that some fine day youd be famous, and make the Eagles proud to reckon you as a member? A real check, and not on a sand bank, you mean?
Well, I went right away to Robs fathers bank and saw the president. He said the check was O. K. and that I could get the hard cash any time I wanted it. Why, he even called it a certified bank draft, which meant the money had been set aside in the San Francisco bank for that purpose, deducted from the account of the Golden Gate Aëroplane Manufacturing Company.
What? almost shrieked Andy Bowles, say that again, will you, Hiram? Must be my minds so filled with that Golden Gate business I just thought I heard you mention something like that. Repeat it, please, Hiram!
Why, the check came from a San Francisco bank, because you see the company is a substantial concern in California. They make some of the most famous aëroplanes on the market. If they adopt my stabilizer its going to be heard of all over the world. And to think what a magnificent chance weve got to run out there and take in the great Panama-Pacific Exposition at the same time, Rob! Its enough to make you think youre dreaming, eh?
Why do you mention me in the game, Hiram? demanded the patrol leader, with a smile on his face, and a knowing wink in the direction of Andy Bowles.
Because, dont you see, Rob, I knew I didnt have a business head on me, and might get cheated out of my boots if I ran up against a smart lot of manufacturers; and so I was wise enough to insist that I be allowed to fetch along a companion. They never put up a single kick against the expense of the double bill, Rob; but the check covered railroad fare, sleeper, meals, and hotel bills while there a week, as well as the return trip to boot. That means they fancy my invention is going to be a big thing for their house. And, Rob, dont you see, I had you in mind all the while when I wrote about fetching a companion. I want you the worst kind to accept my invitation and go to the Fair at my expense. Tell me you will, Rob!
CHAPTER V HEADED WEST
Dont believe a word of what Im saying, praps now? Well, seeing that your dad reckoned this little paper was worth every cent it called for, suppose you take a squint at the same, Rob. You, too, Andy, and then youll laugh on the other side of your mouth, I shouldnt wonder.
He flourished the bank draft in front of their eyes, so that both scouts could see the amount it called for in cash, and that it bore all the marks of being genuine.
Oh! neither of us is doubting anything you say, Hiram, explained Andy effusively. The only thing is that Rob here cant accept your generous offer, thats all.
Cant accept? gasped the other, looking terribly disappointed. Why not, Id like to know; and me countin on having him along to advise me, and keep me from being caught napping, or robbed of my valuable papers on the road.
Ill tell you why he isnt able to take the trip to California at your expense, Hiram, said Andy solemnly. Its because
hes already pledged himself to go with someone else. Fact is, Hiram, Im the one who holds Robs word.
You agoin to California, Andy Bowles? exclaimed the astonished Hiram; and his incredulous manner told that he doubted the truth of the assertion, for where could the son of the liveryman of Hampton get all the money to cover the double expense of such a lengthy trip; certainly not through any invention his brain had ever conceived; and no boy could ever hope to save enough out of his spending money for that.
Yes, weve just made all arrangements for a month at the Exposition, said the Bowles boy; that is, we have to run over to Judge Collins place again after supper to-night, and complete the details. We expect to pull out day after to-morrow, and take a through limited train for New Orleans first, then across the plains of Texas, and the deserts of New Mexico and Arizona to Los Angeles.
Hiram sat there as though changed into stone. He hardly knew whether Andy was trying to hoodwink him or not; for the other had something of a reputation as a joker.