[Illustration: It is practical. I will pay one thousand dollars a year
for ten years for a half interest in the invention.]




CHAPTER I

MRS. CARTER RECEIVES A LETTER


"Is that the latest style?" inquired James Leech, with a sneer,
pointing to a patch on the knee of Herbert Carter's pants.

Herbert's face flushed. He was not ashamed of the patch, for he knew
that his mother's poverty made it a necessity. But he felt that it was
mean and dishonorable in James Leech, whose father was one of the rich
men of Wrayburn, to taunt him with what he could not help. Some boys
might have slunk away abashed, but Herbert had pluck and stood his
ground.

"It is my style," he answered, firmly, looking James boldly in the
face.

"I admire your taste, then," returned James, with a smooth sneer.

"Then, you had better imitate it," retorted Herbert.

"Thank you," said James, in the same insulting tone. "Would you lend