ch would depend on the amount the patent right
could bring. If this man Halstead, who is one of the largest
manufacturers in the east, is right in his judgment it is possible the
sum he will offer you would decide the matter for you and give you a sum
of ready money which I have no doubt you could well use in your
education.

"I do not offer any apologies for this missive as I do not consider that
it calls for any. My offer is purely a business one and I make it partly
on my own account as well as yours. If the patent turns out a success we
would both benefit by it. I am confident, as I say, that I can serve
your interests better than any mere stranger. I am here on the ground, I
am familiar with the patent laws and I believe I can make good terms
with a man like Halstead. If you decide to accept my offer, write me at
once, giving me authority to act for you. The sooner the better, for I
believe Halstead is going to make you an offer if he has not already
done so. But he does not know that anyone knows what he really thinks of
the value of your work and he will do what they all do, try to get your
patent for the lowest possible figure.

"My address is 427 H Street East.

"ADOLPH BAUER."

When Felix had finished reading, there was a moment of silence. Then
Walter said, to give Bauer time to let him into his confidence if he
chose:

"Has this man Halstead corresponded with you yet?"

"No, I have had no letters from him."

"You probably will hear from him soon, then?"

"Why, yes, if what he says is true?"

Bauer all through this talk with Walter never mentioned his father's
name directly but spoke of him using the personal pronoun.

"What do you suppose the patent is worth?"

"I have no imagination about it. But say, Walter, what do you think I
ought to do about this letter?"

"I don't know. You have never told me----" Walter began slowly.

"I know, of course you can't advise me unless I tell you more. He--well,
he deserted mother. She was involved in some similar disgrace. From all
I could learn while in Washington that time I went, he turned over all
his property to her. That was the only redeeming thing abut the wretched
business. But at any rate he has been obliged to go back to his old law
business. He is very capable. Brilliant. My mother--I can't talk of
her."

Poor Bauer put his face in his hands. Walter was silent. What could
anyone say?

After a little, Walter s