enry lectured on his models, and
showed them working. Bolt took it all in, his eye flashed, and then he
put on, for the first time, the coldness of the practiced dealer. "It
would take a good deal of money to work this properly," said he, shaking
his head.

"It has taken a good deal of brains to invent it."

"No doubt, no doubt. Well, if you want me to join you, it must be on
suitable terms. Money is tight."

"Well, propose your own terms."

"That's not my way. I'll think it over before I put my hand to paper.
Give me till to-morrow."

"Certainly."

On this Mr. Bolt went off as if he had been shot.

He returned next day, and laid before Henry an agreement drawn by
the sharpest attorney in Hillsborough, and written in a clerk's hand.
"There," said he, briskly, "you sign that, and I'll make my mark, and at
it we go."

"Stop a bit," said Henry. "You've been to a lawyer, have you? Then I
must go to one, too; fair play's a jewel."

Bolt looked disappointed; but the next moment he affected cheerfulness,
and said, "That is fair. Take it to your lawyer directly."

"I will," said Henry; but, instead of a lawyer, he took it to his friend
Dr. Amboyne, told him all about Ben Bolt, and begged his advice on the
agreement. "Ought he to have the lion's share like this?"

"The moneyed man generally takes that. No commodity is sold so far
beyond its value as money. Let me read it."

The purport of the agreement was as follows:--New premises to be built
by Bolt, a portion of the building to be constructed so that it could be
easily watched night and day, and in that part the patent saw-grinding
machines to be worked. The expenses of this building to be paid off by
degrees out of the gross receipts, and meanwhile Mr. Bolt was to receive
five per cent. interest for his outlay and two-thirds of the profits,
if any. Mr. Little to dispose of his present factory, and confine his
patents to the joint operation.

Dr. Amboyne, on mature consideration, advised Little to submit to all
the conditions, except the clause confining his operations and his
patents. They just drew their pen through that clause, and sent the
amended agreement to Bolt's hotel. He demurred to the amendment; but
Henry stood firm, and proposed a conference of four. This took place at
Dr. Amboyne's house, and at last the agreement was thus modified: the
use of the patents in Hillsborough to be confined to the firm of Bolt
and Little: but Little to be free to sel