r's clear blue eyes, still unsophisticated despite his twenty-five
years, did not flinch. There was a perceptible pause, however, before he
said:

"But, Mr. Haskell, how am I going to get a dozen plants into use unless
some one manufactures and installs them for me?"

"Some one will have to do just that. But you'll have to pay for it."

"But I thought great concerns like yours," persisted Roger, "were
constantly looking for new developments."

"We are. But frankly, Mr. Moore, your whole idea is too visionary. Some
day, undoubtedly, we shall have solar engineering. But that day is
several generations away. We have coal and all its by-products and water
power is just beginning to come into its own."

"Coal would have to retail at a dollar a ton to compete with my solar
device in a hot climate," interrupted Roger.

"Very interesting if true! But you've erected no plant in a hot climate.
I'll tell you what I will do though, Mr. Moore. I could very well use
your unusual knowledge of heat transmission in my concern. I'll give you
three thousand a year to begin with."

Roger got slowly to his feet, rolling up his drawings. "Thank you, Mr.
Haskell. But I think I'll stick to my solar engine."

Haskell rose too. "An inventor's life is hell, my boy. Better come in
out of the rain."

"But why should it be hell?" asked Roger. "The inventor is the very
backbone of the industrial life of the world."

"I know it. But for every good invention offered there are a thousand
poor ones. We who pay the piper have to be careful."

"I'm much obliged to you for giving me so much time," said Roger,
picking up his hat.

"Not at all. And remember that my offer to you is a permanent one."

Roger grinned, and left the office.

Outside the building he drew a long breath, stared abstractedly at the
passing crowd, then drew out his second letter of introduction. James
Howe and Sons Company, Marine Engines. Roger decided to walk to his
second meeting. It would give him time to collect his thoughts. The walk
was a long one and by the time he had covered the distance his hopes had
soared again.

James Howe and Sons Company did not seem overjoyed by the letter of
introduction and for some time it seemed as if Roger could not pass the
young woman who guarded the main office door. He was finally admitted,
however, to the office of Mr. Hearn, the general manager. Hearn was a
man of forty, full faced and ruddy.

"I get the idea! I get the id