Herbert Carter's Legacy; Or, the Inventor's Son by Jr. Horatio Alger (top reads .TXT) 📕

“Yes, sir.”

“Then come home with me. You shall be my guest for a week. During that time we will examine and decide about the model.”

“Thank you, sir; you are very kind,” said Herbert, hesitating.

“What makes you hesitate?”

“I am afraid I don't look fit to visit a gentleman's family.”

“Oh, never mind that,” said Mr. Cameron, heartily. “We are plain people, and don't value fine dress.”

“Will there be time for me to go home first?”

“Yes; you can meet me two hours hence at the St. Nicholas Hotel. I occupy Room 121. On second thoughts, you may as well wait for me in the reading room.”

“All right, sir.”

Herbert hurried home, arrayed himself in clean clothes, put up a small bundle of necessary articles, and in an hour and a half was at the hotel awaiting Mr. Cameron. He left a note for Cornelius Dixon, explaining that he was called out of the city for a few days, but would write soon. He did not enter into details, for he was not at all certain that things would turn out as he hoped.

Mr. Cameron lived in a substantial country house, with a fine garden attached. Nothing was wanting of comfort in his hospitable home, but he avoided show and ostentation. To Herbert was assigned a large, well-furnished chamber, the best he had ever occupied, and he was made to feel at home. The next day he accompanied Mr. Cameron to the manufactory, which he found to be a scene of busy industry, employing three hundred hands.

“I shall be busy to-day; but to-night I will look at your father's model,” said the manufacturer. “Probably it will be three or four days before I can come to any decision.”

Herbert passed his time pleasantly for the next three or four days. Yet he could not avoid feeling anxious. Interest day was close at hand, and his hopes might end in failure.

On the fourth day Mr. Cameron said to him: “Well, Herbert, I have made up my mind about your father's invention.”

Herbert's suspense was great. His heart almost stopped beating.

The manufacturer went on:

“I consider it practicable, and am disposed to make you an offer for it. Are you authorized to conclude terms?”

“My mother will agree to anything I propose, sir.”

“Then this is my offer. The model must be patented at once. I will see to that. Then make over to me half the invention, and I will agree to pay you and your mother one thousand dollars a year for the next ten years.”

“Are you in earnest?” gasped Herbert.

“Entirely so,” said Mr. Cameron. “Will that satisfy you?”

“I would have accepted a quarter of the sum you offer, sir.”

“Better not tell me that,” said Mr. Cameron, smiling. “I might take advantage of it. Will you consider it a bargain, then?”

“Oh, how happy my mother will be!” said Herbert.

“Don't you want to go home, and carry the news?”

“I should like to very much.”

Then his countenance changed. Two days hence, as he reflected, the interest would be payable. Must they lose the house, after all? If only he had a small part of the money, it would make matters all right.

“Does anything trouble you?” asked the manufacturer, noticing the sudden change in his countenance.

Upon this Herbert told him exactly how they were situated in regard to the house, and in what danger they were of losing it.

“If it's nothing worse that that,” said Mr. Cameron, I cheerfully, “you needn't feel anxious. I will advance you; a hundred dollars on account of the contract, and you shall give me a receipt for it.”

Herbert's face cleared instantly, and he was warm in his gratitude.

The next morning he started for home.

After all, the little model which his father left behind, had proved to be his most valuable legacy.