As the day was warm, every window as well as the doors were open, and it was not long before the young electrician was in a position to overhear all that was said.
"You say you will take the Goodrich line up to Milwaukee to-morrow?" questioned Captain Cosgrove, as he opened a box of cigars and passed them to Montague Smith.
"To-morrow or next day. It depends somewhat on how matters go at the works."
"Is business good?"
"Oh, yes, but then—" and the part owner of the battery works paused.
"Got to look out that you don't pay out too much in royalties, eh? laughed Captain Cosgrove.
"A fellow wants to make something," grumbled Montague Smith. "I am not going to work for nothing."
"How about this new invention?"
"Oh, if that works, I'm going to let Belden Brice and his patents drop."
"Then the new ideas are so much better?"
"Some better. The main thing is, they won't cost me anything."
"I see. By jove, you and your brother are lucky dogs!" cried the captain as he blew a wreath of smoke in the air. "I wish I could make money as fast as you do."
"Perhaps I'll give you a chance of making a lit-
