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A MEAN ENEMY
127

"To get that big ring over all the other rings, the little square and the triangle."

"Oh, I see," said Frank, working at the device industriously, but finally asking: "Can it be done?"

"Readily—look here," and Markham, taking the puzzle, deftly slipped the ring over all the obstacles, and then worked it back again into its original place.

"I say, that is mighty clever," declared Frank. "Show me slower, now. The slip over the triangle is the trick, eh? Good! Markham, that thing would sell like hot cakes."

"Think so? " asked Markham, seriously.

"I certainly do. If I was started In the mail order business, I wouldn't hesitate to illustrate and advertise it in my catalogue."

"Well," said Markham, "that pleases me, for I can show in a small way my appreciation of all your kindness to me. Frank, I give it to you. If it's worth patenting, all right. I know it's original. It's yours, freely."

"On royalty—yes," answered Frank. "I'll have some nicely finished models made when we get to Pleasantville. We're getting to be great business men, aren't we, Markham, talking about