CHAPTER II.
Mr. Bubbleby looked sleepy as he appeared at the Exhibition early next morning, carrying a mighty roll of papers. He led me to the building, and I asked his opinion on the machinery. He cared little for agricultural implements, but took me to a stall spread with a mysterious array of models, specifications and framed drawings. Over all was painted "Inventions and Patents by A. Bubbleby, M.I.C.E., Local Funds Engineer, Ajaibgaum." I saw at a glance that Mr. Bubbleby was an inventor and an enthusiast and, I made up my mind to humour him. Nothing was easier. All I had to do was to say a word now and then; and to write a line from time to time in my note-book.
Bubbleby's windmill pump; Bubbleby's self-acting punkah; his patent bullock-gearing—all were reviewed; but the features of the show upon which he dwelt most were the Bubbleby permanent-way; a railway carriage axle bearing the same name; a wonderful brake, all screws, springs and chains; and a patent coupling for railway carriages. I could well believe that but for the accident of his vegetating in Ajaibgaum these inventions would have procured him a European reputation, though an extraordinary jealousy and a combination of interested persons had hitherto prevented them from being accepted on Indian railways; and, being anxious to stand well with him, I flatter myself I passed for an expert. I warmed with his enthusiasm, and significantly hinted that the days of his obscurity were over; having already in my mind written several paragraphs on his inventive genius, and thought over some cutting things to say on the bonds of red tape which crippled the railway enterprise of India.
His time was short, but before he went he unrolled his bundle of papers. There were a few sketches, hints, plans, &c., of the inventions noted above, and of other matters connected with railways which might interest me. It was an appalling sight; and my blood curdled as I turned over the sheets. I longed to protest, but Mr. Bubbleby's time was up. He shook me by the hand in the most impressive manner. He said hope had dawned upon his path; and that he felt that he should have justice done to him at last. He further invited me during his
