We have all the data prepared to take out a patent on Mr.
Spence's motor-boat."
Bob felt a sudden sinking of his heart, a stifling of his breath.
"The afternoon you all came over to Belleport," explained the
financier, "I got Snelling and a draughtsman from our company to go to
the shop and in the old gentleman's absence secure measurements and the
necessary information. These we took to New York and put into proper
hands, and when the affidavits are sworn to and everything is in legal
form I see no reason why the government should not grant the patent.
If it does, there should be a little fortune in the appliance."
Robert Morton did not move. He felt as if he had been turned to stone.
"I thought you would be interested," observed Mr. Galbraith, a
suggestion of disappointment in his voice. "I did not consult you at
first because I felt so sure that the idea would please you. I'm sorry
if it doesn't. It seemed to me that if we could help Mr. Spence to
patent his device, he might do quite a little with it. I thought he
might not know how to go at the matter himself.
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