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"He who builds a better mousetrap these days runs into material shortages, patent-infringement suits, work stoppages, collusive bidding, discount discrimination--and taxes.""
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Chapter 44 - Page 2
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a€˜Muster Gashford!a€™ said the man who opened it, taking his pipe from his mouth, in evident surprise. a€˜Why, whoa€™d have thought of this here honour! Walk in, Muster Gashforda€"walk in, sir.a€™
Gashford required no second invitation, and entered with a gracious air. There was a fire in the rusty grate (for though the spring was pretty far advanced, the nights were cold), and on a stool beside it Hugh sat smoking. Dennis placed a chair, his only one, for the secretary, in front of the hearth; and took his seat again upon the stool he had left when he rose to give the visitor admission.
a€˜Whata€™s in the wind now, Muster Gashford?a€™ he said, as he resumed his pipe, and looked at him askew. a€˜Any orders from head-quarters? Are we going to begin? What is it, Muster Gashford?a€™
a€˜Oh, nothing, nothing,a€™ rejoined the secretary, with a friendly nod to Hugh. a€˜We have broken the ice, though. We had a little spurt to-daya€"eh, Dennis?a€™
a€˜A very little one,a€™ growled the hangman. a€˜Not half enough for me.a€™
a€˜Nor me neither!a€™ cried Hugh. a€˜Give us something to do with life in ita€"with life in it, master. Ha, ha!a€™
a€˜Why, you wouldna€™t,a€™ said the secretary, with his worst expression of face, and in his mildest tones, a€˜have anything to do, witha€"with death in it?a€™
a€˜I dona€™t know that,a€™ replied Hugh. a€˜Ia€™m open to orders. I dona€™t care; not I.a€™
a€˜Nor I!a€™ vociferated Dennis.
a€˜Brave fellows!a€™ said the secretary, in as pastor-like a voice as if he were commending them for some uncommon act of valour and generosity. a€˜By the byea€™a€"and here he stopped and warmed his hands: then suddenly looked upa€"a€™who threw that stone to-day?a€™
Mr Dennis coughed and shook his head, as who should say, a€˜A mystery indeed!a€™ Hugh sat and smoked in silence.
a€˜It was well done!a€™ said the secretary, warming his hands again. a€˜I should like to know that man.a€™
a€˜Would you?a€™ said Dennis, after looking at his face to assure himself that he was serious. a€˜Would you like to know that man, Muster Gashford?a€™
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