"That's right," Bill said. "We've got a workshop in my basement. We
invent in the evenings after we come home from work."
"What do you work at?"
"I read gas meters. He's a clerk in a supermarket."
"I suppose you want money for this thing."
"We'd like to sell it, yes, sir."
"How much do you want for it?"
"Well, we don't know. What's it worth to you?"
"Nothing probably. Leave it here a few days. I'll look it over and let
you know."
"But--"
"And don't call me--I'll call you."
"But--"
"Leave your address and phone number with my secretary."
After Ted and Bill left, Blair yelled, "Get me Jake Steadman in the
engineering department!" He didn't bother using the intercom, but his
secretary heard him anyhow.
* * * * *
Ted and Bill went to work on an idea they had for the treatment of
leather. You dipped your shoes in a solution and they lasted forever.
The thing didn't work too well, however. It was full of bugs. They tried
to eliminate the bugs and once in a while they thought of H. Joshua
Blair.
"Don't you think it's about time he called us?" Ted asked.
"Don't be so impatient. He's a big man. He owns a big company. It takes
time."
"He's had over a month."
"Relax. We'll hear from him."
* * * * *
Another week passed, and another, until one evening Ted came galloping
into the workshop with news. "That big new addition to the City Hall!
They're working on it! H. Joshua Blair Construction Company. A big sign
says so!"
"Relax. You'll blow a tube."
"Relax hell! He's using our invention to put up the steel girders. Just
like we suggested to him. Guys with boxes like ours making holes and
putting in rivets!"
Bill stopped what he was doing. "He said he'd call us. Maybe he forgot.
Maybe we better go see him."
They both knocked off work the next day and got to Blair's office at
nine o'clock. The red-headed secretary said, "You'll have to make an
appointment."
"Appointment hell!" Ted headed for the inner door. Bill followed him.
They went into H. Joshua Blair's office to find him in conference with
two vice-presidents. Ted said, "Mr. Blair, we came--"
"Who in the devil are you?"
"You remember us. Ted Baker and Bill Stephens. We came about our
invention."
"What invention?"
"Our hole maker. You're using it on the City Hall addition."
Blair glowered. "Where'd you get the idea it was yours? Have you got any
patents to show?"
"Well, no. We didn't--"
"I did! Fourteen good solid patents. You two better go peddle your
groceries."
"Now look, Mr. Blair."