Fairview had heard of these entertainments and so many people
had asked Bill and Gus if they might attend, the boys became aware that
the modest little living-room of the Brown home would not hold half of
them. They, therefore, decided to let the radio be heard in the town
hall, if a few citizens would pay the rent for the evening.
This was readily arranged, but when the suggestion was made that an
admission be charged, the boys refused. This was their treat all round,
even to transferring their aerial to the hall between its cupola and a
mast at the other end of the roof, put up by the ever willing Mr. Grier
who could not do too much to further the boys' interests.
Early in the evening the hall was filled to overflowing, and ushers were
appointed to seat the crowd. Naturally there was much chattering and
scraping of feet until suddenly a strain of music, an orchestral
selection, began to come out of the horn and there was instant quiet.
After its conclusion came the voice:
"This is our last lecture on Edison. Following this will be given a
series on Marconi, the inventor of the wireless.
"As I have told you, Mr. Thomas Alva Edison's leap to fortune was sudden
and spectacular, as have been most of his accomplishments since. Those
who do really great things along the lines of physical improvement, or
concerning the inception of large enterprises are apt to startle the
public and to surprise thoughtful people almost as though some
impossible thing had been achieved.
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