Jacob Simmons had received his first lesson at his new employment.
Fred's ready way of imparting instruction did much to facilitate his
progress. After the cloth had been placed on the machine and everything
fixed for a long run, Fred left him to watch it and keep it in its
proper place, while he went up to the other room to give attention to
that portion of the business.
Once alone he had a chance to think, unhindered by the presence of any
one.
"What does it all mean?" he said to himself. "Mr. Simmons actually
turned pale when he saw me--seemed stunned for a minute. Yes, he even
stepped back as if he were afraid of me. There must be some cause for
this," he meditated, "and I do wonder what it is."
The idea clung to him. The more he thought upon it and studied the man,
the more he became impressed that something was wrong--that Mr. Simmons
for some reason dreaded meeting him. What this cause could be was the
question to be solved.
Not many days after Jacob commenced work in the factory, Fred made a
discovery that at once aroused his suspicions and turned his thoughts in
quite another direction, for previously he had believed that Jacob's
aversion to him was due to some personal matter; but now he had a clue
that led to a different belief, and one that might clear up a great
mystery which had not long since thrown its shadow over himself.
"Do you know Mr. Simmons yet?" asked Fred of Jack Hickey.
"Well, I spakes to him now an' thin. But why do ye ask, me b'y?"
"I want you to do me a favor."
"Sure an' I will do that inny time for ye."
"Thank you, Jack. I want you to borrow Mr. Simmons' knife and manage to
keep it till I can see it, but don't breathe a word of this to him or
anyone."
Jack promised secrecy, and went about making friends with Mr. Simmons.
In due time he secured the knife, and when Jacob was out of the room,
called Fred to him and handed him the desired article.
Our hero's face lighted up triumphantly as he took it and examined it
closely.
"The very one," he exclaimed. "I knew it the minute I saw it in his
hands," referring to Mr. Simmons.
"Is ye crazy?" asked Jack. "By St. Patrick, ye act as if ye had found an
ould friend."
"Yes--or--I mean it is just the knife I want," answered Fred, coloring
and trying to show less concern. "I wish you would buy it for me. I will
pay whatever he asks, but don't let him know I want it."
"And what fer, me b'y, do ye want it so much?"
"I cannot tell you just yet."
"And why not?"
"You shall know all about it after a while, but I must say nothing now."
"Some myshtery about it, I'd sthake my reputashen."
"Well, I surely cannot prevent your guessing about it, Jack. But don't
fail to obtain it for me."
"Sure and ye shall have it if he will take a dacent price for it."
"Don't stand on the price," said Fred, whose anxiety to procure it was
most manifest.
Jack was impressed by Fred's manner that the knife was wanted for some
important evidence, and he argued that something must be wrong or Fred
would go to Mr. Simmons himself and buy the knife if he wanted it simply
for pocket use.
His curiosity was aroused, and his ingenuity was taxed to know how to
get the knife without arousing Jacob's suspicion if there really was
any secret attached to it.
He reasoned that possession was a strong point in his favor. He had it
now, and finally decided to keep it if he could once get it home. He
thought he could easily make some excuse to gain time. He had taken a
great liking to Fred, and was willing to strain a point of propriety to
serve him, and as there was a mystery surrounding the knife he felt
impelled by his own curiosity to hold fast to it for the present.
As good luck would have it Jacob did not miss the knife before the
closing hour that night. This enabled Jack to take it home with him,
where he put it under lock and key.
The next day he apologized to Mr. Simmons for leaving it at home, spoke
of its being a superior knife, and finally touched upon the subject of
buying it.
After much parleying he succeeded in effecting a trade, but had to pay
down a handsome price. Jacob evidently felt some apprehension about
letting it go, but four dollars looked so large to him that he could not
let the offer pass unaccepted, especially as he thought he was getting
the best of the bargain.
Jack informed Fred of his success. The latter was much pleased, and
after thanking him for the favor, said:
"Now, Jack, I want you to examine the knife carefully before handing it
to me. I want to be able to prove how it came into my possession. You
may be called upon to testify that you bought it from Mr. Simmons, so
you must be able to identify it positively."