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