e game is up," said Stark, throwing off the mask. "It's true
that I have been in the Joliet penitentiary. It was there that I became
acquainted with your bookkeeper," he added, maliciously. "Let him deny
it if he dare."

"I shall not deny it. It is true," said Gibbon. "But I had resolved to
live an honest life in future, and would have done so if this man had
not pressed me into crime by his threats."

"I believe you, Mr. Gibbon," said the manufacturer, gently, "and I will
see that this is counted in your favor. And now, gentlemen, I think
there is no occasion for further delay."

The two men were carried to the lockup and in due time were tried. Stark
was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment, Gibbon to five. At the end
of two years, at the intercession of Mr. Jennings, he was pardoned,
and furnished with money enough to go to Australia, where, his past
character unknown, he was able to make an honest living, and gain a
creditable position.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

AFTER A YEAR.

Twelve months passed without any special incident. With Carl it was a
period of steady and intelligent labor and progress. He had excellent
mechanical talent, and made remarkable advancement. He was not content
with attention to his own work, but was a careful observer of the work
of others, so that in one year he learned as much of the business as
most boys would have done in three.

When the year was up, Mr. Jennings detained him after supper.

"Do you remember what anniversary this is, Carl?" he asked, pleasantly.

"Yes, sir; it is the anniversary of my going into the factory."

"Exactly. How are you satisfied with the year and its work?"

"I have been contented and happy, Mr. Jennings; and I feel that I owe my
happiness and content to you."

Mr. Jennings looked pleased.

"I am glad you say so," he said, "but it is only fair to add that your
own industry and intelligence have much to do with the satisfactory
results of the year."

"Thank you, sir."

"The superintendent tells me that outside of your own work you have
a general knowledge of the business which would make you a valuable
assistant to himself in case he needed one."

Carl's face glowed with pleasure.

"I believe in being thorough," he said, "and I am interested in every
department of the business."

"Before you went into the factory you had not done any work."

"No, sir; I had attended school."

"It was not a bad preparation for business, but in some cases