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Rh this would only make others roar with laughter, for they knew he was too small to attack them. And, besides this, his head being weak, he would, when excited, say all sorts of strange things, and this would add to their senseless amusement.

"They ought to have sense enough to leave the poor fellow alone," Franklin thought more than once. "If they keep on, one of these days he will become insane, and do something desperate."

The young electrician endeavored to make a friend of the weak-minded lad, but was unsuccessful. Harry had been tormented so much that he was suspicious of everybody, and he only thought Franklin's advances the forerunner of more cruel jokes at his expense.

On the day in question it was snowing heavily, and the ground was covered to the depth of a foot or more. A keen north wind was blowing, making it cold even in the shop, which was heated by steam pipes.

Harry had complained of his feet being cold, and right before quitting time one of the young fellows had advised him to take off his shoes and warm his feet on the pipes under his bench. He had removed his shoes, and no sooner had they been placed on the floor than they were snatched up and carried off.

"Here come back with my shoes!" cried the lame boy, wrathfully, but the fellow who had taken them only laughed and so did his companions.