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124 it open—to find himself face to face with Belden Brice.

"Hullo, Buckman, where bound?" asked the speculator, cheerily, as he stood on the doorstep stamping the snow from his feet.

"Oh—ah—good morning," stammered the superintendent in some confusion.

"How are you, Franklin?" went on Belden Brice, and in another second he was inside the place and the door was closed.

"Good morning, Mr. Brice," said the young electrician, joyfully. "I am very glad you have come."

"Why, what's the matter?" Belden Brice turned to the superintendent. "Anything wrong, Buckman?"

For he had now noted the enraged look upon the man's features.

"Yes, I should say there was something wrong," growled the superintendent.

"Ah, in what way?"

"He has just discharged me," put in Franklin, as he saw that Thomas Buckman hesitated to reply.

"Discharged you!" ejaculated Belden Brice in astonishment. "That's bad. What for?"

"He is an impudent, good-for-nothing fellow," burst out the superintendent. "I have given him two trials and I can't have him around. He has ruined two valuable machines and takes delight in playing pranks on the other workmen."