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134 although Franklin might do so if he chose, but would discharge the three on the spot. And, relieved to think that they would get off thus easily, Felter, Jackson and Nolan left without unnecessary delay.

Of course, Franklin was sent back to work again, much to the surprise of the others in the shop. They wanted to know all about what had happened, but the young electrician politely referred them to his enemies for information on that point.

That evening Franklin called upon Harry Leclair again. The sick boy was glad to hear of the turn affairs had taken.

"Maybe it will teach Mr. Buckman a lesson, too," he said. "He is such a hot-tempered man. More than once he has scolded me when I didn't deserve it."

"Mr. Brice will watch him, I imagine," returned Franklin. "He sat down on him pretty heavily during the interview, I can tell you."

Franklin was right in his surmise that the speculator would keep his eyes on the superintendent. Commencing the next day, Belden Brice made it a point to call at the electrical works every morning, and this lasted for nearly two weeks.

Then came a surprise. Thomas Buckman left one Friday, and on Saturday failed to put in an appearance. On the following Monday it was an-