main true, Felter and Nolan's story was readily believed by the other workmen, and several who did not bear the young electrician any good will did not know but that they did remember seeing him at the machine just before they left for home the evening before.
Mr. Buckman listened to what they had to say with keen interest. At the conclusion he turned to Franklin with a face that was full of anger.
"Now, Bell, what have you to say? Don't you think you had better acknowledge the truth?"
"Mr. Buckman," began Franklin, earnestly. "I have told you the truth. I was not near the machine and I certainly never used my knife on the oil-plate or on any other part of it."
"But these workmen saw you."
"Felter and Nolan are down upou me, every one in the shop knows why, and they would willingly get me into trouble if they could. Besides, sir, look at that kuife. It is a costly one, and was given to me by my five cousins on my last birthday, so I prize it very highly. If it had dropped in the machine from my hand, would I not have taken the trouble to get it out rather than leave it and have it ruined?"
"Yes, I suppose you would," returned the superintendent, slowly. "That is, if you could get it," he added, suddenly. "Where do you suppose the knife caught, Hardell?"
