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SUSPICIONS
153

could do it without hitting my thumb. A very useful accomplishment, very."

He looked at the grandstand, which was nearing completion, and, as he passed on, with a book of Sanskrit under his arm, he remarked:

"You are doing very well, young gentlemen—very well. Randall has reason to be proud of her resourceful students."

"Prexy looks worried," remarked Sid, as the good doctor passed on out of hearing.

"Yes, I shouldn't wonder but what that legal business is bothering him," admitted Tom. "It's a blamed shame it had to happen, but it's just like the Langridge breed to want to stir up trouble. Now, Sid, put plenty of nails in when you fasten two scantling together, and use the big cut ones. We don't want this stand to come down with a lot of pretty girls on it."

"I should say not!" and Sid plied his hammer with renewed energy, as though to prevent any such catastrophe.

Tom went on with what he was doing, on another part of the stand, until he was called by Frank Simpson, who wanted his opinion on a certain point.

"I think if we run these cross-pieces the other way," suggested the big Californian, "it will brace the stand better."

"So do I," agreed Tom, after an examination.