n their minds that unless some unforeseen factor
came in to change conditions they had a workable, economic mechanism
which was automatic and durable.

Within a day or two they decided to let Anderson into the secret and
Walter asked him to come into the shop at night to see the result of
some special original work. This was a common request and the foreman
simply made his engagement at the hour assigned, and when the hour came
he went in and Watched Walter and Bauer bring out the lamp and make the
necessary connections. Anderson had respect for Walter's ability,
recognising in him the brightest mind for electricity that Burrton had
ever seen in a student. He stood by silently at first while Walter in
considerable excitement and some evident pride did the explaining. But
when the light started in the arc and the brilliant glow of it began to
fling out its dazzling shafts through the shop the professor started
forward, a look of astonishment came over his face and he asked Walter a
question, so unexpected, that Walter turned pale and looked first at
Anderson and then at Bauer in blind wonder and a great sinking of heart.

CHAPTER VI

"DIDN'T you know that this lamp has already been made and patent applied
for by Gambrich of New York?"

"No! When?"

"Within the last week. Wait. I'll show you."

Anderson went over to his own desk at the end of the shop. In the few
minutes he was gone, Walter and Bauer exchanged questions.

"Do you suppose that's true?"

"Doesn't seem possible, does it? If it is, our cake is dough."

"Anderson seemed pleased when he announced the fact, if it is one," said
Walter bitterly.

"It may not be true, you know," said Bauer hopefully.

Anderson had come back in time to hear the last sentence.

"It is true, though, young man. See."

He had the last copy of the _Electrical News_, and it was open at an
illustrated page.

He laid it down on Walter's bench and he and Bauer eagerly bent over it.

Almost the first glance revealed the fact that the lamp described in the
paper was identical with their own and application for a patent had been
made within ten days. The account of the discovery, moreover, made the
date earlier than the discovery made by Walter.

"You see, don't you," said Anderson. "Gambrich has exactly the same
device of metal teeth coupled to one electrode. It's an ingenious device
and you fellows have certainly great credit for thinking it out almost
simultaneously w