32 fred the Apprentice.

fixed upon a chimney-pot on a stalk of chimneys
belonging to one of the wings of the building.
For some time he amused himself by following
with his eyes the wreaths of smoke issuing
from it.

All at once the lad felt a thrill of satisfaction
pass through his mind,—he leaned forward and
looked anxiously. He could not doubt it,—the
smoke proceeded from the chimney of Mr.
Kartmann’s private room.

He hurriedly left the widens and, thankful
for the fortunate habit he had of always carry-
ing writing materials about him, he wrote a
note, in which he briefly informed Mr. Kartmann
of that which he had discovered, and also men-
tioned where he was confined as a prisoner.

His note finished, he went again to the win-
dow. The building, like all those which are
used as cotton factories, was very high. For a
few minutes Fred gazed down at the great
height as though he were measuring it with his
eye, but his resolution was not changed by the
examination.

Often, whilst at play when a boy, he had
climbed trees and run along roofs, He was
active and bold; in addition to which, there was