45 Fred the Apprentice.

not belong to me, and I neither can nor will do
such a thing. Apply to Mr. Kartmann himself;
he will be better able to judge than I whether
your proposal will be of any injury to him,’

The stranger perceived that Fred had guessed
his intentions.

‘I understand, said he, ‘your motives for re-
fusing my offer. You know that a manufacturer
often tries to prevent other manufacturers from
seeing and inspecting his machinery. You fear
that if your employer were to discover that you
had furnished me with drawings, he would dis-
miss you from his service; but I am able to
make such a dismissal so advantageous to you
that it will be a fortune to you. I offer you,
from this moment, a situation in my factory at
double the wages that you are receiving at pre-
sent, and I will also pay you whatever sum of
money you may mention, whenever you deliver
into my hands the drawings I have asked you
to do for me.’

Fred would listen no longer; he snatched up
his portfolio, and cast upon the stranger a look
of mingled scorn and indignation.

‘I can neither be guilty of treachery nor per-
mit myself to be bribed, sir, said he in a voice