"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 with Gambrich." "According to this account, our lamp was made before Gambrich's. Does that give him priority of invention?" asked Walter eagerly. Anderson shrugged his shoulders. "Priority of manufacture does not legally cut any figure by the side of priority of invention. You might be able to prove that you had made the lamp before Gambrich made his, but that would not help you any if he invented his arrangement first, long before you made your lamp." "Is that really strict justice?" said Bauer slowly. "It is law," said Anderson grimly, "and you must remember that law and justice are not in every case synonymous. I'm sorry for you fellows. There's a lot of money in that invention for the manufacturers of the lamp, and considerable for the inventor if he knows how to make terms." "Do you mean," asked Walter gloomily, "that really we have no right at all with what we have made?" "Don't you see you haven't? What can you do? Ask any lawyer, if you don't believe me." Anderson spoke somewhat testily as he started to go away. "I believe you're glad we missed this opportunity," said Walter angrily. He was tremendously discouraged over the event and could not control his feelings. Anderson grew very red and turned on Walter in a rage. "I don't mind saying I am glad your pride has had a tumble. You have been unbearable for some time. Maybe this will teach you a lesson. There are people in the world who know a little about electricity as well as yourself." All of which was not calculated to sweeten Walter's sense of defeat or make him more friendly to Anderson, who, after glaring at Bauer, who had not said a word, abruptly went out of the shop.