Jack promised secrecy, and went about making friends with Mr. Simmons. In due time he secured the knife, and when Jacob was out of the room, called Fred to him and handed him the desired article. Our hero's face lighted up triumphantly as he took it and examined it closely. "The very one," he exclaimed. "I knew it the minute I saw it in his hands," referring to Mr. Simmons. "Is ye crazy?" asked Jack. "By St. Patrick, ye act as if ye had found an ould friend." "Yes--or--I mean it is just the knife I want," answered Fred, coloring and trying to show less concern. "I wish you would buy it for me. I will pay whatever he asks, but don't let him know I want it." "And what fer, me b'y, do ye want it so much?" "I cannot tell you just yet." "And why not?" "You shall know all about it after a while, but I must say nothing now." "Some myshtery about it, I'd sthake my reputashen." "Well, I surely cannot prevent your guessing about it, Jack. But don't fail to obtain it for me." "Sure and ye shall have it if he will take a dacent price for it." "Don't stand on the price," said Fred, whose anxiety to procure it was most manifest. Jack was impressed by Fred's manner that the knife was wanted for some important evidence, and he argued that something must be wrong or Fred would go to Mr. Simmons himself and buy the knife if he wanted it simply for pocket use. His curiosity was aroused, and his ingenuity was taxed to know how to get the knife without arousing Jacob's suspicion if there really was any secret attached to it. He reasoned that possession was a strong point in his favor. He had it now, and finally decided to keep it if he could once get it home. He thought he could easily make some excuse to gain time. He had taken a great liking to Fred, and was willing to strain a point of propriety to serve him, and as there was a mystery surrounding the knife he felt impelled by his own curiosity to hold fast to it for the present. As good luck would have it Jacob did not miss the knife before the closing hour that night. This enabled Jack to take it home with him, where he put it under lock and key. The next day he apologized to Mr. Simmons for leaving it at home, spoke of its being a superior knife, and finally touched upon the subject of buying it. After much parleying he succeeded in effecting a trade, but had to pay down a handsome price. Jacob evidently felt some apprehension about letting it go, but four dollars looked so large to him that he could not let the offer pass unaccepted, especially as he thought he was getting the best of the bargain. Jack informed Fred of his success. The latter was much pleased, and after thanking him for the favor, said: "Now, Jack, I want you to examine the knife carefully before handing it to me. I want to be able to prove how it came into my possession. You may be called upon to testify that you bought it from Mr. Simmons, so you must be able to identify it positively." XXX.