of my discoveries is in the dye industry. I would have been a
millionaire soon, with the rise of the American dye industry
following the shutting out of the Germans after the war. But now,
with my secret formulae gone, I am no better than a beggar!"

"Perhaps it will not be as bad as you think," said Tom,
recognizing the fact that Mr. Baxter was in a nervous and excited
state. "Matters may look brighter in the morning."

"I don't see how they can," was the grim answer. "However, I
appreciate all that you have done for me. But I fear my case is
hopeless."

"I'll see you again in the morning," Tom said, trying to infuse
some cheerfulness into his voice.

He found Ned waiting for him when he came downstairs.

"How is he?" asked the young business manager.

"In rather a bad way--mentally, at least," and Tom told of the
lost formulae. "Do you know, Ned," he went on, "I have an idea!"

"You generally do have--lots of 'em!" Ned rejoined.

"But this is a new one," went on Tom. "You saw what trouble
they had this evening to get a stream of water to the top stories
of that factory, didn't you?"

"Yes, the pressure here isn't what it ought to be," Ned agreed.