“Let me see,” said Dr. Crandon; “nothing, I think, except that they are made of steel. I’m somewhat interested in the subject.”
“Do you,” asked Billy, “know where jack-knives first came from?”
“Yes, young chap, I do. I know where some of the best come from now. I’ve been to Sheffield.”
“Where’s that?” asked Billy.
“England. You’ll often find the name on knives. I bought a steel ink eraser the other day which the clerk told me was ‘genuine Sheffield.’
“About the time that Queen Elizabeth died, Sheffield was famous for something else that you could never, never guess.”
“What?” asked Billy.
“Jew’s harps,” answered Dr. Crandon.
“Now, Billy,” said Mr. Prescott, “you can add the marks on steel to the sizes of hats.”
“I will,” said Billy.