“But—” Johnny began, then hesitated.
“But what? Come on; let’s hear what’s on your mind.”
“Don’t you think it’s really one’s duty to give the whole world the benefit of his secrets?”
“In time, yes. But not at once, unprotected by patents. We have spent a great deal of money in discovering these secrets. We have a right to get that money back with a fair profit.”
“I see,” said Johnny.
“And you are ready to go on with the search?”
“Yes.”
“Good. Report to me when there is any new development. Good morning, and better luck next time.”
That night the electro-magnet trap caught nothing. Johnny went to work with a sense of defeat disturbing his usually well-composed mind. Had the two bars of steel been carried at once from the factory, and were his well-laid plans to come to naught? Would the steel be tested and analyzed, the formula discovered and patented by the intruder?
“At least,” he told himself, “I can guard securely that which is left.