"Yes, Feldman asked for a day off," the foreman said in
response to Tom's question. "He claimed his mother was sick, and
he wanted to go to see her. I knew you wouldn't object, as we
were not rushed in his department."
"Oh, that's all right," said Tom quickly. "Did he say where his
mother lived?"
"Over Lafayette way."
"Humph!" murmured Tom. To himself he added: "Queer that he
should be near Lake Loraine, in an opposite direction from
Lafayette. This will bear an investigation."
The next day Tom made it his business to pass near the hammer
that was so frequently out of order. He found Feldman busy
instructing Koku in its operation. Tom resolved on a little
strategy.
"How is it working, Feldman?" he asked.
"Very well, Mr. Swift. There doesn't seem to be any trouble at
all, but it may happen any minute. Koku seems to take to it like
a duck to water."
"Well, when he is ready to assume charge let me know."
"And then am I to go into the aeroplane shop?"
"I'll see. By the way, how is your mother?" he asked quickly,
looking Feldman full in the face.
"She is much better. I took a day off yesterday to go to see
her," the man replied quietly enough, and without sign of
embarrassment.
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