“We can’t enter the convention with a faulty device,” Squeak said wistfully. “I just don’t understand why it didn’t work. I’ve checked all the connections, re-soldered all the points, and tightened the screws. Even if the Apparator was picking up errant static electricity, it shouldn’t have responded so violently.” He turned the detector over in his hands, the same way Rufus had. “Maybe I need to reduce the gauge of the copper wire…or try replacing the insulators in the capacitor…” Itchy looked up from his sewing. “Maybe it’s so sensitive it can pick up fake ghosts as well.” Squeak frowned, peering along the length of the tube. Itchy reached over and plucked a peanut butter and honey cracker from the tall stack on the table next to him. “Do you think that old guy was telling the truth?” “About what?” Boney asked. “You know…about being homeless and protecting the mill and all that.” Boney shrugged. “I don’t know. Guess there’s no way to find out for sure.”
