The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1859-03-09

|
the evident Intention OF getting rid Of
them as soon as possible. When they
paused where the workmen were rivetiap
the external coating Of boiler, the clerk
looked at bis watch, tapped his foot
against an iron tube and showed other
signs of impatience. Whereupon, Mr..
Wolfe remarked
we will not detain you longer, SIR
and with his friend, took leave.
This man is an improvement on the
other, said Mr.. Wolfe; but all the c
Witty lie has is on the surface; it does
not come from the heart. We mus. look
further
The strangers walked on for nearly
half mile il silence, when one Of them
pointed to picture Of a locomotive with
n train Of CARS underneath. 1t overtop.
ped small building, not more than ten
feet in height. communicating with a
yard and workshop.
Look said the observer, here is a
machin,st whose name is not on our list.
Probably it WIS thought too small cor
Germ for our purpose said his compan.
ion. Nevertheless let us try it, said Mr..
Wolfe.
Thay entered, and found at the desk
Gliddle aged man, whose somewhat
grlmmy aspect and apron round his
waist, showed that he divided his labors
between the workshop and TIE counting.
room.
we want to look oyer your works, il
you have no objection
1T will give me the greatest pleasure
to show you all that is TO be seen SAID
the mechanic, with pleased alacritv,
ringing bell, aud telling the Iov who
entered to take charge Of the office.
lie then led the way and explained to
the strangers the whole process of con-
,,ructing locomotive engine. He show.
e,l them how the various parts of the ma
ehinery we're manufactured, and patiently
answered all their questions. lie told
them Of an improved mode of :uJing boil
ers, by which the power Of geners,ing
aieai4 Was Increased, and sEowi NJ with
what care he provided 20. secgrity from
GusIng.
Two hours passed rapidly away. The
stra' gers were delighted with the intel.
gence displayed by the mechanic, aud
with his frank, attentive and unsuspcious
manners.
Here is man who loves his profession
so well that he takes pleasure in explain
ing its mysteries to all wko can under,
stand them, thought Mr.. Wolfe.
i AR afraid that we have given you "a
deal of trouble said the other stranger.
Indeed, gentlemen, have enjoyed
your visit said the mechanic, 'and shall
IA .lid to see you again.
Perhaps you may said Mr.. Wolfe,
and the strangers departed.
Five months afterwards, as the mechan.
lc, whose means were quite limited, sat in
bis office. medtating how hard it was to
get business bv the side Of such large es.
Establishments rs were his competitors, the
two strangers entered. lie gave them a
hearty welcome, handed chairs, and they
sat down.
We come said Mr.. Wolfe, with a
proposition to you from the Emperor Of
Russia
From the + nperor' Impossible"
Here are our credentials
But, gentlemen, said the now agita
ted MECHANIC, what does this mean p
How have | earned such NJ honorl
Simply by your straigh, forward cour-
tesy and frankness, combined with pro
fessiona Intelligence said Mr.. Wolfe
'Beca use we were strangers, you did not
thiuE II necessary to treat us with distrust
or coldness. You saw we were in earn
est in aCqnainting ourselves with your
works, and did not ask us. before extend.
ing 10 us your civii,ies, what letters Of in.
PRODUCTION We brought. You tpeasured
us by the spirit we showed, and not by
the digni,ies we could have exhibited
The mechanic visited St. Petcrsburgh,
and soon afterwards removed his whole
establishment there. lie had imperial
orders for as marIy locomotive engines as
he could construct. He has lately re-
turned to this country. and is still receiv.
ing large returns from his Russian work.
shop. And all this prosperity grew out
OF his unselfi,h civility To two strangers,
one Of whom was the secret agent Of the
Car Of Russia.