The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1859-01-19

4 Is tnere any one VINO can SNOW US over
tie establishment and explain matters to
Us y asked Mr.. Wolf, the elder Of the
strangers.
"You must pick your own way, gentlemen"
replied the superintendent, tive are all too
busy to attend to every party that comes
along. I'll thank you not to interrupt the
workmen by asking them questions"
II was not so much the matter as the man>
ner of his reply, that was offensive to Mr..
Wolf and his companion. II was spoken
with certain official assumption Of SUPERB
ority, mingled with contempt for the visitors,
indicating 4 naughty and selfish temper on
the part Of the speaker.
81 think we will not trouble YOU" replied
Mr.. Wolf. bowing and taking his compan
ions arm they passed out.
elf there is anything dislike. 1t is incl
witty" said Mr.. Wolf. when they were in
the street. 81 do not blame the man for not
wishing to show US over his establishment; /;
he is no doubt interrupted AMI annoyed by
many needless visitors; but he might have
dismissed us with courtesy. He might have
sent us away better content with gracious
refusal. than with an ungracious consent"
Perhaps we shall have better luck here" !"
said the other stranger and they stopped be-
fore another workshop of similar kind
They were received by brisk little man, the
head clerk, apparently. who, in reply to their
request 10 be shown over the establishment.
answered, " Oh, yes come with me, gentle
men. This way" So saying he hurried
them along the area strewed with iron bars,
broken and rusty wheels oi iron, fragments
Of old cylinders, into the principal shop.
Here, without stopping TO explain any
thing. he led The strangers along with the
evident intention Of getting rid of them as
soon as possible. When they paused where
the workmen were riyeting the external cast
ing of boiler, the clerk looked at his watch,
tapped his right foot against an iron tube,
and shaved other signs ofimpatienee. Where
upon Mr.. Wolf remarked. we will not re-
tain you longer, sir" and with his friend
took their leave.
" This man is an improvement on the 9th
err" said Mr.. Wolf, but all the ciyility he has
is on the surface il does not come from the
heart. We must look further"
The strangers walked on for nearly half a
mik in silence, when one Of them pointed to
a picture of locomotive engine with train
of cars underneath. II overtopped small
building, not more than ten feet in height,
communicating with yard and workshop.
1" Look !" said the observer, here is a ma
chinist whose name is not on our list. Pro-
badly 1t was thought too small concern for
our purposes" said his companion. New
erthaless let us try it," said Mr.. Wolf.
They entered and found at the desk mid.
die aged man, whose somewhat grimy as
pect and apron round his waist, showed that
he divided his labors between the workshop
and the countingroom.
We want to look over your works, if you
have no objection"
!" 1t will give me great pleasure 10 show
you all that j. 10 be seem" sad the mechanic
with pleasing slacritt. ringing bell, and
telling the boy who entered to take charge o.
the Office.
lie then led the way. and explained to the
strangers the whole process of constructing
a locomotive engine. lie showed them how
the various parts OF the machinery were man
ufactured; and patiently answered all their
questions. He told them of an improved
mode Of tubing boilers, by which the power
Of generating steam was increased, and show.
ing With What care he provided Tor security
from bursting.
Two hours passed rapidly away. The
strangers were delighted with the intelligence
displayed BY the mechanic. and with his
frank, attentive and un,uspici ,us manners
" Here is man who loves his profession 81
well that he takes pleasure in explaining i'll
mysteries to all who can understand them, ;
thought Mr. WOLF
81 am afraid We have given you deal o
trouble said the other stranger.
j" Indeed, gentlemen, have enjoyed youi
visit" said the mechanic, "and shall be glad
TO see you sgain."
.Perhaps we may" said Mr. Wolf, and
the strangers departed.
Five months afterwards, as the mechanic
whose means were very limited, sat IN hi.
Office, mediiating how hard il was to get bu
siness by the side Of such establishments a.
were his competitors. the two strangers en-
tered. lie gave them a hearty welcome
handed chairs, and they sat down.
I'VE come" said Mr.. Wolf, with pro
position 70 you from The Emperor of Rus
sia."
"Ftom the Emperor: Impossible !"
Here are our credentials"
"But. gentlemen" said the agitated me-
chanic, " "what does this meanf How have
earned such an honor ~
"Smply by your straightforward courte.
sy and frsnkness, combined with professional
intelligence said Mr.. Wolf. i" because w
were strangers you did not think necessa.
. ry TO treat Us with distrust Or coldnrss. You
saw We we're in earnest in acquainting our
. selves with your works. aud did not ask VI
. before extending Us your facilities. what let.
tiers Of introduction wc brought. You mes'
sured Us by the spirit we showed. and mo-
By the dgnites we eouli have exhibited.
The mechsnic visited ST. Petersburg, ant
soon afterwards moved his whole establish
ment there. lie had imperial orders for a
many locomotive engines as he could con
I struct. lie has lately returned TO his owl
! country, and is still receiving large retura
Z from his Russian workshop. Aud all thi
! prosperity grew out Of his unselhsh eisilit.