Smyrna times., 1867-07-03

The strangers walked on for nearly half a
mile If silence, when one of them pointed to
an humble sign, with picture of locomotive
engine with a train of cars underneath. 1t
overtOpped a small building not more than ten
feet IN height, communicating with yard and
workshop. Look, said the observer, ''here
Is machinist whose name is not on our list
Probably it was thought too small a con-
Germ for our purpose" said his companion.
Nevertheless, let us try" said Mr.. Wolf
They entered and found at the desk a mid
dle-aged man, whose somewhat grimy aspect
and apron around his waist, showed that he
divided his labOrs between the workshop and
counting room.
1--WE want to look over your works, if you
have no objection" said Mr.. Wolf.
" 1t will give me pleasure to show you all
that Is to be seen" said the mechanic with
pleesed alacrity, ringing bell, telling the boy
who entered to take charge of the office.
lie then led the way, and explained to the
strangers the whole process of constructing
locomotive engine. He showed them how the
various parts of the machinery were manufac-
tured and patiently answered all their ques-
tiOns. He told them of an improved mode of
tubing boilers, by which the power of gene
rating steam was increased, and showed with
what care he provided for security from
bursting.
Two hours passed rapidly away The stran-
gers were delighted with the intelligence dis
played by the mechanic, and with his frank,
attentive and unsuspicious manners.
" Here is man who loves his profession so
well, that he takes pleasure i'll explaining its
mysteries to all who can understand them,
said Mr. Wolf.
. | am afraid that we have given you a great
deal of trouble" said the other stranger
" Indeed, gentlemen, | have enjoyed your
visit, said the mechanic, "and shall be glad
to see you again.
Perhaps you may" said Mr.. Wolf, and
the strangers departed.
Five months afterwards, as the machine,
whose means were quite limited, sat in his Of
fee meditating how hard it was to get business
by the side of such large establishments as
were his competitors, the two strangers enter
ed. lie gave them hearty welcome, handed
chairs, and all sat down.
I'VE come" said Mr. Wolf, with pro-
position to you from the Emperor Of Russia,
to visit St Petersburg"
From the Emperor? Impossible!"
Here are your credentials.
But, gentlemen, said the now agitated
mechanic, what does this mean? How have
| earned such an hOnorY"
Simply by your straightforward courtesy
and frankness, combined with professional in
telligence, said Mr. Wolf Because we we're
strangers you did not think it necessary to treat
us with cOdness or distrust You saw that we
were already interested in acquainting ourselves
with your works, and you did not ask US be-
fore extending to Us your ivili 10 what letters
Of introduction we brought. You measured us
by the spirit We showed, and not by the digni-
ties we might have exhibited.
The mechanic visited st. Petersburg, and
soon afterwards removed his whole establish,
ment there. He had imperial orders there for
80 Loo ba
struct. He has lately returned to his own
country, and is still receiving large returns from
his Russian workshop And all this prosperi
ty grew out of his unselhsh civility to two
strangers, one of whom was the secret agent o
the Gar of Russia -Erchamgc Paper.