Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1874-11-19
WHO WAS He.


On dreary November afternoon, in
the year 1866, Mr. Blonger, senior
member of the we'll known firm of
Blonger & Co, machinists and manu-
facturers of marine engines, established
in 1903. was sitting before a blazing
fire in his office III the east end of Lon
don, when 3 visitor was announced.
"Show him in. James" said the old
gentleman, and continued the perusal
of the Times. A moment after the
door opened. and young man appar-
emily about twenty four years of age,
plainly attired, entered and stood hat
in hand, awaiting the leisure of the
gentleman, who merely glanced at the
Stranger, and Immediately resumed his
paper, evidently thinking his visitor to
be person of no Importance. After a
silence of few minutes Mr.. Blonger
laid down his paper, and, looking up,
abruptly said:
"Well, my good sir, what do You
want with mes
care you the elder Mr. Blonger?''
Inquired the stranger, with an unmis
taxable American accent.
Il am"
81 heard of you, and came to see
you. / understand that you transact a
large and successful business, but it il
not on that account that | have called
upon you. am told that you have
considerable influence with the chief
rersons in this government, and it is
for that reason that L pay you this
visit"
MIR. Blonger placed his gold trimmed
spectacles on his nose, and gazed IN
mute establishment at his visitor, who
continued:
81 an the inventor, or discoverer,
rather. of a secret OF nature, process
which will revolutionize the world,
which will reverse natural laws, which
will inaugurate new order of things
discovery, the results Of which are SO
vast that no human mind can compre
bend them. In short. | can suspend
the law of grayitation.'
At this monst,ous assertion look OF
alarm appeared rpon the countenance
OF the listener but as he compared bis
own brawny frame with the slight fig,
ure Of the lunatic before him, it gave
place to a contemptuous smile, as he
answered, somewhat impatiently:
swell, we'll, my dear sir, perhaps
you can-perhaps you can but ] am
not in that line of business, and you had
better apply to somebody else
The young man went on with imper
turbahle gravity: 81 can swing the
mightlest man'of- war England possesses
into tie air with my little finger. / can
lift the largest cannon at Woolwich like
cork | can
eyes, yes, | krow- but / am busy
now,' replied the manufacturer, rising,
and advancing toward the bell to sum
mon servant. a
"Wait, Mr.. Blonger," said his visi
tor, IN tone OF such deep earnestness
that, that gentleman hesitated in spite
Of himself-''wait a moment. | am
not mad. know You do not believe
me, and don't wonder at it !; but |
will show you that what say is true
He laid bis hat upon the table, and
drew from mis- br East pocket of his coat
q glistening blue wire. There was an
iron anvil in a corner of the room
He wound the coil If wire round the
anvil in moment, lifted it like feath,
ef from its place to the middle of the
apartment, and then stepped proudly
back. The anvil foated like bubble
in the air.
IL say that Mr.. Blonger looked as
founded and aghast would convey bn,
mild idea of the expression of his
countenance at this mement. 1t was
one of absolute horror. He stood gaz
ing first at the anvil and then at the
man, and at last, with a sigh of relief
he CALCULATED, "Perhaps this is only jug
glery," and dropped into chair. The
young American snatched the coil Of
wire from around the anvil, and it fell
at once with terrific force, crushing in I,
portion of the floor. 81 beg your par
don, sir,.but is there any jugglery about
that, think you! The asked with smile,
and also sat down. The conversation
that ensued was long and earnest, and
resulted i'll this conclusion: Mr.. Blong
err was to notify one or two personal
friends in the cabinet, several scientific