Savannah courier. (Savannah, Tenn.) 1885-1979, 1888-03-22

blast by which the carbon is dissi-
pated. At the instant when the right
amount is left, the huge vessel is over
turned into pit, where it flows into
tubes prepared for it.
Ferris duty was to watch the lurid
flames of the metal, and when, by the
change in their tint, he saw the mo-
ment had come, to press on lever,
which, by hydraulic machinery, over
turned the vast converter. Every
time this was done, steel to the amount
of six thousand dollars was made. If
he missed the time, was a second too
early or too late, the firm were losers
to that amount. The men were not al
lowed to speak to him as the moment
approached. Ogden always stood near,
deafencd by the thunderous roar of
the blast but watching Ferris pale,
intent face.
After few weeks Ogden learned to
distinguish the subtle change in the
flame which marked the critical mo-
ment. He told Ferris so one day, jok-
ingly adding: ~ can take your place
now, on an emergency"
~ hope may not have to call on
you, said Ferris, laughing.
Jake Crawford was behind the two
men. His cunning eyes sparkled.
He followed Ogden home in the dark,
lettering about until he saw Richard S
wife run down the path to meet him.
"How is Benz" asked Ogden, eager
ly.
"Bettcr. / think it is not Group,
only an ordinary cold"
"Ben's the babyP Anal" muttered
Jake. "rve got it; I'll settle his lord
ship now!" humping his fist on his
leg, and chuckling drunkenly.
Ogden's watch began at two o'clock
the next morning. Little Ben was
coughing and choking all night; his
father sat beside his crib until it was
time to go, and then set off with a
heavy heart.
"What is the matter, DickP" asked
Ferris, passing him.
"The boy is threatened with Group.
I think could not live, Ferris, if
should lose that child" said Ogden.
Crawford overheard, nodded and
laughed.
At nine O'Clock that morning there
was u blow to be made. About eight
Ferris stepped aside to eat his break.
fast, which was placed in a tin pail on
a barrel. He had some cold coffee
which he set in tin cup to warm be-
side furnace.
Look to that. Crawford. will your
he said, and Jake assiduously bent
over the cup. Out of his dirty pocket
he took white paper containing, moi
poison, but nauseating medicine
slow and sure in action. This h,
hastily shook into the coffee.
Ferris made very wry face, bu
gulped it down. He was hungry ant
cold. A little before nine Mr.. Berrin.
ger, the principal owner of the works
came in and stood near Ferris. HI
never wearied OF listening to the roal
of the blast. or of watching the grea
machinery in motion, and the rush O
white liquid metal from the caldron.
"Are you i'll, Ferris?" he said. com
ing up to the young man, as he sa
with his hand upon the lever and hi
eye upon the fiery fluid. Your lip
are blue"
EYES," said Ferris, CURLY. "Bu
I'll see this through"
Mr.. Bcrringer watched him closely
"You can't do it! You are near faint
ing now. How long will it be until
is readyP"
"About ten minutes" gasped Fer
ris, with shudder of pain.
sis there nobody who can tax
your placer"
I'll don't know" he said, duly
, Then he dropped the lever, and stag
! gered forward. I'll can not see'
he cried
Great heaven! What is to b
doneP" cried Mr.. Berringer.
A quiet voice was heard from anon
I the startled men: II think can tax
{ Mr.. Ferris place, if you will trus
me-"
"OgdenP Yes; try Ogden" sal
Ferris, as he sank down. Some of tn
men carried him out. Richard Ogde
stepped up to his platform and put hi
hand on the lever which the mill-owr
er held.
"Tll try you, young man. It's all
, can DO. Remember, If you fail by al
instant, it is loss of several thousant
dollars to us"
III know, sir, I'll do my duty as wei
as can" said Ogden, calmly; but h
! breathed hurried prayer to God fc
help.
The frightful roar of the bias
drowned all sounds, the curious work
men gathered around, watchin,
Richards eyes fixed on the flickerin
flame. 1t seemed to him as if til
beating of the blood in his veins ker
time with the fire Suddenly, distinC
and sharp. he heard, outside of tn
l window near which he stood, his boy
name.
: Benny Ogden. he's dying Of croul
, Where's his fatherp"
e "Great Godr' He started Wild
forward; then grasped the lever agai
r with strained eyes an d clenched teetl
$ HIS duty He had promised he woul
l do his duty. The. next instant Il
flame. as If in pity for the maj
4 changed its hue. and the lever sank
. Out from the converter rolled ii
E fiery food. Richard sprang down frol
e the platform white and trembling.
5 "Is it Benny you're goin' to?" sal
: Dan Mccarthy. I'm Just afther SEE
a in the bye go past the mill wild h
: mother. an its well and hearty he i: