Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1888-03-08
knowledee Of chemistry made

him an intelligent nearer.
The converter, Of which Mr.. Fer
ris had charge. is an enormous pot in
which the molten metal and carbon
are subjected to tho force of , terrific
blast by which the carbon is dissi-
pated At the instant when the right
amount is left, the huge vessel il 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. II
he missed the time. was 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,
deafened 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
fame which marked the critical mo-
ment He told Ferris so one day, jok-
ingly adding: ~ can take your place
now, on an emergency"
II 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 Richards
wife run down the path to meet him.
"How is Benz" asked Ogden, eager
ly.
Better. 1 think it is not Group.
only an ordinary cold"
'.Ben's the baby? Aha!" muttered
Jake. "Tve 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. Dick?" asked
Ferris. passing him.
1.-THE boy is threatened with Group.
I think 1 could not live. Ferris, if /
should lose that child" said Ogden.
Crawford overheard, nodded and
laughed.
At nine o'clock that morning there
was blow to be made. About eight
Ferris stepped aside to eat his break
fast, which was placed in tin pail on
a barrel. He had some cold coffee
which he set in tin cup to warm be-
side a furnace.
Look to that. Crawford. will you?"
he said. and Jake assiduously bent
over the cup. Out of his dirty pocket
he took white paper containing. not
poison. but a nauseating medicine.
slow and sure in action. This he
hastily shook into the coffee
Ferris made q very wry face, but
gulped it down. Ho was hungry and
cold. A little before nine Mr.. Berrin-
ger. the principal owner of the works.
came in and stood near Ferris. He
never wearied Of listening to tho roar
of the blast or of watc hing the great
machinery in motion, and the rush Of
white liquid metal from the caldron.
Are you i'll. Ferris?" he said, COM
ing up to the young man. as he sat
with his hand upon the lever and his
eye upon the fiery fluid. "Your lips
are blue"
Eyes" said Ferris. CURLY. "But
I'll see this through"
Mr.. Berringer watched him closely.
You can't do it! You are near faint
ing now. How long will it be pntil it
is resdya"
about ten minutes" gasped Fer
ris, with . shudder of pain.
els there nobody who can take
your placer"
ell don't know" he said, duly.
Then he dropped the lever. and stag
gered forward oil can not see!"
he cried
..Great heaven! What is to be
doue?" cried Mr.. Berringer.
A quiet voice was heard from among
the startled men: II think can take
Mr.. Ferris place. if you will trust
me-"
"Ogdenl Yes; try Ogden" said
Ferris, as he sank down. Some OF the
men carried him out Richard Ogden
stepped up to his platform and put his
hand on the lever which the mill-own'
er held.
I'm try you. young man. It's all
can do. Remember. if you fail BY an
instant, it is loss of several thousand
dollars to US.
Il know. sir. I'll do my duty rs well
as I cam" said Ogden. calmly; but he
breathed . hurried prayer to God fol
help
The frightful roar Of the blast
drowned all sounds. tho curious work.
men gathered around. watching