The Democrat. (Scotland Neck, Halifax Co., N.C.) 1884-1896, 1888-04-26

left college,"
''Very good; I'll put you near Mr..
Fcrri'. He can probably give you a
few hints which may be useful; son
of Judge Ferris, you know. Educated
as a mining engineer; but he has gone
into the works, like any poor lad, to
work his way to a practical knowledge
of the business. He has charge of the
converter" he added, with a tone of
respect, to which Ogden, never having
heard of the converter, listened with in
difference.
The next morning Ogden, in work
mans clothes, presented himself at the
office, and Mr.. Wagner himself took him
into the mill and gave him his work,
introducing him to Mr.. Ferris in the
tone which he would use in speaking of
an equal. The familiarity was kindly
meant, but in judicious.
'Who's that young cub old Wagner's
making much OFF, said Jake Crawford
to the man at the coal heap beside him.
Dunno; one Of his pets, 1 reckon"
Jake was one of the most drunken
and vicious men in the works. He
scanned Ogden's gcntlemanly bearing
and white hands with scowl of con-
tempt, which changed to a positive
glare when Mr.. Wagner shook hands
with him saying, "Good-by, my lad,
and good luck ~
From that time Jake set down the
young fellow as his enemy, whom he
was bound to overturn. Ogden pres
emily noticed that this man showed him
unnecessarily when he passed him in
the throng, and swore at him under his
breath, but, supposing him to be a
drunken fellow, thought no more about
it. His Indifference but enraged Craw-
ford the more. Poor Richard, whom
he met on Sundays dressed like gen
tleman, going with his wife to church,
became in his eyes the embodiment of
the 'bloatcd aristocrat5" whom he
hated so heartily.
'pu fix his Iordship for lifew he said
every day, and watched his chance to
do it. Ferris. on the contrary, as Mr..
Wagner had foresccn, was attracted to
the young man, and gave him work
near to him, frequently explaining the
processes to him. Ogden's previous
knowledge of chemistry made him an
Intelligent hearcr.
The 'convertcr, Of which Mr.. Ferris
had charge, is an enormous pot in which
the molten metal and carbon is subjected
to the force OF terrific blast by which
the carbon is di5sipated. At the in
stant when the right amount IS left, the
huge vessel is overturned into a pit,
where it flows into tubes prepared for
it.
Ferris's duty was to watch the lurid
fumes of the metal and when, by the
change in their tint, he saw the moment
had come, to press on lever which, by
hydraulic machinery, overturned 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 loosers to that amount.
The men were not allowed to speak to
him as the moment approached. Ogden
always stood near, deafened by the
thundcrous roar OF the blast, but watch
ing Ferris's pale, intent face.
After a few weeks Ogden learned to
distinguish the subtle change in the
flame which marked the critical mo-
ment.
He told Ferris so one day, jokingly
adding, 81 can take your place now, on
an emergency"
Il hope l 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, lott
ering about until he saw Richard S
wife run down the path to meet him.
"How IS Benz" said Ogden eagerly.
'Bctter. I think it is not Group.
only an ordinary cold.
'Ben's the baby. Ahaw muttered
Jake. 'Tve got it, I'll settle his lord
ship, now," humping his fist on his leg
and chuckling drunkenly.
O3den's watch began at ? o'clock the
next morning. Little Ben was cough
ing 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?" said Ferris,
passing him.
"The boy is threatened with Group.
I think L 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 a tin cup to warm be-
side a furnace.
Look to that Crawford, will you?"
I, oD1 Tol-a hapt