Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-05-16

HNAadH still bright, and his
 A@4%Hk sinewy arm as 11t, N 4MS powerful as when he fDMAsNl~ @HAt was only thirty
 years old.
 He had watched the progress of the iron trade, and taken part in it for years. He hnd been an important factor in the introduction of the Bessemer steel process, and there were not many men at the Carson Steel Works who understood the business better than he did.
 He was a noble specimen of the Ameri- can mechanic as he stood with his great broad breast and robust arms barred in the converting-room of the steel mill. The full blaze of the glowing converter was reflected on his massive frame, while he waited the purification of the molten metal, in the crucible. which in short time was to be poured into the ladle, and thence to the ignot-molds that stood ranged around the casting-pit ready to receive it.
 The golden sparks from -.o roaring mouth of the restless converter fell all about him, as if shower of the precious metal was freed from the hand of some master-magician, and his keen eye was intent upon the work of conversion, when he caught sight of a familiar figure staggering across the converting-room.
 It was blur upon the industrial pic ture-a discord in the harmonious chorus of toll.
 Noel Edwards shrank from the intrud- CT, who was evidently very much under the influence of drink, and who proved upon closer acquaintance to be Clarence Carson, nephew of the president and principal proprietor of the works.
 "Say, Noel, have you seen a fellow named Newcomb around here ?" said the young man of unsteady voice and step.
 "No, MT. Carson. He doesn't work in this department" replied Noel, briefly. He was anxious to cut the conversation short, as the glowing steel now required his undivided attention.
 II want to see that chap and put him out of this mill. He has grossly insulted and severely assaulted me-" said Carson, whose face still showed the evidence ot his recent encounter with Ned Newcomb.
 Noel Edwards said nothing, but busted himself about the casting-pit, to see that the ingot-molds were all in place to re. ceive the dazzling stream of steel that would soon flow from the ladle.
 Presently the great hydraulic crane swung around noiselessly to perform its office. Carson, who was piqued at Noera indifference, began to swear flercely al him, but his volley of angry words was soon lost in a storm of rushing sound that filled the place with death and ter TOT.
 The ladle had been accidentally upset in the casting-pit, and great white flame of molten metal rose like a storm of lava from a crater, and tore off the roof of the converting-room. There was a crash o1 falling walls, rattle of machinery ben, and broken, and cry of pain. The clouds of dust and sparks.:that whirle6 about the place for some seconds after the explosion, obscured everything, bu, when the fatal shock had spent it's fury 6 pitiful scene was presented.
 Chaos and confusion reigned supreme for some time. Finally help came iron another portion of the mill, and sympa thetic workmen looked in dismay at tht havoc that had been wrought Five men lay terribly scorched, ani
 
 casting-pit. They were taken up quick ly and kindly, and hurried off to the hos pital in a wagon, although it was eviden, that all earthly hope for them had fled Wandering about, perilously near the edge of the casting-pit, was Noel Ed wards, with both hands outstretched exclaiming:
 Bring light; bring light, men quick" --.. :.
 "Why, Noel" said one, "it is light"
 "No, say it is dark, man; bring ligh, at once, and let us see who's hurt." sait the old man, in an anxious voice. The workmen did not at first realize | the situation, and Noel would have stepped in the seethiug mass of metal il the pit, were it not for the timely actio1 ! appeared upon the scene and caught hin firmly by the arm. Newcomb divinet what none of the others had seen, tha Noel Edwards was injured by the explo sion, and that his face was fearful, | burned.
 "Look out for the pit. Noel!" sait Newcomb as he led him away.
 II can't see it," Noel replied; "every thing is in darkness, and nobody vii bring a light"
 "But there is light, Noel" said Ne, Newoomb, who regretted his words & soon as they were uttered.
 "Light, Ned! Light, eh7" repeate, Noel, while he trembled like child, ad ding, after pause, during which a surg of emotion thrilled him with unspeakabl anguish, "Then, God pity me, I au | blind!-
 It was even so. The hying metal ha, | struck him in the face.
 Owing to the pain and excitement o the moment, Noel Edwards was uncor scious of his great loss until Ned New comb told him there was light, and h realized the awful fact that there wa none for him, and felt that thencefortl he must walk in darkness.
 As he realized his overwhelming affii< tion, he murmured in a voice filled wit sorrow and despair:
 l "MY God can it be that I am hlind |