The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1890-12-24

get up gran ball for the benefit O. the
Dunn's."
When Sandy Rea ate his breakfast that
day he repaired to the room the Dunns
occupied. Jem, who was fond of books,
had brought bundle of papers and some
torn pamphlets to his brother; a gift
from the merchant who employed Jem
as an errand boy. He was showing his
mother the pictures in an illustrated pa
per. John Dunn had twisted himself
around to see and hear Jem. His attitude
as he looked at Jem made very disagree
able impression upon Sandy Rea, who said
to himself, "God save us! It's living
death for poor John. This must be mend
cd some way"
John Dunn had a board on his sound
knee-his mothers ironing board. The
basket at Mrs. Dunn's side, and the
quality of material in her lap told the
story.
"What's the board for, Jack9" said
Sandy, cheerily. John blushed as Sandy
stopped and picked up large piece Of
cheap brown wrapping paper. The paper
bore rude drawing. Sandy scrutinized
it with critical eye.
SITS altogether beyond me. What's
this-the housess"
Johns eyes frightened. "Here-look
at this. That's of no account" lie
pointed to the board on his knee.
"Why, that's not half bad. I see-1
sec. This is An end view-an' here is the
front-the face of the roll. I see now
very plainly. An what's this9"
"That's my idea. You see-here is the
furnace. The ball comes out here, is
carried through here, then on to the rolls,
and here it is on the plates"
"That's not possible. Wby-but we
have the squcezers, you must remember
an there's the heatin' furnaces. You'll
never do it in the world, john"
':I'm not so sure of that. I've thought
| it all out"
"But-that's something I'm thinkin'
is beyond mans power to accomplish, |"
said Sandy, whereupon Johns counte-
nance fell. Then Sandy Immediately re-
gretted his speech.
"Stop-Tm not so sure. I can't joost
point out the shortcoming. 1t looks main
proper there on paper. Who knows
You'll may be win thloo. My! the per-
severance O. the boy"
"He has been working on that board
these three weeks steadily" said the
widow.
"Yes-and three months in my head
before I ever touched pencil to paper, y
said John Dunn sadly.
"'The Lord will provide, Mr.. Barnes
told u.s." said Sandy Rae to his wife.
"There's that cripple up stairs wi no
more color in him than piece of chalk,
fast to his chair, pryiug his brains oul
wi inventions. The boys face was 9
study as he pointed out how he would
take the iron from the furnace, and finish
it into bars before it cooled. If it fail:
why, it'll be the death of him I'm
afeerd."
1t was a question of life and death tt
the Dunns; their future now depended
upon the success of John Dunn's inven
ton. When he could spare time to visi
the Dunns Sandy Rea would listen il
silence while John explained his inven
tion. Then Sandy would look at tn
drawing on the ironing board, stroke hi
urizzled beard and scratch his bald heaC
alternately. He seemed to be in doub
at times, but one morning he electrified
the invalid and his nervous mother b.
rising and striking his palms as he ex
claimed, II see it now! Worka It
sure to work, man. Once the iron start
in there, no power can stop it. All W
want now is a mill to try it in. You
fortunes made, Jack"
"Heck!" he exclaimed when he ex