did not make him a partner in her thoughts, and that he himself was farther than ever from obtaining the hand of Bell Mortimer. Again he resolved to humble Bell Mortimer by filching her father's good

name.

XLI.

An Alumnus of Hamilton College, nolens volens, becomes a Skillful Mechanic.

"JOHNSON, how about the bu let machine? does it work this morning?"

"No, sir; one of the dies has given out. Melville is making a new one."

"Get it in order by morning. We shall have a number of gentlemen in to-morrow to see it operate.".

This conversation occurred between the contractor of the machine-shop in the Auburn State Prison, and a convict, the assistant-foreman of the shop.

The contractor passed along, giving directions to several of the convicts in regard to their work. It was evident to the beholder, that the contractor was a popular man among the convicts, for he invariably received a smile from each one addressed.

66

Melville, how long will you be finishing that

die?"

"I can't say, sir; not a great while," replied Melville.

The contractor beckoned to Johnson, who approached.

"Mr. Johnson, can you give that die to another hand?" asked the contractor.

"Certainly, sir; but it requires a skillful work

man."

"Have you time to finish it yourself?"

Johnson thought a moment, scratched his head with one hand, while in the other he held a large bar of iron.

66 I can, if some one will look to Barker for me," at length Johnson replied.

"He's the new hand at the turning-lathe, I believe," said the contractor.

"Yes, sir," replied Johnson.

"I will supply your place there, Johnson, if you will finish the die," continued the contractor.

"Very well, sir," replied Johnson.

"Melville," continued the contractor, "I want you to draw a draft for a new steam-engine. I have an order, directing me to make the most powerful engine I can for a particular space. There is only a certain amount of room to be occupied, boiler, engine, and all. I have made a draught, but am satisfied it is not right. You'll find mine on the desk. There is an engine there now in operation, and this is designed to supply its place."

Melville laid down his tools, which were immediately resumed by Johnson. Going to a kid, he washed his hands and set about drawing the plan. The problem would be of little difficulty in a case where the engine required was one of small power. But in this case, an awkward shape to the boiler, the greatest possible power, consistent with safety, and convenience for the firemen in feeding and keeping the engine in order, were the difficulties to be overcome.

The machinery dependent upon this engine for power was connected with one of the largest factories in the State of New York. Two engines had been made for the purpose, and both 'failed in reaching the required power. It became a question with the company whether they should be obliged to mar the beauty and symmetry of the plan upon which their factory had been built by tearing away the outside wall and extending the engine-room, or solving the problem affirmatively, whether an engine, adequate to their wants, could be constructed, which their engine-room, as it was, would contain. The contrac tor had received a conditional order. The company would not bind themselves to take the engine unless it answered their purpose. The power necessary to run the machinery, of course, was among the qualities required.

The contractor, having set Melville at work upon the problem, was suddenly called away from Auburn. He did not return under several days. Melville made out three plans, each upon different bases, either one of which, on paper, answered the problem satisfactorily. One of the plans, however, was so clearly the best, that he destroyed the others. He gained by the reserved plan about a quarter more power than would ever be needed. This multiplied the chances of safety by as much as it lessened the expansive force of steam required in the boiler to the square inch.

When the contractor returned, the first matter which occupied his attention was this plan. Melville was busily engaged finishing an intricate piece of work, when the contractor entered the shop.

"Melville," said he, "did you succeed with that problem I gave you the other day?"

"I think so, sir," replied Melville.

"Let me

tractor.

see your work," continued the con

Melville went to the keeper's* desk, and asked him for his plan.

The contractor examined it attentively for some time. He then asked several questions, all of which were answered satisfactorily by Melville.

“Very well, sir; I believe you've hit it," said the contractor. "You gain a quarter more power than necessary. My plan gains but one-sixteenth, except by increasing the pressure. It is something of a

trick to build that engine, Melville.

"I know that, sir; but I can do it."

"You shall have the privilege of trying it, then, Melville. You shall boss the job throughout. I'll write to-day, accepting the conditions of the order. Go and ask Johnson to come here, if he is not too busy."

"Johnson," said the contractor, addressing the assistant-foreman, "I wish Melville to superintend the construction of that engine. Give him all the assistance he shall require, and let me have the engine in running order as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir," said the foreman.

* We should here inform the reader, that every workshop in the Auburn State Prison has one, two, or three keepers, according to its extent, who are responsible to the agent or principal keeper for the good conduct of the convicts. They are in the employ of the State. Through them all discipline is administered. The contractors have no power whatever to rule the men, except through the keepers.