picked up r the first flask on the row aud poured the contents of a small graduate into it, “I'll finish these off in-no time.’’ With his usual rapidity of movement he -set about the final reaction in'the analyses before him. No. 1 was finished and the empty flask set aside: No. 2in like manner. As he picked up No. 3 the door of the sample room opened and a mellow voice, inquired: “Wich o’ them new samples is I to git up fust?” “What?” cried Johnson, seeming at first not to grasp the question. “Oh, let me see” aud he started toward the sample room, as he did so placing the No. 3 flask on a high stool tliatistood in his way in the middle of the floor. The colored boy, thus given a’spare moment, hurried to the water spigot for a drink, passing very close to the stool as he went. On his return, as lie shuffled along, wiping his lips with the backs of his hands, he chanced to give the stool a slight kick. The Chemist’s quick ear caught the sound and, at once recognizing its meaning, hurried in. He was just in time to see flask No. 3 fall to the floor, and break into count less tiny pieces, which scattered in all directions. “Well!” exclaimed Johnson with and angry glance at the boy who stood sheepishly by, “it’s a wonder you would n’t throw your feet all over the lab! Get in there to your work! Hurry up now! Make up the first sample on the right.” The boy slunk off into the sample room and Johnson returned to his work, muttering, “Sloppy kid! Darn him! I’ll have to do No. 3 over ag’ain. Let’s see though,” and he looked at his watch, “By gad! It’s half past three and I’ve five more samples to do to-night! I haven't time to do that aver. I’ll guess at the stuff! I know what the ore looked like well enough.” For a moment he hesitated, listening to the warning words of conscience, then shrugging his shoulders exclaimed: “Yes I will! I’ve got to guess at it!” The Chemist's Guess
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers