Gradually, one by one, the remaining* flasks were emp
tied and the determinations completed. Then followed the
work of writing* out reports. Going* into his office the Chem
ist seated himself at his desk and, taking* up a report sheet,
beg*an rapidly to write out the results of his analyses. The
analysis of No. 1 was—lron 47.85 per cent, insoluble matter
—15.70 per cent; of No. 2 —lron 49.25 per cent.—insoluble
matter 13.00 per cent. No. 3 was yet a blank.
“What shall I make her,” thought Johnson. “That ore
was mighty good, if I remember it rightly. It’s sure to go
above 44 per cent., at any rate. They can’t reject itl Let’s
see—4B.7s would hit it about right, I think—insoluble then
would be about— 13.90. Fifteen cars of it? That’s a good
deal to put in one sample! Oh well, let her go anyway."
The remaining results were then rapidly written down,
and all were taken by the colored boy to the Furnace Com
pany's office a short distance away.
Johnson returned to his work and in his busy hurrying
to and fro soon forgot the lost analysis and the guess he had
made at its result.
One afternoon several days later lie was seated by a
window of his little office, enjoying the constant cool breeze
that entered there. The weather was hot as ever, but
through this window a breeze always blew, no matter how
intense the heat outside. Strange that he should have time
thus to sit and fold his arms, but this day had chanced to be
an easy one.
In contrast to the usual noise and bustle a spirit of quiet
reigned. No cars moved on the tracks of the furnace yard.
The engine stood, slowly hissing and throbbing, on a side
track, producing the only noises to be heard, except the
steady, continual boom! thud! boom! thud! of the blowing*
engines. Here and there, wherever shade could be found,
were groups of men lying asleep. Only occasionally were
figures to be seen moving about the yard, The day was one
The Free Lance.