“Yes.”
“Is it a private concern?” inquired Cobb.
“Oh, bless you, no. It cost too much money to put it into operation. The government expended over two hundred millions of dollars in building the works; but they have paid for themselves almost twice over.”
“And this is the source of the great electrical supply—”
“For the Eastern States of the nation,” interrupted Hugh; “but it is only a portion of the power used. The water-power everywhere is converted into electricity, and sent over the country.”
“And steam isn’t used any more?” hesitatingly.
“To be sure, it is; in the great timber districts, and where fuel, which otherwise would go to waste, is plentiful, steam engines are still used.”
After a thorough inspection of the great center of electrical supply, the two returned to their hotel, and made preparations to leave Niagara and visit New England, and especially Boston and Providence, “the places I love so dearly,” said Cobb. “I must once more visit the scenes of my childhood, and note their advancement.”