At the word, two negro boys rushed for the buggy and the hammer.
"A screw-driver would do better," said Harvey Davis.
"One-eyed Lewston's got a screw-driver," said one of the men.
"Dar Lewston!" cried John William Webster. "Dar he! Jist comin' ober de bridge."
"Shet up!" cried Aunt Judy. "Don't 'spect he got him screw-driber in him breeches pocket, does ye? Why don' ye go 'long and git it?"
And away went John William and two other boys for the screw-driver.
In spite of so many cooks, the broth was not spoiled; and after a reasonable time the beautifully polished instruments were displayed to view on the table in Aunt Judy's cabin.
Everybody looked with all their eyes. Even Mr. Loudon, who had often examined telegraphic apparatus, took a great interest in this, and the negroes thought there was never anything so wonderful. Especially were those delighted who owned stock.
"Some o' dat dar's mine," said a shiny-faced black boy. "Wonder ef dat little door-knob's my sheer."
"You go 'long, dar," said Dick Ford, giving him a punch in the ribs with his elbow. "Dat little shiny screw's 'bout as much as you own."