“Can you mend it, father?” inquired Ben anxiously.
“It is no easy job,” replied Mr. Hardy seriously. “What time did you say you could give me on it?”
“In order to be of any use, it must be at the field by eight o’clock to-morrow morning at the latest,” replied Ben.
Mr. Hardy went for his hat and told his wife that he and Ben might not be home until very late.
“If the plant was running, this might be a mere trifle,” said Mr. Hardy, as Ben accompanied him in the direction of the Saxton works.
When they arrived at the plant they found the watchman strolling in the shop yards. A few words from Mr. Hardy resulted in his unlocking a side door and letting them into the machine shop. Mr. Hardy went to the section where there were some small hand lathes. He lit the gas in their vicinity and took off his coat, putting on his working blouse.
As has been indicated, Mr. Hardy was a skilled artisan. The present task, however, was one that fully tested his mettle. Ben watched his patient, painstaking efforts till nearly ten o’clock. He was glad when his father required his assistance at a small portable forge, and later at a lathe propelled by foot and hand power.
“Lay down on the bench yonder, Ben,” directed Mr. Hardy about midnight, “and take a little rest.”
“Can’t I help you, father?” inquired Ben.
“Nothing now, Ben,” replied Mr. Hardy. “It will take me several hours to finish up this piece of work, and you will have a long day before you.”