"'Well,' was the rejoinder, 'you do it, Davis, and I'll insure you an independent fortune.'
Lock Stitch (above) and Chain Stitch (below)
The lock stitch is made with two threads, and the chain stitch with one.
"Now I don't know that Davis or the other man has thought of the matter since. As for me, I've thought of little else. A year ago last October I had planned out the chief parts of the machine—the two threads, the curved, eye-pointed needle, and the shuttle. A rough model that I made convinced me that such a machine would work; and last December I prevailed upon my friend, Mr. Fisher of Cambridgeport, to let me, with my wife and children, live at his house and construct my machine in his garret. He gave me five hundred dollars besides for material. In return for those favors, I've agreed to give Fisher half my profits. But," he added rather gloomily, "so far it's been a bad bargain for Fisher."
"Is the machine patented?" inquired Uncle William.
"Not yet," answered Mr. Howe. "I need some money first, for, you know, I shall have to make a model to deposit at Washington."
The Wheelers thanked Mr. Howe for his kindness in satisfying their curiosity and wished him all good fortune.
"Sometime," added Jonathan's father, "I expect thy machine will find its way into homes as well as into shops."
"Indeed, Mr. Howe," added Mrs. Wheeler, "it would be the greatest boon the farmer's wife could ask."