He did so, and the compass was level.
Bravo! exclaimed Webb. You have mastered one of the most difficult parts of the adjustment of the compass. Now take hold of that screw on the under side with your thumb and finger, and turn it around until the needle moves.
He did so, but excitedly stepped back as if he had seen some apparition.
Don’t be frightened, boy, it will not hurt you.
It is alive! It moves! exclaimed Walter excitedly.
You are half right boy. It moves but there is no life there.
What makes it move? See! It goes first one way and then the other.
True, but it will soon stop, said Webb.
But what makes it move? Black iron can’t move itself. Is there wheels in there that moves it like father’s clock?