He bent nearer to her, and with deep solemnity said:
“I have made a machine!”
Em opened her eyes.
“Yes; a machine for shearing sheep. It is almost done,” said the boy. “There is only one thing that is not right yet; but it will be soon. When you think, and think, and think, all night and all day, it comes at last,” he added mysteriously.
“Where is it?”
“Here! I always carry it here,” said the boy, putting his hand to his breast, where a bulging-out was visible. “This is a model. When it is done they will have to make a large one.”
“Show it me.”
The boy shook his head.
“No, not till it is done. I cannot let any human being see it till then.”
“It is a beautiful secret,” said Em; and the boy shuffled out to pick up his skins.