“As you like—providing the ghost doesn’t object.” The manager laughed again, and the two boys walked out.
That night, when the perpetual din of trip-hammers, riveters, millers, and general construction machinery was stilled, and the plant had taken on a hushed and seemingly expectant air, the three, Mr. McFarland, Johnny and Pant, gathered in the corner of the forge-room.
The manager seemed nervous. His hand trembled slightly as he placed the three steel bars on the forge.
Johnny’s brow was wrinkled. He was worried. He was fearful that the experiment would not work. Indeed, he had little hopes that it would. And he did want it to, for success meant the chance to get away from his monotonous task, as well as a glorious cross-continent trip.
Pant’s face wore the old mask-like look that Johnny had seen on it so many times before.
“Now, I take it,” smiled the manager, “that the formula is to place the bars of steel on the forge, then turn your back and walk away. Always must go according to formula when dealing with ghosts,” he laughed. “Are you ready? I have placed the bars in position. All right. We’re off! Remember, no looking back!” Slowly, solemnly, they marched to the end of the forge-room, then turned about. Johnny’s heart was beating violently.
“Why!” exclaimed the manager, “your friend isn’t with us!”
It was true. Pant had disappeared. Before Johnny could make a guess as to what had become of him, there came another exclamation from Mr. McFarland:
“It’s working!” There was awe in his voice.
Johnny stared for a second, then started on the run. He was closely followed by his employer. The bars, already glowing red, had turned to almost a white heat by the time they reached the side of the forge.