“Whether we, of course, had power enough for the job. It will be a biggish contract. There’s all Harpenden Brook to be considered and Batten’s Ponds as well, and Witches’ Fountain, and the Churt’s Hawd system.
“We’ve power enough for anything in the world,” said the Waters. “The only question is whether you could stand the strain if we came down on you full head.”
“Of course I can,” said the Wheel. “Mangles is going to turn me into a set of turbines—beauties.”
“Oh—er—I suppose it’s the frost that has made us a little thick-headed, but to whom are we talking?” asked the amazed Waters.
“To me—the Spirit of the Mill, of course.”
“Not to the old Wheel, then?”
“I happen to be living in the old Wheel just at present. When the turbines are installed I shall go and live in them. What earthly difference does it make?”
“Absolutely none,” said the Waters, “in the earth or in the waters under the earth. But we thought turbines didn’t appeal to you.”
“Not like turbines? Me? My dear fellows, turbines are good for fifteen hundred revolutions a minute—and with our power we can drive ’em at full speed. Why, there’s nothing we couldn’t grind or saw or illuminate or heat with a set of turbines! That’s to say if all the Five Watersheds are agreeable.”
“Oh, we’ve been agreeable for ever so long.”