“It's better than ever,” said Mr. McCarthy. “That's good!” exclaimed the Pearl. “You can now make footprints in the sands of time.” “Yes, I've got a pair o' feet and a new leg on my body, and five thousand dollars in the bank, and more coming,” Mr. McCarthy went on, while we were dumb with amazement. “You'll find Sal in every drug store north of the Central Road, and I'm going to spread it all over Vermont and Massachusetts. Two or three rivals have sprung up, and I've bought 'em out. I've got forty people at work in my central factory, which is at Rushwater, New York.” “He's geared for high power,” said the Pearl, as he turned to me. “He's got his belt on the main shaft.” The compliment pleased Mr. McCarthy. His eyes glowed and his fist flashed down upon the bench before him with a loud thump. It was the deep fire of his spirit showing itself in a kind of lightning thrust. “I'm going to be somebody!” he exclaimed. “If you can find use for it, you'll get all the power you need right off the big engine,” said Mr. Pearl. “What engine?” “The one that runs the universe. When you've got accommodation for high power it always comes to you. Then look out for the friction an' you're all right.” After a moment of silence he turned to me and said: “I've heard about the three commandments of your house. They're like those of my shop: Take your power off the main shaft--that means truth. Oil your bearings--kindness. Reduce friction as much as possible--happiness. And that reminds me, how is your gentleman?” The Pearl turned to Mr. McCarthy as he put the query. “A little more polished,” said the latter. “I think his deportment has improved, an' he can converse upon many subjects or write an elegant letter. He's a little more natural, as ye might say, and has so much else to think of he's kind o' forgot himself. He reads the New York _Herald_ every day, and can hold an argument on politics or religion. He knows all the points in favor of the protection of home industries, an' has learnt every great fact in American history.” “Except one,” said the Pearl of great price. “What's that?” “A new thing discovered by H. M. Pearl, Esq., which is singular an' likewise worthy of your attention.” The Pearl paused for a moment while he looked at him. “A stream o' power is rushing over those wires,” he went on. “I'll turn it into another channel an' put a brake on it. Then you'll see some actions calculated to produce loud and continued applause.” He put out his lamp and stepped away in the darkness. I heard the turn of a lever and then the room was flooded with light. We gazed at it with a feeling of awe.