rt for new discoveries--and was more laughed at than encouraged
in my pursuit of rare inventions. More than fifty years ago I
ascertained that steam might be made to propel machinery. I attempted
to explain the principles of this discovery to my fellow-men, and to
convince them of the vast benefits that might result from it. I was
not heeded--nay, I was insulted by their indifference--and made a
solemn vow that its advantages should never be reaped through my
instrumentality. In secret I constructed a small steamboat, and having
placed on board such materials as might be required, and secured the
assistance of a requisite number of artisans, I came hither, resolved
to prosecute my experiments to my own satisfaction in solitude, where
the taunts of skeptics could not reach me. Follow, and you shall
behold what has been the result of my unrestrained researches." The
old man arose, and conducted our hero across the yard to a curtained
shelter on one side of the inclosure.

"La! if that ain't its foot!" exclaimed Joe, who joined our hero, and
observing a large foot, resembling in shape that of the swan, under
the folds of the curtain, while the old wizard paused a moment before
unveiling the curious object. It was as Joe surmised: when the canvas
was withdrawn, an artificial swan of monstrous dimensions, though
perfect in all its proportions, was revealed to their wondering gaze.
A little beyond, another curtain was drawn aside, and an eagle,
holding in its beak a bloody crown, and in its talons a silken banner
of stripes and stars, stood before them in the attitude of springing
up in the air.

"Which will you try first?" demanded the fire-wizard, while a proud
smile played on his lips.

"Can _either_ of them be set in motion by your art?" asked Glenn.

"Both!" exclaimed the wizard. "If you will tarry till the ice is gone,
the swan shall rush through the strongest current as swiftly as the
wild horse careers over the prairie; or the eagle shall even now dart
beyond the clouds, and transport you in a few brief hours to where you
will see the briny waves rolling against the distant Atlantic coast!"

Glenn was incredulous, and his unbelief was betrayed by a smile, in
spite of his efforts to the contrary.

"Bring hither a lamp!" said the wizard to the attendant and was
quickly obeyed.

"Oh, don't make him mad! He's going to do something now!" whispered
Joe to Glenn. The wizard touched a spring; the breast of the eagle