The trial was made, and everybody in the neighborhood, who could get
away from home came to see it made.

Harry was at the instrument on the Akeville side, and Mr. Lyons (the
second operator of the company had not been appointed) attended to the
other end of the line, taking his seat at the table in Aunt Judy's
cabin, where Mr. and Mrs. Loudon, Kate, and as many other persons as the
room would hold, were congregated.

As President of the company, Harry claimed the privilege of sending the
first message.

Surrounded by the Board, and a houseful of people besides, he took his
seat at the instrument, and after looking about him to see if everything
was in proper order, he touched the key to "call" the operator at the
other end.

But no answer came. Something was wrong. Harry tried again, but still no
answer. He jumped up and examined the instrument and the battery.

Everybody had something to say, and some advice to give.

Even old "One-eyed Lewston" pushed his way up to Harry, and exclaimed:

"Oh, Mah'sr Harry! Ef you want to grease her, I got some hog's-lard up
dar on dat shelf."

But Harry soon thought he found where the fault lay, and, adjusting a
screw or two, he tried the key again. This time his call was answered.