'I would be very glad to make a
trip on the prairies.'
'Wal, look fur me in about six weeks.'
And with this parting, the hunter was let out the door, and
disappeared, while Johnny resumed his work.
That day saw the steam man completed, so far as it was possible. He
was painted up, and every improvement made that the extraordinarily
keen mind of the boy could suggest. When he stood one side, and
witnessed the noiseless but powerful workings of the enormous legs, he
could not see that anything more could be desired.
It now remained for him to complete the wagon, and he began at once.
It would have been a much easier matter for him to have secured an
ordinary carriage or wagon, and alter it to suit himself; but this was
not in accordance with the genius of the boy. No contrivance could
really suit him unless he made it himself. He had his own ideas, which
no one else could work out to his satisfaction.
It is unnecessary to say that the vehicle was made very strong and
durable.
This was the first great requisite. In some respects it resembled the
ordinary express wagons, except that it was considerably smaller.
It had heavy springs, and a canvas covering, with sufficient, as we
have shown in another place, to cover the man also, when necessary.
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