"The whole story is here, Mr.Cowperwood.These men are practical lens-makers.

A great lens, in the first place, is a matter of finding a suitable crystal.

Large and flawless crystals are not common, as you may possibly know.

Such a crystal has recently been found, and is now owned by Mr.Appleman.It takes about four or five years to grind and polish it.

Most of the polishing, as you may or may not know, is done by the hand--smoothing it with the thumb and forefinger.