Without saying a word, the bright and too willing mechanic who was assisting, mainly by looking on, took the new chain into his shop and cut off a link.

A wanton act done because he "thought the chain a little too long," and not discovered until the machine had been cramped together, every strut and reach shortened to get the chain in place; meanwhile the factory was being vigorously blamed for sending out chains too short.

During it all the mechanic was discreetly silent, but the new link on the vise in the shop betrayed him after the harm was done.
The run from Batavia to Canandaigua was made over roads that are well-nigh perfect most of the way, but the machine was not working well, the chain being too short.

Going up stiff grades it was very apparent something was wrong, for while the motor worked freely the carriage dragged.
On the level and down grade everything went smoothly, but at every up grade the friction and waste of power were apparent.

Inspection time and again showed everything clear, and it was not until late in the afternoon the cause of the trouble was discovered.