Wy arranged for an experienced machinist to examine the drum and its damaged supports. Several parts needed replacement rather than another improvised patch, and the machine's operation required safeguards that the original equipment had never possessed.
Hazel watched every step.
She asked questions.
Recorded costs.
And learned that a machine could appear simple while hiding problems that made it dangerous under continuous use.
The machinist was an older man named Owen Fletcher.
He had spent most of his life repairing agricultural equipment and possessed little patience for people who tried to save money by ignoring obvious defects.
When he first examined the drum, he shook his head.
"Somebody's been fixing this with wishful thinking."
Hazel smiled faintly.
"That bad?"
Owen pointed toward an old repair.
"Worse."
She looked embarrassed.
"I didn't do that."
He grinned.
"Good. I'd hate to think you were learning bad habits before you started."
They discussed what could be restored and what shouldn't be reused.
The final cost was more than Hazel had hoped, but less than purchasing a dependable replacement machine.
Wy helped cover part of the expense as a loan, with clear terms Hazel insisted on writing down.
He laughed when she produced the paper.
"You're really making your uncle sign?"
Hazel nodded.
"You taught me to keep records."
Wy smiled.
"Fair enough."
He signed.
Then handed her the agreement.
"Now let's make sure the machine earns enough to repay me."
The first full test of the restored drum sheller took place on September 8.
The morning was bright.
Long rows of purple-hull peas stretched across the nearby field, with green hills rising in the distance. The red barn stood behind the processing tables, and two large galvanized basins rested beneath the collection outlets.
Hazel wore her cream-colored long-sleeve shirt, denim overalls, leather boots, and work gloves.
Pearl watched from a chair beneath the shed roof.
Wy stood near the larger sheller.
Owen had returned to observe the test and confirm that the equipment operated as intended.
The repaired drum began turning.
The mechanism ran smoothly at first.
A suitable batch of pods passed through.
Peas began collecting.
Hazel smiled.
For several minutes, the machine performed well.
Then a metallic knocking sound appeared.
Wy stopped the equipment immediately.
Hazel closed her eyes.
Not again.
Owen examined the machine after it had been made safe.
For several minutes, he worked quietly.
Then looked toward Wy.
"There's still a problem under load."
Hazel stared.