The output increased.
The drum handled larger batches than the small wooden sheller, though the machine still required suitable pods and careful checking of its results.
By the end of the morning, Hazel had enough information to begin planning limited outside work.
She wasn't ready to take every crop in the county.
But she could process more than Pearl's garden.
And the third salvaged sheller still contained parts that might help them improve the preparation and sorting area.
Hazel stood beside the machine.
For a moment, she thought about Rafe.
Then smiled.
"Guess I should call him."
Wy laughed.
"Do it."
Rafe arrived the next day with Clay Duvall and Ned Collier.
The three men stepped out near the processing table, looking far more interested than they had at the estate sale.
Hazel greeted them.
Pearl stood beneath the shed roof.
Wy was preparing the equipment.
Rafe approached the large drum sheller.
"That's the one you hauled out of Talliver's shed?"
Hazel nodded.
"Yes."
He stared.
"Looks different."
Wy smiled.
"Should, after the work we've done."
Clay examined the repaired frame.
Then looked toward the small wooden sheller beside it.
"That little one still running?"
Hazel nodded.
"Every day."
Ned shook his head.
"Never would've believed it."
Rafe looked toward the machinery.
Then asked, "Mind if I try the big one?"
Wy considered the question.
He explained the operating procedure and made sure Rafe understood the safeguards and the conditions under which the machine would be stopped.
Then he supervised a short test.
The large drum began operating.
Peas moved through the collection system.
Rafe grinned.
For a moment, he looked like a child operating a new piece of equipment.
"Well, I'll be."
Hazel worked beside him at the small wooden sheller.
The morning sunlight fell across the two machines.
On one side, the enormous steel drum turned with a heavy mechanical rhythm.
On the other, Hazel operated the compact wooden hand-crank model.
The contrast was almost comical.
Rafe's machine was larger, heavier, and more powerful.
Hazel's looked as though it belonged on a kitchen table.
But both were doing useful work.
For several minutes, the men watched.
Then the big drum produced an irregular sound.
Rafe stopped immediately, following Wy's instructions.
Owen inspected it after the machine was made safe.
The problem wasn't severe, but it required attention before further use.
Rafe stepped back.
He looked irritated.
Then glanced toward Hazel.
Her little wooden sheller was still running smoothly.