Orwin repaired a small workshop warning bell yesterday after its striker jammed. He tested it once. Clear tone. Correct volume. Problem solved. Gobbs then asked whether the bell could be heard “from farther away.” Orwin said it did not need to be. Gobbs had already attached a larger resonating plate.
The enlarged bell was audible from the next street, where one shopkeeper looked outside expecting an emergency and found only Gobbs taking notes. This did not improve Orwin’s opinion of the experiment, though Gobbs marked the range test as successful. The second test shook dust from two shelves and caused a customer outside to duck.
Orwin removed the plate. Gobbs described the result as “excellent range.” Orwin described it as “gone.” The bell has returned to normal service. A note beside it now reads: “DO NOT IMPROVE.” Gobbs has asked who the note is for. Nobody answered.
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