Thomas stood in the doorway of the blacksmith shop, watching Master Greene hammer a piece of glowing iron. Sparks flew into the air like tiny fireflies. It was 1776 in Philadelphia, and Thomas had been an apprentice for two months now.
"Thomas, pump the bellows!" Master Greene called out. Thomas rushed over and began pumping the large leather bellows. Air whooshed into the forge, making the coals burn hotter and brighter. The heat made sweat drip down his face.
"We have an important job today," Master Greene said, holding up a drawing. "A soldier came by this morning. The Continental Army needs hinges for supply wagons. General Washington's troops are preparing to move."
Master Greene shaped the hot iron with careful hammer strikes. Clang, clang, clang! The rhythm echoed through the shop. Thomas watched closely, learning how to make each bend and curve. Someday, he hoped he could forge metal as skillfully as his teacher.
"Someday, you'll make hinges as strong as these," Master Greene said with a smile. "A good blacksmith serves his community. These hinges might seem small, but they'll help carry food and supplies to our soldiers."
Thomas thought about his older brother, who had joined the Continental Army last spring. Maybe these very hinges would help his brother. He pumped the bellows harder, determined to do his part. By sunset, they had made twenty hinges.
Thomas's arms ached, but he felt proud. Even though he was only twelve years old, he was helping the cause of freedom. The work of the forge was hot and tiring, yet Thomas knew every strike of the hammer mattered.