1 This magnet is sustained by a very strong axle of adamant passing through its middle, upon which it plays, and is poised so exactly that the weakest hand can turn it.
2 In the middle of the concave side, there is a groove twelve inches deep, in which the extremities of the axle are lodged, and turned round as there is occasion.
3 The waves sink to rest, and the swoln water-ways smooth out under the thundering axle; the storm-clouds scatter from the vast sky.
4 At last, far up the road, she heard the protesting screech of unoiled axles and the slow uncertain plodding of hooves.
5 To make them run easily and swiftly, the axles of carriages are anointed; and for much the same purpose, some whalers perform an analogous operation upon their boat; they grease the bottom.
6 The wheels were armed with those long, offensive axles which keep other vehicles at a distance, and which may still be seen on the road in Germany.
Les Misérables 1 By Victor HugoContext Highlight In BOOK 7: CHAPTER V—HINDRANCES