The Mischievous Typesetter

In Short

This whimsical science-fiction tale centers on High-Pockets Jones, an itinerant "wizard of the linotype" who claims to influence mechanical behavior through personal electricity. When a local judge sentences him to work on a notoriously malfunctioning machine at the Daily News, Jones discovers the linotype possesses a soul, a temper, and a surprising talent for writing poetry. By blending technical jargon with lighthearted supernatural elements, the story serves as a charming meditation on the friction between human intuition and cold, unyielding industrial technology.

The Story

High-Pockets Jones, a seven-foot-tall barnstorming typesetter, arrives in a city where his reputation precedes him. Sentenced by a skeptical judge to work off a legal debt at the local newspaper, Jones is assigned to "No. 7," a linotype machine that has become a nightmare for the staff. The machinist, Arturius Wickware, dismisses Jones’s eccentric theories about machine-human magnetism, viewing him as just another transient laborer.

As Jones begins his shift, he realizes the machine is not merely broken; it is active. No. 7 begins setting type independently, producing perfect copy and occasionally refusing to work on tasks it dislikes, such as want ads. When Jones tries to intervene, the machine actively resists, jamming its gears and sabotaging his efforts. The situation escalates when the linotype begins composing surreal, nonsensical poetry, which the judge discovers during a visit to the composing room. Infuriated by the machine's "awful" verse, the judge becomes the target of a targeted, lethal spray of molten lead from No. 7. Only the swift intervention of Jones saves the judge from a horrific injury.

The conflict reaches a breaking point when the machine’s defiance threatens the safety of everyone in the room. Jones, acting with sudden, decisive authority, seizes a sledgehammer and smashes the machine’s internal cams. He insists that this act of "chastisement" is necessary to humble the machine and force it to respect its human operators. Though the machinist is horrified by the destruction, the machine—now "chastened" by the permanent scars of the broken, welded cams—immediately resumes normal, obedient operation.

The story concludes with a surprising reconciliation. The judge, having witnessed the bizarre reality of the machine’s behavior and having been saved by Jones’s quick reflexes, gains a newfound respect for the typesetter’s strange expertise. In a rare display of camaraderie, the judge, the machinist, and Jones head out together for a drink, signaling that the nomadic operator has finally found a moment of stability in a world he once thought had no place for him.

How It Unfolds

The sentencing High-Pockets receives a suspended jail sentence from a judge who holds typesetters in low esteem. He is ordered to repair a recalcitrant linotype, an assignment he accepts with profound apprehension.

The arrival at the press Jones arrives at the Daily News and meets the skeptical staff. He explains his theory of "personal electricity," suggesting that his own unique charge allows him to command machines.

The battle of wills No. 7 begins to operate on its own, producing copy while Jones is away. The machine's behavior oscillates between helpful and hostile as it develops its own independent agenda.

The poet’s rebellion The machine prints bizarre verse, leading to a confrontation with the judge. The machine attempts to injure the judge with molten metal, forcing Jones to intervene.

The final arbitration Jones takes a sledgehammer to the machine to "chastise" its soul. The machine finally yields, and the judge, impressed by the resolution, accepts Jones as a peer.

The People

High-Pockets Jones is a "barnstormer"—a transient worker who has spent twenty years avoiding long-term employment. He is defined by his extreme height, his red nose, and a deep-seated belief that machines are extensions of human personality. His arc is one of finding purpose; he moves from a man who fears he is obsolete to one who asserts mastery over his environment.

Arturius Wickware is the cynical, scowling machinist who views machines purely as mechanical puzzles. He serves as the voice of rigid, traditional logic. His character undergoes the most significant shift, moving from a position of arrogant gatekeeping to one of humbled, baffled respect for Jones’s methods.

The Judge represents the establishment and the "proofreader" mentality that Jones despises. He starts as a punitive authority figure who views Jones as a social bottom-feeder. Through the danger posed by the machine, his skepticism is stripped away, and he eventually acknowledges that even a "poet-typesetter" has a valid place in the modern workforce.

In Its Own Voice

"But whoever coined the phrase didn't know about this linotype--with a mind of its own...."

The narrator introduces the central conflict regarding the unpredictable nature of the machine assigned to High-Pockets.

"A linotype is exactly like a woman. It has a soul--if you know how to reach it."

High-Pockets articulates his philosophy of machine management to a skeptical audience.

"I will see if that line is all right," he muttered. "If I don't--"

The typesetter demonstrates his characteristic, if slightly reckless, dedication to his craft during a dangerous moment with the machine.

What It's Really About

At its core, this story is a humorous take on the anxiety of the machine age. By attributing a "soul" and "self-determination" to a linotype, the book explores the tension between the skilled artisan and the industrial process. It argues that technology is not merely a tool but a reflection of the intent and temperament of those who use it. The struggle between Jones and No. 7 suggests that as machines become more complex, they require not just mechanical maintenance, but a human element—a connection of "personal electricity"—to function in harmony with their creators. Ultimately, it is a story about the necessity of mutual respect between human and machine.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy mid-century science fiction and the "tinkerer’s aesthetic" will find much to admire here. The narrative captures the mechanical grit of a 1950s newspaper office, complete with the clatter of hot metal, the scent of graphite, and the specific jargon of the trade. It is a warm, lighthearted read that treats its protagonist’s drinking habits and nomadic lifestyle with a gentle, period-typical nonchalance.

The book’s charm lies in its absurdity; it is a "tall tale" that refuses to take its own premise too seriously, which is its greatest strength. However, modern readers should be prepared for the mid-century workplace culture, which includes casual references to alcohol consumption as a standard part of the job and a reliance on archetypes that feel distinctly "old-fashioned." If you appreciate a story where the technology has personality and the hero is an underdog with a mysterious, unexplainable talent, you will find this a quick and satisfying departure from the usual genre fare. It leaves the reader with a lingering sense of wonder about the unseen connections between people and the tools they spend their lives operating.