In the following days, Francisco began working for Christian and received permission to read any book he wanted inside the factory. He was particularly excited by Watt's writings on steam machines, like the ones he had seen in Newcastle. There were also books about the construction of canals and bridges. Although Roman cement would not work as well for some of these projects, with a few adjustments, it might still achieve remarkable results once he returned to New Granada.
Meanwhile, back in New Granada, his father was in a very different mood.
In a discreet location in Bogotá, the leaders of the Liberals were gathering to discuss independence. This time, Carlos was trying to convince the others to pursue real independence, not just sporadic rebellions.
