Despite good progress made with the steam drill, the heat from the steam caused the tunnel to become too hot, and pneumatic power was used beginning April 28.

The archeologist hefted his pick and shovel and went at it like John Henry trying to beat that steam drill.

It concerned a legendary railroad worker who died while trying to prove that he and his sledgehammer could get more done on the tracks than a steam drill could.

And the steam drill was symbolized by a group of men led by the high-jumping Mr. Perry.

After all, a steam drill could be a valuable labor-saving device.

The legend of John Henry, the railroad worker who pitted his physical might against a steam drill and died in the process, is known primarily through a folk song.

Wili thought back to the image of John Henry and the steam drill.

But John Henry died from racing that steam drill.

The steam drill is invented in 1879.

Using just his sledgehammer and steel bit, John Henry outworks a steam drill, but as the song says, he pays a terrible price.