In the beginning, the ground was wet and covered in mold. Traction was limited. The clay was soft and the boots of the workers sank into it. The smell of sulfur filled the air. Morale was low. Until recently, pumps were used to remove excess water from the area but they were all in need of repair and replacement parts were not available. Moranganite prices were high and continued to climb as rumors of its supposed benefits continued to spread. I Asked john when the new parts were coming in. He looked at me and stared blankly. I turned and walked away. The man with the lead pipe stepped out of the barracks. He had a vitamin H deficiency and was unable to concentrate.