Unbending. The Enemy Is Almost Invisible

What would a modern man think of first if he were a skilled auto mechanic and found himself in a world ruled by steam? Right. He would decide to create an internal combustion engine. Of course, it would not be easy and would even be dangerous. But luck must also be taken into account. Nearly got sent to the next world a couple of times? Nonsense. On the bright side, he became a gold miner and the owner of a claim. Ended up in the dock for a crime he did not commit? A trifle. But he met a true friend and comrade. Nearly became the victim of a blood feud and only just escaped death? Not so bad either. After all, he met the one with whom he would like to live to a ripe old age.