95 Neon Clutch cable issues

Snapped the clutch cable of the Girlfriend's 95 Neon.
Bought a cable from the dealer, part numbers match. (old and new)
Problem 1.
The cable broke in the bell housing. I have pooked arround with a
magnet trying to find the ball from the end of the wire that broke off.
Can not find it for the life of me.

Problem 2.
Can not get the replacement cable to attach to the release lever and
the cable housing to sit in the mounting location on the outside of the
bell housing.

Any ideas?
I would really hate to have it towed to find out that it was something
simple.

Mike
mlawrenc(at)rcc.on.ca