THE CLOCK-CASE
It is my intention constantly to address my readers from thechimney-corner, and I would fain hope that such accounts as I shall givethem of our histories and proceedings, our quiet speculations or morebusy adventures, will never be unwelcome. Lest, however, I should growprolix in the outset by lingering too long upon our little association,confounding the enthusiasm with which I regard this chief happiness of mylife with that minor degree of interest which those to whom I addressmyself may be supposed to feel for it, I have deemed it expedient tobreak off as they have seen.
But, still clinging to my old friend, and naturally desirous that all itsmerits should be known, I am tempted to open (somewhat irregularly andagainst our laws, I must admit) the clock-case. The first roll of paperon which I lay my hand is in the writing of the deaf gentleman. I shallhave to speak of him in my next paper; and how can I better approach thatwelcome task than by prefacing it with a production of his own pen,consigned to the safe keeping of my honest Clock by his own hand?
The manuscript runs thus