THE MISSING CLOCK. 203 



Wagstaff's absence, we may be sure), and after look- 

 ing intently at the clock that hung over the mantel- 

 piece, remarked to himself in audible tones : 



' I have had more trouble with that clock than I 

 ever had with one before ;' and turning to the waiter, 

 went on to say, ' Send the boots here with the steps 

 that I may take it down, and I will try once more to 

 put it right.' 



Not suspecting anything wrong, the waiter told 

 the boots, and the steps were brought and placed in 

 position. Before mounting them the man said : 



' Now mind you hold them steady, as I don't want 

 to get a fall over a thing like that,' alluding to the 

 clock. He was not long in removing the objection- 

 able timepiece, and reaching the safety of the floor, 

 when, before departing, he again addressed the waiter. 

 ' Waiter,' he said, ' tell Mr. Wagstaff I am busy, 

 and that he must not expect it back very soon.' 



This message the waiter faithfully delivered to his 

 master on his return, and was told he was an idiot to 

 have let the clock go, as he would never see it again, 

 which was true enough. 



To understand the next story properly, it should 

 be explained that Mr. Wagstaff had his own private 

 house as well as the hotel. One clay shortly after the 

 loss of the clock, a respectable-looking man rang at 

 the front-door, and loudly rapped the knocker, quickly 

 bringing up the servant. 



' Oh!' said the caller, ' Mr. AVagstaff has fallen off 



