POLITICAL ECONOMY. 27 



of my family stuck his head out of the window but he got the hair snatched off 

 it as smooth as a billiard-ball ; and if the reader will believe me, not one of us ever 

 dreamt of stirring abroad. But at last the awful siege came to an end — because 

 there was absolutely no more electricity left in the clouds above us within grappling 

 distance of my insatiable rods. Then I sallied forth, and gathered daring workmen 

 together, and not a bite or a nap did we take till the premises were utterly stripped 

 of all their terrific armament except just three rods on the house, one on the 

 kitchen, and one on the barn — and behold these remain there even unto this day. 

 And then, and not till then, the people ventured to use our street again. I will 

 remark here, in passing, that during that fearful time I did not continue my essay 

 upon political economy. I am not even yet settled enough in nerve and. brain to 

 resume it. 



To Whom it May Concern. — Parties having need of three thousand two hundred 

 and eleven feet of best quality zinc-plated spiral-twist lightning-rod Stuff, and 

 sixteen hundred and thirty-one silver-tipped points, all in tolerable repair (and, 

 although much worn by use, still equal to any ordinary emergency), can hear of a 

 bargain by addressing the publisher. 



