given. It was arranged on the spot that Charlie should sit up. If Aunt
Stanshy had been at home she would have vetoed the plan, but, purposing to
be absent the night before the Fourth she had engaged Silas Junkins to
stay with Charlie and guard the premises. Charlie had no difficulty in
obtaining Silas's consent to the plan, and not only his consent, but also
his co-operation. In the main entry of Aunt Stanshy's house was a tall,
old-fashioned clock. It was an aged household servant, and had done duty
in the entry many years. It always stood in one place, one particular
corner in the rear of the entry. It is a wonder its voice did not show any
sign of collapse, as it had called off the hours so many years. It would
not have been strange if it had lost its patience. But uncomplainingly,
even cheerily and without any sign of weakness, it told you what time it
was. Charlie sometimes heard it in the night, and then it sounded like,
"Cheer up! cheer up!" its pleasant voice halting on the "cheer," and then
emphasizing the "up." It divided all its peals into two such notes, and
when Charlie heard it strike one o'clock the effect was quite enlivening
as be lay there in his dark little chamber. At an hour earlier, when it
sounded twelve "Cheer ups," what a joyous procession of notes that was! It
was like a watchman's voice ringing out "All's well!" twelve times. It
occurred to Charlie that he might occupy a chair in the entry, and, if at
all inclined to go to sleep, the striking of the clock would keep him
awake. Silas Junking moved a table into the entry for Charlie, and set a
lamp on it. At nine Silas, who enjoyed very much a large quantity of
sleep, went to his rest in a little bedroom on the same floor with the
entry.

"You can step into my room and wake me, Charlie, if any thing happens."

"O, I sha'n't need to," was the watchboy's very emphatic reply.