that makes so and so, " still chalking away.

To be brief, after no small ciphering, Mr. Scribe informed me
that my chimney contained, I am ashamed to say how many thousand
and odd valuable bricks.

"No more," said I fidgeting. "Pray now, let us have a look
above."

In that upper zone we made two more circumnavigations for the
first and second floors. That done, we stood together at the foot
of the stairway by the front door; my hand upon the knob, and Mr.
Scribe hat in hand.

"Well, sir," said he, a sort of feeling his way, and, to help
himself, fumbling with his hat, "well, sir, I think it can be
done."

"What, pray, Mr. Scribe; WHAT can be done?"

"Your chimney, sir; it can without rashness be removed, I think."

"I will think of it, too, Mr. Scribe" said I, turning the knob
and bowing him towards the open space without, "I will THINK of
it, sir; it demands consideration; much obliged to ye; good
morning, Mr. Scribe."

"It is all arranged, then," cried my wife with great glee,
bursting from the nighest room.