pointed finger, that so long as that chimney stood, she should
regard it as the monument of what she called my broken pledge.
But finding this did not answer, the next day, she gave me to
understand that either she or the chimney must quit the house.

Finding matters coming to such a pass, I and my pipe
philosophized over them awhile, and finally concluded between us,
that little as our hearts went with the plan, yet for peace'
sake, I might write out the chimney's death-warrant, and, while
my hand was in, scratch a note to Mr. Scribe.

Considering that I, and my chimney, and my pipe, from having been
so much together, were three great cronies, the facility with
which my pipe consented to a project so fatal to the goodliest of
our trio; or rather, the way in which I and my pipe, in secret,
conspired togetber, as it were, against our unsuspicious old
comrade--this may seem rather strange, if not suggestive of sad
reflections upon us two. But, indeed, we, sons of clay, that is
my pipe and I, are no wbit better than the rest. Far from us,
indeed, to have volunteered the betrayal of our crony. We are of
a peaceable nature, too. But that love of peace it was which made
us false to a mutual friend, as soon as his cause demanded a
vigorous vindication. But, I rejoice to add, that better and
braver thoughts soon returned, as will now briefly be set forth.

To my note, Mr. Scribe replied in person.

Once more we made a survey, mainly now with a view to a pecuniary
estimate.