to think that she did.

Mrs. Hawkins can be strong-minded on occasion, and her tongue is in no way
inadequate to the needs of her mind. At any rate, a friend of mine in the
patent office, whom I asked about the matter some time ago, tells, me that
the Hawkins Horse-brake has never been patented, so that I presume the
invention is in its grave. As a public spirited citizen, I venture to
add that this is a blessing.




CHAPTER II.


My wife is averse to widowhood. Lately she exacted my solemn pledge not
to assist Hawkins with any more of his diabolical inventions.

For a similar reason, his own good lady drew me aside a few evenings
since, and insisted upon my promising to use every means, physical force
included, which might prevent her "Herbert" from experimenting further
with his motor.

Hawkins hadn't favored me with any confidences about the motor, and at
the first opportunity I indicated with brutal directness that none was
desired.

Hawkins inquired with frigid asperity as to my meaning; but the very
iciness of his manner satisfied me that he understood perfectly, and,
believing that he was sufficiently offended to keep entirely to himself