Timothy Tuttle, Esquire, one of the richest merchants in the city, was reposing after the fatigues of the day. He was thinking how very good and respectable he was, and of his success in life, of his great wealth, and especially of his ships now in the China seas, which were bringing him even more wealth. Then he thought of his plans for a fine new mansion, and how he would now be able to purchase many costly things for his home. Very soon he grew weary, and fell asleep.
Suddenly he awoke and heard something moving over the rug, and turning his head to see what it was, beheld a dozen or more of the strangest little creatures capering about. They were like little Imps in human form, but winged and not higher than Timothy’s knee. They were coal-black from head to foot, and were moving around with grace and agility.
Timothy Tuttle was a brave man, but he was very much startled to see this unexpected sight. For as soon as the little Imps perceived that he was awake, they began to bow to him in quick succession, more and more rapidly, and all the time grinning and showing their white teeth from ear to ear.
Then Timothy Tuttle heard something squeak close to his head, and saw one of the little creatures sitting on the arm of the sofa and mowing at him.
“Don’t be afraid, Timothy, it’s only I!” it squeaked.
“Who on earth are you,” asked Timothy, “and what do you want?”
This question seemed to amuse all the little fellows hugely, for they began to bow again, grinning and capering in fine style, and crying out:—
“How do you do, Timothy?”
“We are very glad to see you, Timothy!”
“Don’t be afraid, Timothy, we’re all here!”