Ah! I was young then, and my knowledge of the world was small. Many a time since I have blessed the chain that held me, just as the ship, could it speak, would bless the cable that saved it from the rocks. Take the advice of an old ticker, you young watches, and instead of rebelling against your chains, rather hope they may be strong and sound in every link!
“That will be just five pounds, won’t it?” said my purchaser. “Here is a bank note. Never mind about doing it up, I’ll just slip it into my pocket. Good-morning.”
And with that I was conscious of being lowered into a dark, deep pit, and without time to bid my comrades good-bye, or to take a last look at my old master, I felt myself hurried away I knew not whither.
This, then, was my first step into the world.
I lay untouched and apparently forgotten for several hours. Gradually getting my eyes accustomed to the darkness, and looking about me as far as I was able, I heard a ticking going on in a pocket not very far from the one I was in, which I at once concluded to proceed from the watch of my new master. Thinking I might be able to gain some information from him, I groped about till I found a small hole in my lodgings through which I was able to peep, and call.
“Tick!” said I, as loud as I could, to secure the attention of my fellow-watch.
“Who’s that?” at once exclaimed the other.
“I’m a new watch, bought to-day.”
“Humph! How much?”
“Three guineas.”