I resolved to be more cautious, more reserved.  I abandoned the arm of Pompey, and, without his assistance, surmounted the one remaining step, and gained the chamber of the belfry.  I was followed immediately afterward by my poodle.  Pompey alone remained behind.  I stood at the head of the staircase, and encouraged him to ascend.  He stretched forth to me his hand, and unfortunately in so doing was forced to abandon his firm hold upon the overcoat.  Will the gods never cease their persecution?  The overcoat is dropped, and, with one of his feet, Pompey stepped upon the long and trailing skirt of the overcoat.  He stumbled and fell —­ this consequence was inevitable.  He fell forward, and, with his accursed head, striking me full in the —­ in the breast, precipitated me headlong, together with himself, upon the hard, filthy, and detestable floor of the belfry.  But my revenge was sure, sudden, and complete.  Seizing him furiously by the wool with both hands, I tore out a vast quantity of black, and crisp, and curling material, and tossed it from me with every manifestation of disdain.  It fell among the ropes of the belfry and remained.  Pompey arose, and said no word.  But he regarded me piteously with his large eyes and —­ sighed.  Ye Gods —­ that sigh!  It sunk into my heart.  And the hair —­ the wool!  Could I have reached that wool I would have bathed it with my tears, in testimony of regret.  But alas! it was now far beyond my grasp.  As it dangled among the cordage of the bell, I fancied it alive.  I fancied that it stood on end with indignation.  Thus the happy-dandy Flos Aeris of Java bears, it is said, a beautiful flower, which will live when pulled up by the roots.  The natives suspend it by a cord from the ceiling and enjoy its fragrance for years.

Our quarrel was now made up, and we looked about the room for an aperture through which to survey the city of Edina.  Windows there were none.  The sole light admitted into the gloomy chamber proceeded from a square opening, about a foot in diameter, at a height of about seven feet from the floor.  Yet what will the energy of true genius not effect?  I resolved to clamber up to this hole.  A vast quantity of wheels, pinions, and other cabalistic —­ looking machinery stood opposite the hole, close to it; and through the hole there passed an iron rod from the machinery.  Between the wheels and the wall where the hole lay there was barely room for my body —­ yet I was desperate, and determined to persevere.  I called Pompey to my side.

“You perceive that aperture, Pompey.  I wish to look through it.  You will stand here just beneath the hole —­ so.  Now, hold out one of your hands, Pompey, and let me step upon it —­ thus.  Now, the other hand, Pompey, and with its aid I will get upon your shoulders.”

He did every thing I wished, and I found, upon getting up, that I could easily pass my head and neck through the aperture.  The prospect was sublime.  Nothing could be more magnificent.  I merely paused a moment to bid Diana behave herself, and assure Pompey that I would be considerate and bear as lightly as possible upon his shoulders.  I told him I would be tender of his feelings —­ ossi tender que beefsteak.  Having done this justice to my faithful friend, I gave myself up with great zest and enthusiasm to the enjoyment of the scene which so obligingly spread itself out before my eyes.