a clear conscience, and I must say I do like a fair deal, for I’m strait up and down, and love to go right ahead, that’s a fact.  Did you ever see them I fetched when I first came, them I sold over the Bay?  No, said Mr. Allen, I cant say I did.  Well, continued he, they were a prime article, I tell you, no mistake there, fit for any market, its generally allowed there aint the beat of them to be found any where.  If you want a clock, and can lay your hands on one of them, I advise you not to let go the chance; you’ll know ’em by the ‘Lowell’ mark, for they were all made at Judge Beler’s factory, Squire Shepody, down to Five Islands, axed me to get him one, and a special job I had of it, near about more sarch arter it than it was worth, but I did get him one, and a particular handsome one it is, copald and gilt superior.  I guess its worth ary half dozen in these parts, let tothers be where they may.  If I could a got supplied with the like o’ them, I could a made a grand spec out of them, for they took at once, and went off quick.  Have you got it with you, said Mr. Allen, I should like to see it.  Yes, I have it here, all done up in tow, as snug as a bird’s egg, to keep it from jarrin, for it hurts ’em consumedly to jolt ’em over them are etarnal wooden bridges.  But its no use to take it out, it aint for sale, its bespoke, and I would’nt take the same trouble to get another for twenty dollars.  The only one that I know of that there’s any chance of gettin, is one that Increase Crane has up to Wilmot, they say he’s a sellin off.

After a good deal of persuasion, Mr. Slick unpacked the clock, but protested against his asking for it, for it was not for sale.  It was then exhibited, every part explained and praised, as new in invention and perfect in workmanship.  Now Mr. Allen had a very exalted opinion of Squire Shepody’s taste, judgment, and saving knowledge; and, as it was the last and only chance of getting a clock, of such superior quality, he offered to take it at the price the Squire was to have it, at seven pounds ten shillings.  But Mr. Slick vowed he could’nt part with it at no rate, he didnt know where he could get the like agin, (for he warnt quite sure about Increase Crane’s) and the Squire would be confounded disappointed, he could’nt think of it.  In proportion to the difficulties, rose the ardor of Mr. Allen, his offers advanced to 8 pounds, to 8 pounds 10, to 9 pounds.  I vow, said Mr. Slick, I wish I had’nt let on that I had it at all.  I don’t like to refuse you, but where am I to get the like.  After much discussion of a similar nature, he consented to part with the clock, though with great apparent reluctance, and pocketed the money with a protest that, cost what it would, he should have to procure another, for he could’nt think of putting the Squire’s pipe out arter that fashion, for he was a very clever man, and as fair as a boot jack.  Now, said Mr. Slick, as we proceeded on our way, that are feller