Then, placing upright on the cork the helve of the hammer, he drove the cork down a quarter of an inch farther.

I selected a few of the best pieces and so eager was I to try them that I got out my axe-helve before breakfast and sat scratching away when Harriet came down.

Then I borrowed a red flannel cloth of Harriet and having added a few dropsnot too muchof boiled oil, I rubbed the helve for all I was worth.

How he charged me to take care of you; to send him news from you!Sir, it is a right poor idea you have, that throwing the helve after the hatchet.

I even thought of getting up in the night and putting the helve on the coalssecretly.

I had a hickory wedge prepared, and it was the work of ten seconds to drive it into the cleft at the lower end of the helve until the eye of the axe was completely and perfectly filled.

I was consumed with vanity; but I set the new helve in the corner with the appearance of utter unconcern.