I was quite taken aback. Who was this taking upon himself to bless my
little heart and prophesy that I should be proud? Then all of a sudden
it occurred to me this remark may have been intended to refer not to me,
but to the "little chap" the gentleman had just now spoken of. So I
recovered my composure, especially when I saw what a kind, gentle face
my purchaser had.

He chose a neat, strong silver chain which was forthwith, in accordance
with the barbarous practice of the age, fixed to my poor neck. I could
not help sighing as I felt for the first time the burden of bondage.

What had I done to be thus chained like a Roman captive, like a dog,
like a parrot? But it was no use being in a rage. I swallowed my
indignation as well as I could, and consoled myself with the reflection
that every watch, even gold repeaters themselves, are subject to the
same hardship.

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."

"Chain and all?"

"No; five pounds with the chain."

"Humph, I cost thirty guineas. Never mind, you're for the