Page:Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag, Volume 1.djvu/157

144 sure I didn't fall asleep; but I can't prove it, so we'll say no more about it All at once there came a tap at my door, as I thought; and I said 'Come in,' just as Mr. Poe did when that unpleasant raven paid him a call. No one came, so I went to see who it was. Not a sign of a human soul in the long hall, only little Jessie, the poodle, asleep on her mat. Down I rat; but in a minute the tap came again; this, time so loud that I knew it was at the window, and went to open it, thinking that one of my doves wanted to come in perhaps. Up went the sash, and in bounced something so big and so bright that it dazzled and scared me.

'Don't be frightened, ma'am; it's only me,' said a hoarse voice. So I collected my wits, rubbed my eyes, and looked at my visitor. It was. the gold eagle off the City Hall! I don't expect to be believed; but I wish you'd been here to