course of the night, I have left strict
directions to be called immediately. I should have sat up, indeed, but
the agitating events of this day have been too much for me.
'No news yet of either of the Professors Snore, Doze, or Wheezy. It is
very strange!'
'_Wednesday afternoon_.
'All is now over; and, upon one point at least, I am at length enabled to
set the minds of your readers at rest. The three professors arrived at
ten minutes after two o'clock, and, instead of taking up their quarters
at the Original Pig, as it was universally understood in the course of
yesterday that they would assuredly have done, drove straight to the Pig
and Tinder-box, where they threw off the mask at once, and openly
announced their intention of remaining. Professor Wheezy may reconcile
this very extraordinary conduct with _his_ notions of fair and equitable
dealing, but I would recommend Professor Wheezy to be cautious how he
presumes too far upon his well-earned reputation. How such a man as
Professor Snore, or, which is still more extraordinary, such an
individual as Professor Doze, can quietly allow himself to be mixed up
with such proceedings as these, you will naturally inquire. Upon this
head, rumour is silent; I have my speculations, but forbear to give
utterance to them just now.'
'_Four o'clock_.
'The town is filling fast; eighteenpence has been offered for a bed and
refused. Several gentlemen were under the necessity last night of
sleeping in the brick fields, and on the steps of doors, for which they
were taken before the magistrates in a body this morning, and committed
to prison as vagrants for various terms. One of these persons I
understand to be a highly-respectable tinker, of great practical skill,
who had forwarded a paper to the President of Section D. Mechanical
Science, on the construction of pipkins with copper bottoms and
safety-values, of which report speaks highly. The incarceration of this
gentleman is greatly to be regretted, as his absence will preclude any
discussion on the subject.
'The bills are being taken down in all directions, and lodgings are being
secured on almost any terms. I have heard of fifteen shillings a week
for two rooms, exclusive of coals and attendance, but I can scarcely
believe it. The excitement is dreadful. I was informed this morning
that the civil autho
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