fact helps us some in identifying genuine Willards. Of course the
decoration could be copied by others; but add to it other hallmarks
typical and now well-known and a true Willard can usually be detected.
For instance, it is said on good authority that no real Willard clock is
ever surmounted by a brass eagle. We often see the design on old clocks
that purport to be Willards; but Simon Willard, his descendants attest,
never used a decoration so elaborate. Instead he preferred simple things
such as a brass acorn or one carved from wood; a gilt ball, or
combination of ball and spear-head. But the eagle he never patronized."

"Maybe he didn't know how to make a brass eagle and couldn't find
anybody who did," suggested Christopher.

"Possibly. To make an eagle would be quite an undertaking if you didn't
know just how to set about it," acquiesced McPhearson. "At any rate
Simon let eagles alone. Another device characteristic of his clocks,
along with these two patterns of glass and the decoration on top, was
the catch that kept the doors tightly closed. It was a pet scheme of his
to make use of a sort of clasp that could only be opened with the clock
key. This he resorted to in order to prevent the doors from jarring open
and admitting the dirt; and also that children might not be able to
meddle with the works or hands. He had a great many small children
himself and had perhaps learned from experience the pranks little people
were likely to perpetrate. Besides these several trademarks there are in
addition various ingenious tricks that belonged to Willard and to nobody
else. These a trained clockmaker instantly recognizes--the use of brass
pins to hold the dial in place, for one thing. So, you see, when a banjo
clock comes your way there are various methods by which its genuineness
can be tested. They cannot, perhaps, be rated as infallible but they do
help in identification."

"It is a pity Simon Willard did not sign his clocks as artists sign
their pictures. Then there would have been no discussion about them,"
said Christopher.

"Willard did mark his later clocks," answered McPhearson. "Possibly in
his early days it did not occur to him that it was worth while."

"Well, anyhow, I can hunt for the Willard tags--the queer catch on the
door; the acorns, balls, or spearheads; and the painted lace or the
naval battles."

At the final phrase the Scotchman smiled whimsically.

"It is funny Willard should have been so kee