ing in design, and as a result we see little variety in
these brass ornamentations. At one period all these spandrels took the
form of cherub's heads, an idea that may possibly have been copied from
the Italians. Later a pattern with two cherubs supporting a crown was
popular; and at a still later date the head of the cherub set in a
scroll is found. That is the pattern on this one. The brass basketwork
across the top is a relic of the old bird-cage clock which just
preceded this one, and was cast by the metalsmith and then purchased by
the clockmaker as were the spandrels.

"Since we know the approximate date that such metal work was done and
have in addition Richard Parsons' name listed among the London
Clockmakers' Company together with his address, there is pretty positive
evidence that this antique is genuine."

"Was a list of all the London clockmakers kept?" questioned Christopher
incredulously.

"Of those who belonged to the Clockmakers' Company, yes; but there were
many excellent makers who lived in the country and therefore did not
belong to this guild. Those who were members were, you may be moderately
certain, fine workmen. For that matter you may rest assured that any old
clock of early make which is still doing duty is a good clock; it would
not be going now if it weren't."

"Of course. But Richard Parsons was really in the list, was he?"

"He was; his name, address, date of apprenticeship and the name of the
maker to whom he was apprenticed; also the dates when he was admitted to
the most worshipful Clockmakers' Company. So you see, although he lived
long ago, Richard Parsons is no stranger to us."

"It makes you feel different when you know who he was, doesn't it?"
commented Christopher slowly.

"Yes, and his work helps us to know a good deal about him too, for no
lazy, careless person turned out such a clock as this. We must
nevertheless take into consideration that in 1700 men had the leisure
for careful handiwork. Nobody was in a hurry in those days. Richard
Parsons, in his shop at Number 15 Goswell Street, had all the time in
the world to make his clock, and could fuss about and experiment to his
heart's content. Probably no one ever thought of jogging him on or
pestering him to know if his work wasn't done."

Ruefully McPhearson shrugged his shoulders.

"Now I couldn't make a clock even were I so minded," he continued with a
whimsical smile. "Mr. Bailey and a score of others as anxious as