CHAPTER I.
The Making of the Linch-pin--The Sound Sleeper--Breakfast--The Postillion's Departure.
I awoke at the first break of day, and, leaving the postillion fast asleep, stepped out of the tent.

The dingle was dank and dripping.

I lighted a fire of coals, and got my forge in readiness.

I then ascended to the field, where the chaise was standing as we had left it on the previous evening.

After looking at the cloud-stone near it, now cold, and split into three pieces, I set about prying narrowly into the condition of the wheel and axletree--the latter had sustained no damage of any consequence, and the wheel, as far as I was able to judge, was sound, being only slightly injured in the box.