CHAPTER XIX.
_AN UNRULY METER .-- SCENES IN A SANCTUM_.
During one of the cold spells of last winter the gas-meter in my cellar was frozen.

I attempted to thaw it out by pouring hot water over it, but after spending an hour upon the effort I emerged from the contest with the meter with my feet and trousers wet, my hair full of dust and cobwebs and my temper at fever heat.

After studying how I should get rid of the ice in the meter, I concluded to use force for the purpose, and so, seizing a hot poker, I jammed it through a vent-hole and stirred it around inside of the meter with a considerable amount of vigor.

I felt the ice give way, and I heard the wheels buzz around with rather more vehemence than usual.

Then I went up stairs.
I noticed for three or four days that the internal machinery of the meter seemed to be rattling around in a remarkable manner; it could be heard all over the house.