Such was the backbone of our occupation, and tolerable enough; but the far greater proportion of our time was consumed by visitors, whole-souled, grand fellows no doubt, and as sharp as a needle, but to me unfortunately not diverting.

Some were apparently half-witted, and must be talked over by the hour before they could reach the humblest decision, which they only left the office to return again (ten minutes later) and rescind.

Others came with a vast show of hurry and despatch, but I observed it to be principally show.

The agricultural model for instance, which was practicable, proved a kind of flypaper for these busybodies.

I have seen them blankly turn the crank of it for five minutes at a time, simulating (to nobody's deception) business interest: "Good thing this, Pinkerton?
Sell much of it?
Ha! Couldn't use it, I suppose, as a medium of advertisement for my article ?"--which was perhaps toilet soap.