The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-06-09
TALE OF GRANDPA'S
CLOCK

"A 111<A1S SA1 SAONh IL Wa8. lI
 A reached way up above Eisie's head, and was so wide that she could hardly touch either side with hey finger tips. That was how she knew she was growing. whenever she went to see grandpa, she always ran to the clock to see whether it wasr't easier than last time to stretch from side to side.
 As she did this. though, she would whisper, Please, MT. Clock. by your leave," for it was such a dignified old clock. with its big. solemn face, and its deep. booming chime. In truth, Elsie felt just little afraid of 1t. Many time had she listened with open mouth as grandpa told wonderful stories about it.
 Elsie was again visiting grandpa. AAof course. she had first 10 go to the barn and rub Winnie's nose. and then pat Tommie, because he would get Jealous, just like some little girls Elsie knew. Funny. horses are lots like people.
 After her romp was over. back she came to the house and began, as she always did. to wander all through the big mansion. At last. she stood before the clock.
 Somehow, it didn't seem to frown as 1t usually did. Instead. its face seemed to wear a beaming smile of welcome. Just then she noticed a curious thing. The big door of the clock was open just a wee crack. 1t is true, but still 1t was open!
 Elsie came nearer and nearer. Sure- ly there could be no harm in just peep ing. And very likely there were so many wonderful things inside. So she opened the door the least bit farther. though she shivered as she did so. But the face above still seemed to look on her so kindly that she grew braver. and. opening 1t wider. took a good. long look.
 Elsie fel. disappointed. There were the great weights and the immense pendulum and all kinds of wires and wheels. but whenever the clock had struck Elsie always fancied that some giant was grumbtng; and now there wasn't even a sign of a giant.
 Inside there was so much space that she found she could nestle there quite comfortably. Just to see how 1t felt. she pulled the aoor to. But 1t was so dark and gloomy she thought 1t would be much nicer open. Oh, dear! the door had stuck. and 1t wouldn't budge an inch!
 Elsie was frightened, indeed. She called as loudly as she could and she beat the door with her tiny fists. No one heard her.
 Then the clock struck. AS the deep tones boomed. it seemed in her very ear. she sank into a corner. too scared to cry any further. The sounds rum bled ever so long. She was sure 1t was the goblins whispering. and shiver att CT shiver ran down her back. Even the clock in its very tick seemed to be say ing, ot--you-now!--we'V got-you-now!" over and over again.
 Could 1t be that some one was com ing?
 "Oh. grandpa. grandpa!" Elsie cried with all her might.
 Grandpa thought at first twas mice, and he opened the door to see. How surprised he was when Elsie flung her. self sobbing into his armsI
 But he soon kissed away the tears, and before long Elsie even smiled when he laughed Id called her his Little dickory. oickory, dock, the mouse who ran up the clock"
 Elsie never goes very near the old clock now. The old thing just coaxed me in, 1 know, says she, shaking her golden head wisely.