THE HISTORY OF A NUT-CRACKER. 13

Nevertheless, in spite of all difficulties, Godfather Dros-
selmayer did not despair of being some day able to make real
men, real women, real dogs, real birds, and real fish. It is
scarcely necessary to add that his two god-children, to whom
he had promised the first proofs of his success in this line,
awaited the happy moment with great impatience.

Godfather Drosselmayer, having reached this state of
perfection in mechanical science, was a most useful man to
his friends. Thus, for instance, if a time-piece at the house
of Judge Silberhaus got out of order, in spite of the attentions
of the usual clock-makers—if the hands suddenly stopped—
if the tick-tick seemed to go badly—or if the wheels inside
would not move—Godfather Drosselmayer was immediatel
sent for; and he hastened to the house as quick as he could,
for he was a man devoted to the art of mechanics. He was
no sooner shown the poor clock, than he instantly opened it,
took out the works, and placed them between his knees. Then,
tae

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