Then I sat down by my fire , took my knitting , and began to meditate . I 'm sure I did n't fall asleep ; but I ca n't prove it , so we 'll say no more about it . All at once there came a tap at my door , as I thought ; and I said ` Come in , ' just as Mr. Poe did when that unpleasant raven paid him a call . No one came , so I went to see who it was . Not a sign of a human soul in the long hall , only little Jessie , the poodle , asleep on her mat . Down I sat ; but in a minute the tap came again ; this time so loud that I knew it was at the window , and went to open it , thinking that one of my doves wanted to come in perhaps . Up went the sash , and in bounced something so big and so bright that it dazzled and scared me . ` Do n't be frightened , ma'am ; it 's only me , ' said a hoarse voice . So I collected my wits , rubbed my eyes , and looked at my visitor . It was the gold eagle off the City Hall ! I do n't expect to be believed ; but I wish you 'd been here to see , for I give you my word , it was a sight to behold . How he ever got in at such a small window I ca n't tell ; but there he was , strutting majestically up and down the room , his golden plumage rustling , and his keen eyes flashing as he walked . I really did n't know what to do . I could n't imagine what he came for ; I had my doubts about the propriety of offering him a chair ; and he was so much bigger than I expected that I was afraid he might fly away with me , as the roc did with Sindbad : so I did nothing but sidle to the door , ready to whisk out , if my strange guest appeared to be peckishly inclined . My respectful silence seemed to suit him ; for , after a turn or two , he paused , nodded gravely , and said affably , ` Good-evening , ma'am . I stepped over to bring you old Ben 's respects , and to see how you were getting on . ' ` I 'm very much obliged , sir . May I inquire who Mr. Old-Ben is ? I 'm afraid I have n't the honour of his acquaintance . ' ` Yes , you have ; it 's Ben Franklin , of City-Hall yard .
You XXXXX him ; and he wished me to thank you for your interest in him . '
collected dazzled fly inquire know paid see took walked went