' It was solely, therefore, on account of having been
misinformed, that Mr. Bullet-head found himself in Alex-suppose we
call it Nopolis, 'for short'- but, as he did find himself there, he
determined to keep up his character for obst- for firmness, and
remain. So remain he did; and he did more; he unpacked his press,
type, etc., etc., rented an office exactly opposite to that of the
'Gazette,' and, on the third morning after his arrival, issued the
first number of 'The Alexan'- that is to say, of 'The Nopolis
Tea-Pot'- as nearly as I can recollect, this was the name of the new
paper.
The leading article, I must admit, was brilliant- not to say severe.
It was especially bitter about things in general- and as for the
editor of 'The Gazette,' he was torn all to pieces in particular. Some
of Bullethead's remarks were really so fiery that I have always, since
that time, been forced to look upon John Smith, who is still alive, in
the light of a salamander. I cannot pretend to give all the
'Tea-Pot's' paragraphs verbatim, but one of them runs thus:
'Oh, yes!- Oh, we perceive! Oh, no doubt! The editor over the way is
a genius- O, my! Oh, goodness, gracious!- what is this world coming
to? Oh, tempora! Oh, Moses!'
A philippic at once so caustic and so classical, alighted like a
bombshell among the hitherto peaceful citizens of Nopolis. Groups of
excited individuals gathered at the corners of the streets. Every
one awaited, with heartfelt anxiety, the reply of the dignified Smith.
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