First he put it into the well of the clock-case, but instantly bethought him what the awful consequence would be if one of the weights should fall from the gradual decay of its cord.

He had heard of such a thing happening.

Then he would put it into his own place of dreams and meditations.

But what if Betty should take a fancy to change her bed?
or some friend of his grannie's should come to spend the night?
How would the bonny leddy like it?
What a risk she would run! If he put her under the bed, the mice would get at her strings--nay, perhaps, knaw a hole right through her beautiful body.

On the top of the clock, the brass eagle with outspread wings might scratch her, and there was not space to conceal her.