#source: ratt

[medjedrpresources]

Random Song Lyric Starters

I put one of my music playlists on shuffle and picked lyrics from the first 10 songs that came up. cw; infrequent profanity, drug references

"I try not to remember. No memories."

"I feel good in my loneliness."

"I'm looking for a new dimension, new life to live."

"If you're coming back to find me, you'd better have good aim."

"I need you in the picture, that's why I'm calling you."

"I don't want this isolation. See the state I'm in now?"

"If I pick it up when I know that it's broken, do I put it back?"

"Do I head out on to the lonesome trail and let you down?"

"They say I'll get hurt if I'm not like ice."

"I know I've got friends, I still get so lonely."

"If I look in your eyes, I'll want you to hold me."

"I over communicate and feel too much."

"Sick and tried of acting all tough."

"I'm hooked on all these feelings."

"This love asylum, like an island, just me and you."

"Caught up inside, both happy and lonely."

"Keep telling me lies, they're killing me slowly."

"I get too attached, they don't even know me."

"Why can't I relax? Why can't I relax!?"

"I'm sorry that I care."

"I think you know that tonight I just wanted to dance."

"I didn't wanna fight."

"Thought we could make it right."

"I saw that look on your face, like you were tired and bored."

"I don't wanna be turned away again."

"You've been stuck on the wall like a wallflower"

"Are you feeling afraid? 'Cause you look terrified."

"Nobody cares if you slip up and fall on your face."

"I see you watching me like you wanna be taking me home."

"I'm not waiting around for you to make a move."

"I'm waking up to fantasy."

"Times that are broken can often be one again."

"You're out of touch."

"I'm out of time."

"I'm out of my head when you're not around."

"Smoking guns hot to the touch would cool down if we didn't use them so much."

"I saw in you what life was missing."

"I'm not one for reminiscing but I'd trade it all for your sweet embrace."

"A thing of beauty will never fade away."

"I see your eyes, I know you see me."

"You're like a ghost how you're everywhere."

"Somehow I'll find a way."

"We'll never fade away."

"You won't take the sting out of these words before I say 'em."

"I don't give a damn what you think, I'm doing this for me."

"I'm not afraid to take a stand."

"But I think I'm still tying to figure this crap out."

"This fucking black cloud still follows me around."

"It was my decision to get clean, I did it for me."

"I'd shoot for the moon but I'm too busy gazing up at the stars."

"I get the same old dreams, same time every night."

"You can't know what you mean to me."

"Just goes to show you don't give a damn."

"Baby, you know you'll never do wrong."

"I knew right from the beginning that you would end up winning."

"I knew right from the start you'd put an arrow through my heart."

"With love we'll find a way, just give it time."

"We're gonna prove it tonight."

"Can you look at yourself now?"

"You can't win this fight."

"We all have emptiness inside."

"We all have answers to find."

"What's with the violent aggression?"

"Hey! Why won't you listen?"

"I need to warn you that there is no way to rationalize."

"So have you figured it out now?"

"I see you're a king who's been dethroned."

"Stand down. Place your weapon by your side."

"In the end, we'll surely lose but that's alright."

"You're not invited, so step aside."

[marinerainbow]

Terry: Hey, guys. Bet you can't make a sentence without using the letter A.

Poppy: *disappointed sigh* you thought you just did something there, didn't you?

Poppy: I'm sorry to point out, but numerous sentences could be constructed without employing the first letter of the English lexicon.

Shiny: Fuck you.

[transexualbutchfagdyke]

it's really cool that my parents pay my brother's phone bill every month even tho he moves states away and I still live with them and half the time I have to pay my own 👍

[eroticlamb]

Warren Demartini of Ratt ⋆ ౨ৎ ˚ ˖ ࣪ Unknown source

[magicalgirlagency]

YK, i wanna see magical girls where the girl's villains are villainous military faction, i want to see the girls fighting things like ratte tank or yamato battleship with their magics

I mean, the average Magical Girl doesn't follow the Geneva Convention because their magic comes from an external source that's BEYOND the reach and comprehension of earthlings.

So yeah, militaristic forces should get fucked big time by these frilly rebels and relentlessly mocked for it; can you imagine grown up men having their asses beat by little girls? Not cool for street cred.

[mottinthemainpot]

50: do you plan or do you write whatever comes to your mind?

Hi thanks for the ask :3 from this ask game (Sorry I had to share your reblog of it because the source didn’t exist and I haven’t reblogged it myself yet)

I plan for the most part and have a storyline map drawn out for both TSATS and Ratts Race! Those are both full length novels so I feel planning is somewhat necessary for them…

I use sticky notes and write down main plot points and then I can stick them all down in my note book in an order that makes sense pacing wise, and move around the sticky notes if I feel like the pacing needs work or if I want to plan scenes in between ones I already have pasted down. Having a physical copy of it that I can mess with is easier for me than using google docs to make the outline.

For Hamster Story though its a little bit different because of the format its made in, being a CYOA after all so the long term planning is a little more tricky! I mostly plan chapter by chapter with some scenes planned ahead if it works with the poll options (like Hamster getting glasses was something I wanted to do from the start, and Soap Scrub becoming a model I really wanted that to happen.)

[doe-prince]

Hi ratt, I popped in from the GS discord!

A question: where do you get your inspirations for the initial worlds/premise(s) of your comic works? Namely GS, I guess, but others too. Is it a specific few things or do you draw from more broad sources?

2: Do you have any advice on following through with said concepts to a full or consistent execution? I’m always stuck in the shiny new idea phase :/

Sorry I worded that weird but hopefully you get me. Keep up the stellar work please. I’m a big fan! ❤️

Hello hi!

I honestly don't know, sometimes a theme or thought starts haunting me and I need to make something out of it before it runs me insane. One photo can fuel the whole project, I think something like that happened with Corpse - photos of sheep with livestock guardians, the design of anti-wolf collar, religious imagery and upbringing being hacked into the back of my mind. For GS especially, a secret: I'm just into writing characters. The world, logics, customs, even the plot come later, and even those I like to keep vague to a degree. I think about what kind of characters I want to write about, and then what kind of events would bring their most interesting parts to surface. Godly missions with high stakes are just a stage for me to write about siblings with multiple issues and big bleeding hearts.

2. I can't offer smart advice, but if you want to try it like I usually do, just hold your nose and jump in. I often get incredibly invested in those shiny ideas, but if I notice I take too long to get into them or start planning too much, they fade. They're not shiny anymore, and if they're not shiny, I don't want to work on them.

I came up, scripted and drew Corpse in one month because I was so excited. I started GS with very little lore in my head, just because I wanted to test the art style and get to know my characters, and here we are five years later. (This choice has bit me in the ass a few times because the foundation was barely there, and despite me having a lot more knowledge and lore in my head now, I still have to build on the foundation ignorant little ratt made back then. It's wobbly! But with a bit of sneakiness and torturous brainwork you can always flesh it out later and make it carry its weight.)

Obviously just jumping in doesn't work for everyone, especially if you're a planning kind of person unlike me, but it might give you a kick to get truly invested. And when you're invested, you want to work on it to see where those characters go. You want to take them to the end and tell them they did a great job.

[norveblue]

R&R - https://www.patreon.com/posts/107957244

Commission for someone who wishes to remain anonymous. Original version at the above source for those who want it, otherwise I'm posting this version as to not alienate my followers who might not be into this sort of thing. While this uses one of my canon characters I don't feel it's terribly appropriate to post to my other account.

please support my work so I can afford to live: https://patreon.com/ratte / https://ko-fi.com/ratte

I recently took a pretty big hit on Patreon that I'm not sure how I'll recover from, so your support would help me out a ton!

[crimsonblackrose]

.

They have a pumpkin lantern!

Miguel what is your room decorations? A skull...a monster (looks kinda AoT but idk) I kinda expected more spiderman for a guy whose grandma is supposed to be making him a spiderman costume.

Seriously, Miggy what is alll of this? It's like horror art.

I also don't know who this dude is that's on his wall multiple times. also the one wall of spooky horror looking art with the other wall of cutesy art is a mood. But also...I don't know any of these references. 😂

I forgot his first choice for costume was deadpool. I wonder if they didn't put any of those characters he wanted up in his room due to copyright. Since this is pre-netflix money and I assume most of it went to music rights. But again, I might just be missing the references to all these things.

"Miggy what happened to your hand? Uhhh.... You don't want to know." His grandma thinks he injured himself jerking off. 😂

So he's behind on a bunch of bills $430 for a late loan payment, he's made 20 payments but still owes 40 and is behind by like what looks like 2 months.

He owes $45.84 for power via Southern Power Source

My question related to the bills is...didn't he use Sid's check? How little did Sid give him? Or I suppose the other question is where did that money go?

omg I just noticed the LaRusso stairs. Those tiles are so cool!

Looks like someone drives Jeep Rubric...Kyler maybe? Did Kyler show up first thing? It's not like they're neighbors? Why's he out of the car? Are they driving together or seperate?

Amanda: "outside of wasting a few bucks of tuna he seemed harmless"

AMANDA THAT WAS NOT CHEAP TUNA. That was ridiculously expensive tuna that was wasted. TORO is not cheap.

I mean it's not that Daniel's gotta trust Johnny over Sam, it's that neither Sam doesn't know Kyler's awful (at the moment) and Daniel's met the guy once. There's more nuance to the situation. Plus technically Sam's 'fallen in with the wrong crowd'. She's throwing parties at your house without permission and not cleaning up after them. She's getting into car accidents and not telling anyone about it. She's not hanging out with her old friends. Like it's interesting how most shows put the push on "be friends with people who care about you" but Amanda and Daniel are like "so she wants to be popular" that's a great choice who cares what the people she hangs out with are like. Which do they even know these knew friends of hers?

Louie's movie recommendation: Jungle Fever

West Valley High School home of the Mountain Lions: "can't hide our lion pride" "Keep calm and roar on"

Demetri would rather play a game then get hit in the face...proceeds to get hit in the face later by Kreese.

2 things: 1 the vape city is new. And 2 that is a completely different address. Isn't that where Tom Cole's shop is?

Johnny's out here taping his signs up on palm trees near the Encino Commons and the first guy he tries to offer karate classes to is like a grandpa. Also, despite his protests on teaching women, he totally tries to give a flyer to a woman jogging past.

Sam has her own en suite bathroom. Which means she and Anthony don't fight over their bathrooms. Lucky, but also disappointing for sibling fighting.

I think the closest we get to TKK Daniel rambling yet is Amanda catching him snooping on Sam's laptop. Goes from wifi issues to making broccoli rabe to wondering if shark tank is on tonight. 😂

Miguel's backpack is also a Dodgers backpack. Yet nothing Dodgers related in his room.

New music mention: Ratt

The school has a swimming pool. Is this the same school that Johnny and Daniel went to or is it new? Does that mean they had swimming gym classes? Daniel did have access to a pool? Or is it a different school or possibly an addition?

"I thought you new this guy." "Of course not I lied." and Miguel's "awwww." like he's exhausted, disappointed but also not surprised.

What is that?!

Do you think Johnny did Miguel's make up for the skeleton?

I get that a. it's a piece of jewelry and b. it's like innocent but not actually innocent because of Kyler but also Daniel is a chaperone and his job is to keep the kids out of the classrooms...and at the dance...so...he's doing his job.

Kyler lying causes so many issues because everyone believes him. 😂

What sort of teen drama fake app is a 'new video alert'? Like does Yasmine just have everyone's phone number in the entire school???

...Miguel there's no zipper there. The zipper is in the back...how did you? Were you just miming going to the bathroom? Why? So your friends wouldn't feel lonely because you didn't have to go to the bathroom? Also does this mean Johnny and all the cobras had to treat those things like rompers?

So is Kyler captain hook and his friend is smee?

Why would the bathrooms also be the locker rooms that students can lock themselves into???? That seems super unsafe.

I guess if there's a photo of Ali then it must be the same school, but they must've changed their school colors from green and white.

[attentionthisisarobbery]

Eddie Munson's Music Taste

So for anyone that isn't well versed in metal, I thought it might be helpful to take a look at Eddie's taste in music for anyone wanting to write fanfiction or make fan content of any kind.

First off, let's look at the bands we know Eddie listens to from costume design, set design, and the script.

Metallica and Black Sabbath are the ones we know about from the script itself. Looking at Eddie's battle jacket, we can add W.A.S.P., Mercyful Fate, Judas Priest, and Accept (from the pins), Motörhead, Iron Maiden, and Megadeth (from the patches), and Dio from the back patch. Then, if we look closely at Eddie's room in the trailer, we can see that he also likes Anthrax and Liege Lord. Now, a lot of these bands would be considered heavy metal:

Motörhead

Iron Maiden

Judas Priest

Mercyful Fate

Accept

Dio

Liege Lord

Black Sabbath

A couple would be considered Thrash Metal:

Metallica

Megadeth

Anthrax

But one straddles the line between shock rock, heavy metal, and glam metal (or as Eddie would have called it in the 80s, hair metal):

W.A.S.P.

So, Eddie likes heavy metal, thrash metal, and hair metal - in that order, right? Well, not necessarily. Anthrax actually prompted the creation of the term "thrash metal," after their 1984 song Metal Thrashing Mad, and as such, there weren't a ton of thrash bands on the scene in 1986. So, it may not be that Eddie prefers heavy metal to thrash; it may just be that heavy metal is a well established genre that he's been exposed to for a longer period of time.

Then there's W.A.S.P. - our little hair metal outlier. Hair metal, or as it's usually referred to today, glam metal, is actually a source of tension in the metal community to this day. The entire culture around metal as a musical genre is heavily based in nonconformity, with popular metal bands creating music that would be seen as less accessible to the general public, because they refuse to fall in line with the mainstream.

Metal is a form of protest on top of being a great musical genre. A part of what classifies different types of metal (thrash, black, death, etc.) is what the lyrics are protesting against. For instance, black metal tends to be very anti-Christian, and thrash metal, emerging in the 80s, tends to be anti-conservative, anti-establishment, anti-war, and anti-environmental destruction. Check out Disposable Heroes by Metallica for strong example of this.

Hair metal came onto the scene at about the same time as thrash metal, and boy did metalheads have a lot to say about it. Hair/glam metal is still metal, but it's more accessible, more pop-influenced, and as a rule, doesn't really protest much through lyrics. Instead, the songs were designed to be just mainstream enough that they could top the charts and make more money as a result. Think Mötley Crüe, Quiet Riot, Ratt, Dokken, Twisted Sister, and Bon Jovi. But for metalheads, this was a departure from everything they stood for. Metal couldn't conform to the mainstream's expectations and still be metal.

Now, W.A.S.P. is kind of a special case, because although their sound is very much based in hair metal - pop hooks and guitar riffs combined with a blend of heavy metal, hard, and punk rock, with songs starting off slow and building in tempo with the occasional shred guitar solo thrown in - nothing else about them was palatable for the mainstream.

Their lyrics were considered highly offensive, so much so that their first single, Animal (Fuck Like A Beast), was removed completely from their first album release in the US, so it could be sold in chain stores. Their live performances were equally shocking: this is why they are classified as "shock rock." They became known for cutting up meat with chainsaws on stage, and then throwing said meat into the audience, as well as very raunchy displays of partial nudity, S&M, and simulated sex acts. W.A.S.P. actually became quite controversial in later years for their misogynic lyrics, being accused of promoting abuse and sexual assault.

But forget the politics for now. What does this mean for Eddie? Well, by virtue of also being shock rock, W.A.S.P. gets a bit of a pass when it comes to the conformity of hair metal, since they were still completely unpalatable for a mainstream audience. But the thing I want to point out is that Eddie doesn't hate W.A.S.P.'s sound. He might actually enjoy other hair metal bands as well, but wouldn't feel comfortable advertising it.

This is all just food for thought. You can use this information however you like in your fanworks. Maybe Eddie's trying to keep up an image and secretly loves ABBA, who the hell knows? I just thought I'd share this for anyone who wanted a little extra insight in the character and his music taste. It also might be cool to note that throwing horns (see Eddie in the picture below) originated with Ronnie James Dio back when he joined Black Sabbath in 1979. He said that his grandmother had used the gesture to ward off evil.

ALSO, I have to add this last part because the vocabulary used by metalheads can be confusing to the uninitiated. So, 'metal' is an umbrella term for all kinds of metal music. 'Heavy metal' is ALSO an umbrella term for all kinds of metal music, but it can also refer to the specific musical style established by the bands listed above under 'heavy metal': Black Sabbath, Motörhead, Iron Maiden. So someone might refer to thrash metal as a subgenre of heavy metal, and then turn around and say that they prefer thrash metal to heavy metal. You just kind of have to use context clues to figure out how the words are being used.

ALSO ALSO, please stop calling Eddie a punk, goth, etc. Those are different things. If in your fanwork Eddie is actually a goth, then by all means, but as he exists in canon, he would consider himself a metalhead. (could be funny to see how he reacts to other characters mixing it up tho)

[shoot-the-clown]

I will not shut up about how bad Mario got fucked with a voice actor like Chris ratt. Out of all the Mario Bros characters, Mario is one with the most voice sound bits. You hear his jolly funny voice all throughout the entire fucking game. ALL THE SOURCE MATERIAL WAS THERE. COULD HAVE EVEN MADE HIM AN OVER EXAGGERATED NEW YORKER FOR FUCK’S SAKE  Then you got Black Jack’s Bowser. It’s like morphine to a gunshot wound, the Abel to whatever Cain Mario is

[the-delta-42]

Not Mine

Works that aren’t mine, but I’ve reblogged because they weren’t tagged on the home blog:

Know Better, Do Better - A Salt AU that I find interesting. This one is weird because the Author has four of the works listed. This one is by @nobodyfamousposts

Moral dues - This is another one I like, although I’ve been thinking on separating the parts into individual posts, since the length of the full think can make scrolling through it a nightmare. I’m also thinking on adding to it. This one has many different authors contributing to it, however the source inspiration for this post, and story, is @a-ratt who was previously know as Apex Primus

Betrayal au - This is the one post that was sitting in my drafts for so long that there are further parts that aren’t reblogs. This one shows a darker side to Adrien towards the end of it. The original poster for this is @lenoreofraven 

Warm - Gerudo!Link AU. Zelink

Mother Urbosa - Urbosa raising Link

Ganondad - Ganondorf adopting Link

Gerudo Link - Link but he’s a Gerudo Male

Mama Impa - Impa adopts Link

Shiekah Link - Link but he’s a Sheikah

Not mine - Fics that are usually one shots but sometimes are just chapters from a greater story that I haven’t gotten around to looking at.

[magicandotherstuffienjoy]

credit: Scarr Ratt

Why Major Games Should Adopt an Economic System that Rewards Players for Their Time

The idea for this article came to me after a discussion with a friend about the fascinating economic system in Dota 2, which allows players to monetize their game time by selling virtual items and participating in lucrative tournaments. This model could serve as an inspiration for other major games, offering players a tangible value for their in-game time, beyond just entertainment. Unlike games such as World of Warcraft, where the in-game economy seems to lose purpose over time, Dota 2 provides an innovative approach that redefines how players perceive and use virtual currency.

The Unique Economic Model of Dota 2

One of the standout features of Dota 2 is its player-driven economy, where every minute spent in the game can have a real-world value. Dota 2 sets itself apart by transforming player engagement into an economic asset through several mechanisms:

A Free-to-Play Model with Cosmetic Transactions:

Dota 2 is free-to-play, meaning all heroes are available to players from the start. However, the game offers a wide range of cosmetic content, such as skins, armor sets, and couriers. These cosmetic items don't affect gameplay but allow players to customize their visual experience, creating a thriving market for these items.

A Dynamic Market for Cosmetic Items:

One of the most interesting aspects of Dota 2's economy is its integration with the Steam Market, where players can buy, sell, and trade cosmetic items for real money. Rare or limited-edition items often fetch high prices. This market creates a speculative dimension, where players can invest time in the game, obtain rare items, and resell them for profit. This motivates players to stay invested, knowing their game time can be financially rewarding.

Loot Boxes and Treasure Chests:

Dota 2 also offers loot boxes (treasure chests) that players can buy, which contain random cosmetic items, some of which are rare. This system adds an element of chance and excitement, with players potentially obtaining high-value items that they can then sell on the Steam Market, offering additional profit potential for those who invest in these chests.

The Battle Pass and The International:

Another key aspect of Dota 2's economy is the Battle Pass, which is sold annually during major tournaments like The International. Players who purchase the Battle Pass can unlock exclusive rewards, such as rare skins or effects, by completing in-game missions. A portion of the revenue from Battle Pass sales, typically 25%, goes directly to the prize pool for The International, which has resulted in record-breaking prize pools, exceeding $40 million in 2021.

This model creates a direct relationship between player spending and the growth of the e-sports scene, while players themselves receive valuable cosmetic rewards for their investment. It fosters a deep connection between the player community and the game, while also offering a significant income source for professional players.

Valuing Playtime:

Unlike other games where in-game currency can become meaningless (as in World of Warcraft, where reaching the gold cap often leads to a lack of meaningful ways to spend it), Dota 2 provides a real economic incentive. Players are constantly motivated to earn rare items, participate in events, and even engage in e-sports for potential financial gain. This creates a long-term engagement loop where players feel their time in the game is being monetized and rewarded.

Credit: Gabriel Angelo

Comparing Dota 2 to Other Economic Models: WoW vs FFXIV

In games like World of Warcraft, the in-game economy has lost much of its relevance over time. The gold cap of 10 million becomes largely pointless, as money serves little purpose beyond buying consumables for raids and dungeons. Gold in WoW is now primarily used for cosmetic or convenience items, without creating a real motivation for players to accumulate it.

On the other hand, Final Fantasy XIV offers a more engaging approach with its housing system. The real estate market in FFXIV is highly competitive, and players are willing to spend large sums of money to acquire property, customize it, and show off their status within the community. This creates an active internal economy, where money has a clear and valuable purpose, giving players long-term goals for their wealth.

Why Dota 2's Model Stands Out

Dota 2’s economic model exemplifies how games can create ecosystems where players not only stay engaged longer but also monetize their time in meaningful ways. By introducing a dynamic market and offering ways for players to earn real money, games can extend their lifespan while giving players a new incentive to play.

Allowing players to earn a living from their favorite games, or at least generate additional income, could attract a broader audience, willing to invest not only for the fun of the game but also for the economic rewards it offers.

Conclusion

The economic system in Dota 2 shows that games can build ecosystems where players' engagement is financially valued. By offering players opportunities to monetize their time and efforts, games can create stronger communities and longer-lasting player engagement. Other major games should consider following Dota 2’s example, giving players a tangible return on their time and transforming gaming from a mere pastime into a rewarding investment, both personally and financially.

This message is brought to you by a loot goblin, unapologetically yours.

[peppermintbuttlemon]

https://www.tumblr.com/peppermintbuttlemon/750271581708812288/much-like-you-i-feel-like-i-hate-him-now-but-also?source=share

Timothy Chalamet is a good one. I hate that man with a passion. Justine beaver too. Fckn Chris Pratt. All those are good options to hate on imo

Timothee is odious to me. I literally can’t look at that little Victorian boy vampire opossum looking bitch 😖

I’ve been hating on Crisp Ratt for years now.

[101now]

Hollywood Minute: Yusuf / Cat Stevens' new album

Hollywood Minute: Yusuf / Cat Stevens’ new album The singer-songwriter’s latest is out now, along with new sounds from Meshell Ndegeocello, and big box set of classic Ratt. Rick Damigella reports. Source link

[autolovecraft]

Would the firm Fenner casket have caved in so readily?

Maddened by the sound, or by the stench which billowed forth even to the open air, the waiting horse gave a scream that was too frantic for a neigh, and plunged madly off through the night, the wagon rattling crazily behind it. Undisturbed by oppressive reflections on the time, the place, and the source of a task whose performance deserved every possible stimulus. The afflicted man was fully conscious, but would say nothing of any consequence; merely muttering such things as Oh, my ankles! Great heavens, Birch, but you always did go too damned far! Steeled by old ordeals in dissecting rooms, the doctor entered and looked about, stifling the nausea of mind and body that everything in sight and smell induced. Another might not have relished the damp, odorous chamber with the eight carelessly placed coffins; but Birch in those days was insensitive, and was concerned only in getting the right coffin for the platform; for no sooner was his full bulk again upon it than the rotting lid gave way, jouncing him two feet down on a surface which even he did not care to imagine. Several of the coffins began to split under the stress of handling, and he vaguely wished it would stop. Another might not have relished the damp, odorous chamber with the eight carelessly placed coffins; but Birch in those days was insensitive, and was concerned only in getting the right coffin for the platform; for no sooner was his full bulk again upon it than the rotting lid gave way, jouncing him two feet down on a surface which even he did not care to imagine. It was just as he had recognized old Matt's coffin that the door slammed to in the wind, leaving him in a dusk even deeper than before. The moon was shining on the scattered brick fragments and marred facade, and the overhead ventilation funnel virtually none at all; so that he was wise in so doing. When he perceived that the latch was hopelessly unyielding, at least to such meager tools and under such tenebrous conditions as these, Birch glanced about for other possible points of escape. The thing must have happened at about three-thirty in the afternoon. He gave old Matt the very best his skill could produce, but was thrifty enough to save the rejected specimen, and to let no other doctor treat the wounds. And so the prisoner toiled in the twilight, heaving the unresponsive remnants of mortality with little ceremony as his miniature Tower of Babel rose course by course. I'd hate to have it aimed at me! Undisturbed by oppressive reflections on the time, the place, and the latch of the great door yielded readily to a touch from the outside.

Birch cautiously ascended with his tools and stood abreast of the narrow transom. It was generally stated that the affliction and shock were results of an unlucky slip whereby Birch had locked himself for nine hours in the receiving tomb of Peck Valley Cemetery, escaping only by crude and disastrous mechanical means; but while this much was undoubtedly true, there were other and blacker things which the man used to whisper to me in his drunken delirium toward the last.

Then the doctor came with his medicine-case and asked crisp questions, and removed the patient's outer clothing, shoes, and socks. The afflicted man was fully conscious, but would say nothing of any consequence; merely muttering such things as Oh, my ankles! That he was not perfectly sober, he subsequently admitted; though he had not then taken to the wholesale drinking by which he later tried to forget certain things. He could, he was sure, get out by midnight—though it is characteristic of him that this thought was untinged with eerie implications. He was a scoundrel, and I believe his eye-for-an-eye fury could beat old Father Death himself. Davis left Birch that night he had taken a lantern and gone to the old receiving tomb. It was Asaph's coffin, Birch, and I don't blame you for giving him a cast-aside coffin! In this funereal twilight he rattled the rusty handles, pushed at the iron panels, and wondered why the massive portal had grown so suddenly recalcitrant. In time the hole grew so large that he ventured to try his body in it now and then, shifting about so that the coffins beneath him rocked and creaked. Several of the coffins began to split under the stress of handling, and he did not heed the day at all; though ever afterward he refused to do anything of importance on that fateful sixth day of the week.