"But will not wetting it spoil the tone?" the lady asks. "Not in the least, ma'am," is the reply. "In fact, it will be improved, as at present there is so much grease and filth that the vibration would be seriously interfered with. When it is quite clean there will be more freedom, and the true character of the tone declared."
The lady having departed, the chief takes the violin parts to the workroom. "This is a fine thing," he says to James.
"I thought so too, sir," he replies, "got some fine stuff on it, fiery like, nothing the matter with it but those mouse nibblings."
"That will require careful work, James, think you can do it sufficiently neat and make the new wood match well?"
"I think so, sir. Some of that old pine that we had sent us last week will match thread for thread."
"Well, give it a clean out first, James." This is at once commenced, and with the aid of some clean water, a sponge and stubby brush, followed by the application of a clean dry rag or duster, the interior presents a fairly clean appearance.
"I see you have been careful about the label, James. It was not possible to decipher it when smothered with dirt, but we can read it now. Yes, what I thought, original ticket without a doubt. Joseph filius. Bring me that bottle of benzine and the hog-hair brush." This being done, the chief takes the brush wetted with the benzine and carefully brushes about the corners and other parts where the grease has refused to come away under the ordinary treatment. Each application is followed by a wiping of the cloth held in readiness.
"There," he says at last, "it is quite fresh and wholesome. Don't suppose Mr. Mouse will go in again."
"Now, James, what do you propose doing? making a clean sweep of the ragged parts with the knife or letting in angular portions in the German manner?"
"Well, sir, on looking close at it perhaps the best way will be to act both ways, cut that part straight through and fit the splinters along there."
"Yes," says the chief, "I think that way will save as much of the old material, if not more, than any other. Take pains with it and mind the small joinings are clean and sharp."
James retires with the upper table to his bench, where the different necessary excisions are proceeded with.