9
a.m.
_ '' -- COLERIDGE ON SHAKESPEARE . Let Mr. Christopher Hucks introduce himself in his own customary way , that is , by presenting his card of business : -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------ | | | CHRISTOPHER HUCKS | | | | ANCHOR WHARF , CANAL END BASIN , BURSFIELD | | CANAL CARRIER , LIGHTERMAN , FREIGHTER AND WHARFINGER | | BOAT BUILDER , COAL AND GENERAL MERCHANT | | AUCTIONEER , PRACTICAL VALUER , HOUSE AND ESTATE AGENT | | | | --------------- | | | | FIRE , LIFE , ACCIDENT AND PLATE GLASS INSURAMCES EFFECTED | | FIRE AND INCOME TAX CLAIMS PREPARED AND ADJUSTED | | LIVE STOCK INSURED AGAINST DEATH FROM ACCIDENT OR DISEASE | | SERVANTS REGISTRY OFFICE | | | | ----------------- | | | | AGENT FOR JOHN TAYLOR AND CO. 'S PHOSPHATE AND SOLUBLE BONE | | MANURES | | COPPERAS , CHARCOAL , ETC. , FOR SEWAGE AND OTHER PURPOSES | | ACIDS AND ANILINES FOR THE TEXTILE TRADES | | | | ----------------- | | | | VALUATIONS FOR PROBATE EMIGRATION AGENT | | PRIVATE ARRANGEMENTS NEGOTIATED WITH CREDITORS | | | | ----------------- | | | | N.B. -- ALL KINDS OF RIVER AND CANAL CRAFT BUILT OR REPAIRED , | | PURCHASED , SOLD , OR TO LET . NOTE THE ADDRESS | | | Mr. Hucks , a widower , would have to be content in death with a shorter epitaph . In life his neighbours and acquaintances knew him as the toughest old sinner in Bursfield ; and indeed his office hours -LRB- from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. nominally -- but he was an early riser -RRB- allowed him scant leisure to practice the Christian graces . Yet though many had occasion to curse Mr. Hucks , few could bring themselves to hate him . The rogue was so massive , so juicy . He stood six feet four inches in his office slippers , and measured fifty-two inches in girth of chest .