Friends

((Private journal entry))

I suppose I stuck my foot in my mouth again; it seems that's something I'll never outgrow. But I was concerned for him, so it was hard to keep silent.

I heard about the Clockwinder's outburst against Mr. Underby a few days ago. That startled me so much--it seemed so unlike his usual calm, if dour, demeanor. But that thought called to mind another time when he acted unlike himself. Not long after the election, he was talking to a few of us, and he let slip something that I don't think he normally would have. I didn't think anything of it at the time, but after the incident with Mr. Underby, I thought I should look into it a little more.

Strangely enough, I wasn't able to find anything about it in the Brunel library. All I could learn were a few snippets of information in an old book of folklore in my own collection. And that only left me more confused. But two days before Christmas, I happened to see the Clockwinder at the snowmen contest area and, on an impulse, followed him into a nearby tavern and spoke to him.

I may as well have said nothing, for all the good it did. That one word brought nothing but categorical denials. Granted, his explanations were perfectly sound and rational, but...but...

Oh, I know not what to believe, then or now. But I did try to impress upon him that he would have my help and support, no matter what. Which may have been a mistake--I should have tried to persuade him to gain help from someone he knows better, someone he would trust, unlike me. And now, having seen today the damage at his forge, I wonder if it may be too late.