The Corner Cargo Hatch

I clamped both padded hands onto the thick pull-down handle of a stout blue mailbox anchored to the sidewalk corner! It looked just like an iron cargo hatch on a grand ocean freighter. With a hearty grunt, I leaned back, throwing my whole plush bulk into the pull. SQUEAK-CLATTER! The heavy steel chute tilted open, revealing a dark, slanting hold lined with clean sheet metal. I leaned close to inspect the depth and gave a cheerful, booming shout down the shaft to test its ballast. A splendid hollow echo bounced right back up against my collar! Releasing the handle, the spring-loaded hatch snapped shut with an immovable, resounding CLANG.