Trimming the Lantern Wick

I sat on the low slate hearthstone, reaching for the small iron lantern resting near the chimney base. The heavy latch was stiff, but it unhooked with a firm click when I pressed both thumbs against the clasp. Inside, the flat cotton wick had charred unevenly along one edge. Using a small brass collar peg I kept near the kindling basket, I gently scraped away the brittle black carbon until the raw cream fibers showed straight and clean. I adjusted the brass dial by a quarter turn to test the feed. It rose smooth and level.