Page:Comical sayings of Paddy from Cork, with his coat buttoned behind (1).pdf/6

6 for it came on a most terrible fine night of south west rain, and even down wind; so the fishes got all below the water to keep themselves dry from the shower, and we catched them all but got none. Tom. How long did you serve that gentleman, Paddy: Teag, Arra, dear honey, I was with him six weeks, and he beat ne seven times. Tom. For what did he beat you? was for your madness and foolish tricks? Teag. Dear shoy, it was not; but for being too in- quisitive, and going sharply about business, First, he sent me to the post-office to enquire if there were any. letters for him ; so when I came there, said I, is there any letters, here for any master to-day? Then they asked who was my master ; sir, said I, it is very bad manners in you to ask any gentleman's name ; at this they laughed, mocking me, and said they could give me none, if I would not tell my master's name ; so I re- turned to my master and told him the impudence of the fellow, who would give me no letters unless I would tell him your name, master. My master at this flew in a passion, and kicked me down stairs, saying, go yon rogue, and tell my name directly, how can the gentle- man give letters when lie knows not who is asking for them. Then I returned and told my master's name, so they told me there was one for him. I looked at it, being very small, and asking the price of it, they told me it was sixpence : sixpence, said I, will you take sixpence for that small thing, and selling bigger ones for twopence ; faith I ain not such a big fool ; you think to cheat me now, this is not a conscionable way of deal- ing, I'll acquaint my master with it first; so I cane and told my master how they would have six sixpence for his letter, and was selling bigger ones for twopence ; he took up my head and broke his cane with it, calling me a thousand fools, saying, the man was more just than to take any thing but the right for it ; but was sure there was none of them right, buying and selling such dear penny-worths. So I came again for my dear sixpence