Page:Daniel O'Rourke's wonderful voyage to the moon (4).pdf/19

19 stopped at the gate of a fine house: Now, Billy, said the little man, do as you see me do, and follow me close: but as you do not know your horse's head from his tail, mind that your own head does not spin round until you can't tell whether you are standing on it or on your heels for remember that old liquor, though able to make a cat speak, can make a man dumb.

The little man then said some queer kind of words, out of which Billy could make no kind of meaning; but he contrived to say them after him for all that and in they both went through the key-hole of the door, and through one key-hole after another, until they got into the wine cellar which was well stored with all kinds of wine.

The little man fell to drinking as hard as he could, and Billy, no way disliking the example, did the same. The best of masters are you, surely, said Billy to him; no matter who is the next; and well pleased will I be with you service if you continue to give me plenty to drink.

I have made no bargain with you, said the little man, and will make none; but up and follow me. A way they went through key-hole after key-hole; and each mounting upon the rush which be left at the hall door, scampered off, kicking the clouds before them like snow-balls, as soon as the words, Borram, Borram, Borram, had passed their lips.