Page:Songs, Legends, and Ballads.djvu/230

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WELL, mate, you've asked me about a fellow You met to-day, in a black-and-yellow Chain-gang suit, with a pedler's pack. Or with some such burden, strapped to his back. Did you meet him square? No, passed you by? Well, if you had, and had looked m his eye, You'd have felt for your irons then and there; For the light in his eye is a madman's glare. Ay, mad, poor fellow! I know him well. And if you're not sleepy just yet, I'll tell His story,—a strange one as ever you heard Or read; but I'll vouch for it, every word.

You just wait a minute, mate: I must see How that damper's doing, and make some tea.