Page:Three advices an Irish tale.pdf/5

 making the offer; and therefore, after slight consideration, told him that he agreed to take as his wages whatever he would advise, whether it was the twelve guineas or not.

“Then listen attentively to my words,” said the gentleman.

“First—I wonld teach you this—‘Never to take a byeroad when you have the high-way.’

“Secondly—‘Take heed not to lodge in the house where an old man is married to a young woman.’

“And thirdly—‘Remember that honesty is the best policy.’

“These are the Three Advices I would pay you with; and they are in value far beyond any gold; however, here is a guinea for your travelling charges, and two cakes, one of which you must give to your wife, and the other you must not eat yourself until you have done so, and I charge you to be careful of them.”

It was not without reluctance, on the part of John Carson, that he was brought to accept mere words for wages, or could be persuaded that they were more precious than golden guineas. His faith in his master was, however, so strong that he at length became satisfied.

John set out for Ireland the next morning early; but he had not proceeded far, before he overtook two pedlars who were travelling the same way. He entered into conversation with them, and found them a pair of merry fellows, who proved excellent company on the road. Now it happened, towards the end