Page:Three men in a boat (to say nothing of the dog) (IA threemeninboatto00jerorich).pdf/125

 (cheerily): "Now then, old man, you start off, and I'll follow. We won't bother about any prelude."

(upon whom the explanation of matters has slowly dawned—laughing): "By Jove! I beg your pardon. Of course—I've been mixing up the two songs. It was Jenkins confused me, you know. Now then.

'When I was young I served a term As office-boy to an attorney's firm.'

(Aside to pianist): "It is too low, old man; we'll have that over again, if you don't mind."

(continuing):

'I swept the windows and I swept the door, And I'

No—no, I cleaned the windows of the big front door. And I polished up the floor—no, dash it—I beg your pardon—funny thing, I can't think of that line. And I—and I—Oh, well, we'll get on to the chorus, and chance it (sings):

'And I diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-diddle-de, Till now I am the ruler of the Queen's navee.'