MEMORIES OF THE COUNTRY PEOPLE 99 



" I forgot it " they will never say, or " it's lost." 



" But I was thinkin' it was bether not to do it 

 lasht night." Or'' I'll be aftherdoin' it next time." 

 For ' lost ' it is " Led down out of me hand. I did 

 not see it lately." 



Answer is nearly always ready, especially from 

 the old people who look upon you as a child for 

 your life because they once knew you as one. 



A well-known racing and hunting man here had 

 an old gardener who was the bane of his life. 

 Old Tom would do just as he Hked and when he 

 liked, and disobey orders blandly. 



One day patience gave way. Tom was told 

 that he must leave the garden. 



Tom earthed up potatoes, and remarked 

 stolidly that he considered it his place to remain. 



" Go to H out of that," stormed his master. 



The old man leant on his spade handle. 



" An' if I do go, Masther Harry," he said, " I'll 

 just tell ye're father how ye've treated me." 



Master Harry, a beaten man, made for the 

 house. Tom earthed up his potatoes and muddled 

 on in peace for the rest of his life. 



Another old gardener was told to Ume all the 

 slugs which were devastating the place : that day 

 they had about finished enough. 



" Sure the craythurs must ate," he said un- 

 moved. 



They are always quick at retort and excuse. 

 We were travelling third class to Miltown one day 



