Then, without another word, he turned and walked away.
A few days afterward the man came again. This time he brought a partridge. "Here's another bird from Mr. Boyle."
Now, Mr. Boyle was a sporting neighbor who spent a good deal of time in shooting. He was a great admirer of Dean Swift, and took pleasure in sending him presents of game.
The third time, the man brought a quail. "Here's something else for the Dean," he said roughly, and tossed it into the servant's arms.
The servant complained to her master. "That fellow has no manners," she said.
"The next time he comes," said the Dean, "let me know, and I will go to the door."
It was not long until the man came with another present. The Dean went to the door.
"Here's a rabbit from Mr. Boyle," said the man.
"See here," said the Dean in a stern voice, "that is not the way to deliver a message here. Just step inside and make believe that you are Dean Swift. I will go out and make believe that I am bringing him a present. I will show you how a messenger ought to behave."
"I'll agree to that," said the man; and he stepped inside. The Dean took the rabbit and went out of the house. He walked up the street to the next block. Then he came back and knocked gently at the door.