‘That is true! that is right!’ answered Jesus Christ. ‘Let them all in! let them all in!’
7
PRET’ OLIVO.[11]
When Jesus Christ was on earth, He lodged one night at a priest’s house, and when He went away in the morning He offered to give His host, in reward for his hospitality, whatever he asked. What Pret’ Olivo (for that was his host’s name) asked for was that he should live a hundred years, and that when Death came to fetch him he should be able to give her what orders he pleased, and that she must obey him.
‘Let it be granted!’ said Jesus Christ.
A hundred years passed away, and then, one morning early, Death came.
‘Pret’ Olivo! Pret’ Olivo!’ cried Death, ‘are you ready? I’m come for you at last.’
‘Let me say my mass first,’ said Pret’ Olivo; ‘that’s all.’
‘Well, I don’t mind that,’ answered Death; ‘only mind it isn’t a long one, because I’ve got so many people to fetch to-day.’