While the postmaster went on with such provoking answers to these appeals for despatch, Andy's eye caught the heap of letters that lay on the counter; so, while certain weighing of soap and tobacco was going forward, he contrived to become possessed of two letters from the heap; and, having effected that, waited patiently enough until it was the great man's pleasure to give him the missive directed to his master.
Then did Andy bestride his hack, and, in triumph at his trick on the postmaster, rattle along the road homeward as fast as his hack could carry him. He came into the squire's presence, his face beaming with delight, and an air of self-satisfied superiority in his manner, quite unaccountable to his master, until he pulled forth his hand, which had been grubbing up his prizes from the bottom of his pocket; and holding three letters over his head, while he said "Look at that!" he next slapped them down under his broad fist on the table before the squire, saying,
"Well! if he did make me pay elevenpence, by gor, I brought your honour the worth o' your money, any how!"
THE LEGEND OF MANOR HALL
BY THE AUTHOR OF "HEADLONG HALL."
Old Farmer Wall, of Manor Hall, To market drove his wain: Along the road it went well stowed With sacks of golden grain.
His station he took, but in vain did he look For a customer all the morn; Though the farmers all, save Farmer Wall, They sold off all their corn.
Then home he went sore discontent, And many an oath he swore, And he kicked up rows with his children and spouse, When they met him at the door.
Next market-day, he drove away To the town his loaded wain: The farmers all, save Farmer Wall, They sold off all their grain.