All they could say had
no effect: he started off for the Townland of Mischance, and in a
twelvemonth he was back just as miserable and helpless as his brother.
All the poor mother could say didn't prevent Jack the Fool from
starting to see if he was able to regulate the Gray Churl. He agreed
with him for a year for twenty pounds, and the terms were the same.
"Now, Jack," said the Gray Churl, "if you refuse to do anything you
are able to do, you must lose a month's wages."
"I'm satisfied," said Jack; "and if you stop me from doing a thing
after telling me to do it, you are to give me an additional month's
wages."
"I am satisfied," said the master.
"Or if you blame me for obeying your orders, you must give me the
same."
"I am satisfied," said the master again.
The first day that Jack served he was fed very poorly, and was worked
to the saddleskirts. Next day he came into the parlor just before the
dinner was served up. They were taking the goose off the spit, but,
well becomes Jack, he whipped a knife off the dresser, and cut off one
side of the breast, one leg and thigh, and one wing, and fell to. In
came the master, and began to abuse him for his assurance.
Pages:
481
482
483
484
485
486
487
488
489
490
491
492
493
494
495
496
497
498
499
500
501
502
503
504
505