Martinsburgh gazette. [volume] (Martinsburgh, Va. [W. Va.]) 1810-1825, 1825-12-01
MASTER AND MAN,
On Iish Legend J


~ young man as ever shook his
brouge at the patron, emptied quart,
or handled a silalah; fearing for moth
ing bot the want OF drink; caring for
nothing but " no should pay for il; and
thinking of nothing but how 10 make
fun over it: drunk or sober word and
blow was ever the way with Billy
Mac Daniel; aud mighty easy way
il 10 of either getting into or ending a
dispute. More is the pity that. through
the means Of his thinking, and fearing,
and caring Tor nothing, this same Billy
Mac Daniel fell into bad company; for
surely the good people are the worst
OF al company any one could come
cross.
II so happened that Billy was going
home one clear frosty night. not long
after Christmas; the moon was rOuDd
and bright; but although it was as fine
a night as heart could wish for, he felt
pinched with tiracoid By my word, ,
chartered Billy, "a drop of good liquor
would be no bad thing to keep a man $
soo from freezing 10 him; and wish
/ tad full measure OF the best
Never wish it twice, Billy said
little man matinee cornered hat, bound
all about with gold lace, and wnh
great silver buckles in his shoes, so
big that it was wondtr how he could
carry them; and he held out gl..ss as
big as himself, filled with as good Ii.
quor as ever eye looked onor lip tasted.
'Snccess, my little fellow said Bill
~ Mac Daniel, nothing daunted, tho
well he knew the little man to belong
TO The good people; there's your health,
any way, and thank you kindly; no
matter who p Us for the drink and
he took the glass and drained il to the
very hottom, without ever taking a
second breath to it Z
Success said the little man; sand
you're heartily welcome, Billy; but
don't think to cheat me as you have
done oihers-out with your purse and
pay me like . gentleman
'Jsit pay your said Billy: could
/ not just take you up and put you in
my pocket as easy as black-bcrgyP
Billy Mac Dlniel,' said tn, little
man, getting very angry, you shall be
my servant Tor seven years and a day
that is the way | win be paid SO
make ready to follow me
When Billy heard this he began to
be very sorry for having used SD, h bold
words towards Inc hille man; and he
felt himself, yet could not tell how,
Obliged TO follow the little man the
-liselong night about the country, up
and down, and over hedge and ditch,
and through bog and brake without
any rest
When morning began to dawn, the
litlie man turned round to HIM and said
eYou may now go home, Billy. but on
your peril don't fail! TO met ne in
Fort field. to night: or If you DO, It
may be the worse for yeu in the long
run. If i fnd you a good servant,
you may find me an indulgent mas
ter
Home went Billy Mac Daniel; and
though he was iiredand weary enough,
never wink of sleep could he ger tor
thinking of the little man; but he was
afraid not to do his bidding, so up ne
got in the evening. and away he went
To the Fort field. He was not long
there before the little man came TO
wards him and said. Billy, l. want
you 10 go long journey TO night; SO
saddle one al 10y horses. and you may
saddle one for yourself, as you are to
60 along with me, and may be tired
after your walk last night
Billy thought this very considerate
of lu> masier, and thanked him accord
ineiy: hat sad be, I'll | may be so
bo.d sir, | would ask which IS the
wy 10 yuur stable, for never thin g
do see huI the fort here. and the old
thorn treem the field and the stream
runnlae At the bottom OF the hili, with
the hH OF nog ovel ogoinst US
ASK no ques'ious' said The =
man, hnl 90 over 80 that ''ii of TO,
and briag m ~ o or three vi Tie slrun
gest rushts yOu eau fnd."