The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1902-10-14
THE FOOL


Redmond O'Eanlon. the highway
man. was especially fond OF levyine
on landlords who were hard on their
tenants. There was one OF this class
whom Redmond never lost IN opportu-
nifty Of taxing. Every quarter day this
gentleman or one OF his servants
sometimes more than Onc-used to take
a journey OF six or seven miles to col
lect his rents. and as regular as clock
work there was Redmond O'Hanlon.
with some stout companion. If neces-
sary. TO waylay the collector as he re-
turned home. SO one quarter day. when
the gentleman's servants asked him
about going for the rents. he swore at
O'Hanlon and said lac didn't see the
use of collecting money to hand IL over
TO him.
Now, this gentleman had on his es-
tate boy called Jerry the Fool" who
had the run OF the house and made fun
for the family. He bad a great conceit
for himself. and when he heard what
the master said he immediately-ask
TO be allowed to 90 after the rents for
once and declared he would know the
was only laughed at. but when he rep
resented that no harm would come
from trying. as he couldn't do worse
than all who had gone before him. the
master agreed to humor him. Upon
that Jerry made such preparations as
he thought suitable. chose the worst
horse I'm the stable, an old hack half
blind and threc-quarters lame. and
started on his enterprise Nothing oc-
CURED on the way. He collected a con-
siderable amount Of money. carefully
disposed of it about his person and
started hOmeward.
Toward evening. as he was quietly
jogging along on the old hack and was
Just entering n long lane with high
hedges on each side. n tall, fine looking
man rode up to him Oh a handsome
roam mare.
God save you. my man." says the
gentleman.
God save your honor" replies Jerry.
whats your name my MANI" asks
the gentleman.
Jerry the Fool. and I amt ashamed
OF IT, What's yoursy'
The gentleman took no notice of the
question. After awhile he says. That
is fine animal you're riding. Jerry"
Faith. I'm glad your honor likes
it," said Jerry. But IL isn't myself
thatd care to take lease Cf his life.
But he'd serve my turn anyway. for
it's not in a hurry I'm travelling. I've
only been TO the village beyond to col
lect the masters rents for him."
surely he's not such a fool MS to
trust you with that joby'
-Arrah. why notf" asks Jerry in
great surprise.
why, don't you know that Red
mond lO'Hanlon's on this roadg"
Redmond O'Ianlon, Is itf" SAYS Jcr-
~. Ugh. That for Redmond O'Han-
lon." says he. swapping his finger.
FAX, Jerry the Fool is a match for
half dozen of the likes OF him any
day in the week and Sunday into the
bargain"
The stranger laughed and then rode
on in silence till they came to very
lonely part OF the road, when he drew
brace Of pistols and told Jerry TO
hand over all the money he had about
him or he'd try If he had any brains
by sending couple OF bullets through
his head.
"Meala murtherr' roars Jerry in sur
prise and fright. you don't mean to
say your honor's Redmond O'Hanlon ?"
II do indeed. SO hand over, my
man, and look sharp about it,"
"But, fax. it's kilt entirely by the
master III be when get home without
the rent"
whats that to me?' said o'Hanlon.
Anyhow" said Jerry, Il must show
them that ] made n numbering fight
for It. Perhaps your honor wouldn't
mind firing shot through my old
beaver"
o'Hanlon did so. laughing at the
trick
And now another through the
breast OF my coat. and heaven bless
you" This was done Now Just O, e
in the skirt of it, and good luck TO
your honor"
But I've discharged both my pis-
tolls and don't want the trouble of load
ing them again for you"
"Faix, | should dearly like a shot
through the skirts. II would show l
fought desperate. Are you sure your
honor hasn't another pistol in your
pocket that you wouldn't mind firing
for poor boys sake?"
"Confound youl To be sure l haven't.
Hand over the money or I'll beat you
TO jelly with my horsewhip."
Well" said Jerry after good deal
of fumbling. Il suppose, considering
the trouble I've had in collecting these
rents, your honor won't mind the little
bother of going over the hedge after
them"
And he threw over a sack, apparent
iy well filed with coin. Half laugh
ing, half angry, the highwayman, first
aiming at Jerry with his whip, which
he avoided by ducking. dismounted and
climbed over the hedge, and no soones
had he done so than Jerry slipped off
the old hack and mounted O'Hanion's
horse.
bad scran to you. Redmond OHan-
iony' he bawled. Didn't I tell you
Jerry the Fool was n match for a