' Listen, I'll read thee me own code."
The clock tinker rose and got his Shakespeare, ragged from long
use, and read from a fly-leaf, his code of private law, to wit:--
"Walk at least four miles a day.
"Eat no pork and be at peace with thy liver.
"Measure thy words and cure a habit of exaggeration.
"Thine eyes are faulty--therefore, going up or down, look well to
thy steps.
"Beware of ardent spirits, for the curse that is in thy blood. It
will turn thy heart to stone.
"In giving, remember Darrel.
"Bandy no words with any man.
"Play at no game of chance.
"Think o' these things an' forget thyself."
"Now there is the law that is for me alone," Darrel continued,
looking up at the boys. "Others may eat pork or taste the red cup,
or dally with hazards an' suffer no great harm--not I. Good
youths, remember, ill luck is for him only that is ignorant,
neglectful, or defiant o' private law."
"But suppose your house fall upon you," Trove suggested.
"I speak not o' common perils," said the tinker. "But
enough--let's up with the sail. Heave ho! an' away for the Blessed
Isles. Which shall it be?"
He turned to a rude shelf, whereon were books,--near a score,--some
worn to rags.
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