Serene Old Age.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 40, 25 May 1917, Page 2

Serene Old Age.

During a Saturday stroll in the country a pedestrain came upon an ancient rustic engaged in breaking stones. Drawing him into conversation, the pedestrain eventually asked the old fellow how old he was. "Oh, I dunno,” was the reply ; "but I know I be a fearful age.” "But you must have some general idea how old you are ?” "No, I dunno ; but I know I be a fearful age,” was the only estimate that could be drawn from him.

"All right ; we’ll try to get at it in another way,” said the pedestrain bringing out his pencil and notebook. "Now, how old were you when you left school ?” "I be nine, sur, when I finished schulin’.” “And what did you do then.” “Well, I was boy for Parmer Giles fur fiveteen year.” “And after that ?” "After that I worked fur Squire Noaker fur seven-and-thirty year.” "And what next ?''

; "Well, I was waggoner fur Chuker, i the carrier, fur four-and-forty year.” I And so on, and so forth, until the ( final fact was elicited that be hatli 1 been engaged on breaking stones for | a quarter of a century. Then the inj observed, with withering sar- | casm: ! "So you do not know how old you | are ? Well, I’ll tell you. You’re ! three hundred and seventy-eight years | old on your own showing.” j "I dessay,” murmured the ancient j yokel, with undisturbed serenity. "I I know I be a fearful age.”