Part 92 (1/2)
”O, I know Englishman at first sight; no one like him in the whole world.”
”Have you seen many English gentlemen?” said I.
”O yes, have seen plenty when I have been up in London.”
”Have you been much in London?”
”O yes; when I was a drover was up in London every month.”
”And were you much in the society of English gentlemen when you were there?”
”O yes; a great deal.”
”Whereabouts in London did you chiefly meet them?”
”Whereabouts? Oh, in Smithfield.”
”Dear me!” said I; ”I thought that was rather a place for butchers than gentlemen.”
”Great place for gentlemen, I a.s.sure you,” said the figure; ”met there the finest gentlemen I ever saw in my life; very grand, but kind and affable, like every true gentleman. Talked to me a great deal about Anglesey runts, and Welsh legs of mutton, and at parting shook me by the hand, and asked me to look in upon him, if I was ever down in his parts, and see his sheep and taste his ale.”
”Do you know who he was?” said I.
”O yes; know all about him; Earl of Leicester, from county of Norfolk; fine old man indeed-you very much like him-speak just in same way.”
”Have you given up the business of drover long?” said I.
”O yes; given him up a long time ever since domm'd railroad came into fas.h.i.+on.”
”And what do you do now?” said I.
”O, not much; live upon my means; picked up a little property, a few sticks, just enough for old crow to build him nest with-sometimes, however, undertake a little job for neighbouring people and get a little money. Can do everything in small way, if necessary; build little bridge, if asked;-Jack of all Trades-live very comfortably.”
”And where do you live?”
”O, not very far from Tregaron.”
”And what kind of place is Tregaron?”
”O, very good place; not quite so big as London, but very good place.”
”What is it famed for?” said I.
”O, famed for very good ham; best ham at Tregaron in all s.h.i.+re Cardigan.”
”Famed for anything else?”
”O yes! famed for great man, clever thief, Twm Shone Catti, who was born there.”
”Dear me!” said I; ”when did he live?”
”O, long time ago, more than two hundred year.”