He stood t'other day with a coin in his hand. ' Whose money's this 'ere? ' says he, turnin' to me. Says I, 'It's the dollar ye airnt on the land. Aint it yourn if ye airnt it? "I airnt it,' said he, 'But the dollar ain't mine; if I keep it it's curst: It belongs to the fellow that needs it the worst — And I'm goin' to find him.'
And so he put off.
'Twant never no use to laugh or to scoff. ' I'm old, and I'll shortly be laid on the shelf, And Joseph aint fit to look out for himself. But William is diff'nt, — takes after his dad. Bill's got the first penny that ever he had! He always took boot when he swapped with the boys, Till he scooped all their jack-knives and trinkets and toys. He's smarter'n a trap, if I say it as oughtn't, And the hook can't be baited so Bill can be caught on't. And I've often told Joseph, if he'd be like Bill, I'd do by 'em both jest alike in my will. But I've gi'n it all up; and it's plain to be seen, Joe'll never be nothin', 'less Bill is guardeen." The Judge sat awhile, with a far-away look, Then took up his docket and wrote in the book. "I've found this question unusually hard. It is, which should be guardian, which should be ward. I shall give the appointment to William," said he, "But, the chances are, Heaven will reverse the decree."
