A Small Joke
MR. DALE, who it would appear was a short stout man, had a person in his
employment named Matthew, who was permitted that familiarity with his
master which was so characteristic of the former generation. One winter
day, Mr. Dale came into the counting-house, and complained that he had
fallen on the ice. Matthew, who saw that his master was not much hurt,
grinned a sarcastic smile. I fell all my length, said Mr. Dale. Nae
great length, sir, said Matthew. Indeed, Matthew, ye need not laugh,
said Mr. Dale, I have hurt the sma' of my back.--I wunner whaur
that is, said Matthew.