WHITTLE SHEEPSHANKS, ESQ.

Formerly there was a farmer of very extensive property, who was also of

great piety, residing in Craven, with the above awkward Christian and

surname. He once purchased some sheep of a native of North Britain at

one of the Skipton cattle fairs, and not having cash enough with him to

pay for them, he said to the man, “I’ve no money by me at present, but

I’ll settle with you next fair.” “An’ wha ma ye be, sir?” said the

Scotsman. “What, don’t ye know me? I thought every body knew Whittle

Sheepshanks.” “Hout! mon,” said the Scotsman, “dinna think to make a

fule o’ me; wha’ ever heard sic a name _o’ a sheepshanks wi’ a whittle

to it_.” This so offended Mr. Sheepshanks, that he changed his name to

York.