An Italian organ-grinder possessed a monkey which he “worked” through
the summer months. When the cool days came his business fell off, and
he discontinued his walks and melodies. An Irishman of his acquaintance
offered him half a dollar a week for the privilege of keeping and feeding
the little beast. The bargain was made for a month.
Great curiosity filled the mind of the Italian, and at last he went
ostensibly to see his pet, but really to find out what possible use Pat
could make of the monkey.
The Irishman was frank. “It’s loike this,” he said. “Oi put up a pole in
the back yard, with the monkey on the top. Ten or twelve trains of cars
loaded with coal go by here every evenin’. There’s men on every car.
Every man takes a heave at the monk. Divil a wan has hit him, but Oi have
sivin tons of coal.”
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