Rewards and Fairies - Penn State University

scratched.
Rewards and Fairies
he flies up the chimney? Why not baptize him?” said Meon.
‘Then Meon began to tease Eddi: “Padda says, if Eddi saw ‘Eddi was really shocked. I thought it was bad taste myself.
his Archbishop dying on a mud-bank Eddi would tuck up ‘“That’s not fair,” said Meon. “You call him a demon and a
his gown and run. Padda knows Eddi can run too! Padda familiar spirit because he loves his master and likes music,
came into Wittering Church last Sunday—all wet—to hear and when I offer you a chance to prove it you won’t take it.
the music, and Eddi ran out.”
Look here! I’ll make a bargain. I’ll be baptized if you’ll bap-
‘My good Eddi rubbed his hands and his shins together, tize Padda too. He’s more of a man than most of my slaves.”
and flushed. “Padda is a child of the Devil, who is the father ‘“One doesn’t bargain—or joke—about these matters,” I
of lies!” he cried, and begged my pardon for having spoken. I said. He was going altogether too far.
forgave him.
‘“Quite right,” said Meon; “I shouldn’t like any one to joke
‘“Yes. You are just about stupid enough for a musician,” about Padda. Padda, go down to the beach and bring us
said Meon. “But here he is. Sing a hymn to him, and see if he tomorrow’s weather!”
can stand it. You’ll find my small harp beside the fireplace.” ‘My good Eddi must have been a little over-tired with his
‘Eddi, who is really an excellent musician, played and sang day’s work. “I am a servant of the church,” he cried. “My
for quite half an hour. Padda shuffled off his ox-hide, hunched business is to save souls, not to enter into fellowships and
himself on his flippers before him, and listened with his head understandings with accursed beasts.”
thrown back. Yes—yess! A rather funny sight! Meon tried ‘“Have it your own narrow way,” said Meon. “Padda, you
not to laugh, and asked Eddi if he were satisfied.
needn’t go.” The old fellow flounced back to his ox-hide at
‘It takes some time to get an idea out of my good Eddi’s once.
head. He looked at me.
‘“Man could learn obedience at least from that creature,”
‘“Do you want to sprinkle him with holy water, and see if said Eddi, a little ashamed of himself. Christians should not
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