on him, if I was ever down in his parts,
and see his sheep and taste his ale."

"Do you know who he was?" said I.

"Oh yes; know all about him; Earl of Leicester, from county of Norfolk;
fine old man indeed--you very much like him--speak just in same way."

"Have you given up the business of drover long?" said I.

"Oh yes; given him up a long time, ever since domm'd railroad came into
fashion."

"And what do you do now?" said I.

"Oh, not much; live upon my means; picked up a little property, a few
sticks, just enough for old crow to build him nest with--sometimes,
however, undertake a little job for neighbouring people and get a little
money. Can do everything in small way, if necessary; build little
bridge, if asked;--Jack of all Trades--live very comfortably."

"And where do you live?"

"Oh, not very far from Tregaron."

"And what kind of place is Tregaron?"

"Oh, very good place; not quite so big as London but very good place."

"What is it famed for?" said I,

"Oh, famed for very good ham; best ham at Tregaron in all Shire
Cardigan."

"Famed for anything else?"

"Oh yes! famed for great man, clever thief, Twm Shone Catti, who was born
there."

"Dear me!" said I; "when did he live?"

"Oh, long time ago, more than two hundred year."

"And what became of him?" said I; "was he hung?"

"Hung, no! only stupid thief hung. Twm Shone clever thief; died rich
man, justice of the peace and mayor of Brecon."

"Very singular," said I, "that they should make a thief mayor of Brecon."

"Oh Twm Shone Catti very different from other thieves; funny fellow, and
so good-natured that everybody loved him--so they made him magistrate,
not, however, before he had become very rich man by marrying great lady
who fell in love with him."

"Ah, ah," said I; "that's the way of the world. He became rich, so they
made him a magistrate; had he remained poor they would have hung him in
spite of all his fun and good-nature. Well, can't you tell me some of
the things he did?"

"Oh yes, can tell you plenty. One day in time of fair Tom Shone Catti
goes into ironmonger's shop in Llandovery. 'Master,' says he, 'I want to
buy a good large iron porridge pot; please to show me some.' So the man
brings three or four big iron porridge pots, the very best he has. Tom
takes up one and turns it round. 'This look very good porridge pot,'
said he; 'I think it will suit me.' Then he turns it round and round
again, and at last l