Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 40, Number 22, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 November 1907 — A Gigantic Joke. [ARTICLE]

A Gigantic Joke.

The love of animals is deeply implanted in tbe Magyar character, and most of the peasant farmers of Hungary own valuable horses and highbred stock. They are well to do, although they live in a primitive manner, have a keen sense of humor, apu are ready to take trouble to put the laugh on some one else. In ‘The Whirlpool of Europe” this story is told of one the Magyar farmers: A typical peasant farmer, a man of considerable wealth, was well known for his adherence to old clothes and customs. On one occasion a young farmer, new' to the district, who had taken a small holding not far from that of the old man, perceived a shabby figure leaning against the gate on the edge of his property, and said, “Hi, old man! Do you want some work?” -The wearor-ot -a shabby,.. sheepskin took his long pipe out of his month, and nodded gravely. “Well, you can come along tomorrow and look after some of my sheep. Bring any of your bits of things or animals with you; there’s plenty of room on my farm:” The next day, as the young farmer walked across bis fields, be saw a cloud of dust coming up the road. Presently there emerged from it a herd of cows, horses and sheep—hundreds of animals with their driver. The cavalcade swept past the aefconished man. Behind It came a huge wagon, creaking and groaning, laden with heavy furniture, in the front of which sat his shabby acquaintance of the day before. “You told me to bring my animals and bits of tilings,” said the old man, “and here we are.”