The Biter Bit
It was the custom some years ago in some parts
of Scotland for some of the older farm lads to return during the quiet
season to make up in some small measure for broken time at other periods
of the year.
They were naturally rather difficult to
handle, and the records tell of the experience of an elderly little
schoolmaster who made up his mind to enforce discipline by applying the
tawse at every possible opportunity.
One of the bigger lads was one day brought out
for punishment, and he dutifully held out his hand which was as big as a
ham. The poor schoolmaster laid on the tawse for all he was worth, but,
after great puffing and blowing, made little or no impression on the
offender. Finally, he stopped his applications, completely exhausted.
"Ay, ma mannie" said the youth, quite
unperturbed "that'll gar ye swyte."
