Pat O'Burke, a poor Irishman with a large family, woke early one morning from cold and hunger. He decided to go shooting in a nearby wood.
The wood belonged to the wealthy Lord Northwood, and Pat had no right to be there. However, swarms of rabbits and flocks of birds promised a good meal, so he took the risk.
Suddenly, he saw Lord Northwood and a group of friends approaching. Anger flashed across the lord's face at the sight of Pat's gun. Pat's heart sank, but seeing no chance of escape, he walked boldly up to the group.
"Good morning, sir," said Pat. "What brings you out so early?"
Lord Northwood, surprised, replied that he and his friends were taking exercise to work up an appetite for breakfast. He then looked at Pat suspiciously and asked, "But why are you out so early?"
"Well, sir," said Pat, "I just came out to see if I could get a breakfast for my appetite."
The whole crowd burst into laughter at Pat's ready wit. With a smile, Lord Northwood walked on, leaving Pat to try his luck with the rabbits.