Ole lived across the river from Clarence--and they didn't like each other at all. They were yelling all the time across the river at each other.
Ole would yell to Clarence, "If I had a vay to cross dis river, I'd come over dere an beat you up good, yeah sure ya betcha by golly!"
This went on for years. Finally the state built a bridge across the river right there by their houses.
Ole's wife, Lena, said, "Now is your chance, Ole, why don't you go over dere & beat up dat Clarence like you said you vould?
Ole said, "OK, by yimmy I tink I vill do yust dat." Ole started for the bridge but he saw a sign on the bridge & he stopped to read it, then he turned around & went back home.
Lena asked, "Vhy did you come back?"
Ole said, "Lena, I tink I change my mind 'bout beatin' up dat Clarence, you know, dey put up a sign on da bridge dat says "Clarence is 13 ft. 6 in." You know, he don't look dat big vhen I yell at him from across da river."
By Terri
