Before Paddy went off to war, he decided he had to make sure his marriage stayed safe while he was away.
So, being a very “careful” husband, he fitted a chastity belt on his wife.
His wife crossed her arms and said, “Paddy, do you not trust me?”
Paddy smiled and said, “Of course I trust you, my dear. It’s everyone else I don’t trust.”
Then he locked the belt, put the key in a small envelope, and handed it to his best friend Fergus.
“Fergus,” Paddy said seriously, “you’re the only man I trust with this.”
Fergus nodded proudly.
“I won’t let you down, Paddy.”
Paddy continued, “If I’m not back within four years, you may open it… and enjoy.”
Fergus placed a hand on his heart.
“That’s a heavy responsibility, my friend.”
Paddy hugged his wife goodbye, climbed onto his horse, waved dramatically, and rode away toward the battlefield.
The road was quiet, the wind was strong, and Paddy felt brave.
But after about half an hour, he heard something behind him.
He turned around and saw a cloud of dust racing down the road.
A horse was coming fast.
As it got closer, Paddy recognized Fergus, red-faced, sweating, and riding like the devil himself was chasing him.
Paddy stopped and shouted, “Fergus! What’s wrong? Has something happened at home?”
Fergus pulled up beside him, gasping for breath.
Paddy’s face went pale.
“Is my wife all right?”
Fergus bent forward, trying to speak.
“Yes… yes… she’s fine…”
“Then what is it?”
Fergus wiped his forehead, held up the envelope, and shouted:
“Paddy… it’s the wrong key!”