I have listened again to the recording I have by Jimmy and another by Melvin Wrinkle, a local singer who learned the song from Jimmy and who sang "Maid of Argenta" quite often at regular Friday night musicals. I still hear "prattle". However, I have heard the word "paddle" used for hand. With Jimmy and Cleda being gone, and Cleda probably remembered words to Jimmy's songs better than he did, we may never have a definitive interpretation. I have been trying to think of someone else who might be able to provide a reliable opinion. But nothing yet.