“‘Of course he would not be letting you till he knew where ye were going.’
“‘He’s not much of a fairy,’ said I, ‘or he would know that without asking; tell him that I am going to see my brother.’
“‘And who is your brother, little Sas?’
“‘What my father is, a royal soldier.’
“‘Oh, ye are going then to the detachment at ---; by my shoul, I have a good mind to be spoiling your journey.’
“‘You are doing that already,’ said I, ‘keeping me here talking about dogs and fairies; you had better go home and get some salve to cure that place over your eye; it’s catching cold you’ll be in so much snow.’
“On one side of the man’s forehead there was a raw and staring wound, as if from a recent and terrible blow.
“‘Faith, then, I’ll be going, but it’s taking you wid me I will be.’
“‘And where will you take me?’
“‘Why, then, to Ryan’s Castle, little Sas.’