The elfin hammer was working busily—busily!
Finn slipped up quietly, and grasping the red cap in one hand laid hold of the wee man’s shoulder with the other. Up jumped the Elf. He looked round quickly for his cap.
“Good day, sir,” said Finn.
Leprechaun made a deep bow.
“You are busy, I see.”
“Always busy, sir,” answered the wee man. “Always busy.”
“I suppose you like to make shoes, especially such dainty ones?” And all the time Finn kept his eyes on the little Elf’s face and held him fast.
“I like to work” said the Fairy Shoemaker slyly. “Come, now, do you?”
Finn felt a little confused at this last question, but he answered,
“You have plenty of gold and some to spare, I should think. Come, tell me where you keep your treasure crocks.”