“Thou canst not do it,” said one and all.
But the lank grey beggarman put a finger on either outside straw and, whiff, away he blew the middle one.
“’Tis a good trick,” said O’Donnell; and he paid him his five pieces of silver.
“For half the money,” said one of the chief’s lads, “I’ll do the same trick.”
“Take him at his word, O’Donnell.”
The lad put the three straws on his hand, and a finger on either outside straw and he blew; and what happened but that the fist was blown away with the straw.
“Thou art sore, and thou wilt be sorer,” said O’Donnell.
“Six more pieces, O’Donnell, and I’ll do another trick for thee," said the lank grey beggarman.
“Six shalt thou have.”
“Seest thou my two ears! One I’ll move but not t’other.”