“Sit down on that little root, child of my heart,” said he, “and you can knit stockings for us.”
“Yes, sir,” said Brigid meekly.
The Leprecaun took four knitting needles and a ball of green wool from the top of a high, horizontal root. He had to climb over one, go round three and climb up two roots to get at it, and he did this so easily that it did not seem a bit of trouble. He gave the needles and wool to Brigid Beg.
“Do you know how to turn the heel, Brigid Beg?” said he.
“No, sir,” said Brigid.
“Well, I’ll show you how when you come to it.”
The other six Leprecauns had ceased work and were looking at the children. Seumas turned to them.
“God bless the work,” said he politely.
One of the Leprecauns, who had a grey, puckered face and a thin fringe of grey whisker very far under his chin, then spoke.
“Come over here, Seumas Beg,” said he, “and I’ll measure you for a pair of shoes. Put your foot up on that root.”