“Why wouldn’t you?” said the Leprecaun.
It was at this point the Thin Woman of Inis Magrath knocked on the tree trunk and demanded that the children should be returned to her.
When she had gone away the Leprecauns held a consultation, whereat it was decided that they could not afford to anger the Thin Woman and the Shee of Croghan Conghaile, so they shook hands with the children and bade them good-bye. The Leprecaun who had enticed them away from home brought them back again, and on parting he begged the children to visit Gort na Cloca Mora whenever they felt inclined.
“There’s always a bit of griddle bread or potato cake, and a noggin of milk for a friend,” said he.
“You are very kind, sir,” replied Seumas, and his sister said the same words.
As the Leprecaun walked away they stood watching him.
“Do you remember,” said Seumas, “the way he hopped and waggled his leg the last time he was here?”
“Do you remember,” said Seumas, “the way he hopped and waggled his leg the last time he was here?”