"Home, shweet home, me darlinsh," said Jimmie; "lemme shisht ye off kersh."
"Come on, we'll help the wife off," said Mick.
But Jimmie had taken his wife's arm, and as he jumped she jumped too. Splash they went into the pond, and at the same time a shower of stones came from the wall. The horse took fright, and started off, the driver shouting "Murder!" as they raced down the road.
"In the name a' God, where am I?" shouted Mrs Burke.
But she got no answer, for Jimmie, with the help of Mick and Patsy, was taking back ducks in the pond. Mrs Burke splashed towards the light, going deeper every step.
"Ye ould villain, will ye come an' help me out?" she screamed. "Sure, it's ruinin' me dress an' me new boots I am."
Then the light went out, and a moment later there was a gurgling cry, followed by shrieks and cries of murder. In the middle of it all voices were heard coming along the road from the village, and the sound of the car coming back.
"Hist!" said Mick. "Home."
"Och, I'm wet to the skin," said Patsy as they ran along the road, "but ould Jimmie's far wetter."
"He's as dry as the wife," said Jane, "for I ducked her three times; she went down awful easy."