Those that had anything to give gave it in return. It might be a bit of music played on a harp or a pipe, or it might be a dance or a song; but more often it was a wish, just, for good luck and safe-keeping.
Teig was so taken up with the watching that he never heard the fairies when they wished themselves off; moreover, he never saw the wee girl that was fed and went laughing away. But he heard a bit of her song as she passed through the door:
“Feed ye the hungry and rest ye the weary,
This ye must do for the sake of Our Mary.”
Then the anger had Teig. “I’ll stop your pestherin’ tongue once an’ for all time!” And, catching the cap from his head, he threw it after her.
No sooner was the cap gone than every soul in the hall saw him. The next moment they were about him, catching at his coat and crying:
“Where is he from? What does he here? Bring him before the King!”
And Teig was dragged along by a hundred hands to the throne where the King sat.
“He was stealing food,” cried one.
“He was stealing the King’s jewels,” cried another.