Bridget opened the grating in the door and looked out. There she saw a great-shouldered giant of a man, covered with beard, and beside him was a wee gray donkey, and on the donkey rode a woman, who turned her face to Bridget and smiled. And the wonder of that smile drew Bridget’s hand to the latch.
She opened the door wide and bade them enter. She laid before them what ale and dates and oaten cake was left, and watched them eat in silence.
Then she beckoned them to the courtyard.
“Yonder is the byre clean with fresh straw; and the creatures are gentle. Half the promise have I broken this night; I have given ye food. But shelter ye must take outside the inn. Come!”
She led the way to the byre and left them there, hurrying back to bar the door of the inn again. But as she was fastening the latch she heard the sound of much travel abroad, and looking out she saw it was her father’s camels returning. There was great gladness in her welcome—aye, and there was sadness for the breaking of the promise.
“See,” said she, drawing her father in. “I gave them food—only food. They are resting in the byre.” But when she went to gather up the dish that had been empty, behold it was filled with dates and oaken cake! And the cruiskeen was filled with ale!
“’Tis a miracle!” said Bridget, the breath leaving her; and even as she spoke the strange thing happened.
Outside came the sound of falling rain, not gentle as a passing shower, but the steady beat, beat, beat of the rainy season.
“The drouth is broken,” said Doughall Donn, adding, with wonder in his voice: “What manner of folk are those yonder? Are ye not minding the prophesy: ‘The King of Love, Ruler of the World and All Time, shall be born on the first night of rain following the great drouth; and He shall be born in a byre outside an inn.’ Come, let us see!”
He drew Bridget with him across the courtyard, but before ever they entered the byre they saw the holy light and heard singing that was not of this earth. And when they came inside there was Mary upon the hay, and beside her lay a new-born child.