"I must see him."
A messenger was despatched for Bryan, who shortly after made his appearance.
"Neighbour," said the stranger, "your wife informs me that your cattle are going against you this season."
"She informs you right," said Bryan.
"And why have you not sought a cure?"
"A cure!" re-echoed the man; "why, woman, I have sought cures until I was heart-broken, and all in vain; they get worse every day."
"What will you give me if I cure them for you?"
"Anything in our power," replied Bryan and his wife, both speaking joyfully, and with a breath.
"All I will ask from you is a silver sixpence, and that you will do everything which I will bid you," said she.
The farmer and his wife seemed astonished at the moderation of her demand. They offered her a large sum of money.