his is Derry,” said the fairies, flying over the cathedral spire; and what was said by one voice was repeated by all the rest, till fifty little voices were crying out, “Derry! Derry! Derry!”
In like manner was Jamie informed as they passed over each town on the route, and at length he heard the silvery voices cry, “Dublin! Dublin!”
It was no mean dwelling that was to be honoured by the fairy visit, but one of the finest houses in Stephen’s Green.
The troop dismounted near a window, and Jamie saw a beautiful face on a pillow in a splendid bed. He saw the young lady lifted and carried away, while the stick which was dropped in her place on the bed took her exact form.
The lady was placed before one rider and carried a short way, then given another, and the names of the towns were cried as before.
They were approaching home. Jamie heard “Rathmullan,” “Milford,” “Tamney,” and then he knew they were near his own house.
“You’ve all had your turn at carrying the young lady,” said he. “Why wouldn’t I get her for a wee piece?”
“Ay, Jamie,” replied they pleasantly, “you may take your turn at carrying her, to be sure.”
Holding his prize very tightly he dropped down near his mother’s door.
“Jamie Freel! Jamie Freel! is that the way you treat us?” cried they, and they, too, dropped down near the door.