After a while he heard, through the open door, a clock striking in the city. "I wonder what time it is?" he said to himself. "I must be off before daylight."
It was not long after this that he heard the voices of people coming up the hill. It was past twelve o'clock, and a large party of the citizens, who had staid up late to see Christmas come in, had noticed the light in the giant's castle, and had come up the hill to see if he was really there. They entered the hall, and were astonished to see him sitting by his table. With one accord they took off their hats and shouted: "Merry Christmas! merry Christmas, Shamruck! A merry, merry Christmas to you!"
Other people now came running up the hill, and entered the castle, and everybody shouted, "Merry Christmas!" over and over again.
At first Shamruck sat, utterly bewildered, looking at the people, and listening to this strange greeting. Then he leaned forward, and shouted, "It isn't Christmas yet."
The little girl, who had been awakened by the noise, sat up on his knee, and looked as much astonished as he was himself.
"It is Christmas," cried the people; "it struck twelve o'clock half an hour ago."
"THE KING, WHEN HE HEARD OF IT, JUMPED OUT OF BED."
People were still coming up the hill, and the good news had been passed from mouth to mouth until it reached the city. The King, when he heard of it, jumped out of bed, and ordered his coach and sixteen piebald horses. They were speedily ready, and then he went galloping up the hill to the castle.
"Shamruck," he cried, as he ran into the great hall, "you must stay with us now all day, and join in our festivities. You promised to do that if you ever staid long enough for anybody to wish you a 'Merry Christmas.'"