Here was the signal. Mihal, in his enfeebled state, was no match for the sturdy farmer; in a moment his head was rolling on the floor by a vigorous stroke of the fatal axe, while grins of satisfaction might be seen playing on the countenances both of the old lady, and her greyhound!
The feelings of the poor widow may be imagined, when no tidings ever reached her of her Mihal More. But, on the expiration of a year, the second son, Pauthrick Dhuv, or Patrick Black Fellow, so called from his dark complexion, also prevailed on his mother to let him go in search of his brother, and of employment.
But why should I describe again the horrid scene? Let me satisfy you by merely saying that precisely the same occurrences also happened to poor Pauthrick Dhuv, and that his bones were added to those of his brother, and of the other victims behind the farmer’s garden!
But when, in the course of another year, neither Mihal nor Pauthrick appeared, the widow’s grief was unbounded. How was she, then, astonished, when “the fool,” as he was yet always called, although his real name was Rooshkulum, actually volunteered to do the same! Nothing could stop him: go he would. So the cake was baked, the hen was killed and roasted, and Rooshkulum, “the fool,” set out on his expedition. And there, at the rock in the wood, was that very same greyhound; and as soon as she had looked him in the face, he said, “Why, poor thing! I have here what I cannot eat, and you seem badly to need it; here are these bones and some of this cake.”
It was then the greyhound addressed him. “Come with me,” said she; “lo! here is the well, of which your two brothers could not drink: behold! here is the honey on the top, clear and pure, but the blood is far beneath!”
When “the fool” had satisfied himself at this well, he followed the greyhound to the farmer’s house. It may be barely possible that by the road he received from her some excellent advice.
The conversation that ensued when Rooshkulum arrived at the farmer’s, and offered himself for his servant, was much of the same nature as I have before detailed while relating the former part of my story. “But,” said Rooshkulum the fool, “I will not bind myself to these terms for ever; I might get tired of you, or you of me; so, if you please, I will agree to stop with you for certain till we both hear the cuckoo cry when we are together.”
To this they agreed, and went into the house. However, just before they stepped in, the farmer asked Rooshkulum his name.
“Why,” said he, “mine is a very curious name: it is so curious a name, indeed, that you would never learn it; and where is the occasion of breaking your jaws every minute trying to call me ‘Pondracaleuthashochun,’ which is my real name, when you may as well call me always ‘the Boy?’”
“Well! that will do,” answered the master.