Page:Beside the Fire - Douglas Hyde.djvu/147

 Rh at all that ale or wine are wanting, come here and draw. Farewell now; go to sleep, and come again to me tomorrow night."

Paudyeen went to bed, and it wasn't long till he fell asleep.

On the morning of the day of the morrow, Paudyeen went home, and brought his wife and children to the big house, and they were comfortable. That night Paudyeen went down to the cellar; the little man welcomed him and asked him did he wish to dance?

"Not till I get a drink," said Paudyeen.

"Drink your 'nough," said the little man; "that barrel will never be empty as long as you live."

Paudyeen drank the full of the goblet, and gave a drink to the little man. Then the little man said to him:

"I am going to Doon-na-shee (the fortress of the fairies) to-night, to play music for the good people, and if you come with me you'll see fine fun. I'll give you a horse that you never saw the like of him before."

"I'll go with you, and welcome," said Paudyeen; "but what excuse will I make to my wife?"

"I'll bring you away from her side without her knowing it, when you are both asleep together, and I'll bring you back to her the same way," said the little man.

"I'm obedient," says Paudyeen; "we'll have another drink before I leave you."

He drank drink after drink, till he was half drunk, and he went to bed with his wife.

When he awoke he found himself riding on a besom near Doon-na-shee, and the little man riding on another