Page:Darby O'Gill and the Good People by Herminie Templeton Kavanagh (1903).djvu/59

Rh Bekase there was more of a challenge than friendly warning in what the small lad said, Darby snapped his fingers at him an’ cried:

“Have no fear, little man! If I got all Ireland ground for making a fourth wish, however small, before midnight I’d not make it. I’m going home now to fetch Bridget an’ the childher, and the only fear or unaisiness I have is that you’ll not keep your word, so as to have the castle here ready before us when I come back.”

“Oho! I’m not to be thrusted, amn’t I?” screeched the little lad, flaring into a blazing passion. He jumped upon the log that was betwixt them, an’ with one fist behind his back shook the other at Darby.

“You ignorant, auspicious-minded blaggard!” says he. “How dare the likes of you say the likes of that to the likes of me!” cried the cobbler. “I’d have you to know,” he says, “that I had a repitation for truth an’ voracity ayquil if not shuperior to the best, before you were born!” he shouted. “I’ll take no high talk from a man that’s afraid to give words to his own wife whin she’s in a tantrum!” says the Leprechaun.

“It’s aisy to know you’re not a married man,” says Darby, mighty scornful, “bekase if you—” Rh