Page:My people stories of the peasantry of West Wales.djvu/256



nothing to Catrin? Is she not in child by you?” Old Shemmi’s hay waggon came into the roadway, and Sam said to the man who drove the horse: “Male bach nice, don’t you begin before Esther comes, and she will be soon. Maybe she’s sleeping.” “In the arms of a man,” said Catrin.

Sam placed his hands around his mouth and shouted Esther’s name.

The people entered the waggon: Sam remained in the road. “Find you her, Sam bach!” Catrin cried. “Ask the Bad Spirit if he has seen her.”

Old Shemmi’s mare began the way home.

Sam hastened back to the beach: the tide was coming in, and he walked through the waters, shouting, moaning, and lamenting. At last he beheld Esther, and an awful wrath was kindled within him. As