Page:Shiana - Peadar Ua Laoghaire.djvu/20

6 "And, be hanged to you!" said Shiana, his speech returning to him, "couldn't you say that without paralysing a man with your staring, whoever you may be?"

"You need not care who I am; but I will give you money enough now to buy as much leather as will keep you working for thirteen years, on this condition—that you will come with me then."

"And if I make the bargain with you, where will we go then?"

"Won't it be time enough for you to ask that question when the leather is used up and we shall be starting?"

"You are sharp-witted. Have your way. Let us see the money."

"You are sharp-witted. Look here!"—the Black Man put his hand into his pocket and drew out a large purse, and from the purse he let out upon his palm a little heap of fine yellow gold.

"Look," said he, and he stretched out his hand and put the heap of beautiful glittering pieces up under the eyes of poor Shiana. Shiana held out both his hands, and the fingers of the hands spread themselves toward the gold.

"Gently!" said the Black Man, drawing the gold back to him; "the bargain is not made yet."

"Let it be a bargain," said Shiana.

"Without fail?" said the Black Man.

"Without fail," said Shiana.

"By the virtue of the Holy Things?" said the Black Man.

"By the virtue of the Holy Things," said Shiana.