Page:Shiana - Peadar Ua Laoghaire.djvu/265

Rh seemed to him, just as it had seemed when he was on the mountain, talking to the woman, that it was not his own voice that was coming from his chest.

"Was it not the bargain," said the Black Man, "that I should give you as much money as would buy leather for you for thirteen years, and that you should come with me when that time should have been spent?"

"That was the bargain," said Shiana.

"Why don't you come along then?" said the other.

"Because the time has not been spent," said Shiana.

"What? The time has not been spent?" said the Black Man. "It is now exactly thirteen years since I put my purse into your hand."

"Perhaps so," said Shiana, "but the purse has not been thirteen years in my possession yet."

"How is that?" said the Black Man.

"Because it was taken from me for a while," said Shiana.

"It was taken from you!" said the Black Man. "I would not believe a word from you!"

"You would not? Then what is the reason that you are not able to touch me?" said Shiana.

"Who took it from you?" said the Black Man.

"Yourself, I suppose," said Shiana.

"I did not," said the Black Man.

"I suppose," said Shiana, with a short laugh, "that you think I ought to believe you."

"When was it taken from you?" said the Black Man.

"I suppose it is you that know that best," said Shiana. "It was your business not to let anybody take it from me."