13
When morning began to dawn, the little man turned round to him and said, You may now go home, Billy, but on your peril dont fail to meet me in the Fort-field to-night; or if you do, it may be the worse for you in the long run. If I find you a good servant, you will find me an indulgent master.
Home went Billy MacDaniel; and though he was tired and weary enough never a wink of sleep could he get for thinking of the little man; but he was afraid not to do his bidding, so up he got in the evening, and away he went to the Fort-field. He was not long there before the little man came towards him and said, Billy, I want to go a long journey to-night; so saddle one of my horses and you may saddle another for yourself, as you are to go along with me, and may be tired after your walk last night.
Billy thought this very considerate of his master, and thanked him accordingly. But, said he If I may be so hold, sir, I would ask which is the way to your stable, for never a thing do I see but the fort here, and the old thorn-tree in the corner of the field, and the stream running at the bottom of the hill, with the bit of bog over against us.
Ask no questions, Billy, said the little man, but go over to that bit of bog, and bring me two of the strongest rushes you can find.
Billy did accordingly, wondering what the little man would be at; and he picked out two of the stoutest rushes he could find, with a little bunch of brown blossom stuck at each side of each, and brought them back to his master.
Get up, Billy, said the little man, taking one of the rushes from him and striding across it.
Where shall I get up, please your honour? said Billy.
