says I. `` You 'll soon know , '' says he ; and he drew his fingers across my eyes , and not a ray could I see . I kept a tight grip of him , and I little knew whether he was going backwards or forwards , or how long we were about it , till my hand was taken again , and I felt the ground under me . The fingers went the other way across my eyes , and there we were before a castle door , and in we went through a big hall and great rooms all painted in fine green colours , with red and gold bands and ornaments , and the finest carpets and chairs and tables and window curtains , and grand ladies and gentlemen walking about . At last we came to a bedroom , with a beautiful lady in bed , with a fine bouncing boy beside her . The lady clapped her hands , and in came the Dark Man and kissed her and the baby , and praised me , and gave me a bottle of green ointment to rub the child all over . ` Well , the child I rubbed , sure enough ; but my right eye began to smart , and I put up my finger and gave it a rub , and then stared , for never in all my life was I so frightened . The beautiful room was a big , rough cave , with water oozing over the edges of the stones and through the clay ; and the lady , and the lord , and the child weazened , poverty-bitten creatures -- nothing but skin and bone -- and the rich dresses were old rags . I did n't let on that I found any difference , and after a bit says the Dark Man , `` Go before me to the hall door , and I will be with you in a few moments , and see you safe home . '' Well , just as I turned into the outside cave , who should I see watching near the door but poor Molly . She looked round all terrified , and says she to me in a whisper , `` I 'm brought here to nurse the child of the king and queen of the fairies ; but there is one chance of saving me . All the court will pass the cross near Templeshambo next Friday night , on a visit to the fairies of Old Ross . If John can catch me by the hand or cloak when I ride by , and has courage not to let go his grip , I 'll be safe . Here 's the king . Do n't open your mouth to answer . I saw what happened with the ointment . '' ` The Dark Man did n't once cast his eye towards Molly , and he seemed to have no suspicion of me . When we came out I looked about me , and where do you think we were but in the dyke of the Rath of Cromogue . I was on the horse again , which was nothing but a big rag-weed , and I was in dread every minute I 'd fall off ; but nothing happened till I found myself in my own cabin . The king slipped five guineas into my hand as soon as I was on the ground , and thanked me , and bade me good night . I hope I 'll never see his face again .
I got into bed , and could n't sleep for a long time ; and when I examined my five guineas this morning , that I left in the table drawer the last thing , I found five withered leaves of oak -- bad luck XXXXX the giver ! '
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