They saw then that the stranger was a man of high degree (duine uasal).
After he had put the boat high on the sand, he came to where the two were at work, and said: "Old fisherman, you 'd better let this son of yours with me for a year and a day, and I will make a very wise man of him. I am the Gruagach na g-cleasan[1] (Gruagach of tricks), and I 'll bind myself to be here with your son this day year."
"I can't let him go," said the old fisherman, "till he gets his mother's advice."
"Whatever goes as far as women I 'll have nothing to do with," said the Gruagach. "You had better give him to me now, and let the mother alone."
They talked till at last the fisherman promised to let his son go for the year and a day. Then the Gruagach gave his word to have the boy there at the seashore that day year.
The Gruagach and the boy went into the boat and sailed away.
When the year and a day were over, the old fisherman went to the same place where he had parted with his son and the Gruagach, and stood looking over the sea, thinking would he see his son that day.
At last he saw a black spot on the water, then a boat. When it was near he saw two men sitting
- ↑ Pronounced ná glássan.
