Page:Shiana - Peadar Ua Laoghaire.djvu/45

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SHIANA
31
that she thought it was lawful money, and by the same token, that she gave him his hat?
Abbie.—Yes, she did think that, and she did give the hat. But it was after that that the money turned into bits of slate again.
Nora.—And how could it turn back into bits of slate again, unless Michael himself were to take the witchcraft off it?
Kate.—And how do you know he didn't?
Nora.—She said he went away home when he got his hat.
Abbie.—But then he was in Millstreet a week afterwards, he and "Thade of the Eggs," and they went into the same house, and Michael called the woman aside. "I owe you two and eight pence," said he. "Here it is for you." "You don't owe me any two and eight pence," said she. "I do, honestly," said he. "Here it is for you." "But I say you do not," said she. "Don't you remember," said she, "that I was keeping your hat, and that you got the money somewhere and gave it to me?" "What did you do with it?" said Michael. "I didn't do anything with it," said she. "I have it here in the box yet." "I would like to see it," said Michael. "It is there," said she; "a shilling and two sixpences and two fourpenny pieces. Come here," said she, "and see them again for yourself." They went over to the box and she opened it, and when she looked into it and saw the little bits of slate, she turned upon Michael and looked at him as she would look at a mad dog. "Here," said Michael,