“Bread and milk, sir,” said she. “There’s nothing better,” said the Leprecaun. “And then we go to bed,” continued Brigid. “Why wouldn’t you?” said the Leprecaun. It was at this point the Thin Woman of Inis Magrath knocked on the tree trunk and demanded that the children should be returned to her. When she had gone away the Leprecauns held a consultation, whereat it was decided that they could not afford to anger the Thin Woman and the Shee of Croghan Conghaile, so they shook hands with the children and bade them good-bye. The Leprecaun who had enticed them away from home brought them back again, and on parting he begged the children to visit Gort na Cloca Mora whenever they felt inclined. “There’s always a bit of griddle bread or potato cake, and a noggin of milk for a friend,” said he. “You are very kind, sir,” replied Seumas, and his sister said the same words. As the Leprecaun walked away they stood watching him. [Illustration: “Do you remember,” said Seumas, “the way he hopped and waggled his leg the last time he was here?”] “Do you remember,” said Seumas, “the way he hopped and waggled his leg the last time he was here?” “I do so,” replied Brigid. “Well, he isn’t hopping or doing anything at all this time,” said Seumas. “He’s not in good humour to-night,” said Brigid, “but I like him.” “So do I,” said Seumas. When they went into the house the Thin Woman of Inis Magrath was very glad to see them, and she baked a cake with currants in it, and also gave them both stirabout and potatoes; but the Philosopher did not notice that they had been away at all. He said at last that “talking was bad wit, that women were always making a fuss, that children should be fed, but not fattened, and that beds were meant to be slept in.” The Thin Woman replied “that he was a grisly old man without bowels, that she did not know what she had married him for, that he was three times her age, and that no one would believe what she had to put up with.” CHAPTER IX Pursuant to his arrangement with Meehawl MacMurrachu, the Philosopher sent the children in search of Pan. He gave them the fullest instructions as to how they should address the Sylvan Deity, and then, having received the admonishments of the Thin Woman of Inis Magrath, the children departed in the early morning.