J. F. Campbell Collection > Fireside stories of Ireland

SHAN AX OMADHAN AND HIS MASTER. 75
something to eat, he told them how he got service "svith the
Bodach Liath of Tuaim an Drochaigh [Gray Churl of the
Townland of Mischance], and that the agreement was, who-
ever would first say he was sorry for his bargain, should get
an inch wide of the skin of his back, from shoulder to hips,
taken off. If it was the master, he should also pay double
Avages ; if it was the servant, he should get no wages at all.
" But the thief," says he, "gave me so little to eat, and kept
me so hard at work, that flesh and blood couldn't stand it ;
and when he asked me once, when 1 was in a passion, if I
was sorry for my bargain, I was mad enough to say I was,
and here I am disabled for life."
Yexed enough were the poor mother and brothers ; and
the second eldest said on the spot he'd go and take service
with the Gray Churl, and punish him by all the annoyance
he'd give him till he'd make him say he was sorry for his
agreement. " Oh, won't T be glad to see the skin coming
off the old villain's back ! " said he. All they could say had
no effect : he started off for the Townland of Mischance,
and in a twelvemonth he was back just as miserable and
helpless as his brother.
All the poor mother could say didn't prevent Shan an
Omadhan from starting to see if he was able to regulate the
Bodach Liath. • He agreed with him for a year for twenty
pounds, and the terms were the same.
"jS'ow, Shan," said the Bodach Liath, "if you refuse to
do anything you are able to do, you must lose a month's
wages." " I'm satisfied," said Shan; "and if you stop me
from doing a thing after telling me to do it, you are to give
me an additional month's wages." " I am satisfied." says
the master. " Or if you blame me for obeying your orders,
you must give the same." " I am satisfied," said the mas-
ter again.
The first day that Shan served he was fed very poorly,
and was worked to the saddleskirts. Next day he came in
just before the dinner was sent up to the parlour. They
were taking the goose off' the spit, but well becomes Shan,
he whips a knife off the dresser, and cuts off one side of the
breast, one leg and thigh, and one wing, and fell to. In
came the master, and began to abuse him for his assurance.