Ossian Collection > Folk tales and fairy lore in Gaelic and English

FOLK TALES AND FAIRY LORE. 171
On that footing the gentleman agreed, for he thought
it would be a strange thing if he could not discover the
little manikin's name within the time allowed him.
He went home that night in better cheer than was
usual for him, and when he returned next morning, he
was delighted to see the foundation laid. Night after
night the little manikin was adding to the building";
but on quarter night he was not to be seen about the
Castle, and nothing was added to the building.
When the year was drawing towards its close, the
building was nearly completed. The old gentleman
was now getting very anxious; for he had not yet
discovered the Stranger's name. He tried again and
again to guess what it might be; but in spite of every
effort he made, he acted to no purpose. At last he
went to a wise man in the neighbourhood, and asked
his assistance. The old man said: "The Stranger is
a fairy. On the last night of the quarter follow him
to the place where he goes, and stand listening outside,
and you will likely hear his name pronounced by some-
body or other within."
The gentleman returned home, and when the
proper time arrived he did everything the wise man
had advised him. On quarter night he followed the
fairy until he saw him enter the Fairy Knoll, and heard
a voice inside saying: " Have you come, Thomas son
of Jock?" As soon as he heard this, he went away,
quite satisfied that he had discovered the fairy's secret.
But he kept it to himself until the last evening of the
year arrived. Then he went to the Rock, where the
fairy was waiting for him. The fairy said: "I have
finished my work, and you must now go away with
me." "No, I will not go with you yet," answered