aw the figure of
a man, and what appeared to be an animal of some kind, coming across the
bog with great speed, in the direction of myself; the nature of the
ground seemed to offer but little impediment to these beings, both
clearing the holes and abysses which lay in their way with surprising
agility; the animal was, however, some slight way in advance, and,
bounding over the dyke, appeared on the road just before me. It was a
dog, of what species I cannot tell, never having seen the like before or
since; the head was large and round; the ears so tiny as scarcely to be
discernible; the eyes of a fiery red; in size it was rather small than
large; and the coat, which was remarkably smooth, as white as the falling
flakes. It placed itself directly in my path, and showing its teeth, and
bristling its coat, appeared determined to prevent my progress. I had an
ashen stick in my hand, with which I threatened it; this, however, only
served to increase its fury; it rushed upon me, and I had the utmost
difficulty to preserve myself from its fangs.

"'What are you doing with the dog, the fairy dog?' said a man, who at
this time likewise cleared the dyke at a bound.

"He was a very tall man, rather well dressed as it should seem; his
garments, however, were like my own, so covered with snow that I could
scarcely discern their quality.

"'What are ye doing with the dog of peace?'

"'I wish he would show himself one,' said I; 'I said nothing to him, but
he placed himself in my road, and would not let me pass.'

"'Of course he would not be letting you till he knew where ye were
going.'

"'He's not much of a fairy,' said I, 'or he would know that without
asking; tell him that I am going to see my brother.'

"'And who is your brother, little Sas?'

"'What my father is, a royal soldier.'

"'Oh, ye are going then to the detachment at ---; by my shoul, I have a
good mind to be spoiling your journey.'

"'You are doing that already,' said I, 'keeping me here talking about
dogs and fairies; you had better go home and get some salve to cure that
place over your eye; it's catching cold you'll be in so much snow.'

"On one side of the man's forehead there was a raw and staring wound, as
if from a recent and terrible blow.

"'Faith, then, I'll be going, but it's taking you wid me I will be.'

"'And where will you take me?'

"'Why, then, to Ryan's Castle, little Sas.'

"'You do not speak the language very correctly,' said I;