The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

6i2 The Highland Monthly.
A sigh of relief escaped the audience at this auspicious
ending of the story, resembling the sound of a relaxed violin
string that is pitched too high, and Aonghas Ban resumed
his work.
" And what was he like, I mean bodach na currachda
deirge P" asked Seorus Glas, who had remained silent
during the recital of Callum's story.
"Well," said Galium, " no part of him was visible but
his head, which was red and something in shape like a
man's, and his face was like that of a seal, but whiter, and
it was, I think, covered with scales. When he passed by
our stern the second time I saw one of his hands, and it
was like the claw of a very large frog."
" And how do you know but it was a seal and not a
bodach na currachda deirge at all !" asked Alan Breac, the
stranger, in an incredulous tone.
" Didn't I tell you that he had a 'Currachd-dhearg' (a red
cap), and that he went round the boat twice, and if he had
gone round us the third time I would not be here to tell
the story. Them that doesn't believe stories shouldn't
listen to them, Alan Breac," returned Galium Mor sharply.
This reply, and the manner in which it was given, indicated
very plainly that the speaker was in no mood to satisfy the
curiosity of any one who doubted the veracity of his story.
Silence again fell on the group round the nre, and Galium
Mor relighted his pipe.
" Do you know, Aonghais Bhain, if there is any truth in
the report I heard to-day about Sandy Stewart, the drover,
having seen a ghost last night at Glenard Gastle as he was
coming home from the Kincardine Market ?" presently
asked Seumas Ruadh.
" Yes, I saw the drover himself to-day and he told me
the whole story."
" And what did he see ?"
" Well, I will tell you the story as he told it to me. He
left Glenard Hotel about midnight, and just as he was
opposite the old Castle he saw a man coming towards him