302 THE LAND OF PLUCK

the man himself, as he sat there, shivered to think of his
own appearance. Well, meantime some of the rest who
had joined in this cruel plan to frighten Limpetty Jack,
ran to find him, and to tell him that “a gentleman waited
to see him alone on important business.”

“Won't it be too jolly!” they whispered to one another
in great glee. “We ‘Il not let any harm really come to
Limpetty, but we Il make him think he ’s in a peck of
trouble before we get through with hin.”

So they all chimed in, “Oh! yes, Limpetty! it ’s so!
The gentleman wants to see you alone. Very important
business! You ‘ll find him in the cave by the water.”

“And be quick, Limpetty Jack!” added their leader.
“He ’s the husband of the beautifulest mermaid that ever
lived. She sends you a bag of gold by him. He ’Il be
wanting a sacrifice of you to pay for the gold, but never
you mind. Do as he tells you, and all will be right.”

“Ay, but I will!” cried poor Limpetty Jack in great glee.
“A bag of gold from a mermaid! Bless my lucky stars !”
And off he ran to make himself fine for the wonderful
person who sat waiting for him in the cave by the water.

Now it so happened that just when Limpetty Jack was
about to start, he was joined by Philly Mac, as he was
affectionately called—the little son of the Philigan Mc-
Dermot who now crouched in the cave waiting for Lim-
petty Jack.

“Let me go with you, Jack!” cried little Philly.

“No! no!” answered Limpetty Jack. “TI must go
alone to get my bag of gold. It’s a great secret. Stay
you where you be.”