ter he had been in prison some
time, successful interposition was made on his behalf by a friend
named Le Sieur O'SHAY. But that (as RUDYARD KIPPLING observes) is
another story.

"'Some time after my brother came to me and proposed to make a long
journey involving close business relations with him. I at first
declined his proposition. "You have been in business some time," I
said to him, "and what have you gained? Who is to assure me that I
shall be more fortunate than you?"

"'In vain he encouraged me to stake my fortune with him, but he
returned so often to the charge that, having through six years
constantly resisted his solicitations, I at last yielded. I realised
all my property, took my brother into partnership, stocked our vessel
exclusively with Home Rule goods, and set out on our voyage.

"'We arrived safely, did a great stroke of business with our wares,
bought those of the country, and set forth on our return voyage. Just
as we were ready to re-embark I met on the seashore a lady, not at
all bad looking, but very meanly dressed. She approached me, kissed
my hand, begged me to take her for my wife, and conduct her to my home
across the sea. This may seem to our friend JACK MORLEY a somewhat
hasty proceeding. JACK is a philosopher, but I am the Second Old Man,
a mere child of nature. I took her into Bond Street, and bought her a
new dress, and, having duly married her, we set sail. Perhaps I should
add that her maiden name was IRELAND.

"'My brother and she got on very well at first, and he loudly
professed to share the esteem and (considering she was my wife I may
say) affection with which I regarded her. But suddenly a change came
over him. One night whilst we slept he threw us overboard into the
sea. My wife turned out to be a fairy, and, as you may imagine, she
was not born to be drowned. As for me I was, so to speak, on my way to
be as dead as a herring, when she seized me and transported me to an
isle. When it was day the fairy said to me, "You see, my husband, that
in saving your life I have not badly recompensed you. I am, as you
doubtless begin to suspect, a fairy. Finding myself on the seashore
when you were about to embark, I felt strongly drawn towards you.
Desiring to prove the goodness of your heart, I presented myself in
the disguise with which you are familiar. It was, I admit, a trifle
shabby. You have used me generously. I am delighted to have found
occasion to repay you; but as for that