164 LEGEND OF KNOCK-A-THAMPLE. 



wife. This was not unnoticed by the Red Pedler, who 

 proffered his services as guide, which the youth modestly, 

 but firmly, declined. The Pilgrim hastened to the fountain, 

 performed the customary ceremonies before noon, and then 

 took the mountain path, leading through an opening in the 

 hills, to a station,* which, though particularly lonely, was 

 usually selected by good Catholics for a last act of devotion, 

 when returning from visiting at the blessed well. The Pedler, 

 who, on various pretences, had loitered near the place, soon 

 afterwards departed in the same direction. 



That night the herdsman's family sought repose in vain : 

 wild unearthly noises were heard around the hovel ; and shriek 

 and laughter, awfully mingled together, were borne upon the 

 breeze which came moaning from the mountains. The peasant 



barred his door, and grasped his wood-axe ; his wife with 

 trembling fingers, told her rosary over again and again. 



* A place of penance frequented by Catholic devotees. 



