THE OTTER- HUNTER S HISTORY. 93 



well-sized cubs, when Badger, who had been working 

 in the weeds, put out the largest bitch I ever saw ; I 

 fired at her, but she was too far from me, and away she 

 went across the Lough, and Badger and Venom after 

 her. She rose at last ; Badger gripped her, and down 

 went dog and otter. They remained so long under water 

 that I was greatly afraid the dog was drowned ; but, 

 after a while, up came Badger. Though I was right glad 

 to see my dog, I did not like to lose the beast ; and I 

 knew, from the way that Badger's jaws were torn, that 

 there had been a wicked struggle at the bottom. Well, I 

 encouraged the dog, and when he had got his breath 

 again, he dived down, nothing daunted, for he was the 

 best tarrier ever poor man was master of. Long as he 

 had been before at the bottom, he was twice longer now. 

 The surface bubbled, the mud rose, and the water 

 became black as ink : * Ogh ! murder,' says I, ' Badger, 

 have I lost ye ? ' and I set-to clapping my hands for 

 trouble, and Venom set up the howl as if her heart was 

 broke. When, blessed be the Maker of all ! up comes 

 Badger with the otter gripped by the neck. The bitch 

 swam over to help him, and I waded to the middle, 

 and speared and landed the beast. Well, then I examined 

 her, she had her mouth full of ould roots and moss, 

 for she had fastened on a stump at the bottom, and the 

 poor dog was sorely put- to to make her break her hold. 

 I mind it well : I sold the skin in Galway, and got a 

 gold guinea for it." 



'' Was that the night you met the fairies ? " 

 " Stay, Master Julius ; I'm coming to that. Well 

 three otters were a heavy load, and I had four miles 

 to travel before I could reach Morteein Crassagh's.* 

 ♦ Martin with the rough face. 



