GHOSTS AND FAIRIES. 21 7 



was ill. As she was a fine animal, the loss would have 

 been a serious one to the family, and hence I became 

 interested in her recovery. For several days, however, 

 the report to my inquiry was most unfavourable, and 

 at last the case was considered hopeless. 



The following morning, as I rode past, I found the 

 family in deep distress. The cow, they said, could 

 not live many hours ; and the gate-keeper had gone 

 off to fetch ** the charmer," who lived some ten miles 

 distant. I really sympathised with the good woman. 

 The loss of eight or nine guineas to one in humble life 

 is a serious calamity ; and from the appearance of the 

 cow I concluded, though not particularly skilful, that 

 the animal would not survive. 



That evening I strolled out after dinner. It was sweet 

 moonlight, and I bent my steps to the gate-house to 

 inquire if the cow still lived. 



The family was in great tribulation. " The charmer 

 had arrived — had seen the cow — had prepared herbs 

 and nostrums, and was performing some solitary cere- 

 mony at an adjacent spring- well, from which he had 

 excluded every member of the family in assisting." 

 I was most curious to observe the incantation, but was 

 dissuaded by the gate-keeper, who implored me *' to 

 give the conjuror fair play." 



In five minutes the charmer joined us — he said the 

 case was a bad one, but that he thought he could 

 bring round the cow. He then administered the 

 " unhallowed potion," and I left the lodge, expecting 

 to hear next morning that the animal was defunct. 



Next day " the bulletin was favourable " ; and " the 

 charmer " was in the act of receiving his reward — I 

 looked at him ; he was as squalid and heart-broken a 



