CHAPTER XIV 

 SUPERSTITIONS AND STRANGE HAUNTINGS 



SUPERSTITION is part of the Irish nature. 

 It flourishes on every side. Dying out no 

 doubt now in the towns, but still rampant 

 in country places. 



I should never dream of passing a single magpie 

 on the way to a meet without extending two fingers 

 at him. If the car skids on a very greasy bit when 

 my hand is off the wheel, it's the magpie's fault, 

 and no one else's of course. If a tyre goes pop 

 afterwards blame Mr. Magpie. A hare is far worse. 

 Our old coachman at home if a hare crossed our 

 road when we were going out hunting would go 

 home if he could find an excuse. 



" It isn't right," is the great expression. Deep 

 in their hearts most of the country folk believe in 

 the Little People. All the old men and women at 

 home were firm believers. If an3rthing tapped 

 in the distance, " Did ye not hear the Lepre- 

 chaun ? " they would say. 



The Leprechaun is the Fairies' cobbler, always 

 mending boots, and if you happen to catch him 

 and keep your eyes fixed on him, he must take you 

 to a crock of buried gold, but if for one moment 



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