268 SPORTING REMINISCENCES 



But all I can say is that it was bitterly cold until 

 it went and the dogs whined on. 



I think the most extraordinary ghost story 

 which I have ever heard was told me by an old 

 friend of mine who lived near Adare. They sent 

 a man one evening in summer down to a farm to 

 fetch some milk, theirs had run short. He had to 

 walk about half a mile, and come up across an 

 open field passing an old rock which the country 

 people said was haunted. 



He took some time, as Irishmen generally do 

 on a message, so that my friend and his daughter 

 went out to see if he was coming. 



It was a clear summer's evening and at that 

 moment Dan appeared strolling leisurely across 

 the field, but as he passed the rock two nuns came 

 out and walked one on each side, one tall and one 

 short. They wore white robes and came quietly 

 across the field, 



Dan with his can of milk did not appear to be 

 speaking to them. Where on earth had those nuns 

 come from ? The man came on, there were no 

 trees or cover. My friend looked away and when 

 he looked back Dan was alone. 



" Dan, where did the nuns come from ? " they 

 called out directly he got near. 



" It was not any nuns delayed me," said Dan, 

 scenting reproach, " but the spotty cow that 

 upset the first pail. Nuns ! Sorra the nun I seen, 

 yer honour." 



