There it was again, wailing just like a woman.

They say the banshee cried all night before Desmond was slain." "Perhaps, then, this one may be crying for Baltinglas; for his turn is likely to come next--not that I believe in such old wives' tales." "Shamus, my man," said Amyas to the guide, "do you hear that cry in the bog ?" The guide put on the most stolid of faces, and answered in broken English-- "Shamus hear naught.

Perhaps--what you call him ?--fishing in ta pool." "An otter, he means, and I believe he is right.

Stay, no! Did you not hear it then, Shamus?
It was a woman's voice." "Shamus is shick in his ears ever since Christmas." "Shamus will go after Desmond if he lies," said Amyas.

"Ancient, we had better send a few men to see what it is; there may be a poor soul taken by robbers, or perhaps starving to death, as I have seen many a one." "And I too, poor wretches; and by no fault of their own or ours either: but if their lords will fall to quarrelling, and then drive each other's cattle, and waste each other's lands, sir, you know--" "I know," said Amyas, impatiently; "why dost not take the men, and go ?" "Cry you mercy, noble captain, but--I fear nothing born of woman." "Well, what of that ?" said Amyas, with a smile.
"But these pucks, sir.