There was great excitement in the small household that day. The boys
kept their own counsel. The old Grandmother was triumphant, and tried
not to seem surprised. The Tailor made no such vain effort, and
remained till bed-time in a state of fresh and unconcealed amazement.

"I've often heard of the Good People," he broke out towards the end of
the evening. "And I've heard folk say they've known those that have
seen them capering round the grey rocks on the moor at midnight: but
this is wonderful! To come and do the work for a pan of cold water! Who
could have believed it?"

"You might have believed it if you'd believed me, son Thomas," said the
old lady tossily. "I told you so. But young people always know better
than their elders!"

"I didn't see him," said the Tailor, beginning his story afresh; "but I
thought as I came in I heard a sort of laughing and rustling."

"My mother said they often heard him playing and laughing about the
house," said the old lady. "I told you so."

"Well, he sha'n't want for a bowl of bread-and-milk to-morrow, anyhow,"
said the Tailor, "if I have to stick to Farmer Swede's waistcoat till
midnight."

But the waistcoat was finished by bed-time, and the Tailor set the
bread-and-milk-himself, and went to rest.

"I say," said Tommy, when both the boys were in bed, "the Old Owl was