The New York herald., 1922-07-09
By p. }, o'KEEFE.

or that no doubt exists, and
as the particular local folk
lore goes these fairies are of different
type. but they are generally held to
be of diminutive size with a red cap.
elflike feature, so nimble that no OBJ
stacle can obstruct them and with
rowing happy disposition. 1t is a
rare. almost lifetime, event when
they are seen at all, and hardly ever
save in night time. But In some
more rare parts are found other spe-
cies OF the elusive tribe, and these
are known as "the good people"
There is quite a distinction in the
reference and type. for the good peo-
pie are more nearly akin in form
and manner to ordinary humanity
with a current, almost controlling,
disposition to indulge in all sorts of
games. pastimes and athletic sports
and especially given to the horse and
chase.
One thing Is certain that in almost
any part Of the old dear green isle
one will be told tale after tale and
story after story at the fireside of
happenings Of the good people. Nor
are such stories ever told with levity;
by no means. II there is. anything
sacred to the Celt, apart from their
religion or love Of family and home.
It is their love and reverence for the
dead.
Travel with them as you will and
where you may and ever you win
fjnd the Irishman lift his hat as he
passes by the graveyard, and their
tender devotion to the departed as
the coffin Is lowered to It's last rest
ing place is proverbial. typical and
solemn. A frequent remark in Ire
land. as some reference is made to
some old friend Of the past, is. well,
God be with the dead"
The Banshee Still Cries.
You win be told, too. of many a
happening or circumstance connected
with such or such family when
death hovers near. For instance, in
one family when a member is to die
can be heard the cry of the banshee,
a lonely wall, weird and desolate; in
another the sure sign of approach
ing death is the cry Of the dog in the
air; In another a carriage and
horses are heard along the roadway
and knock comes to the door. only
to find when the door is opened that
no horse or carriage or person is
there, and in still another that the
night preceding the death can most
surely finds any looking glass or
mirror in the house clouded and
sometimes as though face looked
out from the glass.
II you would have the good people
friendly to you then one must take
care to be kindly to them. AS it Is
said, "Sure the good people must be
provided for. too, and they don't ask
much" Two requirements are ad-
visable: have your house swept clean
at night and all your dishes and
plate clean, and leave a jug of water
on the table and glass or a cup so
that when the good people are OH
their rounds. IL they should call. they
win see evidence of a welcome aud
clean drink awaiting.
IT is known to the good people who
among the living are friendly TO
them and who are not To that end,
sometimes, the good people have a
special friend among the living
whom they frequently confer with
and send messags of caution or pro-
lection to those kindly regarded.
They never hurt their friends and
often protect them from danger.
They never visit the homes of those
unfriendly to them. They desire ST.
hnce and quiet at night, but are not
averse to necessary travel. only you
should not be out too late in certain
places-that Is. near their favorite
haunts-and one should never whistle
at night in such localities.
Friends of the Good People,"