Young Pegeen was one of the many friends made by Francie in his trip around Ireland. Her Grannie has just now died. Pegeen sees no reason why she may not stay on in the small mountain cottage and fend for herself. However, neighbors, and even good Father Kelly, say her only relative who lives in New York will most likely send for her. Pegeen is heartbroken and Father Kelly himself wonders how this wild young thing will survive such a drastic change. Then Pegeen remembers Francie's promise to come for her in a white ship. With Father Kelly's help she writes to him. Happily, Mrs. O'Sullivan invites Pegeen to stay with them until things are settled with her uncle. No one, except perhaps Francie, is quite prepared for Pegeen's knack of turning the world up on end. Her spirit is a perfect match for his, but two such personalities in one small cottage on Bantry Bay have startling consequences—all of which add up to a lively and unforgettable Irish tale.
"I wonder how deep it is," thought Pegeen, bending over the well till her curls touched the water, darkness meeting darkness. "Perhaps mermaids live down there, creatures half-fish, half-fairy. I wish I could see...Oh, wirra! Wirra!" A movement of Pegeen's elbow had knocked the kettle, which had stood wobbling uncertainly on a jutting rock—plump!—into the water. It rapidly filled, and with a few bubbles and gurgles the heavy iron think sank. Pegeen reached over to save it, but she dared not lean too far for fear of falling in, and no matter how she searched and splashed with her arms in the water, she couldn't find the kettle. It had sunk too deep.
"Oh, wirra! Wirra!" said Pegeen, scrambling up and glancing ruefully at her dress, which was badly soiled for lying on the wet muddy ground. "Wasn't that a queer thing to happen now?" She frowned over it as she went back down the road. "Sure, it's the little people were in it," she muttered to herself. "It wasn't my fault at all, at all."
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