It is Christmas Eve near Killarney, Ireland and Old Mike is visited by a young girl seeking magical information and a charm. After he sees the good food she brings, he promises what she wishes to hear - and since it is his own son she loves it comes true. The woman he wished his son to marry is in Australia and writes to say she is marrying a squatter. Vivid portrait of Ireland's superstition and charm with wryly cynical portrait of Old Mike. (Sad end for the woman in Australia). (PB)