第6章

CHAPTERII

HehadnotgoneagreatdistancefromBenEdairwhenhecametoanintricate，gloomywood，wherethetreesgrewsothicklyandtheundergrowthwassuchasproutandtanglethatonecouldscarcelypassthroughit。Herememberedthatapathhadoncebeenhackedthroughthewood，andhesoughtforthis。Itwasadeeplyscooped，hollowway，anditranorwriggledthroughtheentirelengthofthewood。

IntothisgloomydrainFionndescendedandmadeprogress，butwhenhehadpenetrateddeeplyinthedankforestheheardasoundofthumpingandsquelchingfootsteps，andhesawcomingtowardshimahorrible，evil-visagedbeing；awild，monstrous，yellow-skinned，big-bonedgiant，dressedinnothingbutanill-made，mud-plastered，drab-colouredcoat，whichswaggledandclappedagainstthecalvesofhisbigbarelegs。Onhisstampingfeetthereweregreatbroguesofbootsthatwereshapedlike，butwerebiggerthan，aboat，andeachtimeheputafootdownitsquashedandsquirtedabarrelfulofmudfromthesunkroad。

Fionnhadneverseenthelikeofthisvastperson，andhestoodgazingonhim，lostinastareofastonishment。

Thegreatmansalutedhim。

"Allalone，Fionn？’hecried。"HowdoesithappenthatnotoneFenianoftheFiannaisatthesideofhiscaptain？"AtthisinquiryFionngotbackhiswits。

"Thatistoolongastoryanditistoointricateandpressingtobetold，alsoIhavenotimetosparenow。"

"Yettellitnow，"themonstrousmaninsisted。

Fionn，thuspressed，toldofthecomingofCaeloftheIron，ofthechallengethelatterhadissued，andthathe，Fionn，wasofftoTaraoftheKingstofindCaeltemacRona’n。

"Iknowthatforeignerwell，"thebigmancommented。

"Ishethechampionhemakeshimselfouttobe？"Fionninquired。

"Hecandotwiceasmuchashesaidhewoulddo，"themonsterreplied。

"Hewon’toutrunCaeltemacRona’n，"Fionnasserted。Thebigmanjeered。

"Saythathewon’toutrunahedgehog，dearheart。ThisCaelwillendthecoursebythetimeyourCaeltebeginstothinkofstarting。"

"Then，"saidFionn，"Inolongerknowwheretoturn，orhowtoprotectthehonourofIreland。"

"Iknowhowtodothesethings，"theothermancommentedwithaslownodofthehead。

"Ifyoudo，"Fionnpleaded，"tellittomeuponyourhonour。"

"Iwilldothat，"themanreplied。

"Donotlookanyfurtherfortherusty-kneed，slow-trottingsonofRona’n，"hecontinued，"butaskmetorunyourrace，and，bythishand，Iwillbefirstatthepost。"

AtthistheChiefbegantolaugh。

"Mygoodfriend，youhaveworkenoughtocarrythetwotonsofmudthatareplasteredoneachofyourcoat-tails，tosaynothingofyourweightyboots。"

"Bymyhand，"themancried，"thereisnopersoninIrelandbutmyselfcanwinthatrace。Iclaimachance。"

Fionnagreedthen。"Beitso，"saidhe。"Andnow，tellmeyourname？"

"IamknownastheCarloftheDrabCoat。"

"Allnamesarenames，"Fionnresponded，"andthatalsoisaname。"

TheyreturnedthentoBenEdair。

CHAPTERIII

WhentheycameamongthehostthemenofIrelandgatheredaboutthevaststranger；andthereweresomewhohidtheirfacesintheirmantlessothattheyshouldnotbeseentolaugh，andthereweresomewhorolledalongthegroundinmerriment，andtherewereotherswhocouldonlyholdtheirmouthsopenandcrooktheirkneesandhangtheirarmsandstaredumbfoundedlyuponthestranger，asthoughtheywereutterlydazed。

CaeloftheIroncamealsoonthescene，andheexaminedthestrangerwithcloseandparticularattention。

"Whatinthenameofthedevilisthisthing？"heaskedofFionn。

"Dearheart，"saidFionn，"thisisthechampionIamputtingagainstyouintherace。"

CaeloftheIrongrewpurpleintheface，andhealmostswallowedhistonguethroughwrath。

"Untiltheendofeternity，"heroared，"anduntiltheverylastmomentofdoomIwillnotmoveonefootinaracewiththisgreasy，big-hoofed，ill-assembledresemblanceofabeggarman。"

ButatthistheCarlburstintoaroaroflaughter，sothattheeardrumsofthewarriorspresentalmostburstinsideoftheirheads。

"Bereassured，mydarling，Iamnobeggarman，andmyqualityisnotmoregrossthanisthebloodofthemostdelicateprinceinthisassembly。Youwillnotevadeyourchallengeinthatway，mylove，andyoushallrunwithmeoryoushallruntoyourshipwithmebehindyou。Whatlengthofcoursedoyoupropose，dearheart？"

"Ineverrunlessthansixtymiles，"Caelrepliedsullenly。

"Itisasmallrun，"saidtheCarl，"butitwilldo。FromthisplacetotheHilloftheRushes，SlieveLuachraofMunster，isexactlysixtymiles。Willthatsuityou？"

"Idon’tcarehowitisdone，"Caelanswered。

"Then，"saidtheCarl，"wemaygoofftoSlieveLuachranow，andinthemorningwecanstartourracetheretohere。"

"Letitbedonethatway，"saidCael。

ThesetwosetoutthenforMunster，andasthesunwassettingtheyreachedSlieveLuachraandpreparedtospendthenightthere。

CHAPTERIV

"Cael，mypulse，"saidtheCarl，"wehadbetterbuildahouseorahuttopassthenightin。"

"I’Ilbuildnothing，"Caelreplied，lookingontheCarlwithgreatdisfavour。

"No！"

"Iwon’tbuildhouseorhutforthesakeofpassingonenighthere，forIhopenevertoseethisplaceagain。"

"I’Ilbuildahousemyself，"saidtheCarl，"andthemanwhodoesnothelpinthebuildingcanstayoutsideofthehouse。"

TheCarlstumpedtoanear-bywood，andheneverresteduntilhehadfelledandtiedtogethertwenty-fourcouplesofbigtimber。

Hethrusttheseunderonearmandundertheotherhetuckedabundleofrushesforhisbed，andwiththatoneloadherushedupahouse，wellthatchedandsnug，andwiththetimberthatremainedoverhemadeabonfireonthefloorofthehouse。

Hiscompanionsatatadistanceregardingtheworkwithrageandaversion。

"NowCael，mydarling，"saidtheCarl，"ifyouareamanhelpmetolookforsomethingtoeat，forthereisgamehere。"

"Helpyourself，"roaredCael，"forallthatIwantisnottobenearyou。"

"Thetooththatdoesnothelpgetsnohelping，"theotherreplied。

InashorttimetheCarlreturnedwithawildboarwhichhehadrundown。Hecookedthebeastoverhisbonfireandateonehalfofit，leavingtheotherhalfforhisbreakfast。Thenbelaydownontherushes，andintwoturnshefellasleep。

ButCaellayoutonthesideofthehill，andifhewenttosleepthatnighthesleptfasting。Itwashe，however，whoawakenedtheCarlinthemorning。

"Getup，beggarman，ifyouaregoingtorunagainstme。"

TheCarlrubbedhiseyes。

"InevergetupuntilIhavehadmyfillofsleep，andthereisanotherhourofitduetome。Butifyouareinahurry，mydelight，youcanstartrunningnowwithablessing。IwilltrotonyourtrackwhenIwakenup。"

Caelbegantoracethen，andhewasgladofthestart，forhisantagonistmadesolittleaccountofhimthathedidnotknowwhattoexpectwhentheCarlwouldbegintorun。

"Yet，"saidCaeltohimself，"withanhour’sstartthebeggarmanwillhavetomovehisbonesifhewantstocatchonme，"andhesettleddowntoagood，peltingrace。

CHAPTERV

AttheendofanhourtheCarlawoke。Heatethesecondhalfoftheboar，andhetiedtheunpickedbonesinthetailofhiscoat。

Thenwithagreatrattlingoftheboar’sboneshestarted。

Itishardtotellhowheranoratwhatspeedheran，buthewentforwardingreattwo-leggedjumps，andattimeshemovedinimmenseone-legged，mud-spatteringhops，andattimesagain，withwide-stretched，far-flung，terrible-tramping，space-destroyinglegsheran。

Helefttheswallowsbehindasiftheywereasleep。Hecaughtuponareddeer，jumpedoverit，andleftitstanding。Thewindwasalwaysbehindhim，forheoutraniteverytime；andhecaughtupinjumpsandbouncesonCaeloftheIron，althoughCaelwasrunningwell，withhisfistsupandhisheadbackandhistwolegsflyinginandoutsovigorouslythatyoucouldnotseethembecauseofthatspeedymovement。

TrottingbythesideofCael，theCarlthrustahandintothetailofhiscoatandpulledoutafistfullofredbones。

"Here，myheart，isameatybone，"saidhe，"foryoufastedallnight，poorfriend，andifyoupickabitofftheboneyourstomachwillgetarest。"

"Keepyourfilth，beggarman，"theotherreplied，"forIwouldratherbehangedthangnawonabonethatyouhavebrowsed。"

"Whydon’tyourun，mypulse？"saidtheCarlearnestly；"whydon’tyoutrytowintherace？"

Caelthenbegantomovehislimbsasiftheywerethewingsofafly，orthefinsofalittlefish，orasiftheywerethesixlegsofaterrifiedspider。

"Iamrunning，"hegasped。

"Buttryandrunlikethis，"theCarladmonished，andhegaveawrigglingboundandasuddenoutstretchingandscurryingofshanks，andhedisappearedfromCael’ssightinonewildspatterofbigboots。

DespairfellonCaeloftheIron，buthehadagreatheart。"I

willrununtilIburst，"heshrieked，"andwhenIburst，mayI

bursttoagreatdistance，andmayItripthatbeggar-manupwithmyburstingsandmakehimbreakhisleg。"

Hesettledthentoadetermined，savage，implacabletrot。HecaughtupontheCarlatlast，forthelatterhadstoppedtoeatblackberriesfromthebushesontheroad，andwhenhedrewnigh，CaelbegantojeerandsneerangrilyattheCarl。

"Wholostthetailsofhiscoat？"heroared。

"Don’taskriddlesofamanthat’seatingblackberries，"theCarlrebukedhim。

"Thedogwithoutatallandthecoatwithoutatail，"criedCael。

"Igiveitup，"theCarlmumbled。

"It’syourself，beggarman，"jeeredCael。

"Iammyself，"theCarlgurgledthroughamouthfulofblackberries，"andasIammyself，howcanitbemyself？Thatisasillyriddle，"heburbled。

"Lookatyourcoat，tubofgrease？’

TheCarldidso。

"Myfaith，"saidhe，"wherearethetwotailsofmycoat？""I

couldsmelloneofthemanditwrappedaroundalittletreethirtymilesback，"saidCael，"andtheotheronewasdishonouringabushtenmilesbehindthat。"

"Itisbadlucktobeseparatedfromthetailsofyourowncoat，"

theCarlgrumbled。"I’llhavetogobackforthem。Waithere，beloved，andeatblackberriesuntilIcomeback，andwe’llbothstartfair。"

"NothalfasecondwillIwait，"Caelreplied，andhebegantoruntowardsBenEdairasaloverrunstohismaidenorasabeefliestohishive。

"Ihaven’thadhalfmyshareofblackberrieseither，"theCarllamentedashestartedtorunbackwardsforhiscoat-tails。

Herandeterminedlyonthatbackwardjourney，andasthepathhehadtravelledwasbeatenoutasifithadbeentrampledbyanhundredbullsyokednecktoneck，hewasabletofindthetwobushesandthetwocoat-tails。Hesewedthemonhiscoat。

Thenhesprangup，andhetooktoafitandavortexandanexasperationofrunningforwhichnodescriptionmaybefound。

Thethumpingofhisbigbootsgrewascon-tinuousasthepatteringofhailstonesonaroof，andthewindofhispassageblewtreesdown。Thebeaststhatwererangingbesidehispathdroppeddeadfromconcussion，andthesteamthatsnoredfromhisnoseblewbirdsintobitsandmadegreatlumpsofcloudfalloutofthesky。

HeagaincaughtuponCael，whowasrunningwithhisheaddownandhistoesup。

"Ifyouwon’ttrytorun，mytreasure，"saidtheCarl，"youwillnevergetyourtribute。"

Andwiththatheincensedandexplodedhimselfintoaneye-blinding，continuous，waggleandcomplexityofbootsthatleftCaelbehindhiminaflash。

"IwillrununtilIburst，"sobbedCael，andhescrewedagitationanddespairintohislegsuntilhehummedandbuzzedlikeablue-bottleonawindow。

FivemilesfromBenEdairtheCarlstopped，forhehadagaincomeamongblackberries。

Heateoftheseuntilhewasnomorethanasackofjuice，andwhenheheardthehummingandbuzzingofCaeloftheIronhemournedandlamentedthathecouldnotwaittoeathisfillHetookoffhiscoat，stuffeditfullofblackberries，swungitonhisshoulders，andwentboundingstoutlyandnimblyforBenEdair。

CHAPTERVI

ItwouldbehardtotelloftheterrorthatwasinFionn’sbreastandintheheartsoftheFiannawhiletheyattendedtheconclusionofthatrace。

Theydiscusseditunendingly，andatsomemomentofthedayamanupbraidedFionnbecausehehadnotfoundCaeltethesonofRona’nashadbeenagreedon。

"ThereisnoonecanrunlikeCaelte，"onemanaverred。

"Hecoverstheground，"saidanother。

"Heislightasafeather。"

"Swiftasastag。""Lungedlikeabull。"

"Leggedlikeawolf。"

"Heruns！"

ThesethingsweresaidtoFionn，andFionnsaidthesethingstohimself。

Witheverypassingminuteadropofleadthumpeddownintoeveryheart，andapangofdespairstabbeduptoeverybrain。

"Go，"saidFionntoahawk-eyedman，"gotothetopofthishillandwatchforthecomingoftheracers。"

Andhesentlithemenwithhimsothattheymightrunbackinendlesssuccessionwiththenews。

Themessengersbegantorunthroughhistentatminuteintervalscalling"nothing，""nothing，""nothing，"astheypausedanddartedaway。

Andthewords，"nothing，nothing，nothing，"begantodrowseintothebrainsofeverypersonpresent。

"WhatcanwehopefromthatCarl？"achampiondemandedsavagely。

"Nothing，"criedamessengerwhostoodandsped。

"Aclump！"criedachampion。

"Ahog！"saidanother。

"Aflat-footed，"

"Little-wlnded，"

"Big-bellied，"

"Lazy-boned，"

"Pork！"

"Didyouthink，Fionn，thatawhalecouldswimonland，orwhatdidyouimaginethatlumpcoulddo？"

"Nothing，"criedamessenger，andwasspedashespoke。

RagebegantognawinFionn’ssoul，andaredhazedancedandflickeredbeforehiseyes。Hishandsbegantotwitchandadesirecreptoverhimtoseizeonchampionsbytheneck，andtoshakeandworryandrageamongthemlikeawilddogragingamongsheep。

Helookedonone，andyetheseemedtolookonallatonce。

"Besilent，"hegrowled。"Leteachmanbesilentasadeadman。"

Andhesatforward，seeingall，seeingnone，withhismouthdroopingopen，andsuchawildnessandbristleloweringfromthatgreatglumbrowthatthechampionsshiveredasthoughalreadyinthechillofdeath，andweresilent。

Heroseandstalkedtothetent-door。

"Whereto，OFionn？"saidachampionhumbly。

"Tothehill-top，"saidFionn，andhestalkedon。

Theyfollowedhim，whisperingamongthemselves，keepingtheireyesonthegroundastheyclimbed。

CHAPTERVII

"Whatdoyousee？"Fionndemandedofthewatcher。

"Nothing，"thatmanreplied。

"Lookagain，"saidFionn。

Theeagle-eyedmanliftedaface，thinandsharpasthoughithadbeencarvenonthewind，andhestaredforwardwithanimmobileintentness。

"Whatdoyousee？"saidFionn。

"Nothing，"themanreplied。

"Iwilllookmyself，"saidFionn，andhisgreatbrowbentforwardandgloomedafar。

Thewatcherstoodbeside，staringwithhistensefaceandunwinking，lidlesseye。

"Whatcanyousee，OFionn？"saidthewatcher。

"Icanseenothing，"saidFionn，andheprojectedagainhisgrim，gauntforehead。Foritseemedasifthewatcherstaredwithhiswholeface，aye，andwithhishands；butFionnbroodedweightedlyondistancewithhispuckeredandcranniedbrow。

Theylookedagain。

"Whatcanyousee？"saidFionn。

"Iseenothing，"saidthewatcher。

"IdonotknowifIseeorifIsurmise，butsomethingmoves，"

saidFionn。"Thereisatrample，"hesaid。

Thewatcherbecamethenaneye，arigidity，anintenseout-thrustingandransackingofthin-spundistance。Atlasthespoke。

"Thereisadust，"hesaid。

Andatthatthechampionsgazedalso，straininghungrilyafar，untiltheireyesbecamefilledwithabluedarknessandtheycouldnolongerseeeventhethingsthatwereclosetothem。

"I，"criedCona’ntriumphantly，"Iseeadust。"

"AndI，"criedanother。

"AndI。"

"Iseeaman，"saidtheeagle-eyedwatcher。

Andagaintheystared，untiltheirstrainingeyesgrewdimwithtearsandwinks，andtheysawtreesthatstoodupandsatdown，andfieldsthatwobbledandspunroundandroundinagiddilyswirlingworld。

"Thereisaman，"Cona’nroared。

"Amanthereis，"criedanother。

"Andheiscarryingamanonhisback，"saidthewatcher。

"ItisCaeloftheIroncarryingtheCarlonhisback，"hegroaned。

"Thegreatpork！"amangritted。

"Theno-good！"sobbedanother。

"Thelean-hearted，"

"Thick-thighed，"

"Ramshackle，"

"Muddle-headed，"

"Hog！"screamedachampion。

Andhebeathisfistsangrilyagainstatree。

Buttheeagle-eyedwatcherwatcheduntilhiseyesnarrowedandbecamepin-points，andheceasedtobeamanandbecameanoptic。

"Wait，"hebreathed，"waituntilIscrewintooneotherinchofsight。"

Andtheywaited，lookingnolongeronthatscarcelyperceptiblespeckinthedistance，butstrainingupontheeyeofthewatcherasthoughtheywouldpenetrateitandlookthroughit。

"ItistheCarl，"hesaid，"carryingsomethingonhisback，andbehindhimagainthereisadust。"

"Areyousure？"saidFionninavoicethatrumbledandvibratedlikethunder。

"ItistheCarl，"saidthewatcher，"andthedustbehindhimisCaeloftheIrontryingtocatchhimup。"

ThentheFiannagavearoarofexultation，andeachmanseizedhisneighbourandkissedhimonbothcheeks；andtheygrippedhandsaboutFionn，andtheydancedroundandroundinagreatcircle，roaringwithlaughterandrelief，intheecstasywhichonlycomeswheregrislyfearhasbeenandwhencethatbonyjowlhastakenitselfaway。

CHAPTERVIII

TheCarloftheDrabCoatcamebumpingandstumpingandclumpingintothecamp，andwassurroundedbyamultitudethatadoredhimandhailedhimwithtears。

"Meal！"hebawled，"mealfortheloveofthestars！"

Andhebawled，"Meal，meal！"untilhebawledeverybodyintosilence。

Fionnaddressedhim。

"Whatforthemeal，dearheart？"

"Fortheinsideofmymouth，"saidtheCarl，"fortherecessesandcranniesanddeep-downprofunditiesofmystomach。Meal，meal！"helamented。

Mealwasbrought。

TheCarlputhiscoatontheground，openeditcarefully，andrevealedastoreofblackberries，squashed，crushed，mangled，democratic，ill-looking。

"Themeal！"hegroaned，"themeal！"

Itwasgiventohim。

"Whatoftherace，mypulse？"saidFionn。

"Wait，wait，"criedtheCarl。"Idie，Idieformealandblackberries。"

Intothecentreofthemessofblackberrieshedischargedabarrelofmeal，andbemixedthetwoupandthrough，androundanddown，untilthepileofwhite-black，red-brownslibber-slobberreacheduptohisshoulders。Thenhecommencedtopawandimpelandprojectandcramthemixtureintohismouth，andbetweeneachmouthfulhesighedacontentedsigh，andduringeverymouthfulhegurgledanoozygurgle。

ButwhileFionnandtheFiannastaredlikelostmindsupontheCarl，therecameasoundofbuzzing，asifahornetoraqueenofthewaspsorasavage，steep-wingedgriffinwashoveringaboutthem，andlookingawaytheysawCaeloftheIronchargingonthemwithamonstrousextensionandscurryofbislegs。Hehadaswordinhishand，andtherewasnothinginhisfacebutrednessandferocity。

FearfellllkenightaroundtheFianna，andtheystoodwithslackkneesandhanginghandswaitingfordeath。ButtheCarlliftedapawfulofhisoozyslopanddischargedthisatCaelwithsuchasmashthattheman’sheadspunoffhisshouldersandhoppedalongtheground。TheCarlthenpickeduptheheadandthrewitatthebodywithsuchaimandforcethattheneckpartoftheheadjammedintotheneckpartofthebodyandstuckthere，asgoodaheadasever，youwouldhavesaid，butthatitbadgottwistedthewrongwayround。TheCarlthenlashedhisopponenthandandfoot。

"Now，dearheart，doyoustillclaimtributeandlordshipofIreland？"saidhe。

"Letmegohome，"groanedCael，"Iwanttogohome。"

"Swearbythesunandmoon，ifIletyougohome，thatyouwillsendtoFionn，yearlyandeveryyear，therentofthelandofThessaly。"

"Iswearthat，"saidCael，"andIwouldswearanythingtogethome。"

TheCarlliftedhimthenandputhimsittingintohisship。Thenheraisedhisbigbootandgavetheboatakickthatdroveitsevenleaguesoutintothesea，andthatwashowtheadventureofCaeloftheIronfinished。

"Whoareyou，sir？"saidFionntotheCarl。

ButbeforeansweringtheCarl’sshapechangedintooneofsplendouranddelight。

"IamruleroftheShi’ofRathCruachan，"hesaid。

ThenFionnmacUailmadeafeastandabanquetforthejovialgod，andwiththatthetaleisendedoftheKingofThessaly’ssonandtheCarloftheDrabCoat。

THEENCHANTEDCAVEOFCESHCORRAN

CHAPTERI

FionnmacUailwasthemostprudentchiefofanarmyintheworld，buthewasnotalwaysprudentonhisownaccount。

Disciplinesometimesirkedhim，andhewouldthentakeanyopportunitythatpresentedforanadventure；forhewasnotonlyasoldier，hewasapoetalso，thatis，amanofscience，andwhateverwasstrangeorunusualhadanirresistibleat-tractionforhim。Suchasoldierwashethat，single-handed，hecouldtaketheFiannaoutofanyholetheygotinto，butsuchaninveteratepoetwashethatalltheFiannatogethercouldscarcelyretrievehimfromtheabyssesintowhichhetumbled。IttookhimtokeeptheFiannasafe，butittookalltheFiannatokeeptheircaptainoutofdanger。Theydidnotcomplainofthis，fortheylovedeveryhairofFionn’sheadmorethantheylovedtheirwivesandchildren，andthatwasreasonablefortherewasneverintheworldapersonmoreworthyoflovethanFionnwas。

GollmacMornadidnotadmitsomuchinwords，butheadmitteditinallhisactions，foralthoughheneverlostanopportunityofkillingamemberofFionn’sfamily（therewasdeadlyfeudbetweenclann-Baiscneandclann-Morna），yetacallfromFionnbroughtGollragingtohisassistancelikealionthatragestenderlybyhismate。Notevenacallwasnecessary，forGollfeltinhisheartwhenFionnwasthreatened，andhewouldleaveFionn’sownbrotheronlyhalf-killedtoflywherehisarmwaswanted。Hewasneverthanked，ofcourse，foralthoughFionnlovedGollhedidnotlikehim，andthatwashowGollfelttowardsFionn。

Fionn，withCona’ntheSwearerandthedogsBranandSceo’lan，wassittingonthehunting-moundatthetopofCeshCorran。BelowandaroundoneverysidetheFiannawerebeatingthecovertsinLegneyandBrefny，rangingthefastnessesofGlenDallan，creepinginthenutandbeechforestsofCarbury，spyingamongthewoodsofKyleConor，andrangingthewideplainofMoyConal。

Thegreatcaptainwashappy：hiseyeswererestingonthesightshelikedbest——thesunlightofaclearday，thewavingtrees，thepuresky，andthelovelymovementoftheearth；andhisearswerefilledwithdelectablesounds——thebayingofeagerdogs，theclearcallingofyoungmen，theshrillwhistlingthatcamefromeveryside，andeachsoundofwhichtoldadefinitethingaboutthehunt。Therewasalsotheplungeandscurryofthedeer，theyappingofbadgers，andthewhirrofbirdsdrivenintoreluctantflight。

CHAPTERII

NowthekingoftheShi’ofCeshCorran，Conaran，sonofImidel，wasalsowatchingthehunt，butFionndidnotseehim，forwecannotseethepeopleofFaeryuntilweentertheirrealm，andFionnwasnotthinkingofFaeryatthatmoment。ConarandidnotlikeFionn，and，seeingthatthegreatchampionwasalone，saveforCona’nandthetwohoundsBranandSceo’lan，hethoughtthetimehadcometogetFionnintohispower。WedonotknowwhatFionnhaddonetoConaran，butitmusthavebeenbadenough，forthekingoftheShi’ofCeshCotranwasfilledwithjoyatthesightofFionnthusclosetohim，thusunprotected，thusunsuspicious。

ThisConaranhadfourdaughters。Hewasfondofthemandproudofthem，butifoneweretosearchtheShi’sofIrelandorthelandofIreland，theequalofthesefourwouldnotbefoundforuglinessandbadhumourandtwistedtemperaments。

Theirhairwasblackasinkandtoughaswire：itstuckupandpokedoutandhungdownabouttheirheadsinbushesandspikesandtangles。Theireyeswereblearyandred。Theirmouthswereblackandtwisted，andineachofthesemouthstherewasahedgeofcurvedyellowfangs。Theyhadlongscraggynecksthatcouldturnallthewayroundliketheneckofahen。Theirarmswerelongandskinnyandmuscular，andattheendofeachfingertheyhadaspikednailthatwasashardashornandassharpasabriar。Theirbodieswerecoveredwithabristleofhairandfurandfluff，sothattheylookedlikedogsinsomepartsandlikecatsinothers，andinotherpartsagaintheylookedlikechickens。Theyhadmoustachespokingundertheirnosesandwoollywadsgrowingoutoftheirears，sothatwhenyoulookedatthemthefirsttimeyouneverwantedtolookatthemagain，andifyouhadtolookatthemasecondtimeyouwerelikelytodieofthesight。

TheywerecalledCaevo’g，Cuillen，andIaran。Thefourthdaughter，Iarnach，wasnotpresentatthatmoment，sonothingneedbesaidofheryet。

Conarancalledthesethreetohim。

"Fionnisalone，"saidhe。"Fionnisalone，mytreasures。"

"Ah！"saidCaevo’g，andherjawcrunchedupwardsandstuckoutwards，aswasusualwithherwhenshewassatisfied。

"Whenthechancecomestakeit，"Conarancontinued，andhesmiledablack，beetle-browed，unbenevolentsmile。

"It’sagoodword，"quothCuillen，andsheswungherjawlooseandmadeitwaggleupanddown，forthatwasthewayshesmiled。

"Andhereisthechance，"herfatheradded。

"Thechanceishere，"Iaranechoed，withasmilethatwasverylikehersister’s，onlythatitwasworse，andthewenthatgrewonhernosejoggledtoandfroanddidnotgetitsbalanceagainforalongtime。

Thentheysmiledasmilethatwasagreeabletotheirowneyes，butwhichwouldhavebeenadeadlythingforanybodyelsetosee。

"ButFionncannotseeus，"Caevo’gobjected，andherbrowsetdownwardsandherchinsetupwardsandhermouthsqueezedsidewards，sothatherfacelookedlikeabadlydisappointednut。

"Andweareworthseeing，"Cuillencontinued，andthedisappointmentthatwassetinhersister’sfacegotcarvedandtwistedintohers，butitwasworseinhercase。

"Thatisthetruth，"saidIaraninavoiceoflamentation，andherfacetookonagnarlandawritheandasolidityofuglywoethatbeattheothertwoand。madeevenherfathermarvel。

"Hecannotseeusnow，"Conaranreplied，"buthewillseeusinaminute。"

"Won’tFionnbegladwhenheseesus！"saidthethreesisters。

Andthentheyjoinedhandsanddancedjoyfullyaroundtheirfather，andtheysangasong，thefirstlineofwhichis：

"Fionnthinksheissafe。Butwhoknowswhentheskywillfall？"

LotsofthepeopleintheShi’learnedthatsongbyheart，andtheyappliedittoeverykindofcircumstance。

CHAPTERIII

BYhisartsConaranchangedthesightofFionn’seyes，andhedidthesameforCona’n。

InafewminutesFionnstoodupfromhisplaceonthemound。

Everythingwasabouthimasbefore，andhedidnotknowthathehadgoneintoFaery。Hewalkedforaminuteupanddownthehillock。Then，asbychance，hesteppeddowntheslopingendofthemoundandstoodwithhismouthopen，staring。Hecriedout：

"Comedownhere，Cona’n，mydarling。"

Cona’nsteppeddowntohim。

"AmIdreaming？"Fionndemanded，andhestretchedouthisfingerbeforehim。

"Ifyouaredreaming，"saidCongn，"I’mdreamingtoo。Theyweren’thereaminuteago，"hestammered。

Fionnlookedupattheskyandfoundthatitwasstillthere。HestaredtoonesideandsawthetreesofKyleConorwavinginthedistance。Hebenthiseartothewindandheardtheshoutingofhunters，theyappingofdogs，andtheclearwhistles，whichtoldhowthehuntwasgoing。

"Well！"saidFionntohimself。

"Bymyhand！"quothCona’ntohisownsoul。

Andthetwomenstaredintothehillsideasthoughwhattheywerelookingatwastoowonderfultobelookedawayfrom。

"Whoarethey？"saidFionn。

"Whatarethey？"Cona’ngasped。Andtheystaredagain。

Fortherewasagreatholelikeadoorwayinthesideofthemound，andinthatdoorwaythedaughtersofConaransatspinning。

Theyhadthreecrookedsticksofhollysetupbeforethecave，andtheywerereelingyarnoffthese。Butitwasenchantmenttheywereweaving。

"Onecouldnotcallthemhandsome，"saidCona’n。

"Onecould，"Fionnreplied，"butitwouldnotbetrue。"

"Icannotseethemproperly，"Fionncomplained。"Theyarehidingbehindtheholly。"

"IwouldhecontentedifIcouldnotseethematall，"hiscompaniongrumbled。

ButtheChiefinsisted。

"Iwanttomakesurethatitiswhiskerstheyarewearing。"

"Letthemwearwhiskersornotwearthem，"Cona’ncounselled。

"Butletushavenothingtodowiththem。"

"Onemustnotbefrightenedofanything，"Fionnstated。

"Iamnotfrightened，"Cona’nexplained。"Ionlywanttokeepmygoodopinionofwomen，andifthethreeyonderarewomen，thenI

feelsureIshallbegintodislikefemalesfromthisminuteout。"

"Comeon，mylove，"saidFionn，"forImustfindoutifthesewhiskersaretrue。"

Hestroderesolutelyintothecave。HepushedthebranchesofhollyasideandmarcheduptoConaran’sdaughters，withCona’nbehindhim。

CHAPTERIV

Theinstanttheypassedthehollyastrangeweaknesscameovertheheroes。Theirfistsseemedtogrowheavyaslead，andwentdingle-dangleattheendsoftheirarms；theirlegsbecameaslightasstrawsandbegantobendinandout；theirnecksbecametoodelicatetoholdanythingup，sothattheirheadswibbledandwobbledfromsidetoside。

"What’swrongatall？"saidCona’n，ashetumbledtotheground。

"Everythingis，"Fionnreplied，andhetumbledbesidehim。

Thethreesistersthentiedtheheroeswitheverykindofloopandtwistandknotthatcouldbethoughtof。

"Thosearewhiskers！"saidFionn。

"Alas！"saidConan。

"Whataplaceyoumusthuntwhiskersin？’hemumbledsavagely。

"Whowantswhiskers？"hegroaned。

ButFionnwasthinkingofotherthings。

"IftherewasanywayofwarningtheFiannanottocomehere，"

Fionnmurmured。

"Thereisnoway，mydarling，"saidCaevo’g，andshesmiledasmilethatwouldhavekilledFionn，onlythatheshuthiseyesintime。

Afteramomenthemurmuredagain：

"Cona’n，mydearlove，givethewarningwhistlesothattheFiannawillkeepoutofthisplace。"

Alittlewhoof，likethesoundthatwouldbemadebyababyanditasleep，camefromCona’n。

"Fionn，"saidhe，"thereisn’tawhistleinme。Wearedonefor，"

saidhe。

"Youaredonefor，indeed，"saidCuillen，andshesmiledahairyandtwistyandfangysmilethatalmostfinishedCona’n。

BythattimesomeoftheFiannahadreturnedtothemoundtoseewhyBranandSceo’lanwerebarkingsooutrageously。Theysawthecaveandwentintoit，butnosoonerhadtheypassedthehollybranchesthantheirstrengthwentfromthem，andtheywereseizedandboundbythevicioushags。LittlebylittleallthemembersoftheFiannareturnedtothehill，andeachofthemwasdrawnintothecave，andeachwasboundbythesisters。

Oisi’nandOscarandmacLugaccame，withthenoblesofclann-Baiscne，andwiththoseofclann-Corcoranandclann-Smo’l；

theyallcame，andtheywereallbound。

ItwasawonderfulsightandagreatdeedthisbindingoftheFianna，andthethreesisterslaughedwithajoythatwasterribletohearandwasalmostdeathtosee。Asthemenwerecapturedtheywerecarriedbythehagsintodarkmysteriousholesandblackperplexinglabyrinths。

"Hereisanotherone，"criedCaevo’gasshebundledatrussedchampionalong。

"Thisoneisfat，"saidCuillen，andsherolledabulkyFenianalonglikeawheel。

"Here，"saidIaran，"isaloveofaman。Onecouldeatthiskindofman，"shemurmured，andshelickedalipthathadwhiskersgrowinginsideaswellasout。

Andthecordedchampionwhimperedinherarms，forhedidnotknowbuteatingmightindeedbehisfate，andhewouldhavepreferredtobecoffinedanywhereintheworldratherthantobecoffinedinsideofthatface。Sofarforthem。