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。