diff options
| -rw-r--r-- | .gitattributes | 4 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | LICENSE.txt | 11 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | README.md | 2 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50490-0.txt | 4593 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50490-0.zip | bin | 77155 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50490-h.zip | bin | 710453 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50490-h/50490-h.htm | 5838 | ||||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50490-h/images/009fp.jpg | bin | 99135 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50490-h/images/021fp.jpg | bin | 99740 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50490-h/images/047fp.jpg | bin | 92554 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50490-h/images/050fp.jpg | bin | 90078 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50490-h/images/137fp.jpg | bin | 98486 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50490-h/images/cover.jpg | bin | 99785 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50490-h/images/decoration.png | bin | 26015 -> 0 bytes | |||
| -rw-r--r-- | old/50490-h/images/shield.png | bin | 27104 -> 0 bytes |
15 files changed, 17 insertions, 10431 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3c4405d --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #50490 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/50490) diff --git a/old/50490-0.txt b/old/50490-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 89a2219..0000000 --- a/old/50490-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4593 +0,0 @@ -Project Gutenberg's Legendary Heroes of Ireland, by Harold F. Hughes - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: Legendary Heroes of Ireland - -Author: Harold F. Hughes - -Release Date: November 19, 2015 [EBook #50490] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LEGENDARY HEROES OF IRELAND *** - - - - -Produced by Chris Curnow, Lisa Anne Hatfield and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - -Italic text enclosed with _underscores_. - -Small-capitals replaced by ALL CAPITALS. - -More notes appear at the end of the file. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -[Illustration: decoration] - - - Legendary Heroes - _of_ - Ireland - - - - - By - - HAROLD F. HUGHES - - - - -[Illustration: shield and arms logo] - - - - - 1922 - HARR WAGNER PUBLISHING CO. - - San Francisco, Cal. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - Copyright - 1922 - Harold F. Hughes - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - DEDICATION - - TO MY FATHER - - WHOSE TALES OF THE IRISH HEROES - FIRST OPENED TO ME THE - WONDERLAND OF - CELTIC FOLKLORE - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TEACHER’S PREFACE - - -These stories are offered in the hope that they may help promote the -love of reading in our boys and girls. After all, our duty in teaching -reading is not in the subject matter but in the desire. If we show to -the child that the art of reading is the golden key which will unlock -the storehouse of life enjoyment, and give him the love for the secrets -of the printed page, we may consider that our educational effort has -been well spent. So the primary object in writing these stories has not -been to chronicle history but to give the child something interesting -and entertaining. - -The early Celts have little literature other than these stories, which -have been handed down from generation to generation by word of mouth. -Most of the tales in this book have been taken from the Ossianic Saga. -Whether Finn belongs to history or mythology detracts no jot from the -absorbing interest of his exploits. - -I have tried to make the story of Finn something of a connected -narrative. To do this I have taken incidents from various versions; I -have left out much unsuitable to children, and I have changed some -incidents to conform to the modern standards of morals. The chronology -of arrangement is my own, but I have tried to preserve the spirit of the -originals. - -No collection of Irish folk stories could be brought out were it not for -the work of those many scholars who have spent years in collecting and -translating the tales of the Celtic race. To our American linguist, -Jeremiah Curtin, and to the Irish scholars: Sir Douglas Hyde, Dr. Joyce, -Eleanor Hull, Lady Gregory, T. W. Rolleston and others, my thanks are -due. Their splendid research work has made possible such a volume as -this. - - HAROLD F. HUGHES. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - TABLE OF CONTENTS - - - PAGE - - 1. Mythology of Ireland 9 - - 2. The Fenians 15 - - 3. The Birth of Finn 18 - - 4. Boyhood of Finn 23 - - 5. Finn Claims His 28 - Inheritance - - 6. Finn and the Scottish 36 - Giant - - 7. The Story of Saba 47 - - 8. Conan the Bald 53 - - 9. Dermot of the Love Spot 58 - - 10. Dermot Rescues Finn 64 - - 11. The Worthless Servant 101 - - 12. Dermot and Grainne 126 - - 13. The Battle of Ventry 134 - Strand - - 14. The Death of Dermot 148 - - 15. The Battle of Gowra 155 - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - -[Illustration: - That evening Cool climbed to the window - From Birth of Finn] - - MYTHOLOGY OF IRELAND - - -Every race of people has its myths and hero tales. With those of the -Greeks most of us are familiar. We have heard of Hercules, Perseus, -Atlas and others, ever since we started to school. The early stories of -a race are always entertaining as well as instructive. For that reason -our school libraries contain the folk stories of the Japanese, the -Norsemen, the Russians, the English, the American Indian, the negro and -many others. The one people, of whose stories Americans know little, is -the Celtic race, the forefathers of the Scotch and Irish of today, and -the ancestors of many of us. This book is intended to make you -acquainted with the ancient heroes of the Celts. - -Just as King Arthur is the early hero of the Anglo-Saxon people, so is -Finn MacCool the renowned hero of the Celts. Like King Arthur he had -gathered together a body of heroes, all of whom performed deeds of -valor. In Scotland we find stories of this same hero, only the Scotch -people call him Fingal. - -Most of the stories which follow are tales of the adventures of Finn and -his friend, Dermot. These tales are about events which are supposed to -have taken place nearly two thousand years ago. - -No doubt you wonder how we know anything about people who lived so long -ago. The very name, folk stories, explains it. Folk stories are told by -the folk, or people, of the country. Sometimes we find the tales written -in an ancient book, but most of them come down through the centuries by -one person telling the story to another. - -You know that when you hear a good story, you like to tell it to little -brother or sister or some playmate. That is just the way the folk -stories come to us. In some countries there were bards or poets who went -around and sang of the old heroes. We often read of these men in Scotch -history. The most common way of preserving the stories, however, was by -the father and mother telling their children of the ancient heroes. -These children grew up and repeated the tales to their own families, and -so the story was preserved through the ages. - -There is an old Irish legend that explains this method very nicely. - -Finn had a son named Ossian, of whom you will read a great deal as we go -on. This son was a poet and sang the deeds of his father in verse. The -story runs that before the great battle of Gowra, Ossian had fallen in -love with a fairy and had gone to Fairyland to live. He lived in this -land of youth for four hundred years, growing no older. At the end of -that time he wanted to go back to earth and see if he could see any of -his old friends. Time went so quickly in Fairyland that he did not -realize how long he had been away. - -His fairy wife gave him a horse to ride and warned him that he must not -touch a foot to the ground. Then Ossian rode away. - -He came to Erin and rode through the scenes of his adventures. He was -surprised not to find any of his old friends. Not only that, he found -that the men were very much smaller than those of his time. He saw six -of them trying to roll a stone which his father could have moved with -one hand. He grew so sorry for them that he forgot all about his wife’s -orders. He got off his horse to move the stone. The instant he touched -the ground he became a wrinkled and bent old man. - -Then, the story tells us, the people took him to St. Patrick, and he -told this Irish saint the stories of Finn and his companions. - -It is a very pretty story to explain how these legends became known. Of -course, it is not true, but it shows the imagination of the Irish -people. They believe in fairies and witches and the powers of -enchantment. You will find that this belief enters into all the stories. -That is another thing about folk tales. Each person who tells them adds -something to them. - -No doubt you have been to parties where a game something like this was -played: The players form a long row. Then the one on the end whispers -something to his neighbor, this person whispers what he heard to the -next player, and so on. The last player tells what has been told him. It -is nearly always something entirely different from the story which -started. - -Folk stories grow in just that manner. The different provinces of -Ireland have different versions of the stories. In some parts of the -country Finn is the hero, and Dermot proves untrue to him. In another -province, Dermot is the splendid man and Finn is a cruel tyrant. The -stories which follow in this book are combined from those of all the -provinces. This book is not a history. It is a collection of interesting -stories about heroes who, possibly, never existed. - - - II. - -You should know something of how stories of this kind are gathered -together. Many were taken down by the priests of early times, but none -were ever written until nearly a thousand years ago. Undoubtedly large -numbers of them have been lost by the death of the only person who knew -them. - -It is only in the last few years that the Irish scholars have tried to -gather these tales together. There are many of these collectors of Irish -hero stories. Most of them, of course, are Irish, but America has -furnished one man who long will be remembered because of his work along -this line. - -Jeremiah Curtin was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1840. He died in -1906. Into those sixty-six years he crowded the work of several ordinary -men. He had a great love for the languages and history. When he -graduated from Harvard, he was so well acquainted with Russian that he -went to St. Petersburg, now Petrograd, as Secretary of the American -Legation. While there he became interested in Russian literature and the -folk stories of the people. He translated many Russian books into -English and also collected a volume of their folk tales. - -Many men would have been satisfied with this. Mr. Curtin was not. He -became connected with the Smithsonian Institute and while there studied -the folk tales of the various Indian tribes. He wrote two books of these -stories. - -He next took up the study of Irish folk lore. He spent a great deal of -time in Ireland collecting the stories which appear in three books. -Whenever he heard of some old man or woman who knew an old story, he -went to that place and got the person to tell it to him, writing it down -as it was told. Many times it was one he had already heard, but that -could not discourage Mr. Curtin. As a result of this care his books are -very valuable to the older students of folk lore. - -What an interesting life this man must have led! Think of the work he -must have done to learn the many languages well enough to get the -stories. We think we are well educated if we can read two or three -languages beside our own. Mr. Curtin, when he died, was familiar with -sixty languages! - -And now that we know something about how folk lore is collected, we are -ready to make the acquaintance of Finn and his Fenian warriors. - - - - - THE FENIANS - - -The stories of the great heroes of Ireland, or Erin as it used to be -called, are gathered in groups around certain men. The Fenians whom Finn -MacCool commanded from the age of ten until his death, was a body of -military men about whom the best known stories are told. - -These Fenians might be said to correspond to our standing army. There -were three groups of a thousand men each in peace times. In time of war -the number could be expanded enough to take in all who wished to fight. -Some people claim that Finn and his Fenians never existed. Others say -that this body of men did exist from 400 years before the birth of -Christ until they were destroyed in a great battle in the year 284 A. D. -Whether they formed a real army or not does not spoil our enjoyment of -their deeds of bravery. - -In reading the exploits of the Fenians it is necessary to remember that -to the Irish mind these men were either gods or giants, many times the -size of people of the present day. If you forget this you will not be -able to understand how one hero can hold back a whole army of ordinary -soldiers, and how strokes of their swords cut off whole hilltops and -formed new valleys. - -To become a Fenian was a great honor. It was only open to men of the -best families and of the highest character, and many of these were not -able to pass the tests required. - -In the first place a Fenian must be well educated in poetry and must be -able to write it himself. In other words, he must have all the education -which those days gave. Again, he must pledge himself to be kind and -gentle to the weak and oppressed, to be willing to fight when challenged -and to keep up the battle until he won or was killed. He must promise -never to injure the common people, not to allow gold to make him false -to his friends, not to accept a dowry with a wife. He must agree not to -run away from nine or less champions, and his parents must pledge -themselves not to seek revenge if he was killed in battle. - -The physical tests were even harder to pass. The candidate must have his -hair braided, take his spear in his hand and through the forest. After -he was given sufficient start he was pursued by other Fenians. If he was -overtaken, he was wounded and rejected. If his spear trembled, or if he -broke a dry branch in his flight, that also barred him out. Then, when -the trial was over, his braids were examined. If he had shaken them out -of position, proving that he had had to work hard to get away, he had to -give up all hopes of joining. - -Another test consisted of placing him in a hole up to his waist and -giving him a shield in one hand and a hazelwood stick in the other. Nine -warriors with nine spears formed in a circle and threw at him. If he was -wounded he was not accepted. No wonder that a man who passed such tests -was ready to face great numbers of ordinary soldiers. - -A Fenian had also to be very nimble and supple. One of the tests was to -put up a lath on the level of his eyebrows and another farther on, just -the height of his knees. The man had to go at full speed, leaping over -the first one and going under the second without slackening his pace. -The boys who read this have only to try this test to realize that a -Fenian would be a winner on a track team of today. - -It was men who could pass such tests who made up the kind of heroes -commanded by Cool, Gaul of Morna and Finn. These are the three great -leaders mentioned in the stories. Cool made them a mighty band; Gaul -held them together after the death of Cool; Finn was the last and -greatest leader. - - - - - THE BIRTH OF FINN - - -The first great chief of the Fenians was Cool. He was a mighty warrior -and splendid hero. He it was who organized these men into an army of -strength, which he governed wisely but sternly. - -Over Cool was Conn, the High King, known as Conn the Hundred Fighter, -because he had been victorious in a hundred battles. It was Conn whom -Cool and his men had to swear to honor and defend. Conn’s principal -city, the one in which he held his court, was known as Tara. These facts -it is necessary to know before we can understand the story which -follows. - -In one part of the kingdom, in the castle of Alma, dwelt an old chief -and his beautiful daughter, Murna. The girl was kept within the castle -under heavy guard and no man was allowed to see or speak to her. There -was a reason for this harsh treatment. When she was born a prophet told -her father that her son would take his land and title from him. As the -old chief was very fond of his castle he thought he would make a -grandson impossible by never allowing his daughter to marry. - -One day Cool rode by the castle and saw Murna at the upper window. He -was greatly struck by her beauty. - -“Who is the maiden?” he asked one of his advisers. - -“It will do you little good to know,” replied the man. “Her father has -forbidden any man to wed her.” - -“The men of this district must have little spirit to allow such a prize -to go unwon,” remarked Cool. - -“You would not think so if you saw the number of guards always in place -to make such a thing impossible,” was the reply. - -Cool said no more. That evening he went back to the castle, overpowered -the guards and climbed to the window at which he had seen the girl. When -she saw this mighty hero at her window, she let him in and they talked -together. Cool was already in love with her from having seen her -beautiful face, but after he had talked with her and found her as gentle -and sweet as she was beautiful, he vowed that he would have no one but -her for a wife. Any girl of Ireland would have been proud to be wooed by -such a splendid hero. The maiden was sure that she could never love any -one else, so Cool took her away. They were married that very night. - -You can imagine how the old chief felt about this theft of his daughter -and her marriage. He saw now that the prophecy might come true. He -hastened to the High King and told his story. - -This put Conn in a puzzling position. As a man he sympathized with Cool, -but as a King he saw that the chief was justified in complaining. He -ordered Cool to appear before him. - -“Do you deny that you stole the chief’s daughter for your wife?” he -asked. - -“I do not,” said Cool stoutly. - -“Do you think that the proper conduct for a Fenian?” asked the King. - -“Is it not the rule of the Fenians to help the weak who are oppressed?” -asked Cool in answer. - -“This maiden was not oppressed,” said the old chief. “She was my -daughter and under my protection.” - -“Any maiden is oppressed who is not allowed to love and be loved by the -man of her choice,” said Cool. “If you had permitted anyone to seek her -in marriage she would not have been taken from you by force.” - -King Conn hated to decide. He did not wish to offend the leader of his -army, nor could he afford to make an enemy of the old chief and lose his -fealty. He finally decided that he could replace his leader more easily, -so he ruled that Cool must give back the maiden. - -Now Cool had been greatly in love with Murna when he took her from the -castle, but having her for his wife had made her more dear to him. He -decided that life would not be worth living without her. He defied Conn -to take her from him. - -[Illustration: - The hermit killed Cool and took his head to Gaul - From Birth of Finn] - -With his beautiful bride and those Fenians who were more loyal to him -than to the High King, Cool fled to the forest. There he defended -himself and for some time kept at bay the forces of Conn. - -After Cool fled the leadership of the Fenians was given to Gaul of -Morna, another brave warrior. In the course of the battle Cool and the -new leader met in single combat. All day long they fought fiercely and -bravely; Gaul to show himself brave enough to lead the army and Cool for -his wife and his happiness. In the evening Cool weakened and he received -a wound which made it impossible to fight on. Gaul thought too much of -his old leader to kill him while he lay wounded, so he withdrew. - -It so happened that another witnessed this battle. It was an old hermit -who lived by himself in the forest. This man was reputed to have great -knowledge. It proved that he had also a great desire to make himself -popular with the High King. He did what Gaul would not do—he killed the -wounded Cool and took his head to Gaul. - -In place of receiving the praise he wanted, he found Gaul greatly -displeased. The hermit was driven out of the camp as a coward, with -sticks and stones hurled after him as a reward. - -With the defeat of their leader the rebel Fenians surrendered, and the -young widow was left without protection. She must either go back to her -father or hide in the forest. The latter course was the one she chose. - -Poor girl, she was not used to such treatment. She became very weak and -ill. At last she gave up and approached an old hut in the forest. Here -she was taken in by an old woman, who fed her and nursed her. - -It was in this hut that the baby, who was to become such a great hero, -was born. Murna stayed in the hut until the baby could be left, fearful -that each day would bring the searchers sent out by her father, who -would kill her child. She finally decided that the baby would be safer -if she went back to the castle of Alma. She pledged the old woman to -raise the child but to tell no one who he was. The woman promised and -Murna went back to her father. - - - - - FINN’S BOYHOOD - - -Many stories are told of the boyhood of this hero. He grew tall and -straight with long fair hair and bright blue eyes. Because of his -complexion he was called Finn, which means “The Fair”. - -Living among the wild things of the forest he grew like them. No deer -could run away from him, he could run at full speed without cracking a -dry branch, he could track any animal by the prints on the forest floor, -while his eyes were as keen as those of an eagle. - -An early adventure of the boy reminds one of the story told of Putnam, -our hero of Revolutionary days. I refer to the story of the killing of -the wolf. In the case of Finn it was a wildcat. While he was still a -very young child his friends of the forest were greatly annoyed by the -visits of a vicious wildcat. This animal made steady attacks on the -flocks and herds of the people of the forest. - -The men hunted for the animal without result. No one thought of Finn as -a hunter and he told no one of his intention. With his knowledge of -tracking he found the trail of the wildcat and followed it to its lair -in a deep cave. Without hesitation he went right in until he found the -animal. - -There was no space in the cave for the use of a sword, so Finn did not -draw it. Instead he attacked the animal with his bare hands. He caught -it by the throat and held it until it ceased its struggles. Then he -carried the dead beast back and showed it to the surprised residents of -the forest. Its skin afterwards became part of his costume. - -When he was old enough for books, the old woman gave him into the charge -of the hermit of the forest. This man taught him the “Twelve Books of -Poetry”, which seems to be about all the people of those days learned -from books. Finn was a bright pupil and very early became skilful enough -to write poetry himself. - -I am afraid that the hermit took little interest in the teaching of his -pupil. You see, the man was deeply interested in gaining wisdom for -himself. He had placed his hut on the bank of a little stream, not, as -you suppose, so that he would have water for cooking, but because this -was the stream mentioned in the prophecy as the one up which the Salmon -of Knowledge would come. - -In the folk stories of many races we find the salmon considered as the -wisest of fishes. In Ireland, however, there was the story of this -particular salmon which would some day swim up the stream. The man who -ate the flesh of this fish would be ever afterwards the wisest man in -the country. - -The prophecy said that the fish would come when the man who was to eat -him arrived. As no one knew who this was to be, the hermit had hopes -that the fish would come to him. - -Finn helped to watch for this wonderful fish. This was a task he loved, -and it was one to which he was well suited on account of his keen eyes. -One afternoon, while he lay on the bank, a big, beautiful salmon swam -slowly toward him. The sunlight glistened on his scales that shone like -silver. - -The big fish swam right in front of him, turning back and forth in the -sunlight and showing very plainly that it did not intend swimming away. -At last Finn remembered that it was a fish he was waiting for, so he -reached into the water for it. The salmon offered no fight, but allowed -the boy to lift him out upon the bank. - -Of course the hermit was delighted to see the fish. He knew at once that -it was the Salmon of Knowledge. He felt that he was already the wisest -man in the country. But even with knowledge so close to him he still had -a desire to have some one else do the work. He set his pupil at the task -of cooking the fish, cautioning him against eating a bite of it. Then he -went off to take a nap. - -Finn sat before the fire turning the fish slowly. He, too, had heard of -the Salmon of Knowledge, but he never guessed that this was the one. -Neither did he have any idea that he was the person of the prophecy. He -did not even know who he was, nor anything about his father or mother. -As he turned the smoking fish he got his thumb against the meat and -burnt it severely. To ease the pain he put it in his mouth and sucked -the sore thumb. - -That was all that was necessary to give him knowledge. He sprang to his -feet, his eyes blazing with anger. Buckling on his sword he went in and -roused the hermit from his sleep. What the man saw in his pupil’s eyes -frightened him. - -“Did you eat that salmon?” demanded the hermit. - -“I but burnt my finger on it and sucked the place,” said Finn. “That was -enough. I know now that I am the son of Cool and that you killed him -while he lay wounded. Get up and defend yourself, for I am about to -avenge my father!” - -Finn was but a boy, but already the strength of a champion was coming to -him. The hermit fought for his life, but he was no match for the son of -the man he had treacherously killed. He quickly paid for his foul deed, -and Finn ate the Salmon of Knowledge, as it was intended he should. - -From that time on he had more wisdom than the wisest man in Ireland. Not -only that, but when in times of stress he desired to know the outcome of -a battle or an adventure, by biting the thumb which had been burned he -could tell the result. In other stories you will see how this knowledge -aided him. Of course, you will wonder why he ever made mistakes with -such a gift. I am unable to tell you that. Many of the adventures we -read of a wise man would never have attempted. Probably he only used -this thumb in times of great importance for fear that if he used it for -everything the great gift would leave him. - - - - - FINN CLAIMS HIS INHERITANCE - - -A tremendous gathering of the men of Erin had come together at the city -of Tara, the central city of the realm. The Fenians were camped in a -circle around the outskirts. At night the lights of their campfires made -a circle of fire as though to protect it from danger. - -Conn, the High King, was holding court in the great banquet hall where a -thousand of the chiefs and champions were gathered with him. This hall -was seven hundred sixty feet long, ninety feet wide and built of hewn -logs. Down each side ran a double row of benches with hewn tables in -front of them. In each row were two hundred fifty of the finest manhood -of Erin. Their weapons and shields rested against the walls behind them -while they ate. Down the center was a row of fires over which, on spits, -great roasts of meat were cooking. An army of cooks were constantly -busy, tending the fires, turning the spits and carrying food to the -tables. - -At the end of the hall on a raised platform sat Conn, his son Arthur, -and Gaul of Morna, leader of the Fenians. They were in earnest -consultation. - -One would have thought that such a gathering of heroes at a feast would -have been a jolly one. It was not so. A deep silence hung over all. Men -ate in silence with gloomy faces and downcast eyes, sad because they -felt that it would be their last gathering in that splendid hall. - -Suddenly a voice rang out through the silence. Clear and firm it was, so -that every word was heard the length of the hall. - -“Conn, High King of Erin, a lonely and disinherited youth, without money -and without friends, claims thy hospitality!” - -The men of Erin looked at the newcomer in surprise. They saw a youth -about ten years of age, clad in the skins of the forest animals. Hanging -at his belt in front was a great sword, while his skin covered shield -hung over his shoulders at the back. His fair hair fell to his -shoulders, while his blue eyes caught the glint of light from the spears -along the wall and shot it back like flashes of sunlight. It was Finn, -son of Cool, appearing for the first time before the Fenians. - -The High King had matters of too much weight on his mind to take much -heed of the boy who claimed what no king at that time would refuse—a -place at the table and a bed. He motioned to Finn to take his place with -the others and went on with his discussion. - -Finn ate with the other men of Erin. He said no word until he had -finished his meal. Then he arose and once more addressed the High King. - -“I know it is not customary for a stranger to note that there is -anything wrong in the house of his host, but I am impressed by your look -of sadness and the silence of the men of Erin. Is aught amiss that may -be told to a stranger?” - -“Our troubles are not secret, though it shames me to tell them,” -answered the High King. “Tonight is the time set for the destruction of -Tara, and I am powerless to save it. Each year for nine years, at the -midnight hour of this night, the giant Midna appears and throws balls of -fire at the city until it is destroyed. Each year I have rebuilt it, -only to know that my work is to last but for a year. The women and -children have been sent away. Only the Fenians remain to witness my -shame. Do you wonder, O Youth, that we are sick at heart?” - -“And is there no brave champion or youth anxious to prove his bravery -who can go out and meet this giant?” asked Finn. - -“Alas, no,” sighed the High King. “It is not that the men of Erin are -lacking in bravery. Many have tried without result. When Midna is ready -to destroy, he plays fairy music upon his pipes, and not a man can stay -awake. When sleep leaves our eyes he is gone, and the city is a heap of -ashes. We watch again tonight, but we have no hopes of success.” - -Of course Finn, having eaten the Salmon of Knowledge, knew this as well -as anybody. His purpose in asking for information was to obtain a -promise from Conn. - -“What shall be the reward of him who slays the giant and saves the -city?” asked Finn. - -“If such a feat be possible, no reward that he shall ask will be -refused,” answered the High King. - -“Even to the return of my inheritance?” asked Finn. - -“Yes, fair youth,” answered Conn. “Even if your inheritance be my crown, -and my son and I must become your vassals, it shall be returned to you.” - -“Is that your promise, O King, made before all these men of Erin?” -insisted Finn. - -“It is,” declared the king, stepping down and putting his hand in that -of the boy. “My hand is my pledge that I will do as I promise.” - -“Then I shall attempt the trial,” said Finn. - -He waved back all offers of spears and shields from the men of Erin and -went out by himself into the darkness. He sought out a place in a dark -grove and waited quietly. Soon a man appeared, bearing a large cloak and -a heavy spear. The spear handle was studded with nails of gold, but the -point was incased in a leather covering. The man gave Finn directions -for the use of the articles and disappeared. - -Soon the lights in the banquet hall went out, as the champions went to -their posts in the circle defending the city. No man spoke to his -neighbor. That would have been useless since every man had his ears -filled with wax in the hopes that he might shut out the sound of the -strange, sweet music that put all to sleep. - -Finn climbed a hill overlooking the city. His knowledge told him that -here it was the giant would come. Soon he heard in the distance the -sound of pipes. The music lulled his senses, his eyelids drooped, his -head began to nod. Not till then did he take the leather covering from -the spear head. It glowed like fire and little tongues of light shot out -in all directions. From the spear came the sound of many voices crying -out together. Finn pressed the point to his forehead. The pain of the -burning was stronger than the spell of the music. - -Soon the lights of the circle began to reel and go out as one after -another of the Fenians came under the spell of the music. At last only -the lights of the stronger chiefs were burning. - -The music then changed to the sweetness of strings. Once again Finn had -to press the spear head to his forehead. The lights went out one by one -until there was but one left, that of Conn, and it was reeling like that -of a drunken man. Then it, too, went out. Tara was unprotected by her -army. - -And now Finn heard the sound of heavy feet. There was a splashing of -water as of one crossing a river. Finn looked in the direction of the -sound and beheld a mighty mountain of man ascending the hill on which he -stood. It was the giant Midna. - -Midna looked over the city lying at his mercy and laughed aloud. He blew -from his mouth a red fire ball which was to begin the destruction of the -city. Finn reached out his cloak and caught the ball in its folds, where -it died out harmlessly. The amazed giant shot another and another at the -city, but not one passed the folds of Finn’s cloak. - -At first, I suppose, the giant thought that he was shooting a poor grade -of fire balls that evening. When, however, he looked to the place where -they disappeared and saw Finn catching them in his cloak, he let out a -roar of fear and ran back toward his home as quickly as he could. -Probably he had heard some prophecy that told him of the coming of this -boy, dressed in skins; maybe he saw that Finn’s powers were greater than -his; anyway he did not pause for battle, but ran with all the speed he -possessed. - -Finn gave chase. He was, you remember, very fleet of foot, but the -giant’s legs were many times longer and the distance grew between them. -The spear flamed brightly and seemed struggling to get free. - -“Go then, if you will,” cried Finn, as he hurled it after the fast -disappearing giant. - -Like a meteor in the night sky the spear sped through the darkness and -disappeared. Finn ran on after it. He found the giant dead at the door -of his cave in the hillside. The spear had passed through his body and -disappeared. - -With his sword Finn took the enchanter’s head as proof that he had won -the battle. When he passed the place where he had dropped the cloak he -found nothing. Like the spear, it disappeared when its work was done. -Finn placed the head of the giant on a pole in front of the banquet hall -so that all might see it in the morning. - -And then, after it was all over, he became very faint and sick. The use -of the weapons of magic had taken all the strength out of his body. He -reeled like a drunken man toward the spring which furnished water for -the banquet hall. Finn had another power of which I must tell you. By -bringing water in his cupped hands to one sick or wounded he could -restore him to health. He used this power now and drank from his own -hands. At once his sickness passed. Then he lay down and slept. - -In the morning he woke early and gave a mighty shout. - -Even though their ears were filled with wax the Fenians could not fail -to hear his voice. They struggled from their sleep and rubbed their eyes -in astonishment to see, not a heap of smoking ruins, but Tara, -resplendent in the morning sun. - -They came with all speed, Conn and Gaul in the lead, to the spot where -Finn stood pointing at the head of their late enemy. - -“Who are you, brave youth?” asked Conn. “You are no common man since you -have done what no one else could do.” - -Then Finn drew himself up and in a loud voice cried: - -“I claim my inheritance—the castle of Alma and the leadership of the -Fenians. I am Finn, son of Cool, and these things belong to me in my -right.” - -“What I have promised I will fulfill,” declared Conn. “I give you your -inheritance the more willingly because your father was my friend and -loyal subject until I decided unfairly against him.” - -Then Gaul of Morna gave up the leadership of the Fenians and put his -hand in that of Finn to show that he was willing to be his friend and -follower. The other leaders followed his example. It must have gone hard -with some of these mighty chiefs to swear fealty to a ten year old boy. -The only thing that made such a thing possible was that Finn had done -something no other of them could do and had entered the class of a -champion by killing the giant. - -Thus Finn MacCool became the leader of the Fenians. - - - - - FINN AND THE SCOTTISH GIANT - - -This story is one told by the Irish peasants in explaining a bridge of -rock off the northern coast of their country. It is a typical Finn -story, showing that leader’s strength and his wisdom. The giant who had -a secret of strength is found in the folk lore of many nations. No doubt -you remember the Bible hero, Samson, who lost his strength with the -cutting of his long hair. You may compare him with the Scottish giant. - - * * * * * - -When Finn was not training his men or traveling in search of adventure, -he used to visit the old woman who had raised him. The stories do not -mention his ever having seen his real mother. The foster-mother takes -her place. Finn built a cottage for her in the northern part of the -country and saw to it that she never needed anything. - -One day, while visiting the woman, he stood on the rocky coast looking -out over the ocean. Over on the coast of Scotland he saw a giant of -tremendous proportions. This fellow seemed to be driving pillars into -the ocean and was working very hard. He saw Finn in the distance and -called out: - -“You might as well settle up your business, because when I get through -with you there will not be much of you left to talk about!” - -The giant’s voice was a mighty roar which carried nicely over the miles -separating them. Now Finn had heard of this giant and the threat did not -frighten him in the least. He called back in a voice nearly as strong as -the giant’s own: - -“Come over any time you like. You’ll need more than a bridge to take you -back after I get through with you.” - -The giant said no more, so Finn went back to the cottage. He knew that -his men had boasted to the Scottish people about the great strength of -their leader. He also knew that the Scotch giant was anxious to settle -the question as to which was the better man. Now, Finn was afraid of no -man. Having bested every champion in Ireland he was always anxious to -try his strength against any new hero who appeared. - -Each morning he went out and watched the giant building the bridge -across the channel. When the man began to get nearer, Finn got an idea -of his size. He was at least four times the size of the Irish hero and -the way he handled the great stone pillars showed that his strength was -tremendous. Finn saw that if the giant got hold of him as he did a rock -pillar, he would have little chance of escaping alive. - -As I have told you, Finn was no coward. You also know that he was no -fool. He was noted for wisdom as well as strength. He saw that a combat -at close quarters with such a mountain of muscle would be foolish. He -began to devise plans for getting the better of the giant when the -bridge should be finished. - -When he saw that the work would last but a few days more he no longer -went to the shore but kept at home out of sight. He enlisted the aid of -his foster-mother in the preparations for the giant’s arrival. He -brought in a large stone as big as a water bucket and placed it on a -shelf in the cottage. Then he had the woman make, from the whey of sour -milk, a ball large enough to fill his two hands. This he placed near the -rock. - -Next he had the woman bake several cakes of meal. A few were just the -ordinary ones such as they ate regularly, but in the middle of the -others he had her put plates of solid iron. These cakes were placed in -the cupboard close at hand. When you see how these different things were -used you will see that Finn had a perfect plan worked out. - -Then Finn told his foster-mother all the things she must do and in what -order each was to come. - -“I fear that he will be too much for you,” said the woman. - -“He would be as he is,” declared Finn. “By biting my thumb I learn that -the secret of his strength is in one of his fingers—which one I cannot -tell. It shall be your task to find out the finger.” - -At last the day came on which the bridge was completed. A messenger was -sent out to give the giant directions for reaching the cottage, while -Finn himself, dressed as a baby, got into the big cradle he had built -for the purpose. - -Soon the doorway darkened. The great giant stood there looking in. He -was an ugly and terrible looking fellow with two great teeth sticking -out of his jaw like those of a walrus. The doorway was a large one, but -the giant filled it, shutting out the light behind him. - -“I am looking for the fellow who calls himself Finn MacCool,” roared the -giant in a voice that shook the walls of the house. - -Finn’s foster-mother sat calmly rocking the cradle and working on some -clothes she was mending. To look at her one would have thought that the -visit of a giant was an everyday occurrence. - -“And who might you be?” she asked. - -“That’s no matter,” growled the giant. “I’ve come from Scotland to see -him and I’m in a hurry.” - -“Oh, you must be that foolish fellow who thinks he wants to have a trial -with Finn,” suggested the woman. - -“Foolish!” roared the giant. “Show me where he is and you will soon find -out which one is the foolish one!” - -“Come right in,” said the woman. “I am very sorry, but Finn is away and -will not be back until tomorrow. He waited for you as long as he could. -You see, you were so long in coming he decided that you had become -frightened and had turned back, so he went off to attend to some -business. Just as he left he said to me, ‘If that fellow from Scotland -gets here while I am gone, treat him well and get him to stay. I would -not miss knocking a trial out of him at any cost.’” - -“Well, he won’t miss me,” answered the giant. “I’ll wait.” - -“Come right in then,” said the woman. “I will give you a bite to eat.” - -The giant thrust himself through the doorway into the room. Inside, -where he could straighten himself up, he looked more terrible than -before. As there was no seat in the cottage big enough for him he leaned -against the wall, which bulged out with his weight. The woman busied -herself before the fire. - -“Who is that?” asked the giant, pointing to Finn in the cradle. - -“That’s Finn’s little baby,” answered the woman. “I wish you would be -more quiet while you are in here. The baby is just beginning to cut his -teeth, and he is very cross if he awakens suddenly.” - -The giant really tried to soften his voice, but the result was very -funny. When he was speaking very softly, his voice was like that of a -fog horn in a coast light house. - -“Dear me,” sighed the woman after a while. “This fire draws so poorly! -The wind is in the wrong direction. If Finn were here he would turn the -house around so that the fire would do better.” - -“What Finn can do will be only a small task for me,” said the giant. - -He went outside, took the house by one corner and turned it so that it -faced in a different direction. You can believe that the woman was -thoroughly frightened to see this exhibition of strength. She wondered -what chance Finn would have against such a man. Still she believed in -his wisdom, so she continued to carry out her instructions. When the -giant came back she seemed very calm. - -“Well, how is that?” asked the giant when he came in again. - -“The fire draws better,” she admitted, “but you did it very clumsily. I -thought you were going to shake the house to pieces. Finn lifts it -around so easily that he jars not a thing on the shelves. But of course -you are not nearly so strong as Finn.” - -The giant was so crestfallen that he had nothing to say for some time. - -“Oh, dear,” cried the woman a little later. “I am all out of water. Finn -promised to split open the rock of the spring before he left, but he -forgot all about it. I wonder if you could do it.” - -“Of course I can,” said the giant. “Show me the rocks.” - -The woman took up a bucket and led him to a place where two rocky hills -sent up their peaks very close together. - -“That is the place,” she said. “Finn intended pulling them apart when he -had time so that we could have water nearby.” - -The giant put a foot against one peak and took the other in his hands. -With a mighty heave he separated the two hills and let the water stream -out between them. The woman filled her bucket and went back to the -house, the giant following her. - -“How did that suit you?” he asked. - -“You did that very well,” said the woman. “But of course that is hardly -a man’s job.” - -The giant seemed to feel keenly the fact that his strength made no -impression on the woman. He looked around the room to see if he could -find something else to talk about. He saw the big rock on the shelf. - -“Perhaps you will tell me why you keep that rock on the shelf?” he -asked. - -“Oh, that,” said the woman as if it could be of no importance, “that is -just a little trick of Finn’s. He uses it to practice on in the -mornings.” - -“Ho! Ho!” laughed the giant. “Why should he practice with such a rock as -that?” He picked it up and tossed it from hand to hand as though it were -an orange. - -“He keeps up the strength of his fingers with it,” answered the woman. -“Each morning he squeezes the water out of a rock. If you are the man -Finn is you can do the same.” - -The giant took the stone in his two hands and squeezed with all his -might and main. Of course no water could come out of a solid rock. The -first finger of his right hand sank into the stone with his efforts. - -“Your one finger has a little strength,” said the woman. “If the rest of -you had the force of that finger, you might get a few drops.” - -“It is that finger which gives me my strength,” the foolish giant told -her. Once more he took up the rock and squeezed the rock harder than -ever with no result. The baby in the cradle set up a lusty cry. - -“Poor baby,” said the woman. “He is sorry for you. His father lets him -practice on a small rock. See what he can do.” - -She gave Finn the ball of whey. Finn took it in his two hands and -squeezed it, letting the water stream on the floor. The giant was -amazed. - -“It’s a pretty strong baby,” he admitted. - -“It would have to be to belong to Finn MacCool,” said the woman. - -The giant seemed to be thinking deeply. Perhaps he doubted his wisdom in -coming to try conclusions with the father of such a baby. - -Soon Finn’s foster-mother took one of the cakes from the cupboard and -handed it to the giant. - -“Take this,” she said. “It will help stay your appetite until I get you -something better.” - -The giant thanked her and bit down into the cake. As it was one of those -with the iron core, all he succeeded in doing was to break off two of -his teeth. He took the cake out of his mouth and felt his jaw. - -“What’s the matter?” asked the woman. “Maybe those cakes are too hard -for you. Finn wouldn’t eat them because they were too soft. I’ll get you -another one.” - -She passed the giant one more of the iron-filled cakes. Once more he bit -into it and again he lost some teeth. He went to the door to spit them -out. He did not seem to care for these cakes. - -“You say Finn doesn’t like cakes as soft as that?” he asked. - -“He won’t touch them,” she answered. “He leaves them for the baby.” - -She took one of the ordinary cakes and gave it to Finn in the cradle. -The giant looked on to see what happened. Finn ate the cake ravenously. - -The giant was more puzzled than ever. He called for another cake and bit -into it with all the strength of his jaws. It would be hard to tell just -how many teeth he lost this time, but he could not get a bite off the -cake. The woman gave Finn another and again it went down in a hurry. - -“And you say he is just getting his teeth?” asked the giant. - -“Just a few have come,” she answered. - -“I’d like to have a feel of such teeth,” said the giant. - -He put his strong finger in Finn’s mouth and felt for the teeth. This -was just what Finn had been waiting for. As soon as the finger was in -his mouth he clamped down his teeth and bit it off. - -With the loss of his finger the giant’s extraordinary strength left him. -Finn tore off the bed clothes and set upon him like a whirlwind. The -walls bulged out. Most of the house was ruined. Finn’s foster-mother -watched from the outside of the house. Soon she had the satisfaction of -seeing the giant come dashing out of the house with Finn hammering him -as he ran. - -Only the fact that the giant’s legs were very long saved him from a -worse beating. He got out on his bridge as fast as he could. Nor did he -slow down until he got a good distance from the Irish shore. Then he -threw down the pillars as fast as he could so that Finn would be unable -to follow him. - -The giant never tried to come back. He cleared out all the pillars on -the Scottish side, but, you can well believe, he never went near the -Irish shore again. To this day you can still see them standing out into -the water, just as he left them in his hurry. People call the remaining -pillars “The Giant’s Causeway” and this is the story they tell as to how -it happens to be there. - - - - -[Illustration: - The Black Druid appeared in the form of Finn - From the Story of Saba] - - THE STORY OF SABA - - -Finn always enjoyed a hunting excursion. In those days, when all the -fighting was done with sword and spear, hunting was a different sport -from what it is today. All the champions had fleet hounds, and they, -themselves, from their training in speed, lagged little behind the dogs -in the chase. - -Finn had two beautiful hounds, Bran and Skolawn, which went with him at -all times. He was very fond of them both. The stories tell that there -were only two times in his life that he shed tears, and one of these was -at the death of Bran. - -One day Finn was out on the chase when the hounds gave tongue and set -off at a rapid pace. You may be sure that Finn was not far behind them. -When he came to a little glade among the trees, he saw a peculiar sight. -There, on the turf beside a little stream, stood a beautiful doe. Finn -raised his spear, but the strange behavior of the dogs stayed his hand. -Instead of rushing at the deer, they approached her gently and licked -the hair of her neck and shoulders. - -The other Fenians came up and would have killed the animal had not Finn -stopped them. - -“No”, he cried. “She shall not be killed! If the dogs do not wish to -harm her no one else shall.” - -When Finn went back to his camp, the deer followed him with his dogs. -When he went into his house, she lay down on the outside. - -That night he awoke suddenly to find standing at his bedside the most -beautiful woman he had ever seen. - -“Who are you?” he stammered, struggling from his sleep and rubbing his -eyes. - -“I am Saba, O Finn,” answered the maiden. “I am the deer you spared -today.” - -“The deer!” exclaimed Finn. - -“That shape was put upon me by the Black Druid because I would not -become his wife. I have wandered in the forest, pursued by man and -beast, and many times I have nearly lost my life. I should have given up -all hope had not a kindly slave of the Druid told me that if I could -come safely into your camp I would be freed from the enchantment. I -feared both dogs and men, but I trusted myself to your two hounds, which -seemed to realize my helplessness.” - -“Have no fear, fair Saba,” said Finn. “The Fenians fear no enchantment, -and you will be safe while under our protection.” - -Then Finn called his servants and had them prepare a room for the -maiden. The remainder of the night he spent in dreams of the beautiful -girl, who had come to him for protection. - -Next morning Finn did not go out on the chase. He stayed in camp and -talked to Saba. He found her even more beautiful in the daylight. The -thought that she had to come to him for aid, added to her many charms, -caused him to neglect everything for her. It ended by them both falling -deeply in love with one another. - -The feast for the wedding of Finn and Saba was an event in the life of -the Fenians. Never had such a celebration been held in Ireland. Conn, -the High King, and his son, Cormack, came. It could safely have been -said that no king nor prince ever had a finer wedding or a more -beautiful bride. - -For months Finn would not leave his young wife. Adventures had no call -to him; hunting had no charms. The love of this couple is one of the -most beautiful ones in history. - -But later there came a call to duty. Word came to Finn that the Danes -had landed on the north coast of Erin, and that the Fenians were -battling without their leader. This Finn could not allow. He got out his -weapons and shield, mounted his horse and left for the scene of the -battle. - -His farewell to Saba was very touching. That she might have perfect -protection while he was absent, he left behind a guard of some of his -bravest men, with cautions that they must give their lives rather than -lot her come under the power of the Black Druid. - -For eight days and nights he fought the Danes. At the end of that time, -with the foe driven back into the sea, he hastened to his young bride. -His heart was filled with joyousness at the thought of being with her -again. - -But when he approached his home, he saw his men standing around in -open-mouthed astonishment. Noting their look of fear, he called the -chief of them to him. - -“What has happened?” he asked. “Why is it my men look at me in such -surprise. Did they not expect me to return?” - -The chief seemed puzzled, too. “Were you not here three days ago?” he -asked. - -“Certainly not,” answered Finn. “Where is Saba? Did the Black Druid—” - -“I am fearful, O Finn, that it was indeed he,” replied the chief. “Three -days ago we saw you approaching with your two dogs at your side. Your -wife went joyously forth to meet you. The man we thought was you took -her up behind him, and then all disappeared in a mist. If it was not -you, it must have been the Druid appearing in your shape.” - -Finn, with his heart sad within him, searched every place from one end -of Erin to the other, but without success. It was too true. His wife had -disappeared as into a mist. It was undoubtedly the work of the Black -Druid. - -[Illustration: - The boy stood with his back to the tree waiting for the hounds to - attack - From the Story of Saba] - -Finn throughout all his life never ceased to mourn for Saba, nor to -search for her. Six years after her disappearance, while hunting in the -forest, he came upon a wild boy with straggly hair and fierce eyes. His -only clothing was the skins of beasts. The hounds had found him, and -when Finn came up, the boy was standing with his back to a tree, waiting -to strangle the hounds if they came at him. - -The sight reminded Finn of his own boyhood days. He called off the dogs -and took the boy home with him. At first the little fellow was too timid -and unused to language to speak. Gradually, however, his fear left him -and he became able to tell of his life in the forest. - -He could remember a woman who had dwelt with him in a cave. A dark man -had come and pleaded with her for several days, but always she had -refused to do what the man asked. At last he had become angry, had left -the cave and had never returned. The little boy remembered that he had -never seen the woman again. After that he had been tended by a beautiful -deer. - -Then Finn knew that the woman was Saba and that the wild boy was his own -son. He understood what the boy could not. The Black Druid had enticed -his wife away and tried once more to get her to marry him. When she -persistently refused him, he had turned her back into a deer. - -Once more Finn searched the forest, hoping that he might again find the -gentle deer, which had come to him before. His quest was without result. -Possibly the Druid saw to it that she should never get near him, but it -was more likely that some hunter had killed her. Finn mourned her as -dead and gave his attention to the raising of his boy. - -He named the child Ossian, which means Little Faun. He taught him the -poetry of the day and trained him in feats of arms. Ossian grew up to be -a worthy son of his father. In all the later battles we read of what a -splendid fighter he was. He and his son, Oscar, were always in the front -in time of danger. - -But Ossian was not only a great warrior. He inherited his father’s love -for poetry and the ability to write it. We have great numbers of stories -about the deeds of Finn and the Fenians, and the greater number are -written by the poet, Ossian. - - - - - CONAN, THE BALD - - -Not all the warriors of the Fenians were noted for their bravery. It is -now necessary that we become acquainted with Conan, the unheroic member -of the band. The stories do not tell how he ever passed his entrance -trials, or why he was allowed to remain a member. He did many things the -Fenians considered as unworthy of them. - -Conan was a man with an evil tongue. He never had a good word for any -one. No matter what his companions did, Conan would never have a word of -praise for them. He would make sneering remarks about the feat. This did -not mean that he would have done better himself. Far from it! He was a -great coward and shirked any task which had any danger attached to it. - -The fact that he had lost all his hair gave him his name. But there was -something else about him that gave the Fenians a great deal of -amusement. Whenever his armor was cut at the back, it showed everyone -that he had the back of a sheep. When you hear how he got such a back, -you will not wonder why the Fenians enjoyed the joke so much. - -One day Finn, Conan and several other heroes were out hunting. All day -long they had followed the chase, and in the afternoon they arrived in a -new country, before a beautiful castle. Seeing no one around they went -in. They found themselves in a large room, down the center of which ran -a big table loaded with food. Along the sides of the table were rows of -high-backed chairs. - -As there was no one around, and as the feast seemed to have been just -prepared, the men decided that it had been placed there for them. They -sat down and began to eat. It was a delicious meal. - -Suddenly something about the room made Finn look up from his food. When -they had come in, the ceiling had been high and richly decorated. Now it -was changing into the smoke-stained roof of a hut. Finn knew then that -they had walked into an enchanted house, put there just to trap them. He -called out a warning to his companions and ordered them all outside -immediately. - -When they were free from the house, and saw the great change that had -taken place in it, they were, thankful for Finn’s wisdom in getting them -out before it had been too late. - -But they were not all out. Conan was still in the room eating like a -pig. They called to him, urging him to hurry. He refused to leave such a -fine array of food. At last two of the Fenians rushed in and took him by -the arms. When they pulled at him they found that the enchantment was -already beginning to work. He was growing fast to the back of the chair. - -Conan was now thoroughly alarmed. He begged the men to pull him loose. -The two Fenians pulled with all their might. With a mighty wrench they -freed him, but his shirt and the skin of his back had grown fast to the -chair. - -He was in a very painful condition. Something had to be done to relieve -him. He just lay on the ground and moaned and groaned. - -“Kill a sheep and cover the wound with the skin of the animal,” ordered -Finn. - -The men did his bidding. The skin of the freshly killed sheep was cut to -fit and bound to his sore back. Then Finn gave him a drink of water from -his cupped hands and restored his strength to him. The sheepskin grew -fast and could never be removed, so Conan always had to wear it. - -With all Conan’s cowardice, he really did come out victorious in one -battle. But when you hear of this particular combat, you will understand -why the Fenians, instead of honoring him for it, had less respect for -him than ever. - -During the progress of one battle, when a hostile army had landed on the -shores of Erin, one champion stood out in front each morning and -demanded single combat. - -“If you are not afraid of me,” he would call, “why don’t you send a man -to meet me?” - -He was not a great hero and the Fenians refused to be bothered with him -alone. Finally, when they grew tired of hearing the challenge, as a joke -they sent Conan out to fight with him. A roar of laughter came from the -Fenians as Conan went cautiously out to meet this man. The enemy gave a -cry of rage at the insult, and the champion called out angrily: - -“What do you mean by sending a clown to meet me? Is there not a man -among you who dares to face me?” - -Conan came forward slowly, afraid for his life. When he got close to the -champion, the latter said sarcastically: - -“The Fenians seem anxious that I be left unharmed, since they send me -such a dangerous foe.” - -“You are in more danger from the man behind you, than from the one in -front of you,” said the cowardly Conan. - -The champion looked around to see what he meant. At that moment Conan -swung his sword and cut off the man’s head. - -This treacherous way of winning a combat angered Finn and the Fenians -beyond all measure. They considered that Conan had disgraced them. It is -a wonder they did not put him to death. His only punishment was -banishment from the band for a short time. We find him in the later -stories, just as full of trickery, just as cowardly and just as -uncomplimentary to his companions, but still the butt of all their -jokes. - - - - - DERMOT OF THE LOVE SPOT - - -One of the most splendid heroes of the Fenians was Dermot. His name is -second only to that of Finn in the stories of valiant deeds. He was -younger than his chief by many years, even younger than Ossian, Finn’s -son. Dermot was the fleetest man of them all, and also the one with the -keenest eyes. In many of the stories he is chosen for deeds of valor -rather than Finn himself. This happens, however, when Finn is an old -man, and his wisdom and leadership are of more value than his strength. - -This young hero was the son of a god. In those days, however, gods could -be wounded and could die. They lived on earth and needed food to live -on, just the same as other men. The distinction between the Irish gods -and heroes like Finn is very slight in the old stories. Dermot did have -one gift no other Fenian possessed. His foster-father, the god Angus, -had granted him a body that no weapon could wound. There was but one -thing that could harm him. That was the tusks of a wild boar. His -foster-father warned him never to hunt the boar unless it was absolutely -necessary, and then to exercise every care so as not to be wounded by -the tusks. - -Dermot was a handsome man, with curling fair hair and blue eyes like -those of his leader. He was Finn’s closest companion and greatly loved -by him. His was the soul of honor. If he got into trouble it was from -doing some task his honor demanded. His courage and strength were -unquestioned. The Fenians always fought with more bravery if they knew -Dermot was with them. - -Such a handsome man could not help being very popular with the maidens -of Erin. They liked him because of his strength and his handsome face. -But it was the Love Spot on his forehead which made it impossible for -any girl to look at him and not fall in love with him. You shall have to -hear how he received this gift. - -One day he was out hunting with Conan, Oscar and Gaul of Morna. As often -happened in those days, the chase led them far from their camp. With the -coming of darkness they began to look for a shelter for the night. They -wandered around until they came upon a little house in the forest. When -they knocked, a gray-haired man came to the door and inquired their -errand. - -“We ask for thy hospitality,” said Dermot. - -“That you shall have,” declared the old man, throwing wide the door. -“Come right in, and thousand welcomes to you.” - -Inside they found a queer household waiting for them. At the table sat a -beautiful young girl; before the fire was a large gray cat; while lying -at one side of the fireplace was a big sheep with a fleece of long, -shaggy wool. - -The old man went into the kitchen of the house and prepared a splendid -meal, which he placed before the heroes. All ate heartily, but, as -usual, Conan was still eating after all the others had finished. - -He was interrupted by the sheep, which climbed to the table and -commenced eating of the food that was left. Conan pushed the animal’s -nose out of the food time and time again and tried to go on with his -eating. It was of no use. Before he could get a bite, the old sheep -would thrust its nose into the plate. - -“I call it a strange house where a sheep is allowed to eat from the -table,” declared Conan. - -“I did not put him there,” answered the old man. “If you do not like his -company, put him off.” - -Conan grasped the sheep in his two arms, intending to lift it from the -table. To his surprise he could not move it. He tugged and strained -without avail. At last the sheep, with a quick toss of his head, threw -Conan into the center of the room. - -How the other men roared with laughter! It was always amusing to see -Conan get the worst of anything. As for Conan, he picked himself up -sulkily. - -“You laugh loudly,” he growled. “I’ll wager there is not one of you who -can move it.” - -The idea was ridiculous. To think of anyone claiming to be a hero and -unable to lift an ordinary sheep! Oscar, with a laugh, started to brush -the animal away with one hand. Soon he had the sheep in both arms and -was tugging and straining in an attempt to move it. Then he, too, found -himself thrown lightly away from the table. - -Now it ceased to be a joke. Dermot tried to remove the animal with no -better success. Gaul, it is true, got the sheep off the table for a -moment, but the animal soon turned this hero on his back and stood upon -him. Then it jumped back to the table. - -During all this time the old man had been looking on in amusement. Now -he spoke to the cat, which was lazily basking itself before the fire. - -“Take him away,” ordered the old man. - -The cat got up slowly and climbed to the table. Then, taking the sheep -by the long hair of its throat, the cat led it down and out of the room. - -The four heroes looked at one another in surprise and astonishment. -Dermot picked up his shield and his weapons. “Come,” he said to his -companions. “We shall not stay under a roof where a host makes game of -his guests.” - -“Sit down,” said the old man. “You have been testing your strength in an -impossible feat. You will not feel badly over your failure when I tell -you that the sheep you tried to move was the World, itself. To lift it -is a task no man can accomplish. The cat could master the animal easily, -because the cat was Old Age, and even the world cannot withstand its -force. Come, let me show you to your beds.” - -The heroes were somewhat soothed by the explanations and followed the -host into another room, where they found their beds prepared for them. -Later, the young girl came to the door and looked from one to the other -of the men. - -“I have a gift,” she said. “It goes to but one of you.” - -“Let me have it,” said Conan. “If ever a man needed a gift, it is I.” - -“Give it to me,” said Oscar. “I am the strongest.” - -Gaul and Dermot said nothing. These men were wise. They knew that they -were in an enchanted house, and that the girl would give the gift to -whom she chose. - -“Not to you, or you, or you,” she said pointing in turn to Conan, Oscar -and Gaul. “My gift cannot go to any of you. I am Youth and youth has -left you all.” - -She approached the couch of Dermot. “You can never grow old,” she said, -“so I shall always be with you. To you I shall give the gift that Youth -can bestow.” - -She raised her wand and touched him lightly on the forehead. - -“I give to you the Love Spot, Dermot,” she said. “Who wears it will win -the love of all women. No maiden will be able to look upon you without -loving you. Treat my gift with honor and with wisdom.” - -Then the maiden left the room, and the heroes went to sleep. - -That is the way in which Dermot received the Love Spot. It made him -beloved by all women, but in the end, this gift caused him great sorrow. -You shall see in the story of “Dermot and Grainne” that the gifts of the -fairies do not always bring happiness. - - - - - DERMOT RESCUES FINN - - -Finn’s dearest friend and constant companion, during his later years, -was Dermot. This young man was most loyal to his chief, and because he -was such a true friend, so strong in the fight, so swift of foot and so -keen of sight, Finn depended greatly upon him. Where Finn went you were -sure to find Dermot, and if Dermot was off on an adventure, Finn was -pretty sure to be with him. - -On the day of our story the two were out hunting with some friends. We -find these Fenians on the hunt a great deal of the time. The reason is a -simple one. From November to May the men of the army lived at the -expense of the High King and the people; from May to November they had -to get their food and clothing by hunting. Naturally, many of the -adventures start on a hunting trip. - -As this particular morning advanced, the party decided to stop in a -little sheltered spot near the shore for their meal. It was while the -men were getting the game cooked that Finn and Dermot strolled along the -beach and sat down on a ledge of rock. While they were there a ship -sailed into the little harbor. - -It was a small vessel, handsome in every line, with sails full as if in -a strong breeze. This was remarkable because no air was stirring at that -time. The ship neared the shore and stopped. The sails dropped loosely. -Finn and Dermot looked in vain for the crew, but there was no one -visible except a lone woman, who sat on the deck. - -“It is a wonder to me that one woman should be able to sail a ship alone -and come into a harbor at full speed with no wind blowing,” said Finn. - -Dermot was looking with interest toward the ship. - -“You shall not wonder long,” said Dermot. “I will go down and bring you -word.” - -Finn detained him with a laugh. “No, Dermot,” he said. “This time we -will take into consideration the heart of the lady. I shall see for -myself.” - -Finn went down to the shore, placed the point of his sword upon a rock -and sprang lightly to the deck of the vessel. - -He was amazed at the beauty of it all. The deck was as clean as a deck -could be with trimmings of silver and gold. At the end, on a seat of the -finest tapestry, sat a beautiful woman. She smiled engagingly and held -out her hand toward Finn. - -“Come here,” she said. “I wish you would tell me where I have landed.” - -“You are in the harbor of Erin,” said Finn. - -“And could you tell me where I am to find the home of a man named Finn -MacCool?” she asked. - -“You will not need to find his home, for I am Finn himself,” he -answered. - -“Then I am indeed lucky,” said the woman. “I have come to play a game -with Finn. I have heard that he never refuses to play for a sentence, -and that he honorably lives up to his agreements.” - -It flattered Finn to be praised by a beautiful woman. Like most of the -heroes of history his wisdom deserted him when dealing with a woman. It -was true that he and the other Fenians took great delight in playing a -game for a wager. These wagers were usually in the form of sentences. -That is, they would play a game and at the end the winner would set a -task for the loser to perform. Sometimes these tasks required years of -labor and much suffering, but no Fenian ever refused to carry out a -sentence imposed upon him. - -“I would willingly play if I had my board and chessmen,” said Finn. - -“I have them as good as your own,” answered the woman. To prove it she -pulled out a beautiful board and a set of silver and gold chessmen. She -had Finn sit on the seat near her to play. At the end of the first game -Finn was the winner. - -“You have beaten me,” she said with a dazzling smile. “What is the -sentence you are to pronounce?” - -Now Finn had not quite made up his mind as to what manner of woman it -was who was playing with him. She looked and dressed like a king’s -daughter, but an enchantress could assume that appearance. To prove it -he made a sentence that would prove very difficult for anyone not able -to use the arts of magic. - -“I put you under bonds,” he said, “not to eat twice in the same place or -sleep twice in the same bed until you have brought me a white horse with -a saddle and bridle of red leather for myself and each of the Fenians -with me today.” - -The woman smiled again. “Look behind you,” she said. - -Finn looked toward the shore. There were the beautiful steeds he had -ordered, handsome in their saddles and bridles of red leather. In the -lead was one much finer than the others. - -Finn knew then that he was playing with an enchantress. He wished he was -well out of his bargain, but he could not refuse to play the second game -without violating the honor of a Fenian. He felt sure that the woman -would win the next game. - -The second game was short. As Finn imagined, the woman, by the aid of -her powers, proved an easy winner. He was anxious to know what was in -store for him. - -“Let me know my sentence at once,” he demanded. - -“Perhaps you will be sorry for your impatience when you hear it,” said -the lady. - -“No trouble was ever made lighter by putting it off,” declared Finn. -“Pronounce your sentence immediately.” - -“Very well,” she answered. “I put you under bonds to go with me and obey -me in what I ask until some one throws upon you the amount of seven -shovelfuls of earth. You will be under my enchantment until that -happens.” - -Finn did not show his dismay when he heard this hard sentence. - -“It is your right to demand it,” he said. “Wait here until I give the -steeds to my men and leave orders for them to follow during my absence.” - -When he turned to look for the horses they had vanished. She saw his -look of astonishment. - -“You put me under bonds to bring the steeds, but I was not obliged to -leave them there,” said the enchantress. - -“It is true,” said Finn. “Now, since you have taken advantage of the -wording of my sentence, I shall try to evade yours. You have put me -under bonds to go with you, but you did not mention that I was not to -try to escape from them.” - -She nodded. “Of course, as a man of honor you cannot tell anyone what -will release you,” she said. “If you free yourself otherwise, I shall be -to blame.” - -Finn went ashore to tell his men of his wager and sentence. He gave -orders as to the conduct of the Fenians during his absence, then took -Dermot to the top of a hill near the shore. - -“Your eyes and ears are best in all Erin,” said Finn. “You will remain -here to watch and listen. If you hear my horn, it will mean that I am -not able to release myself by my own efforts.” - -“I will not leave until you are back or my body turns to dust and the -wind carries it away,” declared Dermot. - -Then Finn went down to the ship and sprang aboard. The watchers saw the -sails fill and the boat move swiftly out of sight over the waves. - - - II. - -It was not long before the vessel arrived in a small harbor, which Finn -recognized as the port of the White Nation. This was not very -encouraging to him, because in a battle not long before he had defeated -the king of that nation. He began to suspect that he was under -enchantment for some purpose. Still he must go with the woman because he -had pledged his word. - -When the ship stopped the woman got out and bade him follow her. On the -shore she paused, and pointing to a broad road bordered with tall trees, -said, - -“As you are a great champion in your country it is not fitting for you -to follow me into the city as a servant. You will walk up the road to -the palace while I take a shorter one and prepare a welcome for you.” - -Finn did as he was told. He was puzzled and anxious. He could not but -feel that there was something wrong with this plan. The woman had put -him under bonds to come as a servant, and now she made it appear that -this was not what she wished. Finn wished that he had been able to keep -his sword, but that the woman would not allow. Only one thought cheered -him. Dermot was watching and listening, ready to come to his assistance -at any time. - -Soon he came to the gates of the palace. A great crowd of people rushed -out as though to welcome him. The welcome was a deceit. The men pushed -against him on all sides and shoved him from one to another until he was -bruised and bleeding. Finn was the match for many ordinary men in -strength. Still, without his swords, he could not stand off a multitude. - -Thus pushing and jostling him the crowd bore him into the courtyard into -the presence of the ruler of the nation. The king sat upon a raised -platform and by his side, in the robes of a princess, was the woman who -had brought Finn to the country under sentence. - -When the king saw Finn he laughed long and loudly. - -“What ho, Finn MacCool!” roared he. “Methinks this is a fine manner for -the arrival of a champion of Erin.” - -Finn hung his head in shame. - -“My daughter asked me to name the thing I most desired in all the -world,” went on the king. “I told her the one thing necessary to my -happiness was the head of Finn MacCool. She promised to bring you here -that I might take it myself.” - -Finn’s heart sank. He felt that the hour of his death was very near. The -king stepped down from his platform, sword in hand, and swung the weapon -back and forth. - -“You would not dare do that if you would let me have a sword,” said -Finn, looking him squarely in the eye. - -The king drew back and bowed his head in thought. Probably he had hoped -to have Finn beg for his life. - -“No,” he said at length, “I will let you think over the fact that you -are in my power. It will be pleasant for you to lie and wonder how long -I will let you live.” - -He gave orders that Finn’s legs and arms be firmly tied with seven knots -on each rope so that escape would be impossible. Then he had his captive -placed in a dark dungeon. Each day he was to receive an ounce of bread -and a pint of water, no more under any consideration. For a big strong -man like Finn this was very little food. But being tied and lying in a -black hole was even more likely to take the spirit out of him. - -Each day an old woman came with his food and water, but his arms and -legs were never loosened. On the eighth day Finn said to the woman, - -“Tell the king that I beg leave to walk in the garden for an hour. I do -not ask for my head, but if he does not give me a little freedom I shall -not be able to live. For the king to take the head of a dead man would -be small glory.” - -The king yielded to this request and ordered Finn an hour of freedom. He -took no chances, however. The walk was to occur in a walled garden and -thirty armed men were to be with him every moment. - -Finn was happy over the privilege. It was not the fear of death that had -made him ask for the walk. No, he had a far better reason, as you shall -see. After he had walked a few minutes he said, - -“I am very fond of music. Have you any musical instruments with you?” - -Now the chief was very sorry to see such a mighty man a prisoner without -a chance for his life. He would gladly have had the music played, but -was obliged to confess that none of his men had instruments with them at -the time. - -Then Finn took from under his clothes a queerly shaped horn. He turned -it over and over in his hands and looked at it as though it was very -dear to him. Finally he spoke. - -“When I was at home and in charge of my men I used to play for them -quite often. I really enjoy music very much. I wonder—perhaps you and -your men might like to hear a tune?” he finished, as though the idea had -just come to him. - -“I should be very glad to hear you play,” answered the chief. - -So Finn placed the horn to his lips and played a tune of the Fenians. At -the end of the air he blew a blast that echoed from hill to hill and -made the listeners involuntarily put their hands to their ears. Then -Finn put the horn away and was willing to be tied up again. The chief -thought he had heard some wild Irish music. He little dreamed that the -call had gone out for help. - - - III. - -Dermot was asleep when Finn sounded the horn but the last note of it -waked him. He sprang to his feet with a mighty bound that sent showers -of rocks and dirt in every direction. - -“Great is the trouble of my chief!” he exclaimed. “I have never heard -such a blast from his horn.” - -He rushed to the shore, found a small boat lying there, hoisted the sail -and set off in the direction from whence the sound had come. He was -lucky enough to arrive at the same harbor in which was anchored the ship -on which Finn had been taken away. Dermot anchored his boat and started -up the broad road. - -As he went along he found men, women and children hastening in the same -direction with all the speed at their command. He asked several of them -the reason for their hurry, but all seemed too excited to answer him. -Finally Dermot grew angry, so singling out one man who seemed to be in -greater haste than the rest, he picked him up and held him off the -ground while he repeated his question. - -The man was greatly frightened, you may believe, for Dermot was taller -and broader than any man of the White Nation and must have seemed quite -like a giant to his captive. The man suddenly became very anxious to -explain. - -“You must not belong to this country, if you do not know where we are -going,” he said. - -“I am not from this country,” answered Dermot. “I am from Erin.” - -“If that is so, you must know Finn MacCool,” said the man. - -“I know him well. He is my chief,” replied Dermot. - -“Then you had better tell no one that you are from Erin,” said the man. -“If you do, you are likely to share the same fate. Finn is to be hanged -in the palace courtyard today. The gallows is ready. When he is dead, -his body is to be pulled to pieces by wild horses. You had better not -acknowledge that you know him.” - -Dermot set the fellow on his feet again. The fierce look in his eyes -caused the man to step back. - -“If you were not so small,” thundered Dermot, “you would never give such -advice to another man. Men from Erin never fail to acknowledge their -friends. Show me the way to the palace.” - -“If you will go up the hill on your right, you can see it in the valley -below,” directed the man. He lost no time in getting a safe distance -from this mighty stranger. He was so frightened that instead of going on -to the hanging, he turned around and made for his home as fast as he -could. In the whole White Nation he was the only man traveling away from -the palace. - -Dermot bounded up the hill with mighty strides. When on top he looked in -the direction of the hurrying people. Sure enough, there was the castle -with crowds spread out all around it. Dermot dashed down the hill at -full speed. - -People were crowded so closely together that no ordinary man could -possibly have squeezed through them. Each man was elbowing his neighbor -so that he might get close enough to see the death of this great Fenian -chief. Dermot could have cut his way through with his sword, but it was -one of the rules of the Fenians not to harm the common people of a -nation. He cleared his way by taking several in his right hand and -several in his left and putting them behind him. Then he stepped into -the opening and repeated the process until he reached the courtyard. He -walked past the gallows and up to the pole of combat before the palace. -This he struck a mighty blow with his sword. - -The king came to his window and looked out in alarm. - -“Who struck that blow?” he asked. “It must have been an enemy.” - -If the trouble had not been so serious, Dermot might have laughed at -this silly remark. But he was in no humor for laughter. - -“If that sounded like the blow of a friend,” he said, “listen to this.” - -Once more he swung his sword against the pole. This time his blow was so -strong that the pole broke into splinters, which showered over the heads -of the people. - -“What do you want?” whined the king, who was, and always had been, a -fearful coward. - -“I want to see my chief, Finn MacCool, or to fight for him,” announced -Dermot. - -“See him you shall not,” declared the king, keeping well in the -protection of his castle. “You are at liberty to fight for him.” - -“Very well,” answered Dermot. “Send out seven hundred of your best men -on my right hand, seven hundred on my left, seven hundred at my back and -as many as you wish in front of me.” - -“How many?” demanded the startled king, drawing still further back into -his palace. - -Dermot repeated his demand. You must remember that Dermot was the son of -a god and could not be wounded. It is no wonder the king thought he had -misunderstood. It was too good a chance to let go by. The king sent out -the men requested, feeling sure that he would soon be rid of this -fellow, who had made splinters of the combat pole. - -But the king’s men were no match for Dermot even when they pressed -against him in such numbers. By nightfall not a man had touched him -while hundreds of the warriors of the White Nation were wounded or dead. -With the setting of the sun, Dermot put up his sword and called out to -the king, - -“Do I get shelter for the night?” - -It was customary in those days to stop fighting when the sun went down. -It was also the custom to furnish food and a bed to a hero who was -making a trial at arms. The king pointed to a long, low house a short -distance from the courtyard. - -“Go in there,” he called. “You are welcome to what shelter you find.” - - - IV. - -Dermot was tired from his combat. He went to the house, opened the door -and walked in. To his surprise he found himself surrounded by hundreds -of little men, reaching no higher than his knee. They were wild, shaggy -little fellows, kept by the king to kill people he did not like. Though -not strong singly, they were there in such numbers that they could cover -a man like ants and crush the life out of him. - -When Dermot had entered, the little men shut the door and barred it. -Then they began covering the windows and filling up the chinks between -the logs. - -“Why are you going to such trouble?” asked Dermot. The antics of the -little fellows amused him. He never thought of treachery on the part of -the king. - -“We fear you may escape,” answered one of the men. “It is our duty to -eat you.” - -Poor foolish little fellows! They imagined a mighty hero like Dermot -could creep through a hole large enough to let one of them through. - -Dermot’s amusement turned to anger. By all the laws of hospitality he -was entitled to a place to rest quietly until time for the next day’s -combat. The king would have lasted only a few minutes if Dermot could -have laid a hand on him when he discovered the foul scheme. The little -men rushed at him by the hundreds. There was little use of using a sword -against such small enemies. Dermot caught up the nearest by the ankles -and used him as a club to beat down the others. - -Soon there were no little savages left except one very small fellow in -the corner. - -“Spare me, great champion,” he called in a shrill, high voice. “If you -give me my life there is not a place to which you will go but I will be -with you. I will be a good servant to you.” - -“No man ever asked for his life but I granted it,” said Dermot. - -He sat down on a bench and looked about him. “Have you any food?” he -asked. - -“Nothing,” said the small chief, for he was the leader of the small men. -“We never have food except the people the king sends us to eat. If you -will go out and walk forty paces to your right, you will come to the -king’s bakery. There you should be able to get some loaves.” - -Dermot followed directions and found the king’s baker just closing up -for the night. - -“Give me two loaves of bread,” demanded Dermot. - -The baker let out a scream of rage. “Ruffian,” he yelled. “Do you dare -ask me for bread after the way you treated our soldiers today? Get out -of here this minute.” - -The little man was dancing with rage. Dermot let out a roar of laughter. -He picked up the baker and held him at arms’ length. “You are a nimble -dancer,” he said. “I shall give you a place to dance.” - -Opening the oven, now cool enough so that it would not injure him, -Dermot put the baker inside and shut the door. He helped himself to what -bread he wanted while the baker kept up an excited dancing, accompanied -by a steady pounding on the oven door. - -But Dermot was not content to live on bread alone. He asked the small -chief where he might get some meat. - -“Instead of turning to the right, as you did when you went to the -bakery, turn to the left and go the same distance in that direction. -That will bring you to the king’s butcher, where you should be able to -get plenty of meat.” - -Dermot did as he was advised and found the man in his shop. He was a -big, red-faced fellow, smeared from head to foot with the blood of the -last animal he had killed. - -“I want some meat for my supper,” said Dermot. - -The butcher flew into a fine rage and brandished his knife. “Get out of -here, you ruffian from Erin!” he shouted. “It was you who wounded so -many of our people today. Get away before I cut out your heart.” - -The butcher made a dash at Dermot. The latter was merely amused by the -rage of the man. He laughed loudly, took away the knife with one hand, -while with the other he caught the butcher by the belt and lifted him -off the floor. A meat hook on the wall was very handy. Dermot hooked the -belt of the butcher over that and left him hanging there, a funny sight -as he kicked and yelled. With the meat Dermot got from the shop, and the -bread, he and the small chief had a hearty supper. - -The next day he again presented himself before the king. - -“What do you want today?” asked the ruler of the White Nation. - -“I want to see my chief, Finn MacCool, or to fight for him,” said -Dermot. - -“Fight you shall,” declared the king. “You shall not see him.” - -Then the king ordered sent out double the number of men that had faced -the champion the day before. He still had hopes that he could overpower -Dermot by numbers. But this battle was but a second like the one of the -day before. Dermot could not be wounded, while the slaughter of the -king’s soldiers was something terrible. With the setting of the sun the -combat was over, and Dermot went back to the long house to eat the -supper the small chief had prepared for him, and to rest after his hard -day. - - - V. - -Next morning Dermot went again to the palace and made the same demand as -on the two previous days. This time the king did not send out his forces -to battle. Even he could see that he was wasting his soldiers without -hope of defeating this new champion. Still he did not wish to give up -Finn MacCool. His soldiers were not strong enough, the small men could -not eat this man, but the king had other schemes to try before he gave -up. Everyone knew the fondness of the Fenians for attempting feats of -strength or adventure. The king decided to try that on Dermot, so that -he could gain time, even if he did not get rid of this nuisance. - -In the land of the White Nation there lived an enormous fellow known as -the Red Giant. His choicest possession was a beautiful hound, which he -kept near him at all times. When he went out walking, he had the dog -with him on the end of a chain of solid gold. When he was at home he -fastened the chain to the wall and kept the dog beside him. - -There was a strange thing about this Red Giant. He had only one eye and -that was in one side of his head, just above his ear. Because of this, -he could see only what happened on one side of him. He kept the hound to -warn him if anyone approached on the other side. - -Though this man was the strongest person in the White Nation, he had no -use for the king and would not serve him. The monarch resolved to get -his aid by trickery. - -“I will not let you see Finn MacCool,” he told Dermot, “until you have -brought to this courtyard the hound and the golden chain.” - -“Where can I find it?” asked Dermot. - -“The world is wide,” answered the king. “Finding it is part of the -task.” - -“No man can give me a task I will not try to accomplish,” said Dermot. -“There is but one thing I demand. If I go after this hound, you must -pledge yourself that Finn is to be taken out of the dungeon and given a -better room, with plenty of food to eat.” - -This request did not please the king. He did not wish to grant Finn any -favors, but he was afraid Dermot would not go to the Red Giant if he did -not agree. He gave a grudging consent. - -Poor Dermot! He went to the long house in despair. How was he to bring -back something when he did not know where to look for it, and when there -was no one in the country to give him directions? Yet, if he did not -complete the task, he would lose his head and Finn would have to die. He -sat down in the long house and buried his face in his hands. - -“What is troubling you, master?” asked the small chief. - -Dermot sighed. “Nothing that you can help me with,” he said. - -“I’ll wager that you have been sent to bring the hound and the golden -chain,” said the chief. - -Dermot sat up in surprise. “How did you know that?” he demanded. - -“Because the hound is kept by the Red Giant, and the king has rid -himself of many a good man by sending him after that hound,” said the -little fellow. - -“Do you know where I can find him?” asked Dermot. - -“I can lead you to the place and show you how to get the hound,” -declared the chief. - -The two set out immediately and traveled all day through a heavy forest. -In the evening they came to the gate of an immense stone castle. There -the chief stopped Dermot. - -“In there lives the Red Giant,” he said. “At this hour he has had his -meal and is sleeping beside the table in the center of the castle.” - -Then the chief went on to explain that the giant had but one eye, which -faced the main door to see if anyone entered. He took from his pocket a -little cake and passed it to Dermot. - -“Take this cake,” he said. “Do not go in at the main door but follow the -corridor around and come to the small opening at the other side of the -room. Throw this cake to the dog, and when he has eaten it pick him up -and bring him with you. If you are quiet the giant will never know you -have been in there.” - -Dermot thanked his helper and went into the castle. Everything happened -just as the small chief had promised. The task was so easy that he was -back in five minutes with the hound under his arm. The two set off for -the palace with their prize. - -But Dermot was not happy. He kept going slowly and more slowly, until -finally he stopped all together. - -“What is the matter?” asked the chief. - -“I can’t help thinking of the dirty trick I played on the Red Giant,” -answered Dermot. - -“How is that?” - -“Like a thief I took away his hound without giving him a chance to fight -for it,” said Dermot. - -“It was the hound you went for, not a contest, and bringing him back -will give you sight of Finn MacCool,” argued the chief. “Let us hurry.” - -But Dermot would not go. “I’d think a man a fine champion if he sneaked -in and took something of mine,” he said. “Not even for Finn will I do -such a thing. I am going back and take the hound away from the giant as -a champion should.” - -No argument of the small chief did any good. Back they went to the -castle and again the small chief stayed outside. - -“Since you are bent on being foolish, I will give you some more advice,” -said the little fellow. “The giant is strongest on his stone floor. Much -of his strength leaves him when he is on soft earth.” - -“I thank you for your help,” said Dermot. - -He slipped in quietly and fastened the hound to the wall. Then he went -around to the main door and stepped into the room. Instantly the giant -saw him and sprang to his feet. - -“What do you want?” he roared. - -“Your hound and your golden chain,” answered Dermot. - -“Well, you’ll not get him from me,” roared the giant. He made a rush at -Dermot and grappled with him. - -Now the Red Giant was a big man in the White Nation, but you must -remember that Dermot was a big man, too. It turned out that they were -about equal in strength. At the first rush of the giant, both men went -down on the floor where they struggled desperately. Back and forth they -rolled, with Dermot putting every bit of his strength into the effort to -get them out on the ground. Finally, with a mighty heave, he succeeded -in causing them both to roll out of the castle door. - -As soon as they struck the soft earth Dermot was the stronger. He picked -up the Red Giant and drove him into the earth like a post, until only -his head was above ground. - -“Spare me, man of Erin,” pleaded the Red Giant. “I concede that you are -the better man, and that you are entitled to the hound.” - -Dermot never took advantage of a man who asked for mercy. He pulled the -giant out of the earth and set him upon his feet. From that moment the -Red Giant was his friend. He invited Dermot and the small chief into the -castle and set out food and drink for them. In the morning he willingly -gave up the hound and bade them a hearty farewell. - - - VI. - -Dermot went before the king the next morning. You can guess that the -monarch was far from overjoyed at seeing him. He had felt sure that the -troublesome champion would never bother him again. - -“Well, have you the hound with the golden chain?” he asked, trying to -hide his disappointment. - -“You see them before you,” answered Dermot. - -“Hand them over to me,” demanded the king. - -That was just what Dermot had no intention of doing. He felt sorry for -the Red Giant, because the man had put up a good fight and had been his -friend after the struggle was over. Moreover, he felt that the king had -no right to the hound. - -“That I will not do,” declared Dermot. - -The king’s wicked little eyes lit up with pleasure. “Then, by the terms -of the trial, you forfeit your head,” he said. - -“You are wrong,” said Dermot. “The words of the trial were, ‘until you -have brought to the courtyard the hound with the golden chain.’ I have -carried out the command of the trial; now I am going to take the hound -back to the Red Giant, who has more right and more need of him than any -of us.” - -The king knew he was caught by the terms of his own sentence. He pounded -the arms of his throne in anger, but he did not dare deny the terms he -had pronounced. - -“Well,” demanded Dermot, “do I get to see my chief, Finn MacCool?” - -“You do not,” answered the king. “I did not say that bringing the hound -was the only trial you would have to accomplish. You shall not see your -chief until you bring me the true story of the Sorrowful Knight.” - -Dermot was willing to try another test. He believed that the king was -honest in saying he meant to have two trials before releasing Finn. - -“Where can I find this man?” he asked. - -“That is for you to find out,” said the king. - -Dermot left the palace and went to the long house. Once more he felt -discouraged, but once more the small chief came to his aid. - -“I’ll wager you have been sent to get the story of the Sorrowful -Knight,” he said. - -“How did you guess it?” asked Dermot. - -“Because that is the most dangerous task the king could possibly think -of. The quest will lead you into the land of enchantment. No one has -ever heard the story, and few have ever reached the castle.” - -“Nevertheless I must go,” said Dermot. “All I need is some one to show -me the way.” - -“I can do that easily,” answered the little fellow. - -Dermot looked at him in admiration. “I shall never cease to be thankful -that I spared your life,” he said. “We shall start immediately, and on -the way we shall leave with the Red Giant his hound and golden chain.” - - - VII. - -The Red Giant greeted them warmly. Never before had he met a man who was -stronger than he, so that made him respect Dermot; but he respected him -still more for his honesty, when he found that the hound was to be -returned to him. - -“Are you on another quest, or have you rescued your chief?” asked the -giant. - -“I am on a most difficult errand,” explained Dermot. “I must get the -story of the Sorrowful Knight before I may see Finn MacCool.” - -The Red Giant slapped his knee a resounding whack. - -“You are right,” he said. “It is difficult! It would be impossible but -for the fact that you have been fair with me. I once did a service for -the Sorrowful Knight. He swore that nothing I should ever ask him would -be refused. Tomorrow I shall go with you, and my request shall be in -your interest.” - -You may be sure that Dermot was glad he had not taken a thief’s -advantage of the giant when he had had the opportunity. That night, with -the small chief, he and the Red Giant spent the time eating, drinking -and telling stories. - -The journey to the land of the Sorrowful Knight, under the guidance of -the Red Giant, was a short one. They found the castle set deep in a -thick wood. No sound came from it. The branches of the trees drooped in -sadness. Even the cattle grazing in the field seemed to crop the grass -mournfully. - -The guard at the gate wiped the tears from his eyes before he asked them -the nature of their errand. When he learned that they wished to see the -Sorrowful Knight, he led them through a quiet courtyard into a dark and -dismal chamber in the heart of the castle. - -At first Dermot could see nothing. When his eyes became accustomed to -the darkness, he saw that the room was draped in black, and that the -furniture was the color of night. At the table in the center of the room -sat a man, his head leaning on his hand, his elbow on the table. He -appeared to be asleep, nor did he awaken when the three entered the -room. He must have been at the table a long time. Where his elbow rested -upon it, a deep groove had been worn, and into it, even in his sleep, -the tears dropped steadily. - -The Red Giant took him by the shoulder and spoke to him. The man -straightened up slowly. - -“Why do you come here to interrupt my grieving?” he asked. - -“You promised many years ago that you would grant any request I would -make,” said the Red Giant. “I have come to test your promise.” - -The Sorrowful Knight sighed heavily. “What is your request?” he asked. - -“You are to tell to Dermot of the Fenians the reason for your sorrow,” -said the giant. - -Once more the knight sighed, and the tears flowed more freely down his -cheeks. - -“I feared your request would be that,” he said. “Since I promised you on -my honor, I must tell the story, but no other living man has heard it.” - -The Sorrowful Knight had dinner served for his guests with a flickering -candle for light. Most people would have had a small appetite in such -gloomy surroundings, but Dermot and his friends were hungry enough to -forget about it. They did full justice to the meal. When each had -satisfied his hunger the knight began: - -“It was twenty-one years ago that the sorrow came to me. I lived in this -castle as happily as any man of the kingdom. Anyone would have been -proud of the twelve handsome young men I called my sons. Every place I -went my boys were with me. - -“On the morning of the first of May it was our custom to hunt the deer -together. Of course, we hunted on many days of the spring, but the May -day was always our first deer hunt. On the morning of which I speak we -started up a deer without horns and gave chase. - -“It was a fleeter animal than any we had ever followed before. All day -long we kept after her until toward evening we saw her disappear into a -cave. We thought we had her trapped and followed swiftly. Imagine our -surprise when we found ourselves not in a cave at all, but in a new -country, at the gate of a large castle. - -“The deer was nowhere in sight. We were too far from home to return that -night, so we decided to ask for shelter from the lord of the castle. -This was readily granted. - -“We were taken into a big banquet hall. Along one side of the room, over -huge fires, were twelve kettles of scalding water. In front of each -kettle was the carcass of a wild boar. The master of the castle -apologized for not having supper cooked and asked if any of us could -prepare the boars for roasting. We said we could and set to work. - -“But, though we dipped the animals in the scalding water, we could not -remove a single bristle. The scalding seemed to make them stick more -tightly. We could do nothing toward preparing the meat for supper. - -“Then the master called in a small servant and told him to get the -animals ready. This man lined up the twelve boars, blew upon them -through a small tube, and instantly every bristle disappeared. I knew -then that we were in the land of enchantment. - -“We had all that we could eat, and after the meal the lord of the castle -asked me if my sons would be willing to show their strength for our -amusement. I told him they would. He ordered in twelve small men with a -long chain and bade my sons pull it away from them. This seemed like an -easy task. But when my sons took hold of the chain they could not move -the small men an inch. Soon the small men pulled my sons toward them -with a quick jerk and threw the slackened part about the necks of my -boys. The instant the chain touched my sons they became twelve stones.” - -At this point the tears of the Sorrowful Knight stopped his words. His -listeners had to wait until he had mastered his grief before he could go -on. - -“When I saw my twelve noble sons thus changed before my eyes, I was -filled with the great grief which has never left me. The lord of the -castle had me thrown out into the night, and it was with difficulty that -I found my way back to my home. Since then I never have left my castle. - -“Each year, on May day, the deer comes to the gate and calls, ‘Here is -the deer, but where are the hunters to follow it?’ Tomorrow she will -come again, but no one here has heart for the chase. - -“That, then, is my story. I ask you if any man could be happy with such -a sorrow in his life?” - -Dermot had listened with rising pity that soon turned into anger. He -rose abruptly to his feet. - -“I have but been sent to get your story, but no true Fenian is willing -to let wickedness go unpunished. If you will go with me, there will be -men to follow the deer tomorrow, and the sun shall not set before I have -tried my strength against the enchantment of the lord of that castle.” - -For the first time in twenty-one years the Sorrowful Knight no longer -wept. He announced that he would go the next morning. The small chief -and the Red Giant also promised to take part in the chase of the deer. - -In the morning the deer came to the gate and called as was her custom, -“Here is the deer, but where are the hunters to follow it?” - -The four men had been waiting and now they set after her at full speed. -All day long they followed her, and in the evening she approached a cave -in the hillside. - -“That is where she will disappear!” shouted the knight. - -Dermot sped after her. Now, as you know, there was no one in Erin who -could equal him in a race. He rapidly caught up with the deer and seized -her by the hind leg, just as she reached the mouth of the cave. -Instantly the deer disappeared, and in her place was a hideous old -witch, with straggly gray hair and long crooked teeth. Dermot was so -startled that he let go his hold. The witch ran screaming into the cave. - -The men followed and came out at the gate of the castle just as the -knight had done years before. When they knocked for admission, they were -met by the master, who seemed greatly surprised to see the Sorrowful -Knight. - -“I thought you had enough of this place when you were here before,” he -said. - -Dermot did the answering. “He comes with me,” he said. “I could not have -enough of your castle, because this is the first time I have ever been -here.” - -The master invited them into the room where waited the twelve kettles of -water and the twelve boars. - -“Have you a man among you who can prepare the supper?” asked the master. - -“We have,” said Dermot. “And it is a long time since you had one as -good. We have also a man who will get the meat.” - -Dermot went out into the forest and brought in enough meat for the meal. -He knew better than to try to prepare the enchanted boars. The ones he -had killed, he dressed with his sword and soon had them cooked. The -master made no comments, but ate with the others. - -When the meal was over the lord of the castle addressed the knight. - -“Have you a man among you who can show us a little action for our -amusement?” - -Once more Dermot did the answering. “He has. Send in the same twelve -small men you used against his sons and we will show you enough action -to satisfy you.” - -The small men brought in the chain and passed one end to Dermot, who -braced his feet against the rocks on the floor. The small men pulled as -hard as they could, but not a link of slack chain could they get. All at -once Dermot jerked them toward him, looped the chain over their necks -and snapped off the twelve heads. - -He then held out the end of the chain to the master and said, “Perhaps -you would like to show us a little action yourself?” - -The lord of the castle was seized with a fit of trembling at the thought -of pulling against this terrible Fenian. He dropped to his knees and -began to beg for his life. - -“Spare me, and I will bring back the knight’s twelve sons,” he cried. - -“That is all I could ask of you,” said Dermot. - -The frightened enchanter took his rod and touched each of the twelve -blocks of stone along the wall. Instantly the twelve sons of the knight -were with them, as strong and hearty as ever. - -You can imagine how the father felt over this change. He was no longer -the Sorrowful Knight. - -They wasted no time in leaving the enchanter’s palace and in returning -to the castle of the man who was now the Glad Knight. From there Dermot -and his friends went on to the home of the Red Giant, and then on to the -king of the White Nation. Dermot was happy in being able to rescue the -twelve young men, but he was far happier in the thought that he was now -to see Finn MacCool. - - IX. - -On his return Dermot presented himself at the palace. Though the wicked -old king was surprised to see him again, he endeavored not to show it. - -“Well, have you the story of the Sorrowful Knight?” he asked. - -“I have,” said Dermot. “Are you ready to hear it?” - -Then he told the king the story, just as it had been told to him. I -don’t believe that he mentioned the rescue of the twelve sons, because -that was not in his sentence, and he was anxious to be through with the -task and rescue Finn. At the end of the story he said: - -“Now I have done what you asked. Do I get to see my chief?” - -“You do not,” answered the king. “You shall not see him until you get me -the story of the Lad of True Tales.” - -Dermot’s anger flamed up. For the first time he saw that the king was -not honest in his sentences, and that he was merely setting tasks to put -him off, until he could find something that would do away with him -forever. - -“Oh, is that so?” he asked. “You should have spoken about it sooner. I -have worn out all the leather I am going to use, tramping over the rocks -of your country. I am going to let you find out how sharp some of those -stones are.” - -He picked up the treacherous king and tossed him out of the upper window -of the palace to the rocks below. The king of the White Nation would -never set another task for any man. - -Then Dermot searched high and low for Finn. Everyone got out of his way, -but still he could not find his chief. When he was almost in despair, he -met an old woman. - -“I will lead you to Finn,” she said. “It is I who have been caring for -him.” - -She did as she promised. Dermot was so happy on seeing Finn that he -wanted to embrace him. Finn pushed him away. - -Dermot’s feelings were hurt. “If any man had gone through what I have to -rescue me, I would not seem ungrateful,” he said. - -“It is not ingratitude,” said Finn. “My thumb tells me that we have -little time to lose. The king’s daughter has gone off to enchant another -victim. We must get away while she is gone.” - -The two friends hastened to the shore, taking what food they could on -the way. Then they raised the sails and pointed the boat toward Erin. -Finn placed Dermot in the stern to watch, while he managed the boat. -Every few minutes he would say, “Do you see anything?” Dermot would -answer, “I see nothing but waves and sky.” - -They were nearing the shores of Erin when Finn asked the question again. - -“I see a bird that looks like an eagle,” said Dermot. - -“Then we are lost,” cried Finn. “She is following.” - -“Is there no way to release you?” asked Dermot. - -“There is,” answered Finn, “but I am in honor bound not to tell you of -it.” - -The boat sped swiftly on, with the bird ever gaining. When near the -land, the two champions sprang ashore, just as the bird turned the boat -over and perched upon the hull. She saw them on the land and flew after -them. The instant she struck the earth she became a woman. Rushing up to -Finn she threw her arms around his neck. - -“Come back with me and be my husband,” she begged. “You shall be the -king of the White Nation.” - -It made Dermot angry to see the actions of the woman who had caused them -both so much trouble. He swung his sword against the hillside in anger. -So great was the blow that a valley appeared where the sword struck. A -great shower of dirt, far more than the seven shovelfuls, fell over Finn -and the woman. - -Finn put the enchantress from him. “I thank you, Dermot,” he said. “You -have released me from her bonds.” - -The woman gave a cry of rage, became an eagle once more and flew out -over the ocean. Finn and Dermot hastened to join the Fenians. - - - - - THE WORTHLESS SERVANT - - -One day Finn and his companions, while out hunting, had stopped to cook -some of the game. Dermot, Conan and several other Fenians were in the -party. The horses had been put into an inclosure so that they might feed -while the men rested. It was during the meal that the guard, who had -been put upon a nearby hill to watch for the approach of an enemy, came -rushing up with the news that a great giant was coming toward them from -the south. The man had hardly time to tell the news when the giant, -himself, appeared. - -He was tall and ungainly, with joints that bent outward at each step, as -though they had been fastened together with strings. He was dressed in -the skins of animals, with the hairy side out. Covering his face was a -growth of the same colored hair, so it was difficult to tell where the -garments left off and the skin began. - -His face seemed formed no more firmly than his body. His jaw hung -loosely, showing a ragged set of huge teeth. One eye was higher than the -other. His nose was as rough as a ridge of hills. In one hand he held a -huge club, the end of which cut deep furrows in the earth as he dragged -it along. From the other hand was a leading thong attached to the halter -of a horse. - -This animal was no better favored than the master. Its joints seemed -just as loosely hung together. Its coat was the color of the soot from a -chimney. Its backbone was like a knotted clothesline with a black rug -hung over it. When the animal walked, its legs bent outward at the -center, while its scraggly tail and many cornered head swayed from side -to side in opposite directions. - -When the giant saw the Fenians he dropped the thong and approached by -himself. The animal let its head drop dejectedly, and its legs bowed -outward like the hoops of a barrel. It seemed about to fall to pieces. - -“I am looking for Finn MacCool,” growled the giant. - -Finn rose and came toward him. “I am he whom you seek,” he said. - -“I have come to take service with you,” said the giant. - -“If you need work, go prop up your horse,” shouted Conan. The Fenians -laughed loudly. - -“I do not like the behavior of your men,” said the giant, “yet do I -still seek service. I have heard that you are a good master, and that -you will pay a man whatever he asks.” - -“I have never refused service to any man who asked it, nor have I ever -refused to give a servant any reasonable wage requested,” said Finn. - -“Then I would serve you,” declared the giant. “I am known as the -Worthless Servant because I never give my master what he pays for. I -always fail to do any task he sets me, and what I do is never done well. -Moreover, I eat more than any two men and grumble unceasingly about the -way I am treated.” - -“You give yourself a bad name,” said Finn with a laugh. “Nevertheless, -you have asked for service, so I shall give it to you.” - -“Then may I turn my horse into the pasture with the others?” asked the -giant. - -Finn gave his permission and went back to his meal. The giant opened the -gate of the inclosure, took off the halter and let the animal loose. -That done, he came over to the table and proceeded to eat everything -within reach. - -The decrepit old horse changed entirely when its master left it. No -longer was it mild and sleepy. It kicked its heels high in the air, let -out a snort and proceeded to bite and kick every animal it could reach. -These other horses could make no stand against the newcomer, nor could -they seem to get away from it. At last the giant’s horse had injured all -the animals except the one belonging to Conan. It was viciously pursuing -this one. - -“Look here,” roared Conan. “Go tie up that ugly brute before it injures -my horse.” - -The giant kept on eating. “There’s the halter,” he said between bites. -“If you do not like the way he acts, go tie him yourself.” - -Conan needed no second invitation. He ran into the pasture and put the -halter on the great beast. As soon as it was caught, the animal resumed -its dejected pose. Conan pulled and pulled with all his might, but he -exerted himself without result. The horse would not move. The other -Fenians gathered around and offered much advice and many taunts. - -“Shame on you, Conan,” cried one. “A Fenian and unable to lead one -little horse!” - -“Take him by the tail,” shouted another. “Perhaps it travels the other -way.” - -“Better practice on a sheep until you grow up,” came from a third. - -Conan lost his temper. He began abusing the men who were joking him, -saying all the cutting things he could think of. His anger extended to -the horse. He began beating it with a heavy club. Still the animal stood -looking dejectedly at the ground and giving no sign that it felt the -blows. - -Fergus True Lips, the poet of the Fenians, now gave some advice. - -“Many a horse will not go when pulled by the halter,” he said. “Try -riding him.” - -Conan sprang to the back of the horse and again tried to get it to move. -This method proved no better than the other. Again Fergus made a -suggestion. - -“He is used to the weight of a heavier man than you. Let more Fenians -get upon his back until the combined weight shall equal that of the -giant.” - -This advice the Fenians were glad to follow. One after another climbed -up until fourteen were astride that sharp backbone. Still the animal -would not move. - -The Fenians were enjoying the sport. Those on the back of the animal -called out jibes to those on the ground, while these made jokes at the -expense of the mounted ones. - -In the meantime the giant had finished eating all the food on the table. -He now approached Finn in great anger. - -“It seems to me that the stories I have heard of your justice were all -false,” he growled. - -“What makes you think so?” asked Finn. - -“You stand by and see your men abusing my horse, yet you do nothing to -stop them,” he complained. - -“I am sure they but keep your horse from injuring their own animals,” -said Finn. - -“I am through with your service,” declared the giant. “If I had never -come at all, still would I have been here too long. Give me my wages and -let me go.” - -“What wages can you expect when you have just come?” asked Finn. “All -you have done is to eat a meal at my expense.” - -“Again I see that the stories told of you are not true,” said the giant. -“You promised to give me what wages I asked and now you refuse.” - -“You have asked no wages,” cried Finn, becoming angry at the -unreasonable request. “You but trifle with me when you ask pay for -eating my food.” - -“Since I can get no pay, I shall leave without it. Perhaps your men will -give me my wages more willingly.” - -He strode off toward the sea, taking long but shuffling steps. The horse -moved after him, slowly at first, but with ever increasing speed. The -Fenians were still on his back. - -“Get off!” cried Fergus. The men tried desperately, but they were -fastened as tight as if they had grown there. - -“Is there no man among you who will stop this beast?” shouted Conan, -when he found that they were moving away from the Fenian camp. - -A new member of the band ran after the animal and seized it by the tail. -Instead of stopping it, he, too, came under the enchantment and could -not let go. - -The giant suddenly lost all his awkwardness. He began to run with the -speed of the wind. The horse also became full of life and fleet of foot. - -“I charge you, Finn,” called Conan, “not to take any rest until you have -rescued us.” - -Before the startled Fenians could realize what had happened, the giant -and the horse were at the edge of the sea. They entered the water at -full speed. As they advanced, the waves parted for them and closed again -after they had passed. - -Thus disappeared the Worthless Servant and the fifteen Fenians he had -taken for his wages. - - - II. - -As soon as they had gone, Finn began preparations to go to their rescue. -He asked Fergus for advice as to where they might find a suitable ship. -Fergus replied that there was one about five miles distant. Finn called -Dermot and a small body of the bravest of his men together and told them -that they were to accompany him. All were delighted to go upon such an -adventure. - -The party had gone but a short distance when they met two handsome young -men, dressed in green garments and without any weapons of war. One -carried a light wand in his hand. - -“We crave to enter thy service, O Finn,” said the elder of the two. - -“Very well,” answered Finn. “We are on a difficult errand and need only -men of experience, but you may join the Fenians in our rear.” - -“It is to go with you that we seek service,” said the stranger. - -“Have you any special talents that would be of value to us on a -difficult adventure?” asked Finn. - -“I can be of great service, if your adventure takes you upon the sea,” -replied the elder. “I am called Quick-Builder. If you cover your heads -for the space of a minute I can cause the harbor to be filled with ships -of every description. After you have selected the one you wish, all the -others will disappear.” - -“That would be a great help to us now,” said Finn. “And what can you -do?” he asked the younger. - -“I am called Keen-Sight,” the boy replied. “I can follow any track on -land, air or water. I can trace the eagle to her nest or the fish upon -his journey.” - -“Such a talent will be of great assistance,” said Finn. “I take you both -into my service. Quick-Builder, produce your ships.” - -The Fenians obeyed the command to cover their heads. They heard the -sound of the young man’s wand strike on wood. Then they looked when he -bade them. They were greatly astonished to find that he had done what he -claimed. Finn chose the boat which suited his needs. He ordered his men -to get on board and take the oars. No sooner were they on this ship than -every other one disappeared. - -Then the lad, Keen-Sight, took his place in the prow of the boat and -called directions to the steersman. They sped on over the ocean until -they were stopped by a high precipice of rock, seemingly the edge of a -great island. - -“Here ends the track,” announced Keen-Sight. - -“No horse could have climbed that cliff,” declared Fergus. - -“No,” answered Finn. “But a horse could pass under it. Noted you not the -way the waves parted for the giant and his horse? I greatly believe that -we are dealing with the subjects of King Under the Waves.” - -“If that is so, it would seem to be our duty to get on shore and see -where we may go,” said Fergus. - -“If any man can climb that cliff it is Dermot,” declared Finn. - -Dermot looked at the face of the precipice and noted a rocky shelf about -half way up. From that on there seemed to be footholds. - -“I think I can scale it,” he said. - -He had the Fenians clear off the length of the deck. Then taking his -sword and holding it in front of him like a pole, he ran from stern to -prow. He used the sword as a lever and sprang lightly to the rocky -shelf. The Fenians set up a cheer at the splendid feat. Dermot waved to -them and soon disappeared from view. - -Once over the rocks he found himself in a pleasant country of trees and -little brooks. He could see neither houses nor people. He walked on and -on without seeing a living thing. At last, tired and thirsty, he stopped -to drink from a well of clear water beside the road. As he touched his -lips to the water a man appeared beside him. - -“How dare you drink from my well?” he demanded. - -“I could see no harm in taking a drink from an open well,” said Dermot. - -“Then you are little better than a thief,” declared the newcomer. - -“You are very uncivil to say so,” answered Dermot. “I shall not leave -this place until I have had satisfaction for that insult.” - -He grappled with the man and wrestled with him for a decision. When it -seemed that he must win the victory, the man rolled into the well and -disappeared. - -The next day the same thing happened. The same man appeared, the same -struggle was gone through with, and once more he disappeared in the -waters of the well. Dermot had no intention of leaving until he had -beaten this fellow. On the third day, when the time for disappearance -came, Dermot clung to him and went into the water with him. - -Judge to his surprise to find himself not in a well at all, but in a -beautiful country with wealth and plenty on every side. Dermot did not -have to guess where he was. Every Fenian had heard of this land, but no -mortal had ever entered it before. He was in the Land Under the Waves. -The well had been the entrance. - -When Dermot released his hold on the man with whom he had been -struggling, the fellow lost no time in getting away. With the start he -got by his quickness he soon disappeared among the trees. Dermot had to -go on alone. Before long he found himself before a beautiful castle. At -the gate was a guard of seven warriors on either side. The Fenian had -only time to draw his sword before they all set upon him. - -But these under-sea champions were no match for him either in strength -or quickness. He quickly defeated the fourteen guards and many others -who came out of the castle to their aid. In the evening, tired from his -struggle with the man at the well, and his fighting at the castle gate, -he went into the woods and was soon sound asleep. - -He was awakened by the touch of a hand on his shoulder. He quickly -sprang to his feet, his hand on his sword, to face this newcomer. It was -a knight in armor, fully equipped with weapons, but the smile on his -face showed that he had not come for fighting. - -“Do not draw your sword, for I am a friend,” he said. “Come with me so -that you may have food and a better and more comfortable bed.” - -“I would be foolish did I refuse such an offer,” replied Dermot. “Lead -the way and I will follow.” - -The knight led him into a small castle some distance away and took him -into the banquet hall, where plenty of food and drink was still on the -table. Thirty other knights rested on their beds in the room, and some -rose on the entrance of the Fenian. One was the man who had wrestled -with Dermot. - -“You may be a friend, but you have brought me to an enemy,” he said to -his guide. - -“He is not your enemy,” replied the knight. “This man was the messenger -I sent to bring you here.” - -Dermot thought back over the three days of wrestling and of the way the -man had left him to face the guards of the castle. - -“I should say that your messenger had some rather rough and -unsatisfactory methods,” said Dermot. “If he was to lead me here, why -did he not tell me so?” - -The knight smiled. “I understand your surprise. It was necessary for him -to do just as he did, for it is only possible to enter the Land Under -the Sea in the manner in which you came. But sit down and eat. I shall -explain as you satisfy your hunger.” - -Dermot needed no second invitation. The knight sat down at the table -with him while the others went back to their couches. - -“I am known as the Knight of Valor,” his host began. “And I am the -rightful ruler of this land. By a trick my brother has seized the -kingdom and is reigning in my stead. All he has left me is this small -castle and the thirty knights whom you see about you. When I heard that -Dermot of the Fenians had landed on the island, I determined to enlist -your help. I sent one of my men to the well to wait for you. The result -you know.” - -“If I was to be brought here to help you, why was I left alone to face -that castle guard?” asked Dermot. - -“That is a fair question,” answered the knight. “You see, I had heard -great tales of your strength, but I did not know if it was greater than -that of the men of our land. That castle is the stronghold of my -brother, and those were his men. Your combat with them showed me that if -you will help us, we can wrest the kingdom from his wicked hands. My -people are suffering from my brother’s rule; will you help me to free -them?” - -“You have been fair with me,” answered Dermot. “I will help you. I will -not hold it against you that your guide deserted me before the castle, -since that combat leaves us fewer men to meet tomorrow.” - -“Your willingness affords me great pleasure,” said the knight. “I am -sure that tomorrow night will see me once more upon my rightful throne.” - -Dermot finished his meal and then was shown a bed where he spent the -night. - -With the first streaks of morning light, the little castle became a -scene of busy preparations. Each of the thirty knights buckled on his -armor, took up his shield and announced himself willing to follow -Dermot’s orders. The Knight of Valor, fully armed, took his place at -Dermot’s side, and the little army went forth to battle. When they -approached the castle of the false king, Dermot called out: - -“Come forth, false king, and fight me for your kingdom!” - -This the usurper was afraid to do. He knew better than to risk his life -against such a hero. For answer he sent out all his forces and only -appeared when his warriors formed a protecting wall between him and his -enemies. There he remained in safety. Dermot placed his men in the form -of a wedge with himself in the lead and went into battle. - -Now, the army of the false king was only loyal to him because he had -paid them to place him upon the throne. Then, too, they feared this -terrible Fenian, who had faced them the night before. On the other hand, -the Knight of Valor and his men, cheered by having such a fighter on -their side, fought as they had never fought before. In a short time the -wedge went through the opposing forces, leaving the wicked brother -unprotected. - -This man did not wait any longer. He turned and ran into the palace for -safety, closing the gate behind him. His forces would not keep up the -struggle after their leader left them. They threw down their weapons in -token that they were through. - -Dermot determined to get hold of this brother. He did not stop for the -gate, but used his sword as a lever and jumped over the wall just as he -had gone up the cliff. He caught the pretender before he could get -across the courtyard, and brought him out where his men could see him. -There Dermot released him and once more asked him if he was ready to -fight for the right to retain the kingdom. - -The wicked fellow’s knees shook to the rapid beating of his heart. They -trembled so he had to get down on them to make them support him at all. - -“Spare me! Spare me!” he cried. - -“Are you willing to give up the throne to your brother, the rightful -king?” asked Dermot. - -“I am if my men are satisfied,” answered the man, still on his knees. - -For an answer his men gave a cheer for the Knight of Valor. Then Dermot -picked out thirty men for the false king. - -“You shall have what you gave your brother,” he said. “Now, get up and -lead your men to the castle you set apart for him. That shall be your -kingdom.” - -Then the Knight of Valor led his new friend into the castle. They were -served by the happy people, happy in the return of their own kind ruler. -A joyous celebration was held in Dermot’s honor, but that hero cut it -short by saying: - -“Now that I have helped you, you can show your gratitude by giving me -some assistance. I would find the giant with the bony horse who took -away fifteen of the Fenians. Also, I would get back to Finn with what -information you can give me.” - -“I suppose you mean the man who calls himself the Worthless Servant?” -asked the Knight of Valor. - -Dermot nodded his head. - -“Then I can help you. That man was no giant, but a friend of mine, who -took that shape to get some of the Fenians to come over and help him. He -is about to be attacked by Donn, High King of the World, and needs all -the help he can command. Tomorrow you and I shall go at the head of my -army to give him assistance. You will find Finn and your companions -already there. You see, we worked together. Keen-Sight and Quick-Builder -are our men, whom we sent to bring you here. Tomorrow you shall see them -all.” - - - III. - -Finn and his companions had waited but a short time after Dermot had -disappeared over the cliff. The lad, Keen-Sight, had kept quiet until -Dermot was out of sight. Then he turned to the Fenians and said: - -“Though the horse and men went in here, I think I can find you a harbor -which will lead us to the same place.” - -“That you should have told us before Dermot left,” said Finn. - -Keen-Sight made no reply. - -“Well, it does not matter,” said Finn. “Guide us to the harbor. Dermot -will be safe and will find us later.” - -Again the men bent to their oars and rowed in the direction given by -Keen-Sight. Some days later they came to a broad harbor in which a -thousand ships like theirs could have anchored. The Fenians made fast -the boat and sprang ashore. Still guided by Keen-Sight, they journeyed a -short distance toward the interior of the country. - -Suddenly a large army appeared, coming toward them. The Fenians drew up -in battle array, but Finn told them to have no fear. - -“For,” he explained, “do you not see Dermot in the lead? It is easy to -see that he is not a prisoner.” - -When Dermot saw his friends, he let out a loud shout of joy and hastened -to meet them. The Knight of Valor came up and extended a welcome to the -Fenians. - -“We are in pursuit of the man who calls himself the Worthless Servant,” -said Finn. “Can you give us directions for finding him?” - -“I can do that,” said the Knight of Valor. “We are now but a short -distance from his palace.” - -Then they all fell in together and walked on until they saw before them -a handsome castle. - -“It is here the man lives,” said the Knight of Valor. “He is really the -king of a large country, but took the shape you saw him in to enlist -your aid.” - -The Knight of Valor raised his voice and gave a loud cry. Soon the gates -of the castle opened. Out came the ugly old giant followed by his horse. -On its back still rode the fourteen Fenians, while the fifteenth still -clung to its tail. - -“Have you been like that ever since you left us?” asked Finn, when the -horse approached near enough for the men to hear his voice. - -“We have not,” answered Conan. He and the others slipped off the horse’s -back and came to greet their comrades. “We have been treated like kings. -We merely came out in state so that you might not forget how we -arrived.” - -“Your pardon, O Finn,” said a voice. - -Finn looked at the spot where the giant had been standing, but saw a -strong young champion in his stead. “I am Avarta, ruler of this land. If -I played the part of the Worthless Servant, it was to bring here enough -Fenians to give us help in the hour of need. My messengers have informed -me that the High King of the World is about to attack us. Without your -help I would be defeated; with it I shall conquer.” - -“Why did you not request my help, if you needed it, instead of taking -away my men and forcing me to come after them?” asked Finn. - -“Had I asked you to come to a far country to fight, you would have -refused. You would have told me that it was your duty to remain in Erin -to defend it,” said Avarta. “But I did know that you would not refuse to -come to rescue your own men, and that you would help if you were here.” - -“It is true,” said Finn. “I hold no hard feelings against you. My men -and myself will do our part against the High King of the World.” - -Then the leaders went into the banquet hall of the castle. The other -warriors were quartered in the spacious courtyard. Avarta caused -everything in his power to be done for their comfort. For a day and two -nights they feasted, rested and waited for the arrival of the enemy. - - - IV. - -On the morning of the second day after their arrival, a great fleet -anchored in the harbor. The men immediately began landing in great -numbers. At their head was the son of the High King, and with him was -his sister, Teasa, who wanted to see her brother capture the castle. - -Finn placed his men in battle array; giving to the Knight of Valor and -his warriors the defense of the right wing, and to Avarta and his army -the duty of holding the left wing. With his Fenians, Finn took the -center, where the fighting would be the heaviest. - -The two armies met in deadly combat. The two wings held their own with -difficulty, being about evenly matched with the enemy. But the Fenians, -with desperate valor, overwhelmed the enemy center with great slaughter. -It was a great surprise to the High King’s son. He rallied his men -bravely and gave them an example of valor, but it was useless. Finn was -everywhere, now engaging and defeating a score of warriors, now helping -with one division of his men and now another. Dermot, the pride of the -Fenians, was always in the thick of the struggle. His flashing sword -made a circle of steel about him. No man could stand against him. - -Teasa, who had come to see the prowess of her brother, forgot all about -him in watching the deeds of Finn. She admired his fair hair and manly -bearing, and his bravery appealed to her even more strongly. It was -while watching him drive back her father’s army that she fell deeply in -love with him. When her brother gave orders for his men to fall back -from the unequal struggle, Teasa left her own side and went over to the -Fenians. She found Finn and said to him: - -“I have watched you in the fight today, O Finn, and my heart called out -to you, even against my own brother. I pray you take me to Erin and make -me your wife.” - -“That I cannot do, fair maiden,” said Finn. “I have no need of a wife.” - -“You cannot refuse me,” she cried. “No true champion should refuse a -maiden when she offers herself to him.” - -Finn was honest in his refusal. He still mourned for Saba. Anyhow, he -knew that to take the daughter of the High King would cause a great deal -of trouble. - -“You had better go back to your father while there is still time,” he -told her kindly. - -“That I will not do,” declared Teasa. “Already my father knows that I -have come over to his enemies. If I go back he will kill me. If I cannot -have your love, I can claim your protection from those who would kill -me. I put you under bonds to take me with you to Erin.” - -“I beg you to release me from such bonds,” said Finn. “Nothing but -trouble can come of it.” - -But the maiden insisted that she claimed his protection as a Fenian, and -he could not refuse her. - -When Donn saw the retreat of his son and his army, he called a council -of his wise men to see what it was best to do. - -“This is no time to attack Avarta,” said one of them. “The Fenians are -with him, and we have not men enough to stand against them. The best -thing for us to do is to retire and wait a more favorable time, when the -men of Erin have gone home.” - -This advice was repeated by the others of the council. Just then the son -came on board and approached his father. - -“We are defeated,” he said. “I have ordered my men to retire, lest they -all be killed and we gain nothing by it.” - -“It is well,” said Donn. “But tell me, why is not your sister with you? -She went with you to battle and I do not see her returning.” - -The son hung his head, afraid to tell his father the truth. - -“Speak, my son!” cried Donn. “She cannot be killed! Surely the Fenians -do not make war on women!” - -“Far better had she died,” said the young man. “She has left us and gone -to the Fenians.” - -Then the High King lifted up his voice in a long cry of grief and anger. -Teasa was very dear to him. He could not bear to think that she had gone -over to the enemy. - -“I am sure she is held against her will,” said Donn. “Send heralds to -this Fenian and order him to surrender our daughter to us.” - -But the heralds came back with the word that Finn refused. Then Donn -stood out upon the highest deck and raised his arms above his head in a -vow of vengeance. - -“Hear me, O Finn!” he called. “You have taken my daughter from me, and I -vow that I will be revenged upon you. Though it take me all the rest of -my life to prepare, and though I must get every king in the world to -help me, I vow I shall not rest until I have come to Erin and have -punished you for this deed.” - -Then the High King raised the sails of his fleet, his men bent to their -oars, and the battle fleet sailed out of the harbor. - -Dermot turned to his chief. “I fear that trouble is about to come upon -Erin and the Fenians,” he said. “Chew your thumb and see if it is not -so.” - -Finn shook his head sadly. “I have no need of my thumb to tell me that -what you say is true. Yet, the maiden claimed my protection, and I could -not, under our rules, refuse her.” - -“That is so,” agreed Dermot. - - - V. - -There was great rejoicing in the land when the fleet sailed away. Avarta -thanked the Fenians for their aid and gave them many rich gifts. Finn -was satisfied. Avarta, however, was willing to make still further -amends. - -“Since I took away your men by an enchantment, it is only fair that you -should make an award for me to fulfill,” he insisted. - -“There is no award I would require of you,” said Finn, who never asked -favors of any man to whom he had given help. - -“Stay, O Finn,” cried Conan. “You did not have to ride all day on that -bony back, which was sharper than a sword. If there is an award to be -made, I am the one entitled to it.” - -Finn would have said no, fearing that Conan would ask for gold and thus -put shame upon the Fenians. But Avarta turned to Conan politely and told -him to name his award. - -“It is this,” said Conan. “You are to bring out your bony horse and -place upon its back fourteen of your own nobles. You are to bring them -to Erin, so some one else shall feel the pain of that journey.” - -The Fenians roared with laughter. They were glad that Conan had not -yielded to his desire for gain, but had made a good award. - -“And I wish to add the sentence, that Avarta himself shall cling to the -animal’s tail,” said the young Fenian who had made the trip in that -manner. “Only in that way can he appreciate the pain I bore in coming.” - -“The award is just,” declared Avarta. “Get on your ship. When you arrive -in Erin we shall be with you.” - -So the Fenians got on their ship and went back as rapidly as sails and -oars could take them. When they landed in Erin the ship disappeared, but -where it had been, the waves parted and the great horse, with fourteen -nobles on its back and the Worthless Servant clinging to its tail, came -out on the shore. - -“I have carried out the award,” said Avarta. - -“You have,” said Finn. “Now, I pray you, let your men dismount that all -of you may partake of our hospitality.” - -There was no answer. Where the horse and men had stood there was -nothing. They had disappeared as a mist taken up by the sun. - - - - - DERMOT AND GRAINNE - - -It was some time after the pursuit of the Worthless Servant that the -events of this story took place. Finn, knowing that sooner or later his -forces would have to meet those of the High King of the World, spent -most of his time building up the numbers of his Fenians, so that he -would have a force sufficient when the time came for the great struggle. - -This angered Cormack, High King of Tara, to whom Finn owed allegiance. -Cormack had been very jealous of the power of the Fenians and of the -hold Finn had upon them. Sometimes these Fenians did make demands on the -people of the country, and some of these demands were unreasonable. You -see, Finn was getting to be quite an old man. While his courage and his -wisdom were as great as of old, he was not with his men as constantly as -he had been in his earlier years. Probably they took advantage of this -fact and did things he would not have allowed had he known of them. - -Cormack made up his mind that the overbearing conduct of some of the -Fenians was caused by the fact that Finn had no respect for the -authority of the High King. Then, when Finn began to bend every effort -to increase the fighting strength of the Fenians, Cormack got the idea -that his leader was about to take the kingdom away from him. - -The quarrel began to grow serious. Some of the friends of both men, -however, urged that a stronger alliance be formed between the two to -make a serious break impossible. This was to be accomplished by having -Finn marry Grainne, the daughter of Cormack. - -The two men finally agreed that this wedding should take place, in spite -of the fact that Finn had a grandson older than the girl who was to be -his wife. Cormack was willing because he really feared Finn’s power if -used against him. Finn was willing because he knew of the struggle which -was coming, and he wanted no quarrels at home to interfere with his -preparations. - -Now, Grainne had never seen this mighty leader. She knew him only from -the stories of his many deeds of valor. To have such a noted hero for a -husband seemed quite the proper thing, especially when she was told that -the marriage was arranged for the good of Erin. She told her father that -she was willing to have Finn for a husband. - -So, the Fenian chief, attended by his son, Ossian, his grandson, Oscar, -his friend, Dermot, and a guard of honor, went to the hall at Tara for -the wedding celebration. A great feast for the men of both parties was -held in the banquet hall. During the meal Cormack and Finn discussed -their differences and plans for a better understanding. - -Naturally the young girl was anxious to have a look at the man who was -to be her husband. While the feast was in progress she came to the door -of the hall with her maid, who was to point out Finn to her mistress. -The maid did so. Grainne was amazed. - -“Surely not that old man!” she exclaimed. - -The maid told her that there could be no mistake. Then she named over -all the rest of the party in turn. Grainne made up her mind that she -would not go on with the ceremony. - -“My father did not tell me that he was mating me with a man old enough -to be my grandfather,” she said. “If he had, I should never have -consented. What can that old man want with a wife?” - -“The marriage is to bind the Fenians more closely to the throne,” said -the maid. - -“That could be done in other ways,” replied Grainne. “If Finn sought me -for a wife for his son, I would be willing to go on with the match.” - -The maid explained that Ossian already had a wife and could not take -another. - -“Well, the grandson would be still better,” insisted Grainne. “But I -will never marry that old man; never, never, never!” - -“Then it would be best for you to so inform your father immediately,” -advised the maid. “Even now your refusal will cause more bitter -feeling.” - -“No,” said Grainne. “My father would insist upon the match. If I get out -of this marriage it will have to be by my own efforts.” - -Then the girl went to her rooms in the palace and prepared a jug of -wine, putting in a drug which would bring a heavy sleep to all who -tasted of it. This she gave to the maid, telling her to go to the hall -and give a sip from the bride’s cup to everyone except Oscar and Dermot. -To these she was to refuse it. - -The maid followed her instructions. All to whom it was offered took a -sip of the drugged liquor. When they were asleep Grainne, dressed in her -most beautiful robes, entered the hall and went straight to Oscar and -Dermot. She asked Oscar to marry her and take her away. Oscar -indignantly refused to be false to the man who was both his chief and -his grandfather. - -But now Grainne had looked upon the Love Spot. She forgot all about -Oscar in her new love for this young Fenian hero. She now pled with -Dermot to marry her and take her away. - -Dermot threw off her arms from around his neck. - -“Think you that I would cast aside my honor and lose my place with the -Fenians?” he cried. “Never shall it be said that Dermot was false to a -friend! Death would be better than that!” - -But Grainne was not to be denied. She forgot everything but her love for -this man. She used a trick to compel Dermot to take her, the same ruse -that Teasa had used to force Finn to take her to Erin. - -“If you will not have me for your wife, I put you under bonds to save me -from this marriage, which is distasteful to me. I bind you, by your -Fenian oath, to take me away and guard me from all pursuers until I -release you.” - -Poor Dermot was sorely puzzled. Whichever course he took he must lose -his honor. He must either break his vow to give protection to a woman -whenever it was asked, or he must be disloyal to Finn. - -“What can I do?” he asked Oscar. - -“To give you advice is the thing I would gladly refuse,” answered Oscar. -“Since you ask it, I must tell you that your honor binds you to do as -she asks.” - -So Dermot and Grainne went out through the little gate in the palace -wall and fled into the forest, accompanied only by Dermot’s faithful -hound. - - - II. - -When the men awoke from their drugged sleep, and Oscar told Finn and -Cormack what had happened, both men were exceedingly angry. They -immediately ordered a pursuit of the fugitives. For days Finn and his -men followed the trail of the two. While they often came upon campfires -that still smouldered, showing where the pursued pair had stopped, they -never were able to catch up with them. Dermot was caring for Grainne -with what food he could procure in the forest. He was kind to her, but -steadily resisted all her efforts to get him to marry her. At each -camping place he left a sign that Finn would recognize as a pledge that -he was not fleeing of his own free will, but because the maiden had put -him under bonds. - -This treatment, however, did not please Grainne. All her pleading for -his love met with no response. At last she appealed to a Druid for help. -These Druids had great magical power, if they could be prevailed upon to -use them. Grainne did not tell him who she was. She played a part -calculated to excite the pity of the magician. - -“I am in deep trouble,” she told him. “I fear that only you can be of -assistance to me. I can tell by the kindness of your face that you are -always willing to help a maiden in distress.” - -The Druid was flattered by this artful speech. - -“What can I do for you, O maiden?” he asked. - -“I have just been married, and my husband is falling in love with -another maiden,” lied Grainne. “I would have you do something to make me -more beautiful, so that my husband will love me again.” - -“I could not make you more beautiful than you are already,” said the -Druid. He was something of a flatterer himself. - -“Then give me something to kill me,” wailed Grainne. “I cannot live -without my husband’s love.” At this point she burst into a violent -sobbing. The heart of the Druid was touched by her pretended grief. - -“But if I cannot make you more beautiful, there is something else I can -do for you,” he said. - -“What is that?” asked Grainne, drying her eyes. - -“I can give you a liquid to pour into the drink of your husband. As long -as the effect lasts, he will love you better than anything else in the -world.” - -“Give it to me at once,” said Grainne. “If I can but win back his love, -I will keep his heart forever.” - -So the Druid gave her the love charm, and Grainne administered it to -Dermot in his food. Immediately he became wildly in love with her and -yielded to her pleadings to marry her at once. - -Finn’s pursuit had daily become less insistent. He had never been -strongly in favor of marrying Grainne, and his anger against Dermot -became less keen. When he heard that the two were married he abandoned -the pursuit entirely. He sent word to Dermot that if he kept out of his -way he would no longer seek to punish him, but that he had been expelled -from the Fenians for disloyalty to his leader. - -And so it happened that Finn lost his best friend and his companion in -his adventures. The Fenians, also, lost their best fighter. This is the -reason why, in the next story, which tells of the greatest battle the -army ever engaged in, Dermot was not there to help. - - - - - THE BATTLE OF VENTRY STRAND - - -The years sped by with no sign of the attack by the High King of the -World. One less wise than Finn would have decided that Donn had given up -his revenge. But Finn was not fooled. He knew that the attack would -come, and that each year of delay meant a greater force against him. He -used the time to build up a stronger defense. - -He placed a guard on a hill overlooking every harbor of Erin. These men -were supposed never to leave their posts without placing some one to -watch in their stead. At the important harbors, the watch was strictly -kept, year after year. But the guards of the small and unimportant ports -grew careless and spent much of their time asleep or in the nearby -villages. - -So it happened that when the great fleet finally came, there was no one -to give warning. The harbor of Ventry Strand was the one picked out by -Donn for his landing. He chose this harbor because it was small and -unimportant. He was guided by a traitor who had been expelled from the -ranks of the Fenians, a man who knew the placing of the forces and who -knew that the guards of the small harbors like Ventry Strand had become -very careless. - -When the guard on the hill awoke he was horrified to see the water black -with ships, and hundreds of men landing on the shore. He could see what -a tremendous force the High King had gathered. There were the banners of -the Kings of France, of Spain, of Norway, of Denmark, and many others he -did not recognize. - -The guard was terrified at the results of his neglect of duty. He was -afraid to face Finn and admit that he had not been faithful to his -charge. He did the next best thing. He sent a messenger to his chief -telling him of the arrival of the enemy. Then he went down to meet the -hosts alone, and died fighting bravely as was the duty of a Fenian. - -But this guard was not the only one to show his bravery that day. All -through history we find records of small bodies of devoted men who held -back great armies while their comrades prepared for the fight. The -battle of Ventry Strand was no exception. This time, however, it was not -men, but boys who sacrificed themselves to hold back the enemy until the -Fenians could arrive. - -In many of our stories you have read of the requirements of strength -necessary to become a Fenian. No doubt you have wondered if there was -not some training school for boys who would be eligible, if they could -pass the test. There was such a training. It was called the Boys’ Corps. -All boys could join this group when old enough to begin their training. -They remained in it until they were able to join the Fenians or had -failed to pass the entrance test. Here they began their training about -the age of twelve, though some of the great heroes enrolled and became -leaders at a much younger age. Finn, you remember, defeated the giant -Midna at the age of ten, but he had proved himself a leader of the Boys’ -Corps long before that. - -These groups had teachers who instructed their pupils in the Twelve -Books of Poetry, and gave them training in the use of the weapons of the -chase and of warfare. The boys did not live at home, but camped with the -others of the group and lived on what they could kill, just as did the -Fenians. Their training was much the same as that described in stories -of the Spartan boys in Greece. - -One of these training groups was in the hills of Ventry when the forces -of Donn were landing. Their leader, a boy of sixteen, who had proven -himself the most expert in his training, saw the situation and thus -addressed his companions: - -“Behold, an enemy has landed upon the shores of Erin, and there is no -one to stay them. It will take Finn and his men all day to reach here. -In the meantime, there are two courses open to us. We can seek safety in -the hills and let the foreigner pillage our country, or we can go down -and die fighting in its defense. It is for you to choose. If we hide we -may grow up to become Fenians. But can we look Finn in the face and tell -him that we proved our worth by hiding?“ - -[Illustration: - The messenger told Finn that the enemy had landed at Ventry Strand - From Battle of Ventry Strand] - -He drew a line on the ground and stepped over it. - -“I, for one, prefer to show these men what sort of boys grow up to be -the men of Erin. Those who will follow me to the strand to die bravely -fighting for our country, will step across the line.” - -With a shout every boy jumped over the line to the side of their leader. -Then, with shields in front and weapons ready, the Boys’ Corps marched -down to meet the invaders. - -“Ho! Ho!” laughed one of the soldiers. “Have the men of Erin hidden in -their holes and sent the children to greet us?” - -“Better gain what glory you can before the men of Erin arrive to cut -short your boasting,” cried the boy leader, dashing at the man who had -mocked them. - -Soon the whole boy force was engaged in the unequal struggle against an -overwhelming number of men hardened to battle. But though they were boys -and knew that they must die in the end, there was no one but showed the -fighting blood of his fathers. One after another they went down, but all -that day they held the forces of the High King on the shore. When the -Fenians arrived that evening the enemy was still on his ships and at the -water’s edge. But where were the heroic boys? Not one was left. Only the -peasants, who had watched the fight from the hillsides, could tell the -story of that noble stand. - -When Finn came up and saw the forces against him, he realized that the -battle would be long and hard. His only hope was to use small bodies of -his fighters against the foe, and trust to the bravery of his men to -wear down the forces of the enemy. - -“Shall we attack in force and drive them into the sea?” asked Gaul. -“Every Fenian should be able to account for ten of the enemy.” - -“They will have to do more than that,” declared Finn. “We must send out -two hundred of our men each day and let them make what headway they can. -Only in that way can we reduce their number enough to make possible -their defeat. The Fenians need room to fight and must have strong odds -against them to make them do their best. Who will lead the first two -hundred?” - -“I will lead them,” cried Gaul. - -“I, too, will go,” declared Ossian. - -“I will be in the first two hundred,” said Oscar. - -“So be it,” said Finn. “May you spread terror into the hearts of the -enemy.” - -Next morning the two hundred charged into the foe. By nightfall the -forces of the High King were cut to pieces. But of the Fenians there was -left but Gaul, Ossian and Oscar. Gaul was so badly wounded that he had -to be carried back to the camp. - -More men landed from the ships and rallied around three men, swordsmiths -of the High King, who had led the forces that day, and who had stood -against the Fenian heroes until night closed the battle. - -The next day Ossian and Oscar led out two hundred fresh men from the -Fenian army. They were met by the three smiths and a great force from -the army of the High King. All day the battle continued. Each Fenian did -great deeds of valor and proved worthy of his name. Toward the close of -the day but three smiths and Ossian and Oscar were left to carry on the -battle. Oscar, the best swordsman of the Fenians, was holding two of the -opposing champions. The third was pressing hard against his father and -forcing him backward. - -Finn was greatly alarmed for the safety of his son. Of course, under -their rules of warfare, no more men could come into the battle after it -had started. Finn did the only thing left for him to do. He sent his -poet, Fergus, to stand behind Ossian and to sing to him of the great -deeds he had done in the past. This encouragement was what Ossian -needed. A great strength rose up within him. He forced back his opponent -and took his head. Oscar, at the same time, conquered the two, who stood -against him. - -The victory that day rested with the Fenians. But it was dearly bought. -At the end of his combat Oscar sank to the ground, fainting from his -many wounds. His father had to carry him back to the camp of the -Fenians. It was many months before he was strong enough to again take -part in the fighting. - - - II. - -Not all the brave fighters in the battle of Ventry Strand were on the -Fenian side. Other men could face great odds, too. The three smiths, who -had fallen that day, had a brother still on the ship of the High King. -When this man saw the result of the fight, he let out a mighty shout of -grief and rage. He went straight to the High King. - -“Tomorrow I am going to meet the two hundred Fenians,” he said. “What is -more, I am going alone. If any of our men try to interfere with me, I -shall kill them.” - -The High King knew that this man was the greatest champion on his side. -He was willing to have him go out and strike terror into the hearts of -the Fenians. He gave orders that he should be the only one to land next -day. - -For the next day’s battle Finn had no great leader for his men. One -young Fenian, anxious to gain glory for himself, offered to lead the two -hundred. Finn let him go. All day long the two hundred Fenians faced -this one champion. By night the foreigner was alone on the field. A -shout of victory went up from the ships of the High King. The Fenians -were far from joyous to see such valor on the side of the enemy. - -The next day this champion again defeated the two hundred Fenians, and -for the four days following, the combats ended the same. Finn was -getting desperate. He could not go out and meet the man himself, because -if he were killed or badly wounded, his men would be leaderless and the -forces of the High King would gain the victory. - -How he wished for Dermot in this hour of need! The splendid example of -this great hero would have done the Fenians more good than a thousand -soldiers. Ossian and Oscar, too badly wounded to fight, pled with Finn -to relent and send for his one-time champion and dearest friend. But -Finn’s pride would not permit him to do this. The thought that Dermot -had yielded to a woman’s plea to be false to his chief, cut him to the -heart. - -All great men have their moments of weakness. The one dark spot on the -record of Finn is his treatment of Dermot. One point we find in his -favor. It is the fact that he did not send for Dermot during the battle. -If he could not forgive him because he felt the justice of his friend’s -position, he would not say so because he needed his sword. - -In this hour of need another hero arrived on the Fenian side. The son of -the King of Ulster heard of this battle and longed to take part in it. -Though little more than a boy he went to his father and asked his -permission. His father met this request with an angry reply. - -“What nonsense!” he exclaimed. “You are only a boy and not fit to go -into battle.” - -The king not only forbade his going, but he set over him a guard of his -twelve foster-brothers to see that he did not go without permission. But -the boy was not to be denied. He talked so earnestly with his brothers -that he fired them with a desire to take part in the great battle. In -the end all thirteen slipped away to the camp of Finn. - -The boy went before the chief of the Fenians. “I am the son of the King -of Ulster,” he said. “It is my wish to meet this champion, who is -bringing fear into the hearts of the Fenians.” - -“Go home, boy,” said Conan. “This man has slain heroes who could account -for a thousand like you.” - -The boy looked at him in indignation. “I do not know the Fenians,” he -said. “But I do know that you must be Conan, who speaks good of no man. -If you think a boy should not face this champion, why are you here in -camp? If I cannot kill this man, I can at least show the foreigners that -the boys of Erin have not the cowardice of a Conan!” - -Conan had no more to say after that. He hated to hear the truth from the -lips of a boy. Finn, because he remembered the fire of his own youth, -looked with favor upon the brave lad and consented to his meeting the -champion. While they talked a mighty shout came from the shore. - -“What is that?” asked the boy. - -“That is the champion calling for men to meet him,” answered Conan. “He -has just finished the last of your bodyguard.” - -“He shall not have to wait long,” said the boy. - -A great shout of laughter from the enemy greeted the approach of the new -fighter. The champion joined in the jeers. - -“Let Finn acknowledge his defeat if he has no more men to send out,” he -cried. “I do not fight with boys.” - -“If you do not fight, it will be your last battle,” declared the son of -the king. - -He closed in battle. Before the smith realized that it was a real -contest, he had received several small wounds. He began to fight in -earnest. But he had met his match at last. They fought until their -shields were torn to shreds, and their swords were broken off at the -hilts. Then they threw away the weapons and struggled with their bare -hands. Over the shore they fought, and finally out into the sea, where -they sank from sight. - -The men of both sides waited anxiously to see which one would come up. -But neither appeared that night. Next morning the two bodies, still -locked in a tight embrace, were washed upon the sands. The body of the -king’s son was on top, his hands still clasping the throat of his -opponent, proving that he had won the fight. - - - III. - -The great battle went on for a year and a day. Sometimes there were -single combats, sometimes many men were engaged, but neither side could -gain a complete victory. When the year was up the High King resolved to -challenge Finn to single combat. He saw that he was losing more men then -the Fenians, and that Finn’s plan of campaign would win for him in the -end. - -If he could kill Finn, all the advantage would be on his side. Also, the -death of the Fenian chief would make complete his revenge for the loss -of his daughter. Donn was not showing such wonderful bravery in offering -to meet the Fenian chief. Finn was an old man, without the great -strength of his youth. Donn reasoned that he could fight him day after -day until Finn was vanquished through weakness. He did not fear for -himself. He was protected by enchantment and could not be killed except -with one sword. That weapon was locked up in his castle at home, guarded -by his father. - -Finn knew that he could not kill the High King without this sword. Yet -he accepted the challenge. He had lost so many of his men that he was -sick at heart. He welcomed the idea of getting into the fight himself. -Even if he were killed, he could still set an example of his unflinching -courage. Gaul, Ossian and Oscar were now almost recovered. Even were he -killed, he was sure Gaul would carry on the fight. - -On the night before the battle between the two leaders, an enchanter -from the side of the High King entered the Fenian camp and went straight -to Finn. - -“I have left the camp of the High King because he has been unjust to -me,” said the enchanter. “I am here to help you in your fight against -him.” - -Finn thanked him and asked him what he could do. - -“Perhaps you do not know that you can only kill him with one sword,” -said the man. - -“I do know it,” answered Finn. - -“Stand against him tomorrow, and by night you shall have the sword. I -shall go to Donn’s father and tell him that his son has sent me for his -sword to use in the fight against you. His father will give it to me -without question.” - -“Bring me the weapon and I shall reward you,” said Finn. - -The two leaders met the next day in combat. The High King had no fear -and fought recklessly. Finn knew that he must continue the battle until -the next day, so he fought with great care and was content with -defending himself from the attacks of Donn. This pleased the High King -very much. He thought that Finn had lost his strength. He went to his -ship that night sure that the next day would bring with it the defeat of -the Fenian chief. - -But he had a surprise in store for him. The next morning when he came -out to the combat he found Finn coming toward him. He turned pale when -he recognized the weapon in the hands of his opponent. Fear gripped his -heart and destroyed his sense of honor. He tried to win by surprise. -Before the signal for combat was given, he struck a mighty blow at Finn. - -But for the heroism of one of the Fenians he would have succeeded. This -young man rushed in and received the blow intended for his chief. - -When Finn saw the death of his man as a result of treachery, a surge of -rage gave him all the strength of his youth. He raised the weapon the -enchanter had brought, and with one blow finished his combat with Donn. -Then, rallying his entire force with his old battle cry, he set upon the -leaderless hosts. - -That day’s battle was the fiercest of all. When night came there was not -a man of the invading force left alive. But there were no Fenians left -to give battle had there been any more to meet. Everyone of the brave -defenders, Finn included, were dead or suffering from severe wounds. - -So ended the battle of Ventry Strand. Erin was saved from the invaders, -but at a fearful cost. The story reminds one of the Trojan War, of which -most of us have read. In that great contest we read of the same -desperate heroism. Both were started because of a woman, and both -continued until all the fighters on one side were completely destroyed. - - - - - THE DEATH OF DERMOT - - -For sixteen years after the flight of Grainne and Dermot, the couple -lived in their home in the forest. Dermot was not unhappy, now that his -remorse for proving disloyal to Finn had grown less keen. He divided his -time between hunting in the forest and the training of his children. He -never mentioned his former chief or his comrades. - -Grainne was not so easily satisfied. She proved to be the kind of woman -who is always wishing for something she cannot have. When she was about -to be married to Finn, she wanted Dermot. Then, when she had succeeded -in getting Dermot to marry her, she decided that she had been foolish to -run away from Finn. While he was pursuing them, Grainne had been -perfectly happy. She had not wished to be caught, but it pleased her -vanity to be running away with one great hero and having another trying -to capture her. - -When Finn gave up the chase and she was allowed to have the man she had -chosen, she was no longer satisfied. She decided that Finn must come and -visit them. The reason she gave Dermot for this wish was, that their -daughter could never pick a husband if she was never to see any of the -heroes of the country. What she really desired was to have Finn come and -tell her that he envied Dermot his good fortune in getting such a fine -wife, or to have him show, in some way, that he was sorry he could not -marry her. - -Dermot finally yielded to her arguments and sent the invitation to Finn. -At first the Fenian leader refused to consider such a visit. The -invitation reminded him of what he called the treachery of the man who -had been his friend. But Ossian and Oscar reasoned with him and urged -him to make the visit as a sign of forgiveness. They told him that it -did not look well for a mighty leader to hold a grudge for so long. They -insisted that it was just his pride which kept him away, and that he -really wanted to see Dermot. - -Finn finally consented. He took Oscar and Ossian with him and went to -the home in the forest. - -Their reception was a cordial one. Dermot was like a boy in his pleasure -at meeting his former chief and his old friends. As for Finn, he seemed -to forget his injured pride in the joy of being once more on good terms -with Dermot. For several days it was a happy party. Through the day they -hunted together; in the evenings they feasted and told stories of the -hard combats of the past. Finn even went so far as to admit that the -need of Dermot’s sword very nearly caused the defeat of the Fenians in -the Battle of Ventry Strand. It seemed as if the past was all forgotten, -and that Dermot would once more become a member of the Fenian band. - -But Grainne never was content. Once more she caused trouble between the -two men. She soon proved that it was for neither her husband nor her -daughter that she desired the visit of Finn. When he had come, he had -greeted her cordially, and then had seemed to forget all about her. This -hurt her pride. She began to make herself very agreeable to him and to -seek him out at every opportunity. She tried to do little things for him -which would bring her to his notice. - -Now, Grainne could be very charming when she tried, and she was still a -very beautiful woman. Finn began to take an interest in her. Then, -Grainne, hoping to get some statement of regret from him, called up the -circumstances of that flight, sixteen years before. - -Finn’s anger, which had died almost to ashes, burst into a flame again. -He no longer took pleasure in the company of Dermot. Even when he tried -to look pleasantly at his host, the fire in his eyes could not be -hidden. Ossian saw the change and urged that the visit be brought to a -close. Finn put him off angrily and refused to leave. - -Grainne was pleased with the results of her scheme. It was not that she -did not still love her husband. You see, she knew that Dermot could not -be wounded by Finn. She thought there was no danger, and it was pleasing -to her vanity to know that once again two fine men were interested in -her. - -One night the men were awakened by the continued baying of the hounds. -This could only mean that some large animals were prowling around. So, -early next morning, they went out upon a hunt. Oscar and Ossian took one -path and Finn and Dermot the other. The latter had not gone far when -they met an excited peasant, who informed them that a terrible wild boar -was roaming about, spreading death and destruction in its path. - -Dermot paused. He knew that hunting the wild boar was forbidden to him. -The proper thing for him to do was to go back, and he knew it. Finn -watched him anxiously. - -“You had better go back, Dermot,” he said. “This is hardly a safe -pastime for you.” - -Dermot flushed with anger. “It is plain that you desire my death, Finn -MacCool,” he said, “or you would not say such a thing to me. You know -full well that I cannot turn back when you question my bravery.” - -Finn said no more. He felt sure that Dermot would continue the hunt in -spite of the warnings of his foster-father. They had gone but a few -yards when a great boar burst out of the forest and made toward them. -Dermot hurled his spear. It glanced off the thick skull. He drew his -sword, but before he could use it, the boar knocked him down and tore -him cruelly with his tusks. Even as he fell, Dermot crushed the skull of -the beast with the hilt of his sword. - -Finn had made no move to assist in the killing of the boar. Now he came -over and looked at Dermot. The wounded man implored him to do something -for him. - -“I am sorry to see you this way, Dermot,” he said. “But I can never -forget that you proved untrue to me sixteen years ago. There is nothing -I can do for you.” - -“There is,” answered Dermot. “You can restore me to health by giving me -a drink from your two hands.” - -“There is no well,” said Finn, making excuses. - -“There is one just a few paces behind you,” said Dermot. - -Finn made no move to go. His anger held him back. - -“Can’t you remember how you were bound and suffering in the dungeon of -the White Nation? I did not hesitate to go through every trial to rescue -you. Will you refuse me now? For the sake of what I have done for you, -give me a drink that will heal me.” - -Finn was filled with remorse. He went to the well and started back with -his cupped hands full of water. But as he walked he saw before him a -picture of that hall in Tara. Again he felt the disgrace of having his -trusted friend prove disloyal to him. The water trickled through his -fingers, and he came back with nothing. - -By that time Oscar and Ossian had come up and had knelt beside the -wounded man. Dermot looked up at Finn with a pleading look in his eyes. - -“I could not bring it,” said Finn. “It is too far to carry it. The water -all runs away.” - -“You can bring it if you wish,” insisted Dermot. “I know you are angry -because I took Grainne away that night. But Oscar will tell you that it -was much against my will. She put me under bonds, and I had to go, just -as you had to bring Teasa from the land of Avarta. Your men did not turn -against you because you brought trouble to Erin by that act. For the -sake of our old friendship, get me the drink before it is too late!” - -Once more a flood of pity and remorse came over Finn. He recognized the -justice of Dermot’s plea. Again he hurried to the well and filled his -hands. But when he started back to the dying man he seemed to see -Grainne in front of him. She seemed to be smiling at him and beckoning -to him. Once more the water ran out through his fingers, and he came -back with his hands empty. - -When he approached this time, Dermot was too weak to speak. Only his -eyes pled for the water. Oscar could not stand it any longer. He sprang -to his feet and drew his sword. - -“Though you are my chief, I will not stand by and see you do this great -wrong!” he cried. “You must get the water or one of us will never leave -this forest alive!” - -Oscar’s just anger brought Finn to his senses. He put all thoughts of -pride and the woman from his mind. He hurriedly filled his hands and -hastened back to Dermot’s side. He was too late. The mighty hero was -dead. - -They made preparations to take away the body for burial. But their help -was not needed. The god, Angus, appeared and with him four shining -heroes, bearing a golden bier. On this they placed the body of Dermot -and walked majestically away. - -“I cannot give him back his life,” said Angus. “But I can take his body -with me, and I can have his soul to keep me company.” - -Then all vanished in a blaze of light. Finn, Oscar and Ossian were left -alone in the forest. - - - - - THE BATTLE OF GOWRA - - -A few years after the death of Dermot the old trouble between the High -King of Tara and the Fenians arose again. Cormack was dead, but his son -was even more bitter against the army. He made up his mind that he would -destroy the forces entirely. - -The new ruler realized that he could never raise a sufficient force to -meet the Fenians in battle. He determined upon a less dangerous, though -less honorable, method. He endeavored to promote a quarrel between two -factions, so that the groups would destroy themselves. The High King, -you see, was a man of wisdom. - -This plan was an easy one to accomplish. You have not forgotten that -Gaul of Morna had held the leadership of the Fenians for the ten years -between the death of Cool and the arrival of Finn. He had been loyal to -Finn all through the later years, but beneath his loyalty ran a thin -current of envy. He was the older man of the two. It was easy to tell -him that, because of his age, he should be chief. Envy is a poison that -works silently, but it works harder when it is thought about. The High -King gradually convinced Gaul that it would be to his interest to -quarrel with Finn and take part of the army with him. - -Finn’s treatment of Dermot shows us that he became more revengeful in -his later years. He did not take part in so many adventures requiring -him to use his strength, so he had more time to think over what people -had done to him. He never forgot that it was Gaul who had given his -father his mortal wound. As long as Gaul was his faithful follower, he -did not hold this fact against him. But when Gaul began to grow bitter -in his dealings with his chief, Finn made the quarreling easy by -recalling this fight. Both men were willing to come to blows. - -The High King went with Gaul through the ranks of the Fenians and, by -promises and bribes, won over a large number. The fact that the High -King was on the side of Gaul made it appear to these men that those who -were disloyal to Finn would probably be on the winning side. In the end, -the two forces were about equal. Then the High King and Gaul moved to -attack the forces of Finn. - -Finn was sick at heart at the thought that his splendid army was to be -cut to pieces by the treacherous plot of the High King. He would gladly -have given up his command if that act would have saved the men from -fighting among themselves. His knowledge, however, told him that it was -the plan of the High King to get the two groups to so weaken themselves -that he could gather a force large enough to defeat those left. Finn -knew what Gaul did not understand, that he was to be used and later put -out of the way. - -The forces of Gaul met those of Finn at Gowra, just at evening. In those -days no one thought of fighting at night. The two forces built their -camps and waited for morning light to give the signal for the combat. - -All through the early hours of the night Finn paced his camp and tried -to make a plan which would stop the struggle of the next day. If the -High King had not been on the side of Gaul, he felt that the trouble -would never have occurred. At midnight he left his own camp and went, -alone, to the quarters of Gaul and the High King. - -These two men were greatly alarmed to wake and find Finn beside them. -Both sprang to their feet and seized their weapons. They thought that -Finn meant to do away with them by treachery. - -“Have no fear,” said Finn. “I have come by myself, and my purpose is to -talk, not fight. I have come to see if there is not some way in which we -can stop the slaughter of the men of Erin.” - -Both men were silent. Finally Gaul spoke, “There is one way,” he said. -“You may give up the leadership and tell your men to obey me.” - -Finn turned to the High King. “If that will stop the struggle, then I -will accept the terms.” - -The crafty High King was not pleased. A peace which would leave the -Fenians as strong as ever was the last thing he wanted. He pretended to -doubt Finn’s word. - -“It is but a trick,” he said to Gaul. “Finn would have us believe that -he wants peace, so that he may attack us unawares. Tomorrow’s contest -shall decide all things which are at stake.” - -“Then I make one other proposition to you,” said Finn, addressing the -High King. “I will meet you in single combat tomorrow morning. If you -best me, you will have a clear field to take my men as your followers. -If I prove the better fighter, Gaul and I will be left to decide the -leadership.” - -The High King had been whispering to some of his men near him. These -went out into the darkness before he replied to the challenge. - -“I refuse your challenge,” he said, with an attempt to cover his fear -with haughtiness. “It would not be fitting that an army leader should -meet his king in a single combat.” - -“Then I can do no more,” declared Finn. “I must go back and leave the -decision to the morrow.” - -The High King laughed excitedly. “That you shall not do,” he said. “Our -men have been awakened and are between you and your camp. Tonight they -will settle your claims for leadership; tomorrow your men will fight -without you.” - -Finn looked at the forces, now awake and surrounding him. It was the -basest kind of treachery. He turned to Gaul of Morna. - -“Gaul, you took the vow to be honorable in your dealings. Are you -willing that I shall face your army, when I came in peace as a -messenger? Are you a party to this treachery?” - -“I am not!” cried Gaul. “Never shall it be said that Gaul of Morna knew -not how to treat a messenger of the foe. I shall conduct you through our -forces, and woe to any man who raises a spear against you!” - -“I thank you, Gaul,” said Finn. - -Without even glancing at the High King, Finn followed Gaul out into the -night. His guide escorted him to the edge of his own camp before turning -to go back. Finn made a last appeal to him. - -“It grieves me, Gaul, to see this battle take place. I know that the -High King but uses you to cause the destruction of the Fenians. I pray -you, give up the struggle and come back to us.” - -Gaul was deeply moved. “I fear you are right,” he said. “But, right or -wrong, I must go on. I have driven my game out into the open. I must -capture it or lose the respect of my men.” - -Then Gaul went back to his camp. - - - II. - -With the first streaks of morning light, the great battle of Gowra -began. The men fought as only Fenians could fight against one another. -Finn threw himself into the struggle with reckless bravery, but the late -afternoon found him still unwounded. Many a splendid hero went down, -Gaul of Morna among them. The High King, however, did not allow the -fight to lag when his leader was killed. He took charge of the forces -himself. - -Finn tried all day to get his monarch into a combat with him, but the -High King was too shrewd. He kept clear of any of the stronger fighters -of Finn’s forces. It was Oscar, wounded and tired, who finally cornered -him and forced him to fight or show his cowardice. - -Like a rat in a trap, the High King put up a desperate battle. He was -fresh and strong, and so was almost a match for the wounded Oscar. The -end came when both men sank to the ground at the same time. Before Finn -could reach the side of his grandson, both men were dead. - -Then Finn’s mighty heart broke. He looked about the field, where small -groups of men still struggled desperately. He determined that the -contest should stop. He blew a loud blast on his horn. The men stopped -in surprise. Finn’s voice rang out over the field. - -“Men of Erin,” he called. “Sad am I that I have lived to see the day -when brother fights against brother, friend against friend. Let the -fighting cease. Gaul and the High King are dead, and Finn will soon be -with you no longer. I care not to live to think over this useless -conflict. From now on the Fenians will live only in song and story. Go -back to the chase and the pursuits of peace. I command you never to draw -sword again unless it be to protect Erin from a foreign foe.” - -Then Finn called his servant and bade him bring to him the drinking horn -from his camp. This horn he had carried with him all through his later -years. It held the magic water which would bring sleep and forgetfulness -to any who drank from it. When the horn was brought he drained it to the -last drop. Then he bade farewell to his men, took his weapons with him -and went into a cave on the hillside to await the sleep that was already -stealing over his limbs. - - * * * * * - -A thousand years rolled by. A new race of people took possession of -Erin. Only from the lips of the poets and the bards could one hear of -the mighty heroes. Some laugh and say the tales are not true. But the -legend is still told among the Irish peasants that Finn still sleeps in -his cave on the hill, and that if Ireland ever is invaded again, he will -come out and gather his Fenians for battle. - - THE END. - - - - - Transcriber’s Notes - - - “guesed” changed to “guessed” on Page 25 but he never guessed - “again” changed to “against” on Page 26 thumb against the meat - “freightened” changed to “frightened” on Page 26 eyes frightened him - “posible” changed to “possible” on Page 31 feat be possible, - ” added on Page 31 youth,” answered Conn. - “McCool” changed to “MacCool” on Page 35 Thus Finn MacCool - “warior” changed to “warrior” on Page 52 only a great warrior. - “tuggling” changed to “tugging” on Page 61 tugging and straining - “him” changed to “his” on Page 76 He cleared his way - corrected placement of quote on Page 76 castle. “You are at - “ added on Page 83 the king. “Finding - ” added on Page 94 lord of that castle.” - “made” changed to “make” on Page 138 make them do their - -Added period to regularize headings on Pages 12, 97, 107, 116, 119, 123, -130, 140, 144, and 160. - -Chapter 10 has no Section VIII. Section VII. begins on Page 89, and -Section IX. begins on Page 97. - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Legendary Heroes of Ireland, by Harold F. Hughes - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LEGENDARY HEROES OF IRELAND *** - -***** This file should be named 50490-0.txt or 50490-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/4/9/50490/ - -Produced by Chris Curnow, Lisa Anne Hatfield and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - diff --git a/old/50490-0.zip b/old/50490-0.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 61d9ab1..0000000 --- a/old/50490-0.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50490-h.zip b/old/50490-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index b06b0ac..0000000 --- a/old/50490-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50490-h/50490-h.htm b/old/50490-h/50490-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index b3634c0..0000000 --- a/old/50490-h/50490-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5838 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> - <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Legendary Heroes of Ireland, by Harold F. Hughes</title> - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - <style type="text/css"> - body { margin-left: 8%; margin-right: 10%; } - h1 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.4em; } - h2 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.2em; } - h3 { text-align: center; font-weight: normal; font-size: 1.2em; } - .pageno { right: 1%; font-size: x-small; background-color: inherit; color: silver; - text-indent: 0em; text-align: right; position: absolute; - border: 1px solid silver; padding: 1px 3px; font-style: normal; - font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; } - .pageno:after { color: silver; content: attr(title); } - p { text-indent: 0; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; text-align: justify; } - .sc { font-variant: small-caps; } - .xsmall { font-size: x-small; } - div.pbb { page-break-before: always; } - hr.pb { border: none; border-bottom: 1px solid; margin-bottom:1em; } - @media handheld { hr.pb { display: none; }} - .chapter { clear: both; page-break-before: always;} - .figcenter { clear: both; max-width: 100%; margin: 2em auto; text-align: center; } - div.figcenter p { text-align: center; text-indent: 0; } - .figcenter img { max-width: 100%; height: auto; } - .id001 { width:350px; } - .id002 { width:293px; } - .id003 { width:441px; } - @media handheld { .id001 { margin-left:28%; width:43%; }} - @media handheld { .id002 { margin-left:32%; width:36%; }} - @media handheld { .id003 { margin-left:22%; width:55%; }} - .ic003 { width:100%; } - .ig001 { width:100%; } - .table0 { margin: auto; margin-top: 2em; margin-left: 22%; margin-right: 23%; - width: 55%; } - .table1 { margin: auto; margin-top: 2em; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 0%; - width: 100%; } - @media handheld { .table0 { margin-left: 1%; margin-right: 1%; width: 98%; } } - @media handheld { .table1 { margin-left: 1%; margin-right: 1%; width: 98%; } } - .nf-center { text-align: center; } - .nf-center-c1 { text-align: left; margin: 1em 0; } - .c000 { page-break-before: always; margin-top: 1em; } - .c001 { margin-top: 1em; } - .c002 { margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c003 { margin-top: 2em; font-size: 3em; } - .c004 { margin-top: 4em; font-size: 1em; } - .c005 { font-size: 1.6em; } - .c006 { margin-top: 2em; font-size: 1.6em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c007 { margin-top: 4em; font-size: 1.4em; } - .c008 { font-size: 1em; } - .c009 { font-size: 1.4em; } - .c010 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 4em; } - .c011 { margin-top: 2em; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c012 { font-size: 1em; margin-top: 0.5em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c013 { font-size: 1em; text-align: right; } - .c014 { vertical-align: top; text-align: right; padding-right: 1em; } - .c015 { vertical-align: top; text-align: left; padding-right: 1em; } - .c016 { vertical-align: top; text-align: right; } - .c017 { page-break-before:auto; margin-top: 3em; } - .c018 { page-break-before: auto; margin-top: 2em; } - .c019 { margin-top: 1em; font-size: 1em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; } - .c020 { border: none; border-bottom: 1px solid; margin-top: 0.8em; - margin-bottom: 0.8em; margin-left: 35%; margin-right: 35%; width: 30%; } - .c021 { margin-top: 1em; font-size: 1.2em; } - .c022 { vertical-align: top; text-align: left; } - .ds {line-height:1.8em;} - </style> - </head> - <body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's Legendary Heroes of Ireland, by Harold F. Hughes - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: Legendary Heroes of Ireland - -Author: Harold F. Hughes - -Release Date: November 19, 2015 [EBook #50490] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LEGENDARY HEROES OF IRELAND *** - - - - -Produced by Chris Curnow, Lisa Anne Hatfield and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div> - <h1 class='c000' title='Legendary'></h1> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<p class='c002'> </p> -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/decoration.png' alt='decoration' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div>Legendary Heroes</div> - <div><i>of</i></div> - <div>Ireland</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>By</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c005'> - <div>HAROLD F. HUGHES</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'> </p> -<div class='figcenter id002'> -<img src='images/shield.png' alt='shield and arms logo' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c007'> - <div>1922</div> - <div>HARR WAGNER PUBLISHING CO.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div>San Francisco, Cal.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>Copyright</div> - <div>1922</div> - <div>Harold F. Hughes</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div>DEDICATION</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c009'> - <div>TO MY FATHER</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='ds'> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c008'> - <div>WHOSE TALES OF THE IRISH HEROES</div> - <div>FIRST OPENED TO ME THE</div> - <div>WONDERLAND OF</div> - <div>CELTIC FOLKLORE</div> - </div> -</div> - -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>TEACHER’S PREFACE</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>These stories are offered in the hope that they -may help promote the love of reading in our -boys and girls. After all, our duty in teaching reading -is not in the subject matter but in the desire. -If we show to the child that the art of reading is -the golden key which will unlock the storehouse of -life enjoyment, and give him the love for the secrets -of the printed page, we may consider that our educational -effort has been well spent. So the primary -object in writing these stories has not been to chronicle -history but to give the child something interesting -and entertaining.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The early Celts have little literature other than -these stories, which have been handed down from -generation to generation by word of mouth. Most -of the tales in this book have been taken from the -Ossianic Saga. Whether Finn belongs to history or -mythology detracts no jot from the absorbing interest -of his exploits.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I have tried to make the story of Finn something -of a connected narrative. To do this I have taken -incidents from various versions; I have left out much -unsuitable to children, and I have changed some incidents -to conform to the modern standards of morals. -The chronology of arrangement is my own, but I -have tried to preserve the spirit of the originals.</p> - -<p class='c012'>No collection of Irish folk stories could be brought -out were it not for the work of those many scholars -who have spent years in collecting and translating -the tales of the Celtic race. To our American linguist, -Jeremiah Curtin, and to the Irish scholars: -Sir Douglas Hyde, Dr. Joyce, Eleanor Hull, Lady -Gregory, T. W. Rolleston and others, my thanks are -due. Their splendid research work has made possible -such a volume as this.</p> - -<div class='c013'><span class='sc'>Harold F. Hughes.</span></div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>TABLE OF CONTENTS</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table0' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='12%' /> -<col width='75%' /> -<col width='12%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c014'></td> - <td class='c015'></td> - <td class='c016'>PAGE</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>1.</td> - <td class='c015'>Mythology of Ireland</td> - <td class='c016'><a href='#ch01'>9</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>2.</td> - <td class='c015'>The Fenians</td> - <td class='c016'><a href='#ch02'>15</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>3.</td> - <td class='c015'>The Birth of Finn</td> - <td class='c016'><a href='#ch03'>18</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>4.</td> - <td class='c015'>Boyhood of Finn</td> - <td class='c016'><a href='#ch04'>23</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>5.</td> - <td class='c015'>Finn Claims His Inheritance</td> - <td class='c016'><a href='#ch05'>28</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>6.</td> - <td class='c015'>Finn and the Scottish Giant</td> - <td class='c016'><a href='#ch06'>36</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>7.</td> - <td class='c015'>The Story of Saba</td> - <td class='c016'><a href='#ch07'>47</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>8.</td> - <td class='c015'>Conan the Bald</td> - <td class='c016'><a href='#ch08'>53</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>9.</td> - <td class='c015'>Dermot of the Love Spot</td> - <td class='c016'><a href='#ch09'>58</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>10.</td> - <td class='c015'>Dermot Rescues Finn</td> - <td class='c016'><a href='#ch10'>64</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>11.</td> - <td class='c015'>The Worthless Servant</td> - <td class='c016'><a href='#ch11'>101</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>12.</td> - <td class='c015'>Dermot and Grainne</td> - <td class='c016'><a href='#ch12'>126</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>13.</td> - <td class='c015'>The Battle of Ventry Strand</td> - <td class='c016'><a href='#ch13'>134</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>14.</td> - <td class='c015'>The Death of Dermot</td> - <td class='c016'><a href='#ch14'>148</a></td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c014'>15.</td> - <td class='c015'>The Battle of Gowra</td> - <td class='c016'><a href='#ch15'>155</a></td> - </tr> -</table> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c001' /> -</div> - -<p class='c011'> </p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/009fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic003'> -<p>That evening Cool climbed to the window<br /><span class='xsmall'>From Birth of Finn</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='ch01' class='c017'>MYTHOLOGY OF IRELAND</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Every race of people has its myths and hero tales. -With those of the Greeks most of us are familiar. -We have heard of Hercules, Perseus, Atlas and others, -ever since we started to school. The early stories -of a race are always entertaining as well as instructive. -For that reason our school libraries contain -the folk stories of the Japanese, the Norsemen, -the Russians, the English, the American Indian, the -negro and many others. The one people, of whose -stories Americans know little, is the Celtic race, the -forefathers of the Scotch and Irish of today, and the -ancestors of many of us. This book is intended to -make you acquainted with the ancient heroes of -the Celts.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Just as King Arthur is the early hero of the Anglo-Saxon -people, so is Finn MacCool the renowned -hero of the Celts. Like King Arthur he had gathered -together a body of heroes, all of whom performed -deeds of valor. In Scotland we find stories -of this same hero, only the Scotch people call him -Fingal.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Most of the stories which follow are tales of the -adventures of Finn and his friend, Dermot. These -<span class='pageno' title='10' id='Page_10'></span>tales are about events which are supposed to have -taken place nearly two thousand years ago.</p> - -<p class='c012'>No doubt you wonder how we know anything about -people who lived so long ago. The very name, folk -stories, explains it. Folk stories are told by the folk, -or people, of the country. Sometimes we find the -tales written in an ancient book, but most of them -come down through the centuries by one person telling -the story to another.</p> - -<p class='c012'>You know that when you hear a good story, you -like to tell it to little brother or sister or some playmate. -That is just the way the folk stories come -to us. In some countries there were bards or poets -who went around and sang of the old heroes. We -often read of these men in Scotch history. The most -common way of preserving the stories, however, was -by the father and mother telling their children of -the ancient heroes. These children grew up and repeated -the tales to their own families, and so the -story was preserved through the ages.</p> - -<p class='c012'>There is an old Irish legend that explains this -method very nicely.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn had a son named Ossian, of whom you will -read a great deal as we go on. This son was a poet -and sang the deeds of his father in verse. The story -runs that before the great battle of Gowra, Ossian -had fallen in love with a fairy and had gone to Fairyland -to live. He lived in this land of youth for four -<span class='pageno' title='11' id='Page_11'></span>hundred years, growing no older. At the end of -that time he wanted to go back to earth and see if -he could see any of his old friends. Time went so -quickly in Fairyland that he did not realize how long -he had been away.</p> - -<p class='c012'>His fairy wife gave him a horse to ride and warned -him that he must not touch a foot to the ground. -Then Ossian rode away.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He came to Erin and rode through the scenes of -his adventures. He was surprised not to find any of -his old friends. Not only that, he found that the men -were very much smaller than those of his time. He -saw six of them trying to roll a stone which his -father could have moved with one hand. He grew -so sorry for them that he forgot all about his wife’s -orders. He got off his horse to move the stone. The -instant he touched the ground he became a wrinkled -and bent old man.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then, the story tells us, the people took him to St. -Patrick, and he told this Irish saint the stories of -Finn and his companions.</p> - -<p class='c012'>It is a very pretty story to explain how these legends -became known. Of course, it is not true, but -it shows the imagination of the Irish people. They -believe in fairies and witches and the powers of enchantment. -You will find that this belief enters into -all the stories. That is another thing about folk tales. -Each person who tells them adds something to them.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='12' id='Page_12'></span>No doubt you have been to parties where a game -something like this was played: The players form -a long row. Then the one on the end whispers something -to his neighbor, this person whispers what he -heard to the next player, and so on. The last player -tells what has been told him. It is nearly always -something entirely different from the story which -started.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Folk stories grow in just that manner. The different -provinces of Ireland have different versions of -the stories. In some parts of the country Finn is -the hero, and Dermot proves untrue to him. In another -province, Dermot is the splendid man and Finn -is a cruel tyrant. The stories which follow in this -book are combined from those of all the provinces. -This book is not a history. It is a collection of interesting -stories about heroes who, possibly, never -existed.</p> - -<h3 class='c018'>II<a id='tn014'></a>.</h3> - -<p class='c019'>You should know something of how stories of this -kind are gathered together. Many were taken down -by the priests of early times, but none were ever written -until nearly a thousand years ago. Undoubtedly -large numbers of them have been lost by the death -of the only person who knew them.</p> - -<p class='c012'>It is only in the last few years that the Irish scholars -have tried to gather these tales together. There -<span class='pageno' title='13' id='Page_13'></span>are many of these collectors of Irish hero stories. -Most of them, of course, are Irish, but America has -furnished one man who long will be remembered because -of his work along this line.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Jeremiah Curtin was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, -in 1840. He died in 1906. Into those sixty-six -years he crowded the work of several ordinary men. -He had a great love for the languages and history. -When he graduated from Harvard, he was so well -acquainted with Russian that he went to St. Petersburg, -now Petrograd, as Secretary of the American -Legation. While there he became interested in Russian -literature and the folk stories of the people. He -translated many Russian books into English and also -collected a volume of their folk tales.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Many men would have been satisfied with this. -Mr. Curtin was not. He became connected with the -Smithsonian Institute and while there studied the folk -tales of the various Indian tribes. He wrote two -books of these stories.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He next took up the study of Irish folk lore. He -spent a great deal of time in Ireland collecting the -stories which appear in three books. Whenever he -heard of some old man or woman who knew an old -story, he went to that place and got the person to -tell it to him, writing it down as it was told. Many -times it was one he had already heard, but that could -not discourage Mr. Curtin. As a result of this care -<span class='pageno' title='14' id='Page_14'></span>his books are very valuable to the older students -of folk lore.</p> - -<p class='c012'>What an interesting life this man must have led! -Think of the work he must have done to learn the -many languages well enough to get the stories. We -think we are well educated if we can read two or -three languages beside our own. Mr. Curtin, when -he died, was familiar with sixty languages!</p> - -<p class='c012'>And now that we know something about how folk -lore is collected, we are ready to make the acquaintance -of Finn and his Fenian warriors.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='15' id='Page_15'></span> - <h2 id='ch02' class='c010'>THE FENIANS</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>The stories of the great heroes of Ireland, or Erin -as it used to be called, are gathered in groups around -certain men. The Fenians whom Finn MacCool commanded -from the age of ten until his death, was a -body of military men about whom the best known -stories are told.</p> - -<p class='c012'>These Fenians might be said to correspond to our -standing army. There were three groups of a thousand -men each in peace times. In time of war the -number could be expanded enough to take in all who -wished to fight. Some people claim that Finn and -his Fenians never existed. Others say that this body -of men did exist from 400 years before the birth of -Christ until they were destroyed in a great battle in -the year 284 A. D. Whether they formed a real -army or not does not spoil our enjoyment of their -deeds of bravery.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In reading the exploits of the Fenians it is necessary -to remember that to the Irish mind these men -were either gods or giants, many times the size of -people of the present day. If you forget this you will -not be able to understand how one hero can hold back -a whole army of ordinary soldiers, and how strokes -<span class='pageno' title='16' id='Page_16'></span>of their swords cut off whole hilltops and formed -new valleys.</p> - -<p class='c012'>To become a Fenian was a great honor. It was -only open to men of the best families and of the highest -character, and many of these were not able to -pass the tests required.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In the first place a Fenian must be well educated -in poetry and must be able to write it himself. In -other words, he must have all the education which -those days gave. Again, he must pledge himself to -be kind and gentle to the weak and oppressed, to be -willing to fight when challenged and to keep up the -battle until he won or was killed. He must promise -never to injure the common people, not to allow gold -to make him false to his friends, not to accept a -dowry with a wife. He must agree not to run away -from nine or less champions, and his parents must -pledge themselves not to seek revenge if he was killed -in battle.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The physical tests were even harder to pass. The -candidate must have his hair braided, take his spear -in his hand and through the forest. After he was -given sufficient start he was pursued by other Fenians. -If he was overtaken, he was wounded and rejected. -If his spear trembled, or if he broke a dry -branch in his flight, that also barred him out. Then, -when the trial was over, his braids were examined. -If he had shaken them out of position, proving that -<span class='pageno' title='17' id='Page_17'></span>he had had to work hard to get away, he had to give -up all hopes of joining.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Another test consisted of placing him in a hole up -to his waist and giving him a shield in one hand -and a hazelwood stick in the other. Nine warriors -with nine spears formed in a circle and threw at him. -If he was wounded he was not accepted. No wonder -that a man who passed such tests was ready to face -great numbers of ordinary soldiers.</p> - -<p class='c012'>A Fenian had also to be very nimble and supple. -One of the tests was to put up a lath on the level of -his eyebrows and another farther on, just the height -of his knees. The man had to go at full speed, leaping -over the first one and going under the second -without slackening his pace. The boys who read this -have only to try this test to realize that a Fenian -would be a winner on a track team of today.</p> - -<p class='c012'>It was men who could pass such tests who made -up the kind of heroes commanded by Cool, Gaul of -Morna and Finn. These are the three great leaders -mentioned in the stories. Cool made them a mighty -band; Gaul held them together after the death of -Cool; Finn was the last and greatest leader.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='18' id='Page_18'></span> - <h2 id='ch03' class='c010'>THE BIRTH OF FINN</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>The first great chief of the Fenians was Cool. He -was a mighty warrior and splendid hero. He it was -who organized these men into an army of strength, -which he governed wisely but sternly.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Over Cool was Conn, the High King, known as -Conn the Hundred Fighter, because he had been victorious -in a hundred battles. It was Conn whom -Cool and his men had to swear to honor and defend. -Conn’s principal city, the one in which he held his -court, was known as Tara. These facts it is necessary -to know before we can understand the story -which follows.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In one part of the kingdom, in the castle of Alma, -dwelt an old chief and his beautiful daughter, Murna. -The girl was kept within the castle under heavy guard -and no man was allowed to see or speak to her. There -was a reason for this harsh treatment. When she -was born a prophet told her father that her son would -take his land and title from him. As the old chief -was very fond of his castle he thought he would -make a grandson impossible by never allowing his -daughter to marry.</p> - -<p class='c012'>One day Cool rode by the castle and saw Murna -<span class='pageno' title='19' id='Page_19'></span>at the upper window. He was greatly struck by -her beauty.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Who is the maiden?” he asked one of his advisers.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It will do you little good to know,” replied the man. -“Her father has forbidden any man to wed her.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The men of this district must have little spirit to -allow such a prize to go unwon,” remarked Cool.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You would not think so if you saw the number -of guards always in place to make such a thing impossible,” -was the reply.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Cool said no more. That evening he went back -to the castle, overpowered the guards and climbed -to the window at which he had seen the girl. When -she saw this mighty hero at her window, she let him -in and they talked together. Cool was already in -love with her from having seen her beautiful face, -but after he had talked with her and found her as -gentle and sweet as she was beautiful, he vowed that -he would have no one but her for a wife. Any girl -of Ireland would have been proud to be wooed by -such a splendid hero. The maiden was sure that she -could never love any one else, so Cool took her away. -They were married that very night.</p> - -<p class='c012'>You can imagine how the old chief felt about this -theft of his daughter and her marriage. He saw -now that the prophecy might come true. He hastened -to the High King and told his story.</p> - -<p class='c012'>This put Conn in a puzzling position. As a man -<span class='pageno' title='20' id='Page_20'></span>he sympathized with Cool, but as a King he saw that -the chief was justified in complaining. He ordered -Cool to appear before him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Do you deny that you stole the chief’s daughter -for your wife?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I do not,” said Cool stoutly.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Do you think that the proper conduct for a Fenian?” -asked the King.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Is it not the rule of the Fenians to help the weak -who are oppressed?” asked Cool in answer.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“This maiden was not oppressed,” said the old -chief. “She was my daughter and under my protection.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Any maiden is oppressed who is not allowed to -love and be loved by the man of her choice,” said -Cool. “If you had permitted anyone to seek her in -marriage she would not have been taken from you -by force.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>King Conn hated to decide. He did not wish to -offend the leader of his army, nor could he afford -to make an enemy of the old chief and lose his fealty. -He finally decided that he could replace his leader -more easily, so he ruled that Cool must give back -the maiden.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Now Cool had been greatly in love with Murna -when he took her from the castle, but having her -for his wife had made her more dear to him. He -decided that life would not be worth living without -her. He defied Conn to take her from him.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/021fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic003'> -<p>The hermit killed Cool and took his head to Gaul<br /><span class='xsmall'>From Birth of Finn</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='21' id='Page_21'></span>With his beautiful bride and those Fenians who -were more loyal to him than to the High King, Cool -fled to the forest. There he defended himself and -for some time kept at bay the forces of Conn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>After Cool fled the leadership of the Fenians was -given to Gaul of Morna, another brave warrior. In -the course of the battle Cool and the new leader met -in single combat. All day long they fought fiercely -and bravely; Gaul to show himself brave enough to -lead the army and Cool for his wife and his happiness. -In the evening Cool weakened and he received -a wound which made it impossible to fight on. Gaul -thought too much of his old leader to kill him while -he lay wounded, so he withdrew.</p> - -<p class='c012'>It so happened that another witnessed this battle. -It was an old hermit who lived by himself in the -forest. This man was reputed to have great knowledge. -It proved that he had also a great desire to -make himself popular with the High King. He did -what Gaul would not do—he killed the wounded Cool -and took his head to Gaul.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In place of receiving the praise he wanted, he found -Gaul greatly displeased. The hermit was driven out -of the camp as a coward, with sticks and stones -hurled after him as a reward.</p> - -<p class='c012'>With the defeat of their leader the rebel Fenians -surrendered, and the young widow was left without -protection. She must either go back to her father -<span class='pageno' title='22' id='Page_22'></span>or hide in the forest. The latter course was the one -she chose.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Poor girl, she was not used to such treatment. -She became very weak and ill. At last she gave up -and approached an old hut in the forest. Here she -was taken in by an old woman, who fed her and -nursed her.</p> - -<p class='c012'>It was in this hut that the baby, who was to become -such a great hero, was born. Murna stayed in -the hut until the baby could be left, fearful that each -day would bring the searchers sent out by her father, -who would kill her child. She finally decided that -the baby would be safer if she went back to the castle -of Alma. She pledged the old woman to raise the -child but to tell no one who he was. The woman -promised and Murna went back to her father.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='23' id='Page_23'></span> - <h2 id='ch04' class='c010'>FINN’S BOYHOOD</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Many stories are told of the boyhood of this hero. -He grew tall and straight with long fair hair and -bright blue eyes. Because of his complexion he was -called Finn, which means “The Fair”.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Living among the wild things of the forest he grew -like them. No deer could run away from him, he -could run at full speed without cracking a dry branch, -he could track any animal by the prints on the forest -floor, while his eyes were as keen as those of an eagle.</p> - -<p class='c012'>An early adventure of the boy reminds one of the -story told of Putnam, our hero of Revolutionary days. -I refer to the story of the killing of the wolf. In the -case of Finn it was a wildcat. While he was still a -very young child his friends of the forest were greatly -annoyed by the visits of a vicious wildcat. This animal -made steady attacks on the flocks and herds of -the people of the forest.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The men hunted for the animal without result. No -one thought of Finn as a hunter and he told no one -of his intention. With his knowledge of tracking he -found the trail of the wildcat and followed it to its -lair in a deep cave. Without hesitation he went right -in until he found the animal.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='24' id='Page_24'></span>There was no space in the cave for the use of a -sword, so Finn did not draw it. Instead he attacked -the animal with his bare hands. He caught it by the -throat and held it until it ceased its struggles. Then -he carried the dead beast back and showed it to the -surprised residents of the forest. Its skin afterwards -became part of his costume.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When he was old enough for books, the old woman -gave him into the charge of the hermit of the forest. -This man taught him the “Twelve Books of Poetry”, -which seems to be about all the people of those days -learned from books. Finn was a bright pupil and -very early became skilful enough to write poetry -himself.</p> - -<p class='c012'>I am afraid that the hermit took little interest in -the teaching of his pupil. You see, the man was -deeply interested in gaining wisdom for himself. He -had placed his hut on the bank of a little stream, -not, as you suppose, so that he would have water -for cooking, but because this was the stream mentioned -in the prophecy as the one up which the Salmon -of Knowledge would come.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In the folk stories of many races we find the salmon -considered as the wisest of fishes. In Ireland, -however, there was the story of this particular -salmon which would some day swim up the stream. -The man who ate the flesh of this fish would be ever -afterwards the wisest man in the country.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='25' id='Page_25'></span>The prophecy said that the fish would come when -the man who was to eat him arrived. As no one -knew who this was to be, the hermit had hopes that -the fish would come to him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn helped to watch for this wonderful fish. This -was a task he loved, and it was one to which he was -well suited on account of his keen eyes. One afternoon, -while he lay on the bank, a big, beautiful salmon -swam slowly toward him. The sunlight glistened -on his scales that shone like silver.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The big fish swam right in front of him, turning -back and forth in the sunlight and showing very -plainly that it did not intend swimming away. At -last Finn remembered that it was a fish he was waiting -for, so he reached into the water for it. The -salmon offered no fight, but allowed the boy to lift -him out upon the bank.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Of course the hermit was delighted to see the fish. -He knew at once that it was the Salmon of Knowledge. -He felt that he was already the wisest man -in the country. But even with knowledge so close -to him he still had a desire to have some one else -do the work. He set his pupil at the task of cooking -the fish, cautioning him against eating a bite -of it. Then he went off to take a nap.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn sat before the fire turning the fish slowly. -He, too, had heard of the Salmon of Knowledge, -but he never <a id='tn029'></a>guessed that this was the one. Neither -<span class='pageno' title='26' id='Page_26'></span>did he have any idea that he was the person of the -prophecy. He did not even know who he was, nor -anything about his father or mother. As he turned -the smoking fish he got his thumb <a id='tn030'></a>against the meat -and burnt it severely. To ease the pain he put it -in his mouth and sucked the sore thumb.</p> - -<p class='c012'>That was all that was necessary to give him knowledge. -He sprang to his feet, his eyes blazing with -anger. Buckling on his sword he went in and roused -the hermit from his sleep. What the man saw in -his pupil’s eyes <a id='tn030-2'></a>frightened him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Did you eat that salmon?” demanded the hermit.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I but burnt my finger on it and sucked the place,” -said Finn. “That was enough. I know now that -I am the son of Cool and that you killed him while -he lay wounded. Get up and defend yourself, for I -am about to avenge my father!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn was but a boy, but already the strength -of a champion was coming to him. The hermit -fought for his life, but he was no match for the -son of the man he had treacherously killed. He -quickly paid for his foul deed, and Finn ate the Salmon -of Knowledge, as it was intended he should.</p> - -<p class='c012'>From that time on he had more wisdom than the -wisest man in Ireland. Not only that, but when in -times of stress he desired to know the outcome of -a battle or an adventure, by biting the thumb which -had been burned he could tell the result. In other -<span class='pageno' title='27' id='Page_27'></span>stories you will see how this knowledge aided him. -Of course, you will wonder why he ever made mistakes -with such a gift. I am unable to tell you that. -Many of the adventures we read of a wise man would -never have attempted. Probably he only used this -thumb in times of great importance for fear that if -he used it for everything the great gift would leave -him.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='28' id='Page_28'></span> - <h2 id='ch05' class='c010'>FINN CLAIMS HIS INHERITANCE</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>A tremendous gathering of the men of Erin had -come together at the city of Tara, the central city -of the realm. The Fenians were camped in a circle -around the outskirts. At night the lights of their -campfires made a circle of fire as though to protect -it from danger.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Conn, the High King, was holding court in the -great banquet hall where a thousand of the chiefs -and champions were gathered with him. This hall -was seven hundred sixty feet long, ninety feet wide -and built of hewn logs. Down each side ran a double -row of benches with hewn tables in front of them. -In each row were two hundred fifty of the finest -manhood of Erin. Their weapons and shields rested -against the walls behind them while they ate. Down -the center was a row of fires over which, on spits, -great roasts of meat were cooking. An army of -cooks were constantly busy, tending the fires, turning -the spits and carrying food to the tables.</p> - -<p class='c012'>At the end of the hall on a raised platform sat -Conn, his son Arthur, and Gaul of Morna, leader -of the Fenians. They were in earnest consultation.</p> - -<p class='c012'>One would have thought that such a gathering of -<span class='pageno' title='29' id='Page_29'></span>heroes at a feast would have been a jolly one. It -was not so. A deep silence hung over all. Men ate -in silence with gloomy faces and downcast eyes, sad -because they felt that it would be their last gathering -in that splendid hall.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Suddenly a voice rang out through the silence. -Clear and firm it was, so that every word was heard -the length of the hall.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Conn, High King of Erin, a lonely and disinherited -youth, without money and without friends, -claims thy hospitality!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The men of Erin looked at the newcomer in surprise. -They saw a youth about ten years of age, -clad in the skins of the forest animals. Hanging -at his belt in front was a great sword, while his skin -covered shield hung over his shoulders at the back. -His fair hair fell to his shoulders, while his blue eyes -caught the glint of light from the spears along the -wall and shot it back like flashes of sunlight. It -was Finn, son of Cool, appearing for the first time -before the Fenians.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The High King had matters of too much weight -on his mind to take much heed of the boy who -claimed what no king at that time would refuse—a -place at the table and a bed. He motioned to Finn -to take his place with the others and went on with -his discussion.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn ate with the other men of Erin. He said -<span class='pageno' title='30' id='Page_30'></span>no word until he had finished his meal. Then he -arose and once more addressed the High King.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I know it is not customary for a stranger to note -that there is anything wrong in the house of his -host, but I am impressed by your look of sadness -and the silence of the men of Erin. Is aught amiss -that may be told to a stranger?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Our troubles are not secret, though it shames -me to tell them,” answered the High King. “Tonight -is the time set for the destruction of Tara, -and I am powerless to save it. Each year for nine -years, at the midnight hour of this night, the giant -Midna appears and throws balls of fire at the city -until it is destroyed. Each year I have rebuilt it, -only to know that my work is to last but for a year. -The women and children have been sent away. Only -the Fenians remain to witness my shame. Do you -wonder, O Youth, that we are sick at heart?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“And is there no brave champion or youth anxious -to prove his bravery who can go out and meet -this giant?” asked Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Alas, no,” sighed the High King. “It is not that -the men of Erin are lacking in bravery. Many have -tried without result. When Midna is ready to destroy, -he plays fairy music upon his pipes, and not -a man can stay awake. When sleep leaves our eyes -he is gone, and the city is a heap of ashes. We watch -again tonight, but we have no hopes of success.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='31' id='Page_31'></span>Of course Finn, having eaten the Salmon of Knowledge, -knew this as well as anybody. His purpose -in asking for information was to obtain a promise -from Conn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What shall be the reward of him who slays the -giant and saves the city?” asked Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“If such a feat be <a id='tn035'></a>possible, no reward that he shall -ask will be refused,” answered the High King.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Even to the return of my inheritance?” asked -Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Yes, fair youth,<a id='tn035-2'></a>” answered Conn. “Even if your -inheritance be my crown, and my son and I must -become your vassals, it shall be returned to you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Is that your promise, O King, made before all -these men of Erin?” insisted Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It is,” declared the king, stepping down and putting -his hand in that of the boy. “My hand is my -pledge that I will do as I promise.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Then I shall attempt the trial,” said Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He waved back all offers of spears and shields -from the men of Erin and went out by himself into -the darkness. He sought out a place in a dark grove -and waited quietly. Soon a man appeared, bearing -a large cloak and a heavy spear. The spear handle -was studded with nails of gold, but the point was -incased in a leather covering. The man gave Finn -directions for the use of the articles and disappeared.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Soon the lights in the banquet hall went out, as -<span class='pageno' title='32' id='Page_32'></span>the champions went to their posts in the circle defending -the city. No man spoke to his neighbor. -That would have been useless since every man had -his ears filled with wax in the hopes that he might -shut out the sound of the strange, sweet music that -put all to sleep.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn climbed a hill overlooking the city. His -knowledge told him that here it was the giant would -come. Soon he heard in the distance the sound of -pipes. The music lulled his senses, his eyelids drooped, -his head began to nod. Not till then did he take -the leather covering from the spear head. It glowed -like fire and little tongues of light shot out in all -directions. From the spear came the sound of many -voices crying out together. Finn pressed the point to -his forehead. The pain of the burning was stronger -than the spell of the music.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Soon the lights of the circle began to reel and go -out as one after another of the Fenians came under -the spell of the music. At last only the lights of the -stronger chiefs were burning.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The music then changed to the sweetness of strings. -Once again Finn had to press the spear head to his -forehead. The lights went out one by one until there -was but one left, that of Conn, and it was reeling -like that of a drunken man. Then it, too, went out. -Tara was unprotected by her army.</p> - -<p class='c012'>And now Finn heard the sound of heavy feet. -<span class='pageno' title='33' id='Page_33'></span>There was a splashing of water as of one crossing -a river. Finn looked in the direction of the sound -and beheld a mighty mountain of man ascending the -hill on which he stood. It was the giant Midna.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Midna looked over the city lying at his mercy and -laughed aloud. He blew from his mouth a red fire -ball which was to begin the destruction of the city. -Finn reached out his cloak and caught the ball in its -folds, where it died out harmlessly. The amazed -giant shot another and another at the city, but not -one passed the folds of Finn’s cloak.</p> - -<p class='c012'>At first, I suppose, the giant thought that he was -shooting a poor grade of fire balls that evening. -When, however, he looked to the place where they -disappeared and saw Finn catching them in his cloak, -he let out a roar of fear and ran back toward his -home as quickly as he could. Probably he had heard -some prophecy that told him of the coming of this -boy, dressed in skins; maybe he saw that Finn’s powers -were greater than his; anyway he did not pause -for battle, but ran with all the speed he possessed.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn gave chase. He was, you remember, very -fleet of foot, but the giant’s legs were many times -longer and the distance grew between them. The -spear flamed brightly and seemed struggling to -get free.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Go then, if you will,” cried Finn, as he hurled -it after the fast disappearing giant.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='34' id='Page_34'></span>Like a meteor in the night sky the spear sped -through the darkness and disappeared. Finn ran -on after it. He found the giant dead at the door -of his cave in the hillside. The spear had passed -through his body and disappeared.</p> - -<p class='c012'>With his sword Finn took the enchanter’s head as -proof that he had won the battle. When he passed -the place where he had dropped the cloak he found -nothing. Like the spear, it disappeared when its -work was done. Finn placed the head of the giant -on a pole in front of the banquet hall so that all -might see it in the morning.</p> - -<p class='c012'>And then, after it was all over, he became very -faint and sick. The use of the weapons of magic -had taken all the strength out of his body. He reeled -like a drunken man toward the spring which furnished -water for the banquet hall. Finn had another -power of which I must tell you. By bringing -water in his cupped hands to one sick or wounded -he could restore him to health. He used this power -now and drank from his own hands. At once his -sickness passed. Then he lay down and slept.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In the morning he woke early and gave a mighty -shout.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Even though their ears were filled with wax the -Fenians could not fail to hear his voice. They struggled -from their sleep and rubbed their eyes in astonishment -to see, not a heap of smoking ruins, but -Tara, resplendent in the morning sun.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='35' id='Page_35'></span>They came with all speed, Conn and Gaul in the -lead, to the spot where Finn stood pointing at the -head of their late enemy.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Who are you, brave youth?” asked Conn. “You -are no common man since you have done what no -one else could do.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then Finn drew himself up and in a loud voice -cried:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I claim my inheritance—the castle of Alma and -the leadership of the Fenians. I am Finn, son of -Cool, and these things belong to me in my right.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What I have promised I will fulfill,” declared -Conn. “I give you your inheritance the more willingly -because your father was my friend and loyal -subject until I decided unfairly against him.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then Gaul of Morna gave up the leadership of -the Fenians and put his hand in that of Finn to -show that he was willing to be his friend and follower. -The other leaders followed his example. It -must have gone hard with some of these mighty chiefs -to swear fealty to a ten year old boy. The only thing -that made such a thing possible was that Finn had -done something no other of them could do and had -entered the class of a champion by killing the giant.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Thus Finn <a id='tn039'></a>MacCool became the leader of the Fenians.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='36' id='Page_36'></span> - <h2 id='ch06' class='c010'>FINN AND THE SCOTTISH GIANT</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>This story is one told by the Irish peasants in explaining -a bridge of rock off the northern coast of -their country. It is a typical Finn story, showing -that leader’s strength and his wisdom. The giant -who had a secret of strength is found in the folk -lore of many nations. No doubt you remember the -Bible hero, Samson, who lost his strength with the -cutting of his long hair. You may compare him with -the Scottish giant.</p> - -<hr class='c020' /> - -<p class='c012'>When Finn was not training his men or traveling -in search of adventure, he used to visit the old -woman who had raised him. The stories do not -mention his ever having seen his real mother. The -foster-mother takes her place. Finn built a cottage -for her in the northern part of the country and saw -to it that she never needed anything.</p> - -<p class='c012'>One day, while visiting the woman, he stood on -the rocky coast looking out over the ocean. Over -on the coast of Scotland he saw a giant of tremendous -proportions. This fellow seemed to be driving -pillars into the ocean and was working very hard. -He saw Finn in the distance and called out:</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='37' id='Page_37'></span>“You might as well settle up your business, because -when I get through with you there will not -be much of you left to talk about!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The giant’s voice was a mighty roar which carried -nicely over the miles separating them. Now -Finn had heard of this giant and the threat did not -frighten him in the least. He called back in a voice -nearly as strong as the giant’s own:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Come over any time you like. You’ll need more -than a bridge to take you back after I get through -with you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The giant said no more, so Finn went back to the -cottage. He knew that his men had boasted to the -Scottish people about the great strength of their -leader. He also knew that the Scotch giant was -anxious to settle the question as to which was the -better man. Now, Finn was afraid of no man. Having -bested every champion in Ireland he was always -anxious to try his strength against any new hero -who appeared.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Each morning he went out and watched the giant -building the bridge across the channel. When the -man began to get nearer, Finn got an idea of his -size. He was at least four times the size of the Irish -hero and the way he handled the great stone pillars -showed that his strength was tremendous. Finn saw -that if the giant got hold of him as he did a rock -pillar, he would have little chance of escaping alive.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='38' id='Page_38'></span>As I have told you, Finn was no coward. You -also know that he was no fool. He was noted for -wisdom as well as strength. He saw that a combat -at close quarters with such a mountain of muscle -would be foolish. He began to devise plans for getting -the better of the giant when the bridge should -be finished.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When he saw that the work would last but a few -days more he no longer went to the shore but kept -at home out of sight. He enlisted the aid of his -foster-mother in the preparations for the giant’s arrival. -He brought in a large stone as big as a water -bucket and placed it on a shelf in the cottage. Then -he had the woman make, from the whey of sour milk, -a ball large enough to fill his two hands. This he -placed near the rock.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Next he had the woman bake several cakes of -meal. A few were just the ordinary ones such as -they ate regularly, but in the middle of the others -he had her put plates of solid iron. These cakes -were placed in the cupboard close at hand. When -you see how these different things were used you -will see that Finn had a perfect plan worked out.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then Finn told his foster-mother all the things -she must do and in what order each was to come.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I fear that he will be too much for you,” said -the woman.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“He would be as he is,” declared Finn. “By biting -<span class='pageno' title='39' id='Page_39'></span>my thumb I learn that the secret of his strength -is in one of his fingers—which one I cannot tell. It -shall be your task to find out the finger.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>At last the day came on which the bridge was -completed. A messenger was sent out to give the -giant directions for reaching the cottage, while Finn -himself, dressed as a baby, got into the big cradle -he had built for the purpose.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Soon the doorway darkened. The great giant -stood there looking in. He was an ugly and terrible -looking fellow with two great teeth sticking out -of his jaw like those of a walrus. The doorway was -a large one, but the giant filled it, shutting out the -light behind him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am looking for the fellow who calls himself -Finn MacCool,” roared the giant in a voice that -shook the walls of the house.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn’s foster-mother sat calmly rocking the cradle -and working on some clothes she was mending. To -look at her one would have thought that the visit -of a giant was an everyday occurrence.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“And who might you be?” she asked.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That’s no matter,” growled the giant. “I’ve come -from Scotland to see him and I’m in a hurry.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, you must be that foolish fellow who thinks -he wants to have a trial with Finn,” suggested the -woman.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Foolish!” roared the giant. “Show me where he -<span class='pageno' title='40' id='Page_40'></span>is and you will soon find out which one is the foolish -one!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Come right in,” said the woman. “I am very -sorry, but Finn is away and will not be back until -tomorrow. He waited for you as long as he could. -You see, you were so long in coming he decided that -you had become frightened and had turned back, so -he went off to attend to some business. Just as he -left he said to me, ‘If that fellow from Scotland gets -here while I am gone, treat him well and get him to -stay. I would not miss knocking a trial out of him -at any cost.’”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, he won’t miss me,” answered the giant. -“I’ll wait.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Come right in then,” said the woman. “I will -give you a bite to eat.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The giant thrust himself through the doorway into -the room. Inside, where he could straighten himself -up, he looked more terrible than before. As there -was no seat in the cottage big enough for him he -leaned against the wall, which bulged out with his -weight. The woman busied herself before the fire.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Who is that?” asked the giant, pointing to Finn -in the cradle.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That’s Finn’s little baby,” answered the woman. -“I wish you would be more quiet while you are in -here. The baby is just beginning to cut his teeth, -and he is very cross if he awakens suddenly.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='41' id='Page_41'></span>The giant really tried to soften his voice, but the -result was very funny. When he was speaking very -softly, his voice was like that of a fog horn in a -coast light house.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Dear me,” sighed the woman after a while. “This -fire draws so poorly! The wind is in the wrong -direction. If Finn were here he would turn the house -around so that the fire would do better.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What Finn can do will be only a small task for -me,” said the giant.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He went outside, took the house by one corner and -turned it so that it faced in a different direction. -You can believe that the woman was thoroughly -frightened to see this exhibition of strength. She -wondered what chance Finn would have against such -a man. Still she believed in his wisdom, so she continued -to carry out her instructions. When the giant -came back she seemed very calm.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, how is that?” asked the giant when he -came in again.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The fire draws better,” she admitted, “but you -did it very clumsily. I thought you were going to -shake the house to pieces. Finn lifts it around so -easily that he jars not a thing on the shelves. But -of course you are not nearly so strong as Finn.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The giant was so crestfallen that he had nothing -to say for some time.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, dear,” cried the woman a little later. “I am -<span class='pageno' title='42' id='Page_42'></span>all out of water. Finn promised to split open the -rock of the spring before he left, but he forgot all -about it. I wonder if you could do it.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Of course I can,” said the giant. “Show me -the rocks.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The woman took up a bucket and led him to a -place where two rocky hills sent up their peaks very -close together.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That is the place,” she said. “Finn intended -pulling them apart when he had time so that we -could have water nearby.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The giant put a foot against one peak and took -the other in his hands. With a mighty heave he -separated the two hills and let the water stream out -between them. The woman filled her bucket and -went back to the house, the giant following her.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“How did that suit you?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You did that very well,” said the woman. “But -of course that is hardly a man’s job.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The giant seemed to feel keenly the fact that his -strength made no impression on the woman. He -looked around the room to see if he could find something -else to talk about. He saw the big rock on -the shelf.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Perhaps you will tell me why you keep that rock -on the shelf?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, that,” said the woman as if it could be of no -importance, “that is just a little trick of Finn’s. He -uses it to practice on in the mornings.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='43' id='Page_43'></span>“Ho! Ho!” laughed the giant. “Why should he -practice with such a rock as that?” He picked it -up and tossed it from hand to hand as though it -were an orange.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“He keeps up the strength of his fingers with it,” -answered the woman. “Each morning he squeezes -the water out of a rock. If you are the man Finn -is you can do the same.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The giant took the stone in his two hands and -squeezed with all his might and main. Of course -no water could come out of a solid rock. The first -finger of his right hand sank into the stone with -his efforts.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Your one finger has a little strength,” said the -woman. “If the rest of you had the force of that -finger, you might get a few drops.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It is that finger which gives me my strength,” -the foolish giant told her. Once more he took up -the rock and squeezed the rock harder than ever -with no result. The baby in the cradle set up a -lusty cry.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Poor baby,” said the woman. “He is sorry for -you. His father lets him practice on a small rock. -See what he can do.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>She gave Finn the ball of whey. Finn took it in -his two hands and squeezed it, letting the water -stream on the floor. The giant was amazed.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It’s a pretty strong baby,” he admitted.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='44' id='Page_44'></span>“It would have to be to belong to Finn MacCool,” -said the woman.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The giant seemed to be thinking deeply. Perhaps -he doubted his wisdom in coming to try conclusions -with the father of such a baby.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Soon Finn’s foster-mother took one of the cakes -from the cupboard and handed it to the giant.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Take this,” she said. “It will help stay your appetite -until I get you something better.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The giant thanked her and bit down into the cake. -As it was one of those with the iron core, all he succeeded -in doing was to break off two of his teeth. -He took the cake out of his mouth and felt his jaw.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What’s the matter?” asked the woman. “Maybe -those cakes are too hard for you. Finn wouldn’t -eat them because they were too soft. I’ll get you -another one.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>She passed the giant one more of the iron-filled -cakes. Once more he bit into it and again he lost -some teeth. He went to the door to spit them out. -He did not seem to care for these cakes.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You say Finn doesn’t like cakes as soft as that?” -he asked.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“He won’t touch them,” she answered. “He leaves -them for the baby.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>She took one of the ordinary cakes and gave it -to Finn in the cradle. The giant looked on to see -what happened. Finn ate the cake ravenously.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='45' id='Page_45'></span>The giant was more puzzled than ever. He called -for another cake and bit into it with all the strength -of his jaws. It would be hard to tell just how many -teeth he lost this time, but he could not get a bite -off the cake. The woman gave Finn another and -again it went down in a hurry.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“And you say he is just getting his teeth?” asked -the giant.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Just a few have come,” she answered.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’d like to have a feel of such teeth,” said the -giant.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He put his strong finger in Finn’s mouth and felt -for the teeth. This was just what Finn had been -waiting for. As soon as the finger was in his mouth -he clamped down his teeth and bit it off.</p> - -<p class='c012'>With the loss of his finger the giant’s extraordinary -strength left him. Finn tore off the bed clothes -and set upon him like a whirlwind. The walls bulged -out. Most of the house was ruined. Finn’s foster-mother -watched from the outside of the house. Soon -she had the satisfaction of seeing the giant come -dashing out of the house with Finn hammering him -as he ran.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Only the fact that the giant’s legs were very long -saved him from a worse beating. He got out on -his bridge as fast as he could. Nor did he slow -down until he got a good distance from the Irish -shore. Then he threw down the pillars as fast as -<span class='pageno' title='46' id='Page_46'></span>he could so that Finn would be unable to follow him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The giant never tried to come back. He cleared -out all the pillars on the Scottish side, but, you can -well believe, he never went near the Irish shore again. -To this day you can still see them standing out into -the water, just as he left them in his hurry. People -call the remaining pillars “The Giant’s Causeway” -and this is the story they tell as to how it happens -to be there.</p> - -<p class='c011'> </p> -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/047fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic003'> -<p>The Black Druid appeared in the form of Finn<br /><span class='xsmall'>From the Story of Saba</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='47' id='Page_47'></span> - <h2 id='ch07' class='c017'>THE STORY OF SABA</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Finn always enjoyed a hunting excursion. In those -days, when all the fighting was done with sword and -spear, hunting was a different sport from what it is -today. All the champions had fleet hounds, and they, -themselves, from their training in speed, lagged little -behind the dogs in the chase.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn had two beautiful hounds, Bran and Skolawn, -which went with him at all times. He was very fond -of them both. The stories tell that there were only -two times in his life that he shed tears, and one of -these was at the death of Bran.</p> - -<p class='c012'>One day Finn was out on the chase when the -hounds gave tongue and set off at a rapid pace. -You may be sure that Finn was not far behind them. -When he came to a little glade among the trees, he -saw a peculiar sight. There, on the turf beside a -little stream, stood a beautiful doe. Finn raised his -spear, but the strange behavior of the dogs stayed -his hand. Instead of rushing at the deer, they approached -her gently and licked the hair of her neck -and shoulders.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The other Fenians came up and would have killed -the animal had not Finn stopped them.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='48' id='Page_48'></span>“No”, he cried. “She shall not be killed! If the -dogs do not wish to harm her no one else shall.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>When Finn went back to his camp, the deer followed -him with his dogs. When he went into his -house, she lay down on the outside.</p> - -<p class='c012'>That night he awoke suddenly to find standing -at his bedside the most beautiful woman he had -ever seen.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Who are you?” he stammered, struggling from -his sleep and rubbing his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am Saba, O Finn,” answered the maiden. “I -am the deer you spared today.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The deer!” exclaimed Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That shape was put upon me by the Black Druid -because I would not become his wife. I have wandered -in the forest, pursued by man and beast, and -many times I have nearly lost my life. I should have -given up all hope had not a kindly slave of the Druid -told me that if I could come safely into your camp -I would be freed from the enchantment. I feared -both dogs and men, but I trusted myself to your two -hounds, which seemed to realize my helplessness.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Have no fear, fair Saba,” said Finn. “The Fenians -fear no enchantment, and you will be safe while -under our protection.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then Finn called his servants and had them prepare -a room for the maiden. The remainder of the -night he spent in dreams of the beautiful girl, who -had come to him for protection.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='49' id='Page_49'></span>Next morning Finn did not go out on the chase. -He stayed in camp and talked to Saba. He found -her even more beautiful in the daylight. The thought -that she had to come to him for aid, added to her -many charms, caused him to neglect everything for -her. It ended by them both falling deeply in love -with one another.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The feast for the wedding of Finn and Saba was -an event in the life of the Fenians. Never had such -a celebration been held in Ireland. Conn, the High -King, and his son, Cormack, came. It could safely -have been said that no king nor prince ever had a -finer wedding or a more beautiful bride.</p> - -<p class='c012'>For months Finn would not leave his young wife. -Adventures had no call to him; hunting had no -charms. The love of this couple is one of the most -beautiful ones in history.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But later there came a call to duty. Word came -to Finn that the Danes had landed on the north -coast of Erin, and that the Fenians were battling -without their leader. This Finn could not allow. -He got out his weapons and shield, mounted his -horse and left for the scene of the battle.</p> - -<p class='c012'>His farewell to Saba was very touching. That -she might have perfect protection while he was absent, -he left behind a guard of some of his bravest -men, with cautions that they must give their lives -rather than lot her come under the power of the -Black Druid.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='50' id='Page_50'></span>For eight days and nights he fought the Danes. -At the end of that time, with the foe driven back -into the sea, he hastened to his young bride. His -heart was filled with joyousness at the thought of -being with her again.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But when he approached his home, he saw his -men standing around in open-mouthed astonishment. -Noting their look of fear, he called the chief of -them to him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What has happened?” he asked. “Why is it my -men look at me in such surprise. Did they not expect -me to return?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The chief seemed puzzled, too. “Were you not -here three days ago?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Certainly not,” answered Finn. “Where is Saba? -Did the Black Druid—”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am fearful, O Finn, that it was indeed he,” -replied the chief. “Three days ago we saw you -approaching with your two dogs at your side. Your -wife went joyously forth to meet you. The man we -thought was you took her up behind him, and then -all disappeared in a mist. If it was not you, it must -have been the Druid appearing in your shape.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn, with his heart sad within him, searched every -place from one end of Erin to the other, but without -success. It was too true. His wife had disappeared -as into a mist. It was undoubtedly the work of the -Black Druid.</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/050fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic003'> -<p>The boy stood with his back to the tree waiting for the hounds to attack<br /><span class='xsmall'>From the Story of Saba</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='51' id='Page_51'></span>Finn throughout all his life never ceased to mourn -for Saba, nor to search for her. Six years after her -disappearance, while hunting in the forest, he came -upon a wild boy with straggly hair and fierce eyes. -His only clothing was the skins of beasts. The -hounds had found him, and when Finn came up, the -boy was standing with his back to a tree, waiting -to strangle the hounds if they came at him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The sight reminded Finn of his own boyhood days. -He called off the dogs and took the boy home with -him. At first the little fellow was too timid and unused -to language to speak. Gradually, however, his -fear left him and he became able to tell of his life -in the forest.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He could remember a woman who had dwelt with -him in a cave. A dark man had come and pleaded -with her for several days, but always she had refused -to do what the man asked. At last he had become -angry, had left the cave and had never returned. -The little boy remembered that he had never seen -the woman again. After that he had been tended -by a beautiful deer.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then Finn knew that the woman was Saba and -that the wild boy was his own son. He understood -what the boy could not. The Black Druid had enticed -his wife away and tried once more to get her -to marry him. When she persistently refused him, -he had turned her back into a deer.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='52' id='Page_52'></span>Once more Finn searched the forest, hoping that -he might again find the gentle deer, which had come -to him before. His quest was without result. Possibly -the Druid saw to it that she should never get -near him, but it was more likely that some hunter -had killed her. Finn mourned her as dead and gave -his attention to the raising of his boy.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He named the child Ossian, which means Little -Faun. He taught him the poetry of the day and -trained him in feats of arms. Ossian grew up to -be a worthy son of his father. In all the later battles -we read of what a splendid fighter he was. He -and his son, Oscar, were always in the front in time -of danger.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But Ossian was not only a great <a id='tn060'></a>warrior. He inherited -his father’s love for poetry and the ability -to write it. We have great numbers of stories about -the deeds of Finn and the Fenians, and the greater -number are written by the poet, Ossian.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='53' id='Page_53'></span> - <h2 id='ch08' class='c010'>CONAN, THE BALD</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Not all the warriors of the Fenians were noted -for their bravery. It is now necessary that we become -acquainted with Conan, the unheroic member -of the band. The stories do not tell how he ever -passed his entrance trials, or why he was allowed -to remain a member. He did many things the Fenians -considered as unworthy of them.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Conan was a man with an evil tongue. He never -had a good word for any one. No matter what his -companions did, Conan would never have a word of -praise for them. He would make sneering remarks -about the feat. This did not mean that he would -have done better himself. Far from it! He was a -great coward and shirked any task which had any -danger attached to it.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The fact that he had lost all his hair gave him -his name. But there was something else about him -that gave the Fenians a great deal of amusement. -Whenever his armor was cut at the back, it showed -everyone that he had the back of a sheep. When -you hear how he got such a back, you will not wonder -why the Fenians enjoyed the joke so much.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='54' id='Page_54'></span>One day Finn, Conan and several other heroes -were out hunting. All day long they had followed -the chase, and in the afternoon they arrived in a -new country, before a beautiful castle. Seeing no -one around they went in. They found themselves -in a large room, down the center of which ran a -big table loaded with food. Along the sides of the -table were rows of high-backed chairs.</p> - -<p class='c012'>As there was no one around, and as the feast -seemed to have been just prepared, the men decided -that it had been placed there for them. They sat -down and began to eat. It was a delicious meal.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Suddenly something about the room made Finn -look up from his food. When they had come in, the -ceiling had been high and richly decorated. Now -it was changing into the smoke-stained roof of a -hut. Finn knew then that they had walked into an -enchanted house, put there just to trap them. He -called out a warning to his companions and ordered -them all outside immediately.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When they were free from the house, and saw the -great change that had taken place in it, they were, -thankful for Finn’s wisdom in getting them out before -it had been too late.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But they were not all out. Conan was still in the -room eating like a pig. They called to him, urging -him to hurry. He refused to leave such a fine array -of food. At last two of the Fenians rushed in and -<span class='pageno' title='55' id='Page_55'></span>took him by the arms. When they pulled at him -they found that the enchantment was already beginning -to work. He was growing fast to the back -of the chair.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Conan was now thoroughly alarmed. He begged -the men to pull him loose. The two Fenians pulled -with all their might. With a mighty wrench they -freed him, but his shirt and the skin of his back -had grown fast to the chair.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He was in a very painful condition. Something -had to be done to relieve him. He just lay on the -ground and moaned and groaned.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Kill a sheep and cover the wound with the skin -of the animal,” ordered Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The men did his bidding. The skin of the freshly -killed sheep was cut to fit and bound to his sore back. -Then Finn gave him a drink of water from his cupped -hands and restored his strength to him. The -sheepskin grew fast and could never be removed, -so Conan always had to wear it.</p> - -<p class='c012'>With all Conan’s cowardice, he really did come -out victorious in one battle. But when you hear of -this particular combat, you will understand why the -Fenians, instead of honoring him for it, had less -respect for him than ever.</p> - -<p class='c012'>During the progress of one battle, when a hostile -army had landed on the shores of Erin, one champion -stood out in front each morning and demanded -single combat.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='56' id='Page_56'></span>“If you are not afraid of me,” he would call, “why -don’t you send a man to meet me?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>He was not a great hero and the Fenians refused -to be bothered with him alone. Finally, when they -grew tired of hearing the challenge, as a joke they -sent Conan out to fight with him. A roar of laughter -came from the Fenians as Conan went cautiously -out to meet this man. The enemy gave a cry of rage -at the insult, and the champion called out angrily:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What do you mean by sending a clown to meet -me? Is there not a man among you who dares to -face me?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Conan came forward slowly, afraid for his life. -When he got close to the champion, the latter said -sarcastically:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The Fenians seem anxious that I be left unharmed, -since they send me such a dangerous foe.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You are in more danger from the man behind -you, than from the one in front of you,” said the -cowardly Conan.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The champion looked around to see what he meant. -At that moment Conan swung his sword and cut off -the man’s head.</p> - -<p class='c012'>This treacherous way of winning a combat angered -Finn and the Fenians beyond all measure. -They considered that Conan had disgraced them. It -is a wonder they did not put him to death. His only -punishment was banishment from the band for a -<span class='pageno' title='57' id='Page_57'></span>short time. We find him in the later stories, just -as full of trickery, just as cowardly and just as uncomplimentary -to his companions, but still the butt -of all their jokes.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='58' id='Page_58'></span> - <h2 id='ch09' class='c010'>DERMOT OF THE LOVE SPOT</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>One of the most splendid heroes of the Fenians -was Dermot. His name is second only to that of -Finn in the stories of valiant deeds. He was younger -than his chief by many years, even younger than -Ossian, Finn’s son. Dermot was the fleetest man of -them all, and also the one with the keenest eyes. In -many of the stories he is chosen for deeds of valor -rather than Finn himself. This happens, however, -when Finn is an old man, and his wisdom and leadership -are of more value than his strength.</p> - -<p class='c012'>This young hero was the son of a god. In those -days, however, gods could be wounded and could -die. They lived on earth and needed food to live -on, just the same as other men. The distinction between -the Irish gods and heroes like Finn is very -slight in the old stories. Dermot did have one gift -no other Fenian possessed. His foster-father, the -god Angus, had granted him a body that no weapon -could wound. There was but one thing that could -harm him. That was the tusks of a wild boar. His -foster-father warned him never to hunt the boar unless -it was absolutely necessary, and then to exercise -every care so as not to be wounded by the tusks.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='59' id='Page_59'></span>Dermot was a handsome man, with curling fair -hair and blue eyes like those of his leader. He was -Finn’s closest companion and greatly loved by him. -His was the soul of honor. If he got into trouble -it was from doing some task his honor demanded. -His courage and strength were unquestioned. The -Fenians always fought with more bravery if they -knew Dermot was with them.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Such a handsome man could not help being very -popular with the maidens of Erin. They liked him -because of his strength and his handsome face. But -it was the Love Spot on his forehead which made it -impossible for any girl to look at him and not fall -in love with him. You shall have to hear how he -received this gift.</p> - -<p class='c012'>One day he was out hunting with Conan, Oscar -and Gaul of Morna. As often happened in those -days, the chase led them far from their camp. With -the coming of darkness they began to look for a -shelter for the night. They wandered around until -they came upon a little house in the forest. When -they knocked, a gray-haired man came to the door -and inquired their errand.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“We ask for thy hospitality,” said Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That you shall have,” declared the old man, -throwing wide the door. “Come right in, and thousand -welcomes to you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Inside they found a queer household waiting for -<span class='pageno' title='60' id='Page_60'></span>them. At the table sat a beautiful young girl; before -the fire was a large gray cat; while lying at -one side of the fireplace was a big sheep with a -fleece of long, shaggy wool.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The old man went into the kitchen of the house -and prepared a splendid meal, which he placed before -the heroes. All ate heartily, but, as usual, Conan -was still eating after all the others had finished.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He was interrupted by the sheep, which climbed -to the table and commenced eating of the food that -was left. Conan pushed the animal’s nose out of -the food time and time again and tried to go on -with his eating. It was of no use. Before he could -get a bite, the old sheep would thrust its nose into -the plate.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I call it a strange house where a sheep is allowed -to eat from the table,” declared Conan.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I did not put him there,” answered the old man. -“If you do not like his company, put him off.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Conan grasped the sheep in his two arms, intending -to lift it from the table. To his surprise he could -not move it. He tugged and strained without avail. -At last the sheep, with a quick toss of his head, -threw Conan into the center of the room.</p> - -<p class='c012'>How the other men roared with laughter! It was -always amusing to see Conan get the worst of anything. -As for Conan, he picked himself up sulkily.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You laugh loudly,” he growled. “I’ll wager there -is not one of you who can move it.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='61' id='Page_61'></span>The idea was ridiculous. To think of anyone -claiming to be a hero and unable to lift an ordinary -sheep! Oscar, with a laugh, started to brush the -animal away with one hand. Soon he had the sheep -in both arms and was <a id='tn069'></a>tugging and straining in an -attempt to move it. Then he, too, found himself -thrown lightly away from the table.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Now it ceased to be a joke. Dermot tried to remove -the animal with no better success. Gaul, it is -true, got the sheep off the table for a moment, but -the animal soon turned this hero on his back and -stood upon him. Then it jumped back to the table.</p> - -<p class='c012'>During all this time the old man had been looking -on in amusement. Now he spoke to the cat, -which was lazily basking itself before the fire.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Take him away,” ordered the old man.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The cat got up slowly and climbed to the table. -Then, taking the sheep by the long hair of its throat, -the cat led it down and out of the room.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The four heroes looked at one another in surprise -and astonishment. Dermot picked up his shield and -his weapons. “Come,” he said to his companions. -“We shall not stay under a roof where a host makes -game of his guests.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Sit down,” said the old man. “You have been -testing your strength in an impossible feat. You -will not feel badly over your failure when I tell you -that the sheep you tried to move was the World, -<span class='pageno' title='62' id='Page_62'></span>itself. To lift it is a task no man can accomplish. -The cat could master the animal easily, because the -cat was Old Age, and even the world cannot withstand -its force. Come, let me show you to your beds.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The heroes were somewhat soothed by the explanations -and followed the host into another room, -where they found their beds prepared for them. -Later, the young girl came to the door and looked -from one to the other of the men.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I have a gift,” she said. “It goes to but one -of you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Let me have it,” said Conan. “If ever a man -needed a gift, it is I.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Give it to me,” said Oscar. “I am the strongest.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Gaul and Dermot said nothing. These men were -wise. They knew that they were in an enchanted -house, and that the girl would give the gift to whom -she chose.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Not to you, or you, or you,” she said pointing in -turn to Conan, Oscar and Gaul. “My gift cannot -go to any of you. I am Youth and youth has left -you all.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>She approached the couch of Dermot. “You can -never grow old,” she said, “so I shall always be with -you. To you I shall give the gift that Youth can -bestow.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>She raised her wand and touched him lightly on -the forehead.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='63' id='Page_63'></span>“I give to you the Love Spot, Dermot,” she said. -“Who wears it will win the love of all women. No -maiden will be able to look upon you without loving -you. Treat my gift with honor and with wisdom.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then the maiden left the room, and the heroes -went to sleep.</p> - -<p class='c012'>That is the way in which Dermot received the -Love Spot. It made him beloved by all women, but -in the end, this gift caused him great sorrow. You -shall see in the story of “Dermot and Grainne” that -the gifts of the fairies do not always bring happiness.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='64' id='Page_64'></span> - <h2 id='ch10' class='c010'>DERMOT RESCUES FINN</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>Finn’s dearest friend and constant companion, during -his later years, was Dermot. This young man -was most loyal to his chief, and because he was such -a true friend, so strong in the fight, so swift of foot -and so keen of sight, Finn depended greatly upon -him. Where Finn went you were sure to find Dermot, -and if Dermot was off on an adventure, Finn -was pretty sure to be with him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>On the day of our story the two were out hunting -with some friends. We find these Fenians on -the hunt a great deal of the time. The reason is -a simple one. From November to May the men of -the army lived at the expense of the High King and -the people; from May to November they had to get -their food and clothing by hunting. Naturally, many -of the adventures start on a hunting trip.</p> - -<p class='c012'>As this particular morning advanced, the party -decided to stop in a little sheltered spot near the -shore for their meal. It was while the men were -getting the game cooked that Finn and Dermot strolled -along the beach and sat down on a ledge of rock. -While they were there a ship sailed into the little -harbor.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='65' id='Page_65'></span>It was a small vessel, handsome in every line, with -sails full as if in a strong breeze. This was remarkable -because no air was stirring at that time. The -ship neared the shore and stopped. The sails dropped -loosely. Finn and Dermot looked in vain for -the crew, but there was no one visible except a lone -woman, who sat on the deck.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It is a wonder to me that one woman should be -able to sail a ship alone and come into a harbor at -full speed with no wind blowing,” said Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot was looking with interest toward the ship.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You shall not wonder long,” said Dermot. “I -will go down and bring you word.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn detained him with a laugh. “No, Dermot,” -he said. “This time we will take into consideration -the heart of the lady. I shall see for myself.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn went down to the shore, placed the point of -his sword upon a rock and sprang lightly to the -deck of the vessel.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He was amazed at the beauty of it all. The deck -was as clean as a deck could be with trimmings of -silver and gold. At the end, on a seat of the finest -tapestry, sat a beautiful woman. She smiled engagingly -and held out her hand toward Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Come here,” she said. “I wish you would tell -me where I have landed.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You are in the harbor of Erin,” said Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“And could you tell me where I am to find the -home of a man named Finn MacCool?” she asked.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='66' id='Page_66'></span>“You will not need to find his home, for I am Finn -himself,” he answered.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Then I am indeed lucky,” said the woman. “I -have come to play a game with Finn. I have heard -that he never refuses to play for a sentence, and -that he honorably lives up to his agreements.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>It flattered Finn to be praised by a beautiful woman. -Like most of the heroes of history his wisdom -deserted him when dealing with a woman. It -was true that he and the other Fenians took great -delight in playing a game for a wager. These wagers -were usually in the form of sentences. That is, -they would play a game and at the end the winner -would set a task for the loser to perform. Sometimes -these tasks required years of labor and much -suffering, but no Fenian ever refused to carry out -a sentence imposed upon him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I would willingly play if I had my board and -chessmen,” said Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I have them as good as your own,” answered the -woman. To prove it she pulled out a beautiful board -and a set of silver and gold chessmen. She had -Finn sit on the seat near her to play. At the end -of the first game Finn was the winner.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You have beaten me,” she said with a dazzling -smile. “What is the sentence you are to pronounce?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Now Finn had not quite made up his mind as to -what manner of woman it was who was playing with -<span class='pageno' title='67' id='Page_67'></span>him. She looked and dressed like a king’s daughter, -but an enchantress could assume that appearance. -To prove it he made a sentence that would prove -very difficult for anyone not able to use the arts -of magic.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I put you under bonds,” he said, “not to eat twice -in the same place or sleep twice in the same bed -until you have brought me a white horse with a saddle -and bridle of red leather for myself and each -of the Fenians with me today.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The woman smiled again. “Look behind you,” -she said.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn looked toward the shore. There were the -beautiful steeds he had ordered, handsome in their -saddles and bridles of red leather. In the lead was -one much finer than the others.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn knew then that he was playing with an enchantress. -He wished he was well out of his bargain, -but he could not refuse to play the second -game without violating the honor of a Fenian. He -felt sure that the woman would win the next game.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The second game was short. As Finn imagined, -the woman, by the aid of her powers, proved an easy -winner. He was anxious to know what was in store -for him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Let me know my sentence at once,” he demanded.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Perhaps you will be sorry for your impatience -when you hear it,” said the lady.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='68' id='Page_68'></span>“No trouble was ever made lighter by putting it -off,” declared Finn. “Pronounce your sentence immediately.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Very well,” she answered. “I put you under -bonds to go with me and obey me in what I ask until -some one throws upon you the amount of seven shovelfuls -of earth. You will be under my enchantment -until that happens.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn did not show his dismay when he heard this -hard sentence.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It is your right to demand it,” he said. “Wait -here until I give the steeds to my men and leave -orders for them to follow during my absence.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>When he turned to look for the horses they had -vanished. She saw his look of astonishment.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You put me under bonds to bring the steeds, but -I was not obliged to leave them there,” said the enchantress.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It is true,” said Finn. “Now, since you have -taken advantage of the wording of my sentence, I -shall try to evade yours. You have put me under -bonds to go with you, but you did not mention that -I was not to try to escape from them.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>She nodded. “Of course, as a man of honor you -cannot tell anyone what will release you,” she said. -“If you free yourself otherwise, I shall be to blame.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn went ashore to tell his men of his wager and -sentence. He gave orders as to the conduct of the -<span class='pageno' title='69' id='Page_69'></span>Fenians during his absence, then took Dermot to the -top of a hill near the shore.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Your eyes and ears are best in all Erin,” said -Finn. “You will remain here to watch and listen. -If you hear my horn, it will mean that I am not able -to release myself by my own efforts.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I will not leave until you are back or my body -turns to dust and the wind carries it away,” declared -Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then Finn went down to the ship and sprang -aboard. The watchers saw the sails fill and the boat -move swiftly out of sight over the waves.</p> - -<h3 class='c018'>II.</h3> - -<p class='c019'>It was not long before the vessel arrived in a -small harbor, which Finn recognized as the port of -the White Nation. This was not very encouraging -to him, because in a battle not long before he had -defeated the king of that nation. He began to suspect -that he was under enchantment for some purpose. -Still he must go with the woman because he -had pledged his word.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When the ship stopped the woman got out and -bade him follow her. On the shore she paused, and -pointing to a broad road bordered with tall trees, -said,</p> - -<p class='c012'>“As you are a great champion in your country it -is not fitting for you to follow me into the city as a -<span class='pageno' title='70' id='Page_70'></span>servant. You will walk up the road to the palace -while I take a shorter one and prepare a welcome for -you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn did as he was told. He was puzzled and anxious. -He could not but feel that there was something -wrong with this plan. The woman had put him under -bonds to come as a servant, and now she made it appear -that this was not what she wished. Finn wished -that he had been able to keep his sword, but that the -woman would not allow. Only one thought cheered -him. Dermot was watching and listening, ready to -come to his assistance at any time.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Soon he came to the gates of the palace. A great -crowd of people rushed out as though to welcome -him. The welcome was a deceit. The men pushed -against him on all sides and shoved him from one to -another until he was bruised and bleeding. Finn was -the match for many ordinary men in strength. Still, -without his swords, he could not stand off a multitude.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Thus pushing and jostling him the crowd bore him -into the courtyard into the presence of the ruler of -the nation. The king sat upon a raised platform and -by his side, in the robes of a princess, was the woman -who had brought Finn to the country under sentence.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When the king saw Finn he laughed long and -loudly.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What ho, Finn MacCool!” roared he. “Methinks -<span class='pageno' title='71' id='Page_71'></span>this is a fine manner for the arrival of a champion of -Erin.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn hung his head in shame.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“My daughter asked me to name the thing I most -desired in all the world,” went on the king. “I told -her the one thing necessary to my happiness was the -head of Finn MacCool. She promised to bring you -here that I might take it myself.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn’s heart sank. He felt that the hour of his -death was very near. The king stepped down from -his platform, sword in hand, and swung the weapon -back and forth.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You would not dare do that if you would let me -have a sword,” said Finn, looking him squarely in -the eye.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The king drew back and bowed his head in -thought. Probably he had hoped to have Finn beg -for his life.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No,” he said at length, “I will let you think over -the fact that you are in my power. It will be pleasant -for you to lie and wonder how long I will let you -live.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>He gave orders that Finn’s legs and arms be firmly -tied with seven knots on each rope so that escape -would be impossible. Then he had his captive placed -in a dark dungeon. Each day he was to receive an -ounce of bread and a pint of water, no more under -any consideration. For a big strong man like Finn -<span class='pageno' title='72' id='Page_72'></span>this was very little food. But being tied and lying in -a black hole was even more likely to take the spirit -out of him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Each day an old woman came with his food and -water, but his arms and legs were never loosened. On -the eighth day Finn said to the woman,</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Tell the king that I beg leave to walk in the garden -for an hour. I do not ask for my head, but if he -does not give me a little freedom I shall not be able to -live. For the king to take the head of a dead man -would be small glory.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The king yielded to this request and ordered Finn -an hour of freedom. He took no chances, however. -The walk was to occur in a walled garden and thirty -armed men were to be with him every moment.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn was happy over the privilege. It was not the -fear of death that had made him ask for the walk. -No, he had a far better reason, as you shall see. After -he had walked a few minutes he said,</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am very fond of music. Have you any musical -instruments with you?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Now the chief was very sorry to see such a mighty -man a prisoner without a chance for his life. He -would gladly have had the music played, but was -obliged to confess that none of his men had instruments -with them at the time.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then Finn took from under his clothes a queerly -shaped horn. He turned it over and over in his -<span class='pageno' title='73' id='Page_73'></span>hands and looked at it as though it was very dear to -him. Finally he spoke.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“When I was at home and in charge of my men I -used to play for them quite often. I really enjoy -music very much. I wonder—perhaps you and your -men might like to hear a tune?” he finished, as -though the idea had just come to him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I should be very glad to hear you play,” answered -the chief.</p> - -<p class='c012'>So Finn placed the horn to his lips and played a -tune of the Fenians. At the end of the air he blew a -blast that echoed from hill to hill and made the listeners -involuntarily put their hands to their ears. -Then Finn put the horn away and was willing to be -tied up again. The chief thought he had heard some -wild Irish music. He little dreamed that the call had -gone out for help.</p> - -<h3 class='c018'>III.</h3> - -<p class='c019'>Dermot was asleep when Finn sounded the horn -but the last note of it waked him. He sprang to his -feet with a mighty bound that sent showers of rocks -and dirt in every direction.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Great is the trouble of my chief!” he exclaimed. -“I have never heard such a blast from his horn.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>He rushed to the shore, found a small boat lying -there, hoisted the sail and set off in the direction -from whence the sound had come. He was lucky -<span class='pageno' title='74' id='Page_74'></span>enough to arrive at the same harbor in which was -anchored the ship on which Finn had been taken -away. Dermot anchored his boat and started up the -broad road.</p> - -<p class='c012'>As he went along he found men, women and children -hastening in the same direction with all the -speed at their command. He asked several of them -the reason for their hurry, but all seemed too excited -to answer him. Finally Dermot grew angry, so singling -out one man who seemed to be in greater haste -than the rest, he picked him up and held him off the -ground while he repeated his question.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The man was greatly frightened, you may believe, -for Dermot was taller and broader than any man of -the White Nation and must have seemed quite like a -giant to his captive. The man suddenly became very -anxious to explain.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You must not belong to this country, if you do not -know where we are going,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am not from this country,” answered Dermot. -“I am from Erin.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“If that is so, you must know Finn MacCool,” said -the man.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I know him well. He is my chief,” replied Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Then you had better tell no one that you are from -Erin,” said the man. “If you do, you are likely to -share the same fate. Finn is to be hanged in the palace -<span class='pageno' title='75' id='Page_75'></span>courtyard today. The gallows is ready. When he -is dead, his body is to be pulled to pieces by wild -horses. You had better not acknowledge that you -know him.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot set the fellow on his feet again. The fierce -look in his eyes caused the man to step back.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“If you were not so small,” thundered Dermot, -“you would never give such advice to another man. -Men from Erin never fail to acknowledge their -friends. Show me the way to the palace.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“If you will go up the hill on your right, you can -see it in the valley below,” directed the man. He lost -no time in getting a safe distance from this mighty -stranger. He was so frightened that instead of going -on to the hanging, he turned around and made for -his home as fast as he could. In the whole White -Nation he was the only man traveling away from the -palace.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot bounded up the hill with mighty strides. -When on top he looked in the direction of the hurrying -people. Sure enough, there was the castle with -crowds spread out all around it. Dermot dashed -down the hill at full speed.</p> - -<p class='c012'>People were crowded so closely together that no -ordinary man could possibly have squeezed through -them. Each man was elbowing his neighbor so that -he might get close enough to see the death of this -great Fenian chief. Dermot could have cut his way -<span class='pageno' title='76' id='Page_76'></span>through with his sword, but it was one of the rules -of the Fenians not to harm the common people of a -nation. He cleared <a id='tn084'></a>his way by taking several in his -right hand and several in his left and putting them -behind him. Then he stepped into the opening and -repeated the process until he reached the courtyard. -He walked past the gallows and up to the pole of -combat before the palace. This he struck a mighty -blow with his sword.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The king came to his window and looked out in -alarm.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Who struck that blow?” he asked. “It must have -been an enemy.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>If the trouble had not been so serious, Dermot -might have laughed at this silly remark. But he was -in no humor for laughter.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“If that sounded like the blow of a friend,” he -said, “listen to this.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Once more he swung his sword against the pole. -This time his blow was so strong that the pole broke -into splinters, which showered over the heads of the -people.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What do you want?” whined the king, who was, -and always had been, a fearful coward.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I want to see my chief, Finn MacCool, or to fight -for him,” announced Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“See him you shall not,” declared the king, keeping -well in the protection of his castle. <a id='tn084-2'></a>“You are at -liberty to fight for him.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='77' id='Page_77'></span>“Very well,” answered Dermot. “Send out seven -hundred of your best men on my right hand, seven -hundred on my left, seven hundred at my back and -as many as you wish in front of me.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“How many?” demanded the startled king, drawing -still further back into his palace.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot repeated his demand. You must remember -that Dermot was the son of a god and could not be -wounded. It is no wonder the king thought he had -misunderstood. It was too good a chance to let go -by. The king sent out the men requested, feeling sure -that he would soon be rid of this fellow, who had -made splinters of the combat pole.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But the king’s men were no match for Dermot even -when they pressed against him in such numbers. -By nightfall not a man had touched him while hundreds -of the warriors of the White Nation were -wounded or dead. With the setting of the sun, Dermot -put up his sword and called out to the king,</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Do I get shelter for the night?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>It was customary in those days to stop fighting -when the sun went down. It was also the custom to -furnish food and a bed to a hero who was making a -trial at arms. The king pointed to a long, low house -a short distance from the courtyard.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Go in there,” he called. “You are welcome to -what shelter you find.”</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' title='78' id='Page_78'></span> -<h3 class='c018'>IV.</h3> -</div> - -<p class='c019'>Dermot was tired from his combat. He went to -the house, opened the door and walked in. To his -surprise he found himself surrounded by hundreds of -little men, reaching no higher than his knee. They -were wild, shaggy little fellows, kept by the king to -kill people he did not like. Though not strong singly, -they were there in such numbers that they could cover -a man like ants and crush the life out of him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When Dermot had entered, the little men shut the -door and barred it. Then they began covering the -windows and filling up the chinks between the logs.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Why are you going to such trouble?” asked Dermot. -The antics of the little fellows amused him. He -never thought of treachery on the part of the king.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“We fear you may escape,” answered one of the -men. “It is our duty to eat you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Poor foolish little fellows! They imagined a mighty -hero like Dermot could creep through a hole large -enough to let one of them through.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot’s amusement turned to anger. By all the -laws of hospitality he was entitled to a place to rest -quietly until time for the next day’s combat. The -king would have lasted only a few minutes if Dermot -could have laid a hand on him when he discovered -the foul scheme. The little men rushed at him by the -hundreds. There was little use of using a sword -against such small enemies. Dermot caught up the -<span class='pageno' title='79' id='Page_79'></span>nearest by the ankles and used him as a club to beat -down the others.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Soon there were no little savages left except one -very small fellow in the corner.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Spare me, great champion,” he called in a shrill, -high voice. “If you give me my life there is not a -place to which you will go but I will be with you. I -will be a good servant to you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No man ever asked for his life but I granted it,” -said Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He sat down on a bench and looked about him. -“Have you any food?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Nothing,” said the small chief, for he was the -leader of the small men. “We never have food except -the people the king sends us to eat. If you will -go out and walk forty paces to your right, you will -come to the king’s bakery. There you should be able -to get some loaves.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot followed directions and found the king’s -baker just closing up for the night.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Give me two loaves of bread,” demanded Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The baker let out a scream of rage. “Ruffian,” he -yelled. “Do you dare ask me for bread after the way -you treated our soldiers today? Get out of here this -minute.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The little man was dancing with rage. Dermot let -out a roar of laughter. He picked up the baker and -held him at arms’ length. “You are a nimble dancer,” -he said. “I shall give you a place to dance.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='80' id='Page_80'></span>Opening the oven, now cool enough so that it -would not injure him, Dermot put the baker inside -and shut the door. He helped himself to what bread -he wanted while the baker kept up an excited dancing, -accompanied by a steady pounding on the oven -door.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But Dermot was not content to live on bread -alone. He asked the small chief where he might get -some meat.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Instead of turning to the right, as you did when -you went to the bakery, turn to the left and go the -same distance in that direction. That will bring you -to the king’s butcher, where you should be able to get -plenty of meat.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot did as he was advised and found the man -in his shop. He was a big, red-faced fellow, smeared -from head to foot with the blood of the last animal he -had killed.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I want some meat for my supper,” said Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The butcher flew into a fine rage and brandished -his knife. “Get out of here, you ruffian from Erin!” -he shouted. “It was you who wounded so many of -our people today. Get away before I cut out your -heart.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The butcher made a dash at Dermot. The latter -was merely amused by the rage of the man. He -laughed loudly, took away the knife with one hand, -while with the other he caught the butcher by the -belt and lifted him off the floor. A meat hook on the -<span class='pageno' title='81' id='Page_81'></span>wall was very handy. Dermot hooked the belt of the -butcher over that and left him hanging there, a funny -sight as he kicked and yelled. With the meat Dermot -got from the shop, and the bread, he and the small -chief had a hearty supper.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The next day he again presented himself before -the king.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What do you want today?” asked the ruler of the -White Nation.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I want to see my chief, Finn MacCool, or to fight -for him,” said Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Fight you shall,” declared the king. “You shall -not see him.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then the king ordered sent out double the number -of men that had faced the champion the day before. -He still had hopes that he could overpower Dermot -by numbers. But this battle was but a second like the -one of the day before. Dermot could not be wounded, -while the slaughter of the king’s soldiers was something -terrible. With the setting of the sun the combat -was over, and Dermot went back to the long -house to eat the supper the small chief had prepared -for him, and to rest after his hard day.</p> - -<h3 class='c018'>V.</h3> - -<p class='c019'>Next morning Dermot went again to the palace -and made the same demand as on the two previous -days. This time the king did not send out his forces -<span class='pageno' title='82' id='Page_82'></span>to battle. Even he could see that he was wasting his -soldiers without hope of defeating this new champion. -Still he did not wish to give up Finn MacCool. His -soldiers were not strong enough, the small men could -not eat this man, but the king had other schemes to -try before he gave up. Everyone knew the fondness -of the Fenians for attempting feats of strength or adventure. -The king decided to try that on Dermot, -so that he could gain time, even if he did not get rid -of this nuisance.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In the land of the White Nation there lived an -enormous fellow known as the Red Giant. His choicest -possession was a beautiful hound, which he kept -near him at all times. When he went out walking, he -had the dog with him on the end of a chain of solid -gold. When he was at home he fastened the chain to -the wall and kept the dog beside him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>There was a strange thing about this Red Giant. -He had only one eye and that was in one side of his -head, just above his ear. Because of this, he could -see only what happened on one side of him. He kept -the hound to warn him if anyone approached on the -other side.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Though this man was the strongest person in the -White Nation, he had no use for the king and would -not serve him. The monarch resolved to get his aid -by trickery.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I will not let you see Finn MacCool,” he told Dermot, -<span class='pageno' title='83' id='Page_83'></span>“until you have brought to this courtyard the -hound and the golden chain.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Where can I find it?” asked Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The world is wide,” answered the king. <a id='tn091'></a>“Finding -it is part of the task.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No man can give me a task I will not try to accomplish,” -said Dermot. “There is but one thing I -demand. If I go after this hound, you must pledge -yourself that Finn is to be taken out of the dungeon -and given a better room, with plenty of food to eat.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>This request did not please the king. He did not -wish to grant Finn any favors, but he was afraid -Dermot would not go to the Red Giant if he did not -agree. He gave a grudging consent.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Poor Dermot! He went to the long house in despair. -How was he to bring back something when he -did not know where to look for it, and when there -was no one in the country to give him directions? -Yet, if he did not complete the task, he would lose his -head and Finn would have to die. He sat down in -the long house and buried his face in his hands.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What is troubling you, master?” asked the small -chief.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot sighed. “Nothing that you can help me -with,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’ll wager that you have been sent to bring the -hound and the golden chain,” said the chief.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot sat up in surprise. “How did you know -that?” he demanded.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='84' id='Page_84'></span>“Because the hound is kept by the Red Giant, and -the king has rid himself of many a good man by sending -him after that hound,” said the little fellow.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Do you know where I can find him?” asked -Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I can lead you to the place and show you how to -get the hound,” declared the chief.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The two set out immediately and traveled all day -through a heavy forest. In the evening they came to -the gate of an immense stone castle. There the chief -stopped Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“In there lives the Red Giant,” he said. “At this -hour he has had his meal and is sleeping beside the -table in the center of the castle.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then the chief went on to explain that the giant -had but one eye, which faced the main door to see if -anyone entered. He took from his pocket a little cake -and passed it to Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Take this cake,” he said. “Do not go in at the -main door but follow the corridor around and come -to the small opening at the other side of the room. -Throw this cake to the dog, and when he has eaten -it pick him up and bring him with you. If you are -quiet the giant will never know you have been in -there.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot thanked his helper and went into the castle. -Everything happened just as the small chief had -promised. The task was so easy that he was back in -<span class='pageno' title='85' id='Page_85'></span>five minutes with the hound under his arm. The two -set off for the palace with their prize.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But Dermot was not happy. He kept going slowly -and more slowly, until finally he stopped all together.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What is the matter?” asked the chief.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I can’t help thinking of the dirty trick I played on -the Red Giant,” answered Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“How is that?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Like a thief I took away his hound without giving -him a chance to fight for it,” said Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It was the hound you went for, not a contest, and -bringing him back will give you sight of Finn MacCool,” -argued the chief. “Let us hurry.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>But Dermot would not go. “I’d think a man a fine -champion if he sneaked in and took something of -mine,” he said. “Not even for Finn will I do such a -thing. I am going back and take the hound away -from the giant as a champion should.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>No argument of the small chief did any good. Back -they went to the castle and again the small chief -stayed outside.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Since you are bent on being foolish, I will give -you some more advice,” said the little fellow. “The -giant is strongest on his stone floor. Much of his -strength leaves him when he is on soft earth.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I thank you for your help,” said Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He slipped in quietly and fastened the hound to -the wall. Then he went around to the main door and -<span class='pageno' title='86' id='Page_86'></span>stepped into the room. Instantly the giant saw him -and sprang to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What do you want?” he roared.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Your hound and your golden chain,” answered -Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, you’ll not get him from me,” roared the -giant. He made a rush at Dermot and grappled with -him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Now the Red Giant was a big man in the White -Nation, but you must remember that Dermot was a -big man, too. It turned out that they were about -equal in strength. At the first rush of the giant, both -men went down on the floor where they struggled -desperately. Back and forth they rolled, with Dermot -putting every bit of his strength into the effort -to get them out on the ground. Finally, with a -mighty heave, he succeeded in causing them both to -roll out of the castle door.</p> - -<p class='c012'>As soon as they struck the soft earth Dermot was -the stronger. He picked up the Red Giant and drove -him into the earth like a post, until only his head was -above ground.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Spare me, man of Erin,” pleaded the Red Giant. -“I concede that you are the better man, and that you -are entitled to the hound.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot never took advantage of a man who asked -for mercy. He pulled the giant out of the earth and -set him upon his feet. From that moment the Red -<span class='pageno' title='87' id='Page_87'></span>Giant was his friend. He invited Dermot and the -small chief into the castle and set out food and drink -for them. In the morning he willingly gave up the -hound and bade them a hearty farewell.</p> - -<h3 class='c018'>VI.</h3> - -<p class='c019'>Dermot went before the king the next morning. -You can guess that the monarch was far from overjoyed -at seeing him. He had felt sure that the troublesome -champion would never bother him again.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, have you the hound with the golden chain?” -he asked, trying to hide his disappointment.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You see them before you,” answered Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Hand them over to me,” demanded the king.</p> - -<p class='c012'>That was just what Dermot had no intention of -doing. He felt sorry for the Red Giant, because the -man had put up a good fight and had been his friend -after the struggle was over. Moreover, he felt that -the king had no right to the hound.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That I will not do,” declared Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The king’s wicked little eyes lit up with pleasure. -“Then, by the terms of the trial, you forfeit your -head,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You are wrong,” said Dermot. “The words of -the trial were, ‘until you have brought to the courtyard -the hound with the golden chain.’ I have carried -out the command of the trial; now I am going to -<span class='pageno' title='88' id='Page_88'></span>take the hound back to the Red Giant, who has more -right and more need of him than any of us.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The king knew he was caught by the terms of his -own sentence. He pounded the arms of his throne in -anger, but he did not dare deny the terms he had pronounced.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well,” demanded Dermot, “do I get to see my -chief, Finn MacCool?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You do not,” answered the king. “I did not say -that bringing the hound was the only trial you would -have to accomplish. You shall not see your chief -until you bring me the true story of the Sorrowful -Knight.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot was willing to try another test. He believed -that the king was honest in saying he meant to -have two trials before releasing Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Where can I find this man?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That is for you to find out,” said the king.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot left the palace and went to the long house. -Once more he felt discouraged, but once more the -small chief came to his aid.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I’ll wager you have been sent to get the story of -the Sorrowful Knight,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“How did you guess it?” asked Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Because that is the most dangerous task the king -could possibly think of. The quest will lead you into -the land of enchantment. No one has ever heard the -story, and few have ever reached the castle.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='89' id='Page_89'></span>“Nevertheless I must go,” said Dermot. “All I -need is some one to show me the way.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I can do that easily,” answered the little fellow.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot looked at him in admiration. “I shall never -cease to be thankful that I spared your life,” he said. -“We shall start immediately, and on the way we -shall leave with the Red Giant his hound and golden -chain.”</p> - -<h3 class='c018'>VII.</h3> - -<p class='c019'>The Red Giant greeted them warmly. Never before -had he met a man who was stronger than he, -so that made him respect Dermot; but he respected -him still more for his honesty, when he found that the -hound was to be returned to him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Are you on another quest, or have you rescued -your chief?” asked the giant.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am on a most difficult errand,” explained Dermot. -“I must get the story of the Sorrowful Knight -before I may see Finn MacCool.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The Red Giant slapped his knee a resounding -whack.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You are right,” he said. “It is difficult! It would -be impossible but for the fact that you have been fair -with me. I once did a service for the Sorrowful -Knight. He swore that nothing I should ever ask him -would be refused. Tomorrow I shall go with you, -and my request shall be in your interest.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='90' id='Page_90'></span>You may be sure that Dermot was glad he had not -taken a thief’s advantage of the giant when he had -had the opportunity. That night, with the small -chief, he and the Red Giant spent the time eating, -drinking and telling stories.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The journey to the land of the Sorrowful Knight, -under the guidance of the Red Giant, was a short -one. They found the castle set deep in a thick wood. -No sound came from it. The branches of the trees -drooped in sadness. Even the cattle grazing in the -field seemed to crop the grass mournfully.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The guard at the gate wiped the tears from his -eyes before he asked them the nature of their errand. -When he learned that they wished to see the Sorrowful -Knight, he led them through a quiet courtyard -into a dark and dismal chamber in the heart of the -castle.</p> - -<p class='c012'>At first Dermot could see nothing. When his eyes -became accustomed to the darkness, he saw that the -room was draped in black, and that the furniture was -the color of night. At the table in the center of the -room sat a man, his head leaning on his hand, his -elbow on the table. He appeared to be asleep, nor did -he awaken when the three entered the room. He -must have been at the table a long time. Where his -elbow rested upon it, a deep groove had been worn, -and into it, even in his sleep, the tears dropped -steadily.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='91' id='Page_91'></span>The Red Giant took him by the shoulder and spoke -to him. The man straightened up slowly.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Why do you come here to interrupt my grieving?” -he asked.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You promised many years ago that you would -grant any request I would make,” said the Red Giant. -“I have come to test your promise.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The Sorrowful Knight sighed heavily. “What is -your request?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You are to tell to Dermot of the Fenians the reason -for your sorrow,” said the giant.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Once more the knight sighed, and the tears flowed -more freely down his cheeks.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I feared your request would be that,” he said. -“Since I promised you on my honor, I must tell the -story, but no other living man has heard it.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The Sorrowful Knight had dinner served for his -guests with a flickering candle for light. Most people -would have had a small appetite in such gloomy -surroundings, but Dermot and his friends were hungry -enough to forget about it. They did full justice -to the meal. When each had satisfied his hunger -the knight began:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It was twenty-one years ago that the sorrow -came to me. I lived in this castle as happily as any -man of the kingdom. Anyone would have been -proud of the twelve handsome young men I called -my sons. Every place I went my boys were with me.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='92' id='Page_92'></span>“On the morning of the first of May it was our -custom to hunt the deer together. Of course, we -hunted on many days of the spring, but the May -day was always our first deer hunt. On the morning -of which I speak we started up a deer without -horns and gave chase.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It was a fleeter animal than any we had ever -followed before. All day long we kept after her -until toward evening we saw her disappear into a -cave. We thought we had her trapped and followed -swiftly. Imagine our surprise when we found ourselves -not in a cave at all, but in a new country, at -the gate of a large castle.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The deer was nowhere in sight. We were too -far from home to return that night, so we decided -to ask for shelter from the lord of the castle. This -was readily granted.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“We were taken into a big banquet hall. Along -one side of the room, over huge fires, were twelve -kettles of scalding water. In front of each kettle -was the carcass of a wild boar. The master of the -castle apologized for not having supper cooked and -asked if any of us could prepare the boars for roasting. -We said we could and set to work.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“But, though we dipped the animals in the scalding -water, we could not remove a single bristle. The -scalding seemed to make them stick more tightly. -We could do nothing toward preparing the meat -for supper.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='93' id='Page_93'></span>“Then the master called in a small servant and -told him to get the animals ready. This man lined -up the twelve boars, blew upon them through a small -tube, and instantly every bristle disappeared. I knew -then that we were in the land of enchantment.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“We had all that we could eat, and after the meal -the lord of the castle asked me if my sons would be -willing to show their strength for our amusement. -I told him they would. He ordered in twelve small -men with a long chain and bade my sons pull it -away from them. This seemed like an easy task. -But when my sons took hold of the chain they could -not move the small men an inch. Soon the small -men pulled my sons toward them with a quick jerk -and threw the slackened part about the necks of my -boys. The instant the chain touched my sons they -became twelve stones.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>At this point the tears of the Sorrowful Knight -stopped his words. His listeners had to wait until -he had mastered his grief before he could go on.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“When I saw my twelve noble sons thus changed -before my eyes, I was filled with the great grief which -has never left me. The lord of the castle had me -thrown out into the night, and it was with difficulty -that I found my way back to my home. Since then -I never have left my castle.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Each year, on May day, the deer comes to the -gate and calls, ‘Here is the deer, but where are the -<span class='pageno' title='94' id='Page_94'></span>hunters to follow it?’ Tomorrow she will come again, -but no one here has heart for the chase.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That, then, is my story. I ask you if any man -could be happy with such a sorrow in his life?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot had listened with rising pity that soon -turned into anger. He rose abruptly to his feet.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I have but been sent to get your story, but no -true Fenian is willing to let wickedness go unpunished. -If you will go with me, there will be men -to follow the deer tomorrow, and the sun shall not -set before I have tried my strength against the enchantment -of the lord of that castle.<a id='tn102'></a>”</p> - -<p class='c012'>For the first time in twenty-one years the Sorrowful -Knight no longer wept. He announced that -he would go the next morning. The small chief and -the Red Giant also promised to take part in the -chase of the deer.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In the morning the deer came to the gate and -called as was her custom, “Here is the deer, but -where are the hunters to follow it?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The four men had been waiting and now they set -after her at full speed. All day long they followed -her, and in the evening she approached a cave in -the hillside.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That is where she will disappear!” shouted the -knight.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot sped after her. Now, as you know, there -was no one in Erin who could equal him in a race. -<span class='pageno' title='95' id='Page_95'></span>He rapidly caught up with the deer and seized her -by the hind leg, just as she reached the mouth of the -cave. Instantly the deer disappeared, and in her -place was a hideous old witch, with straggly gray -hair and long crooked teeth. Dermot was so startled -that he let go his hold. The witch ran screaming -into the cave.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The men followed and came out at the gate of -the castle just as the knight had done years before. -When they knocked for admission, they were met -by the master, who seemed greatly surprised to see -the Sorrowful Knight.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I thought you had enough of this place when you -were here before,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot did the answering. “He comes with me,” -he said. “I could not have enough of your castle, -because this is the first time I have ever been here.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The master invited them into the room where waited -the twelve kettles of water and the twelve boars.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Have you a man among you who can prepare the -supper?” asked the master.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“We have,” said Dermot. “And it is a long time -since you had one as good. We have also a man -who will get the meat.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot went out into the forest and brought in -enough meat for the meal. He knew better than to -try to prepare the enchanted boars. The ones he -had killed, he dressed with his sword and soon had -<span class='pageno' title='96' id='Page_96'></span>them cooked. The master made no comments, but -ate with the others.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When the meal was over the lord of the castle -addressed the knight.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Have you a man among you who can show us -a little action for our amusement?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Once more Dermot did the answering. “He has. -Send in the same twelve small men you used against -his sons and we will show you enough action to -satisfy you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The small men brought in the chain and passed -one end to Dermot, who braced his feet against the -rocks on the floor. The small men pulled as hard -as they could, but not a link of slack chain could -they get. All at once Dermot jerked them toward -him, looped the chain over their necks and snapped -off the twelve heads.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He then held out the end of the chain to the master -and said, “Perhaps you would like to show us a -little action yourself?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The lord of the castle was seized with a fit of -trembling at the thought of pulling against this terrible -Fenian. He dropped to his knees and began -to beg for his life.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Spare me, and I will bring back the knight’s -twelve sons,” he cried.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That is all I could ask of you,” said Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The frightened enchanter took his rod and touched -<span class='pageno' title='97' id='Page_97'></span>each of the twelve blocks of stone along the wall. -Instantly the twelve sons of the knight were with -them, as strong and hearty as ever.</p> - -<p class='c012'>You can imagine how the father felt over this -change. He was no longer the Sorrowful Knight.</p> - -<p class='c012'>They wasted no time in leaving the enchanter’s -palace and in returning to the castle of the man who -was now the Glad Knight. From there Dermot and -his friends went on to the home of the Red Giant, -and then on to the king of the White Nation. Dermot -was happy in being able to rescue the twelve -young men, but he was far happier in the thought -that he was now to see Finn MacCool.</p> - -<h3 class='c018'>IX<a id='tn105'></a>.</h3> - -<p class='c019'>On his return Dermot presented himself at the -palace. Though the wicked old king was surprised -to see him again, he endeavored not to show it.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, have you the story of the Sorrowful -Knight?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I have,” said Dermot. “Are you ready to -hear it?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then he told the king the story, just as it had -been told to him. I don’t believe that he mentioned -the rescue of the twelve sons, because that was not -in his sentence, and he was anxious to be through -with the task and rescue Finn. At the end of the -story he said:</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='98' id='Page_98'></span>“Now I have done what you asked. Do I get to -see my chief?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You do not,” answered the king. “You shall not -see him until you get me the story of the Lad of -True Tales.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot’s anger flamed up. For the first time he -saw that the king was not honest in his sentences, -and that he was merely setting tasks to put him off, -until he could find something that would do away -with him forever.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Oh, is that so?” he asked. “You should have -spoken about it sooner. I have worn out all the -leather I am going to use, tramping over the rocks -of your country. I am going to let you find out how -sharp some of those stones are.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>He picked up the treacherous king and tossed him -out of the upper window of the palace to the rocks -below. The king of the White Nation would never -set another task for any man.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then Dermot searched high and low for Finn. -Everyone got out of his way, but still he could not -find his chief. When he was almost in despair, he -met an old woman.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I will lead you to Finn,” she said. “It is I who -have been caring for him.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>She did as she promised. Dermot was so happy -on seeing Finn that he wanted to embrace him. Finn -pushed him away.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='99' id='Page_99'></span>Dermot’s feelings were hurt. “If any man had -gone through what I have to rescue me, I would not -seem ungrateful,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It is not ingratitude,” said Finn. “My thumb -tells me that we have little time to lose. The king’s -daughter has gone off to enchant another victim. -We must get away while she is gone.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The two friends hastened to the shore, taking what -food they could on the way. Then they raised the -sails and pointed the boat toward Erin. Finn placed -Dermot in the stern to watch, while he managed the -boat. Every few minutes he would say, “Do you -see anything?” Dermot would answer, “I see nothing -but waves and sky.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>They were nearing the shores of Erin when Finn -asked the question again.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I see a bird that looks like an eagle,” said Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Then we are lost,” cried Finn. “She is following.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Is there no way to release you?” asked Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“There is,” answered Finn, “but I am in honor -bound not to tell you of it.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The boat sped swiftly on, with the bird ever gaining. -When near the land, the two champions sprang -ashore, just as the bird turned the boat over and -perched upon the hull. She saw them on the land -and flew after them. The instant she struck the -earth she became a woman. Rushing up to Finn -she threw her arms around his neck.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='100' id='Page_100'></span>“Come back with me and be my husband,” she -begged. “You shall be the king of the White Nation.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>It made Dermot angry to see the actions of the -woman who had caused them both so much trouble. -He swung his sword against the hillside in anger. -So great was the blow that a valley appeared where -the sword struck. A great shower of dirt, far more -than the seven shovelfuls, fell over Finn and the -woman.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn put the enchantress from him. “I thank you, -Dermot,” he said. “You have released me from -her bonds.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The woman gave a cry of rage, became an eagle -once more and flew out over the ocean. Finn and -Dermot hastened to join the Fenians.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='101' id='Page_101'></span> - <h2 id='ch11' class='c010'>THE WORTHLESS SERVANT</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>One day Finn and his companions, while out hunting, -had stopped to cook some of the game. Dermot, -Conan and several other Fenians were in the party. -The horses had been put into an inclosure so that -they might feed while the men rested. It was during -the meal that the guard, who had been put upon -a nearby hill to watch for the approach of an enemy, -came rushing up with the news that a great giant -was coming toward them from the south. The man -had hardly time to tell the news when the giant, himself, -appeared.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He was tall and ungainly, with joints that bent -outward at each step, as though they had been fastened -together with strings. He was dressed in the -skins of animals, with the hairy side out. Covering -his face was a growth of the same colored hair, so -it was difficult to tell where the garments left off -and the skin began.</p> - -<p class='c012'>His face seemed formed no more firmly than his -body. His jaw hung loosely, showing a ragged set -of huge teeth. One eye was higher than the other. -His nose was as rough as a ridge of hills. In one -hand he held a huge club, the end of which cut deep -<span class='pageno' title='102' id='Page_102'></span>furrows in the earth as he dragged it along. From -the other hand was a leading thong attached to the -halter of a horse.</p> - -<p class='c012'>This animal was no better favored than the master. -Its joints seemed just as loosely hung together. -Its coat was the color of the soot from a chimney. -Its backbone was like a knotted clothesline with a -black rug hung over it. When the animal walked, -its legs bent outward at the center, while its scraggly -tail and many cornered head swayed from side -to side in opposite directions.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When the giant saw the Fenians he dropped the -thong and approached by himself. The animal let -its head drop dejectedly, and its legs bowed outward -like the hoops of a barrel. It seemed about to fall -to pieces.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am looking for Finn MacCool,” growled the -giant.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn rose and came toward him. “I am he whom -you seek,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I have come to take service with you,” said the -giant.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“If you need work, go prop up your horse,” shouted -Conan. The Fenians laughed loudly.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I do not like the behavior of your men,” said the -giant, “yet do I still seek service. I have heard that -you are a good master, and that you will pay a man -whatever he asks.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='103' id='Page_103'></span>“I have never refused service to any man who -asked it, nor have I ever refused to give a servant -any reasonable wage requested,” said Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Then I would serve you,” declared the giant. “I -am known as the Worthless Servant because I never -give my master what he pays for. I always fail to -do any task he sets me, and what I do is never done -well. Moreover, I eat more than any two men and -grumble unceasingly about the way I am treated.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You give yourself a bad name,” said Finn with -a laugh. “Nevertheless, you have asked for service, -so I shall give it to you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Then may I turn my horse into the pasture with -the others?” asked the giant.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn gave his permission and went back to his -meal. The giant opened the gate of the inclosure, -took off the halter and let the animal loose. That -done, he came over to the table and proceeded to -eat everything within reach.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The decrepit old horse changed entirely when its -master left it. No longer was it mild and sleepy. -It kicked its heels high in the air, let out a snort -and proceeded to bite and kick every animal it could -reach. These other horses could make no stand -against the newcomer, nor could they seem to get -away from it. At last the giant’s horse had injured -all the animals except the one belonging to Conan. -It was viciously pursuing this one.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='104' id='Page_104'></span>“Look here,” roared Conan. “Go tie up that ugly -brute before it injures my horse.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The giant kept on eating. “There’s the halter,” -he said between bites. “If you do not like the way -he acts, go tie him yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Conan needed no second invitation. He ran into -the pasture and put the halter on the great beast. -As soon as it was caught, the animal resumed its -dejected pose. Conan pulled and pulled with all his -might, but he exerted himself without result. The -horse would not move. The other Fenians gathered -around and offered much advice and many taunts.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Shame on you, Conan,” cried one. “A Fenian -and unable to lead one little horse!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Take him by the tail,” shouted another. “Perhaps -it travels the other way.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Better practice on a sheep until you grow up,” -came from a third.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Conan lost his temper. He began abusing the men -who were joking him, saying all the cutting things -he could think of. His anger extended to the horse. -He began beating it with a heavy club. Still the -animal stood looking dejectedly at the ground and -giving no sign that it felt the blows.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Fergus True Lips, the poet of the Fenians, now -gave some advice.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Many a horse will not go when pulled by the halter,” -he said. “Try riding him.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='105' id='Page_105'></span>Conan sprang to the back of the horse and again -tried to get it to move. This method proved no better -than the other. Again Fergus made a suggestion.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“He is used to the weight of a heavier man than -you. Let more Fenians get upon his back until the -combined weight shall equal that of the giant.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>This advice the Fenians were glad to follow. One -after another climbed up until fourteen were astride -that sharp backbone. Still the animal would not move.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The Fenians were enjoying the sport. Those on -the back of the animal called out jibes to those on -the ground, while these made jokes at the expense -of the mounted ones.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In the meantime the giant had finished eating all -the food on the table. He now approached Finn in -great anger.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It seems to me that the stories I have heard of -your justice were all false,” he growled.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What makes you think so?” asked Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You stand by and see your men abusing my horse, -yet you do nothing to stop them,” he complained.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am sure they but keep your horse from injuring -their own animals,” said Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am through with your service,” declared the -giant. “If I had never come at all, still would I -have been here too long. Give me my wages and -let me go.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What wages can you expect when you have just -<span class='pageno' title='106' id='Page_106'></span>come?” asked Finn. “All you have done is to eat -a meal at my expense.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Again I see that the stories told of you are not -true,” said the giant. “You promised to give me -what wages I asked and now you refuse.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You have asked no wages,” cried Finn, becoming -angry at the unreasonable request. “You but -trifle with me when you ask pay for eating my food.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Since I can get no pay, I shall leave without it. -Perhaps your men will give me my wages more -willingly.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>He strode off toward the sea, taking long but -shuffling steps. The horse moved after him, slowly -at first, but with ever increasing speed. The Fenians -were still on his back.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Get off!” cried Fergus. The men tried desperately, -but they were fastened as tight as if they -had grown there.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Is there no man among you who will stop this -beast?” shouted Conan, when he found that they -were moving away from the Fenian camp.</p> - -<p class='c012'>A new member of the band ran after the animal -and seized it by the tail. Instead of stopping it, -he, too, came under the enchantment and could not -let go.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The giant suddenly lost all his awkwardness. He -began to run with the speed of the wind. The horse -also became full of life and fleet of foot.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='107' id='Page_107'></span>“I charge you, Finn,” called Conan, “not to take -any rest until you have rescued us.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Before the startled Fenians could realize what had -happened, the giant and the horse were at the edge -of the sea. They entered the water at full speed. -As they advanced, the waves parted for them and -closed again after they had passed.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Thus disappeared the Worthless Servant and the -fifteen Fenians he had taken for his wages.</p> - -<h3 class='c018'>II<a id='tn115'></a>.</h3> - -<p class='c019'>As soon as they had gone, Finn began preparations -to go to their rescue. He asked Fergus for -advice as to where they might find a suitable ship. -Fergus replied that there was one about five miles -distant. Finn called Dermot and a small body of -the bravest of his men together and told them that -they were to accompany him. All were delighted -to go upon such an adventure.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The party had gone but a short distance when -they met two handsome young men, dressed in green -garments and without any weapons of war. One -carried a light wand in his hand.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“We crave to enter thy service, O Finn,” said the -elder of the two.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Very well,” answered Finn. “We are on a difficult -errand and need only men of experience, but -you may join the Fenians in our rear.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='108' id='Page_108'></span>“It is to go with you that we seek service,” said -the stranger.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Have you any special talents that would be of -value to us on a difficult adventure?” asked Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I can be of great service, if your adventure takes -you upon the sea,” replied the elder. “I am called -Quick-Builder. If you cover your heads for the -space of a minute I can cause the harbor to be filled -with ships of every description. After you have selected -the one you wish, all the others will disappear.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That would be a great help to us now,” said Finn. -“And what can you do?” he asked the younger.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am called Keen-Sight,” the boy replied. “I -can follow any track on land, air or water. I can -trace the eagle to her nest or the fish upon his -journey.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Such a talent will be of great assistance,” said -Finn. “I take you both into my service. Quick-Builder, -produce your ships.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The Fenians obeyed the command to cover their -heads. They heard the sound of the young man’s -wand strike on wood. Then they looked when he -bade them. They were greatly astonished to find -that he had done what he claimed. Finn chose the -boat which suited his needs. He ordered his men -to get on board and take the oars. No sooner were -they on this ship than every other one disappeared.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then the lad, Keen-Sight, took his place in the -<span class='pageno' title='109' id='Page_109'></span>prow of the boat and called directions to the steersman. -They sped on over the ocean until they were -stopped by a high precipice of rock, seemingly the -edge of a great island.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Here ends the track,” announced Keen-Sight.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No horse could have climbed that cliff,” declared -Fergus.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No,” answered Finn. “But a horse could pass -under it. Noted you not the way the waves parted -for the giant and his horse? I greatly believe that -we are dealing with the subjects of King Under -the Waves.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“If that is so, it would seem to be our duty to -get on shore and see where we may go,” said Fergus.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“If any man can climb that cliff it is Dermot,” -declared Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot looked at the face of the precipice and -noted a rocky shelf about half way up. From that -on there seemed to be footholds.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I think I can scale it,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He had the Fenians clear off the length of the -deck. Then taking his sword and holding it in front -of him like a pole, he ran from stern to prow. He -used the sword as a lever and sprang lightly to the -rocky shelf. The Fenians set up a cheer at the splendid -feat. Dermot waved to them and soon disappeared -from view.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Once over the rocks he found himself in a pleasant -<span class='pageno' title='110' id='Page_110'></span>country of trees and little brooks. He could see -neither houses nor people. He walked on and on -without seeing a living thing. At last, tired and -thirsty, he stopped to drink from a well of clear -water beside the road. As he touched his lips to -the water a man appeared beside him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“How dare you drink from my well?” he demanded.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I could see no harm in taking a drink from an -open well,” said Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Then you are little better than a thief,” declared -the newcomer.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You are very uncivil to say so,” answered Dermot. -“I shall not leave this place until I have had -satisfaction for that insult.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>He grappled with the man and wrestled with him -for a decision. When it seemed that he must win -the victory, the man rolled into the well and disappeared.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The next day the same thing happened. The same -man appeared, the same struggle was gone through -with, and once more he disappeared in the waters -of the well. Dermot had no intention of leaving until -he had beaten this fellow. On the third day, -when the time for disappearance came, Dermot clung -to him and went into the water with him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Judge to his surprise to find himself not in a well -at all, but in a beautiful country with wealth and -<span class='pageno' title='111' id='Page_111'></span>plenty on every side. Dermot did not have to guess -where he was. Every Fenian had heard of this land, -but no mortal had ever entered it before. He was -in the Land Under the Waves. The well had been -the entrance.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When Dermot released his hold on the man with -whom he had been struggling, the fellow lost no -time in getting away. With the start he got by his -quickness he soon disappeared among the trees. Dermot -had to go on alone. Before long he found himself -before a beautiful castle. At the gate was a -guard of seven warriors on either side. The Fenian -had only time to draw his sword before they all -set upon him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But these under-sea champions were no match for -him either in strength or quickness. He quickly defeated -the fourteen guards and many others who -came out of the castle to their aid. In the evening, -tired from his struggle with the man at the well, -and his fighting at the castle gate, he went into the -woods and was soon sound asleep.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He was awakened by the touch of a hand on his -shoulder. He quickly sprang to his feet, his hand -on his sword, to face this newcomer. It was a knight -in armor, fully equipped with weapons, but the smile -on his face showed that he had not come for fighting.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Do not draw your sword, for I am a friend,” he -said. “Come with me so that you may have food -and a better and more comfortable bed.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='112' id='Page_112'></span>“I would be foolish did I refuse such an offer,” -replied Dermot. “Lead the way and I will follow.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The knight led him into a small castle some distance -away and took him into the banquet hall, where -plenty of food and drink was still on the table. -Thirty other knights rested on their beds in the room, -and some rose on the entrance of the Fenian. One -was the man who had wrestled with Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You may be a friend, but you have brought me -to an enemy,” he said to his guide.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“He is not your enemy,” replied the knight. “This -man was the messenger I sent to bring you here.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot thought back over the three days of wrestling -and of the way the man had left him to face -the guards of the castle.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I should say that your messenger had some rather -rough and unsatisfactory methods,” said Dermot. -“If he was to lead me here, why did he not tell -me so?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The knight smiled. “I understand your surprise. -It was necessary for him to do just as he did, for -it is only possible to enter the Land Under the Sea -in the manner in which you came. But sit down -and eat. I shall explain as you satisfy your hunger.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot needed no second invitation. The knight -sat down at the table with him while the others went -back to their couches.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am known as the Knight of Valor,” his host -<span class='pageno' title='113' id='Page_113'></span>began. “And I am the rightful ruler of this land. -By a trick my brother has seized the kingdom and -is reigning in my stead. All he has left me is this -small castle and the thirty knights whom you see -about you. When I heard that Dermot of the Fenians -had landed on the island, I determined to enlist -your help. I sent one of my men to the well to wait -for you. The result you know.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“If I was to be brought here to help you, why -was I left alone to face that castle guard?” asked -Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That is a fair question,” answered the knight. -“You see, I had heard great tales of your strength, -but I did not know if it was greater than that of -the men of our land. That castle is the stronghold -of my brother, and those were his men. Your -combat with them showed me that if you will help -us, we can wrest the kingdom from his wicked hands. -My people are suffering from my brother’s rule; will -you help me to free them?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You have been fair with me,” answered Dermot. -“I will help you. I will not hold it against you that -your guide deserted me before the castle, since that -combat leaves us fewer men to meet tomorrow.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Your willingness affords me great pleasure,” said -the knight. “I am sure that tomorrow night will see -me once more upon my rightful throne.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot finished his meal and then was shown a -bed where he spent the night.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='114' id='Page_114'></span>With the first streaks of morning light, the little -castle became a scene of busy preparations. Each -of the thirty knights buckled on his armor, took up -his shield and announced himself willing to follow -Dermot’s orders. The Knight of Valor, fully armed, -took his place at Dermot’s side, and the little army -went forth to battle. When they approached the -castle of the false king, Dermot called out:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Come forth, false king, and fight me for your -kingdom!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>This the usurper was afraid to do. He knew better -than to risk his life against such a hero. For -answer he sent out all his forces and only appeared -when his warriors formed a protecting wall between -him and his enemies. There he remained in safety. -Dermot placed his men in the form of a wedge with -himself in the lead and went into battle.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Now, the army of the false king was only loyal -to him because he had paid them to place him upon -the throne. Then, too, they feared this terrible Fenian, -who had faced them the night before. On the -other hand, the Knight of Valor and his men, cheered -by having such a fighter on their side, fought as they -had never fought before. In a short time the wedge -went through the opposing forces, leaving the wicked -brother unprotected.</p> - -<p class='c012'>This man did not wait any longer. He turned -and ran into the palace for safety, closing the gate -<span class='pageno' title='115' id='Page_115'></span>behind him. His forces would not keep up the struggle -after their leader left them. They threw down -their weapons in token that they were through.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot determined to get hold of this brother. -He did not stop for the gate, but used his sword -as a lever and jumped over the wall just as he had -gone up the cliff. He caught the pretender before -he could get across the courtyard, and brought him -out where his men could see him. There Dermot -released him and once more asked him if he was -ready to fight for the right to retain the kingdom.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The wicked fellow’s knees shook to the rapid beating -of his heart. They trembled so he had to get -down on them to make them support him at all.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Spare me! Spare me!” he cried.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Are you willing to give up the throne to your -brother, the rightful king?” asked Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am if my men are satisfied,” answered the man, -still on his knees.</p> - -<p class='c012'>For an answer his men gave a cheer for the Knight -of Valor. Then Dermot picked out thirty men for -the false king.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You shall have what you gave your brother,” he -said. “Now, get up and lead your men to the castle -you set apart for him. That shall be your kingdom.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then the Knight of Valor led his new friend into -the castle. They were served by the happy people, -happy in the return of their own kind ruler. A -<span class='pageno' title='116' id='Page_116'></span>joyous celebration was held in Dermot’s honor, but -that hero cut it short by saying:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Now that I have helped you, you can show your -gratitude by giving me some assistance. I would -find the giant with the bony horse who took away -fifteen of the Fenians. Also, I would get back to -Finn with what information you can give me.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I suppose you mean the man who calls himself -the Worthless Servant?” asked the Knight of Valor.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot nodded his head.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Then I can help you. That man was no giant, -but a friend of mine, who took that shape to get -some of the Fenians to come over and help him. -He is about to be attacked by Donn, High King of -the World, and needs all the help he can command. -Tomorrow you and I shall go at the head of my -army to give him assistance. You will find Finn -and your companions already there. You see, we -worked together. Keen-Sight and Quick-Builder -are our men, whom we sent to bring you here. Tomorrow -you shall see them all.”</p> - -<h3 class='c018'>III<a id='tn124'></a>.</h3> - -<p class='c019'>Finn and his companions had waited but a short -time after Dermot had disappeared over the cliff. -The lad, Keen-Sight, had kept quiet until Dermot -was out of sight. Then he turned to the Fenians -and said:</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='117' id='Page_117'></span>“Though the horse and men went in here, I think -I can find you a harbor which will lead us to the -same place.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That you should have told us before Dermot -left,” said Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Keen-Sight made no reply.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, it does not matter,” said Finn. “Guide -us to the harbor. Dermot will be safe and will find -us later.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Again the men bent to their oars and rowed in -the direction given by Keen-Sight. Some days later -they came to a broad harbor in which a thousand -ships like theirs could have anchored. The Fenians -made fast the boat and sprang ashore. Still guided -by Keen-Sight, they journeyed a short distance toward -the interior of the country.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Suddenly a large army appeared, coming toward -them. The Fenians drew up in battle array, but -Finn told them to have no fear.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“For,” he explained, “do you not see Dermot in -the lead? It is easy to see that he is not a prisoner.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>When Dermot saw his friends, he let out a loud -shout of joy and hastened to meet them. The Knight -of Valor came up and extended a welcome to the -Fenians.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“We are in pursuit of the man who calls himself -the Worthless Servant,” said Finn. “Can you give -us directions for finding him?”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='118' id='Page_118'></span>“I can do that,” said the Knight of Valor. “We -are now but a short distance from his palace.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then they all fell in together and walked on until -they saw before them a handsome castle.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It is here the man lives,” said the Knight of -Valor. “He is really the king of a large country, -but took the shape you saw him in to enlist your aid.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The Knight of Valor raised his voice and gave a -loud cry. Soon the gates of the castle opened. Out -came the ugly old giant followed by his horse. On -its back still rode the fourteen Fenians, while the -fifteenth still clung to its tail.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Have you been like that ever since you left us?” -asked Finn, when the horse approached near enough -for the men to hear his voice.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“We have not,” answered Conan. He and the others -slipped off the horse’s back and came to greet -their comrades. “We have been treated like kings. -We merely came out in state so that you might not -forget how we arrived.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Your pardon, O Finn,” said a voice.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn looked at the spot where the giant had been -standing, but saw a strong young champion in his -stead. “I am Avarta, ruler of this land. If I played -the part of the Worthless Servant, it was to bring -here enough Fenians to give us help in the hour of -need. My messengers have informed me that the -High King of the World is about to attack us. Without -<span class='pageno' title='119' id='Page_119'></span>your help I would be defeated; with it I shall -conquer.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Why did you not request my help, if you needed -it, instead of taking away my men and forcing me -to come after them?” asked Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Had I asked you to come to a far country to -fight, you would have refused. You would have told -me that it was your duty to remain in Erin to defend -it,” said Avarta. “But I did know that you -would not refuse to come to rescue your own men, -and that you would help if you were here.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It is true,” said Finn. “I hold no hard feelings -against you. My men and myself will do our part -against the High King of the World.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then the leaders went into the banquet hall of the -castle. The other warriors were quartered in the -spacious courtyard. Avarta caused everything in -his power to be done for their comfort. For a day -and two nights they feasted, rested and waited for -the arrival of the enemy.</p> - -<h3 class='c018'>IV<a id='tn127'></a>.</h3> - -<p class='c019'>On the morning of the second day after their arrival, -a great fleet anchored in the harbor. The men -immediately began landing in great numbers. At -their head was the son of the High King, and with -him was his sister, Teasa, who wanted to see her -brother capture the castle.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='120' id='Page_120'></span>Finn placed his men in battle array; giving to -the Knight of Valor and his warriors the defense -of the right wing, and to Avarta and his army the -duty of holding the left wing. With his Fenians, -Finn took the center, where the fighting would be -the heaviest.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The two armies met in deadly combat. The two -wings held their own with difficulty, being about -evenly matched with the enemy. But the Fenians, -with desperate valor, overwhelmed the enemy center -with great slaughter. It was a great surprise -to the High King’s son. He rallied his men bravely -and gave them an example of valor, but it was useless. -Finn was everywhere, now engaging and defeating -a score of warriors, now helping with one -division of his men and now another. Dermot, the -pride of the Fenians, was always in the thick of the -struggle. His flashing sword made a circle of steel -about him. No man could stand against him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Teasa, who had come to see the prowess of her -brother, forgot all about him in watching the deeds -of Finn. She admired his fair hair and manly bearing, -and his bravery appealed to her even more -strongly. It was while watching him drive back -her father’s army that she fell deeply in love with -him. When her brother gave orders for his men -to fall back from the unequal struggle, Teasa left -her own side and went over to the Fenians. She -found Finn and said to him:</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='121' id='Page_121'></span>“I have watched you in the fight today, O Finn, -and my heart called out to you, even against my -own brother. I pray you take me to Erin and make -me your wife.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That I cannot do, fair maiden,” said Finn. “I -have no need of a wife.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You cannot refuse me,” she cried. “No true -champion should refuse a maiden when she offers -herself to him.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn was honest in his refusal. He still mourned -for Saba. Anyhow, he knew that to take the daughter -of the High King would cause a great deal of -trouble.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You had better go back to your father while -there is still time,” he told her kindly.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That I will not do,” declared Teasa. “Already -my father knows that I have come over to his enemies. -If I go back he will kill me. If I cannot have -your love, I can claim your protection from those -who would kill me. I put you under bonds to take -me with you to Erin.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I beg you to release me from such bonds,” said -Finn. “Nothing but trouble can come of it.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>But the maiden insisted that she claimed his protection -as a Fenian, and he could not refuse her.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When Donn saw the retreat of his son and his -army, he called a council of his wise men to see what -it was best to do.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='122' id='Page_122'></span>“This is no time to attack Avarta,” said one of -them. “The Fenians are with him, and we have not -men enough to stand against them. The best thing -for us to do is to retire and wait a more favorable -time, when the men of Erin have gone home.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>This advice was repeated by the others of the -council. Just then the son came on board and approached -his father.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“We are defeated,” he said. “I have ordered my -men to retire, lest they all be killed and we gain -nothing by it.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It is well,” said Donn. “But tell me, why is not -your sister with you? She went with you to battle -and I do not see her returning.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The son hung his head, afraid to tell his father -the truth.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Speak, my son!” cried Donn. “She cannot be -killed! Surely the Fenians do not make war on -women!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Far better had she died,” said the young man. -“She has left us and gone to the Fenians.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then the High King lifted up his voice in a long -cry of grief and anger. Teasa was very dear to -him. He could not bear to think that she had gone -over to the enemy.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am sure she is held against her will,” said -Donn. “Send heralds to this Fenian and order him -to surrender our daughter to us.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='123' id='Page_123'></span>But the heralds came back with the word that -Finn refused. Then Donn stood out upon the highest -deck and raised his arms above his head in a -vow of vengeance.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Hear me, O Finn!” he called. “You have taken -my daughter from me, and I vow that I will be -revenged upon you. Though it take me all the -rest of my life to prepare, and though I must get -every king in the world to help me, I vow I shall -not rest until I have come to Erin and have punished -you for this deed.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then the High King raised the sails of his fleet, -his men bent to their oars, and the battle fleet sailed -out of the harbor.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot turned to his chief. “I fear that trouble -is about to come upon Erin and the Fenians,” he -said. “Chew your thumb and see if it is not so.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn shook his head sadly. “I have no need of -my thumb to tell me that what you say is true. -Yet, the maiden claimed my protection, and I could -not, under our rules, refuse her.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That is so,” agreed Dermot.</p> - -<h3 class='c018'>V<a id='tn131'></a>.</h3> - -<p class='c019'>There was great rejoicing in the land when the -fleet sailed away. Avarta thanked the Fenians for -their aid and gave them many rich gifts. Finn was -<span class='pageno' title='124' id='Page_124'></span>satisfied. Avarta, however, was willing to make -still further amends.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Since I took away your men by an enchantment, -it is only fair that you should make an award for -me to fulfill,” he insisted.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“There is no award I would require of you,” said -Finn, who never asked favors of any man to whom -he had given help.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Stay, O Finn,” cried Conan. “You did not have -to ride all day on that bony back, which was sharper -than a sword. If there is an award to be made, I -am the one entitled to it.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn would have said no, fearing that Conan -would ask for gold and thus put shame upon the -Fenians. But Avarta turned to Conan politely and -told him to name his award.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It is this,” said Conan. “You are to bring out -your bony horse and place upon its back fourteen -of your own nobles. You are to bring them to Erin, -so some one else shall feel the pain of that journey.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The Fenians roared with laughter. They were -glad that Conan had not yielded to his desire for -gain, but had made a good award.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“And I wish to add the sentence, that Avarta -himself shall cling to the animal’s tail,” said the -young Fenian who had made the trip in that manner. -“Only in that way can he appreciate the pain -I bore in coming.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='125' id='Page_125'></span>“The award is just,” declared Avarta. “Get on -your ship. When you arrive in Erin we shall be -with you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>So the Fenians got on their ship and went back -as rapidly as sails and oars could take them. When -they landed in Erin the ship disappeared, but where -it had been, the waves parted and the great horse, -with fourteen nobles on its back and the Worthless -Servant clinging to its tail, came out on the shore.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I have carried out the award,” said Avarta.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You have,” said Finn. “Now, I pray you, let -your men dismount that all of you may partake of -our hospitality.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>There was no answer. Where the horse and men -had stood there was nothing. They had disappeared -as a mist taken up by the sun.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='126' id='Page_126'></span> - <h2 id='ch12' class='c010'>DERMOT AND GRAINNE</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>It was some time after the pursuit of the Worthless -Servant that the events of this story took place. -Finn, knowing that sooner or later his forces would -have to meet those of the High King of the World, -spent most of his time building up the numbers of -his Fenians, so that he would have a force sufficient -when the time came for the great struggle.</p> - -<p class='c012'>This angered Cormack, High King of Tara, to -whom Finn owed allegiance. Cormack had been -very jealous of the power of the Fenians and of -the hold Finn had upon them. Sometimes these -Fenians did make demands on the people of the -country, and some of these demands were unreasonable. -You see, Finn was getting to be quite an old -man. While his courage and his wisdom were as -great as of old, he was not with his men as constantly -as he had been in his earlier years. Probably -they took advantage of this fact and did things -he would not have allowed had he known of them.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Cormack made up his mind that the overbearing -conduct of some of the Fenians was caused by the -fact that Finn had no respect for the authority of -the High King. Then, when Finn began to bend -<span class='pageno' title='127' id='Page_127'></span>every effort to increase the fighting strength of the -Fenians, Cormack got the idea that his leader was -about to take the kingdom away from him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The quarrel began to grow serious. Some of the -friends of both men, however, urged that a stronger -alliance be formed between the two to make a serious -break impossible. This was to be accomplished -by having Finn marry Grainne, the daughter of -Cormack.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The two men finally agreed that this wedding -should take place, in spite of the fact that Finn had -a grandson older than the girl who was to be his -wife. Cormack was willing because he really feared -Finn’s power if used against him. Finn was willing -because he knew of the struggle which was coming, -and he wanted no quarrels at home to interfere -with his preparations.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Now, Grainne had never seen this mighty leader. -She knew him only from the stories of his many -deeds of valor. To have such a noted hero for a -husband seemed quite the proper thing, especially -when she was told that the marriage was arranged -for the good of Erin. She told her father that she -was willing to have Finn for a husband.</p> - -<p class='c012'>So, the Fenian chief, attended by his son, Ossian, -his grandson, Oscar, his friend, Dermot, and a guard -of honor, went to the hall at Tara for the wedding -celebration. A great feast for the men of both parties -<span class='pageno' title='128' id='Page_128'></span>was held in the banquet hall. During the meal -Cormack and Finn discussed their differences and -plans for a better understanding.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Naturally the young girl was anxious to have a -look at the man who was to be her husband. While -the feast was in progress she came to the door of -the hall with her maid, who was to point out Finn -to her mistress. The maid did so. Grainne was -amazed.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Surely not that old man!” she exclaimed.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The maid told her that there could be no mistake. -Then she named over all the rest of the party in -turn. Grainne made up her mind that she would not -go on with the ceremony.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“My father did not tell me that he was mating -me with a man old enough to be my grandfather,” -she said. “If he had, I should never have consented. -What can that old man want with a wife?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“The marriage is to bind the Fenians more closely -to the throne,” said the maid.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That could be done in other ways,” replied -Grainne. “If Finn sought me for a wife for his son, -I would be willing to go on with the match.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The maid explained that Ossian already had a -wife and could not take another.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Well, the grandson would be still better,” insisted -Grainne. “But I will never marry that old -man; never, never, never!”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='129' id='Page_129'></span>“Then it would be best for you to so inform your -father immediately,” advised the maid. “Even now -your refusal will cause more bitter feeling.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“No,” said Grainne. “My father would insist upon -the match. If I get out of this marriage it will have -to be by my own efforts.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then the girl went to her rooms in the palace and -prepared a jug of wine, putting in a drug which -would bring a heavy sleep to all who tasted of it. -This she gave to the maid, telling her to go to the -hall and give a sip from the bride’s cup to everyone -except Oscar and Dermot. To these she was to -refuse it.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The maid followed her instructions. All to whom -it was offered took a sip of the drugged liquor. -When they were asleep Grainne, dressed in her most -beautiful robes, entered the hall and went straight -to Oscar and Dermot. She asked Oscar to marry -her and take her away. Oscar indignantly refused -to be false to the man who was both his chief and -his grandfather.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But now Grainne had looked upon the Love Spot. -She forgot all about Oscar in her new love for this -young Fenian hero. She now pled with Dermot to -marry her and take her away.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot threw off her arms from around his neck.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Think you that I would cast aside my honor and -lose my place with the Fenians?” he cried. “Never -<span class='pageno' title='130' id='Page_130'></span>shall it be said that Dermot was false to a friend! -Death would be better than that!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>But Grainne was not to be denied. She forgot -everything but her love for this man. She used a -trick to compel Dermot to take her, the same ruse -that Teasa had used to force Finn to take her to Erin.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“If you will not have me for your wife, I put you -under bonds to save me from this marriage, which -is distasteful to me. I bind you, by your Fenian oath, -to take me away and guard me from all pursuers -until I release you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Poor Dermot was sorely puzzled. Whichever -course he took he must lose his honor. He must -either break his vow to give protection to a woman -whenever it was asked, or he must be disloyal to Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What can I do?” he asked Oscar.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“To give you advice is the thing I would gladly -refuse,” answered Oscar. “Since you ask it, I must -tell you that your honor binds you to do as she asks.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>So Dermot and Grainne went out through the little -gate in the palace wall and fled into the forest, -accompanied only by Dermot’s faithful hound.</p> - -<h3 class='c018'>II<a id='tn138'></a>.</h3> - -<p class='c019'>When the men awoke from their drugged sleep, -and Oscar told Finn and Cormack what had happened, -both men were exceedingly angry. They immediately -ordered a pursuit of the fugitives. For -<span class='pageno' title='131' id='Page_131'></span>days Finn and his men followed the trail of the two. -While they often came upon campfires that still -smouldered, showing where the pursued pair had -stopped, they never were able to catch up with them. -Dermot was caring for Grainne with what food he -could procure in the forest. He was kind to her, -but steadily resisted all her efforts to get him to -marry her. At each camping place he left a sign -that Finn would recognize as a pledge that he was -not fleeing of his own free will, but because the -maiden had put him under bonds.</p> - -<p class='c012'>This treatment, however, did not please Grainne. -All her pleading for his love met with no response. -At last she appealed to a Druid for help. These -Druids had great magical power, if they could be -prevailed upon to use them. Grainne did not tell -him who she was. She played a part calculated to -excite the pity of the magician.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am in deep trouble,” she told him. “I fear -that only you can be of assistance to me. I can tell -by the kindness of your face that you are always -willing to help a maiden in distress.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The Druid was flattered by this artful speech.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What can I do for you, O maiden?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I have just been married, and my husband is falling -in love with another maiden,” lied Grainne. “I -would have you do something to make me more -beautiful, so that my husband will love me again.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='132' id='Page_132'></span>“I could not make you more beautiful than you -are already,” said the Druid. He was something -of a flatterer himself.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Then give me something to kill me,” wailed -Grainne. “I cannot live without my husband’s love.” -At this point she burst into a violent sobbing. -The heart of the Druid was touched by her pretended -grief.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“But if I cannot make you more beautiful, there -is something else I can do for you,” he said.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What is that?” asked Grainne, drying her eyes.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I can give you a liquid to pour into the drink -of your husband. As long as the effect lasts, he -will love you better than anything else in the world.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Give it to me at once,” said Grainne. “If I can -but win back his love, I will keep his heart forever.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>So the Druid gave her the love charm, and -Grainne administered it to Dermot in his food. Immediately -he became wildly in love with her and -yielded to her pleadings to marry her at once.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn’s pursuit had daily become less insistent. -He had never been strongly in favor of marrying -Grainne, and his anger against Dermot became less -keen. When he heard that the two were married -he abandoned the pursuit entirely. He sent word -to Dermot that if he kept out of his way he would -no longer seek to punish him, but that he had been -expelled from the Fenians for disloyalty to his leader.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='133' id='Page_133'></span>And so it happened that Finn lost his best friend -and his companion in his adventures. The Fenians, -also, lost their best fighter. This is the reason why, -in the next story, which tells of the greatest battle -the army ever engaged in, Dermot was not there -to help.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='134' id='Page_134'></span> - <h2 id='ch13' class='c010'>THE BATTLE OF VENTRY STRAND</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>The years sped by with no sign of the attack by -the High King of the World. One less wise than -Finn would have decided that Donn had given up -his revenge. But Finn was not fooled. He knew -that the attack would come, and that each year of -delay meant a greater force against him. He used -the time to build up a stronger defense.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He placed a guard on a hill overlooking every -harbor of Erin. These men were supposed never -to leave their posts without placing some one to -watch in their stead. At the important harbors, the -watch was strictly kept, year after year. But the -guards of the small and unimportant ports grew -careless and spent much of their time asleep or in -the nearby villages.</p> - -<p class='c012'>So it happened that when the great fleet finally -came, there was no one to give warning. The harbor -of Ventry Strand was the one picked out by -Donn for his landing. He chose this harbor because -it was small and unimportant. He was guided by -a traitor who had been expelled from the ranks of -the Fenians, a man who knew the placing of the -forces and who knew that the guards of the small -<span class='pageno' title='135' id='Page_135'></span>harbors like Ventry Strand had become very careless.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When the guard on the hill awoke he was horrified -to see the water black with ships, and hundreds -of men landing on the shore. He could see -what a tremendous force the High King had gathered. -There were the banners of the Kings of -France, of Spain, of Norway, of Denmark, and many -others he did not recognize.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The guard was terrified at the results of his neglect -of duty. He was afraid to face Finn and admit -that he had not been faithful to his charge. He -did the next best thing. He sent a messenger to -his chief telling him of the arrival of the enemy. -Then he went down to meet the hosts alone, and -died fighting bravely as was the duty of a Fenian.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But this guard was not the only one to show his -bravery that day. All through history we find records -of small bodies of devoted men who held back -great armies while their comrades prepared for the -fight. The battle of Ventry Strand was no exception. -This time, however, it was not men, but boys -who sacrificed themselves to hold back the enemy -until the Fenians could arrive.</p> - -<p class='c012'>In many of our stories you have read of the requirements -of strength necessary to become a Fenian. -No doubt you have wondered if there was not -some training school for boys who would be eligible, -if they could pass the test. There was such a training. -<span class='pageno' title='136' id='Page_136'></span>It was called the Boys’ Corps. All boys could -join this group when old enough to begin their training. -They remained in it until they were able to -join the Fenians or had failed to pass the entrance -test. Here they began their training about the age -of twelve, though some of the great heroes enrolled -and became leaders at a much younger age. Finn, -you remember, defeated the giant Midna at the age -of ten, but he had proved himself a leader of the -Boys’ Corps long before that.</p> - -<p class='c012'>These groups had teachers who instructed their -pupils in the Twelve Books of Poetry, and gave them -training in the use of the weapons of the chase and -of warfare. The boys did not live at home, but -camped with the others of the group and lived on -what they could kill, just as did the Fenians. Their -training was much the same as that described in -stories of the Spartan boys in Greece.</p> - -<p class='c012'>One of these training groups was in the hills of -Ventry when the forces of Donn were landing. -Their leader, a boy of sixteen, who had proven himself -the most expert in his training, saw the situation -and thus addressed his companions:</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Behold, an enemy has landed upon the shores of -Erin, and there is no one to stay them. It will take -Finn and his men all day to reach here. In the -meantime, there are two courses open to us. We -can seek safety in the hills and let the foreigner pillage -<span class='pageno' title='137' id='Page_137'></span>our country, or we can go down and die fighting -in its defense. It is for you to choose. If we -hide we may grow up to become Fenians. But can -we look Finn in the face and tell him that we proved -our worth by hiding?“</p> - -<div class='figcenter id003'> -<img src='images/137fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -<div class='ic003'> -<p>The messenger told Finn that the enemy had landed at Ventry Strand<br /><span class='xsmall'>From Battle of Ventry Strand</span></p> -</div> -</div> - -<p class='c012'>He drew a line on the ground and stepped over it.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I, for one, prefer to show these men what sort -of boys grow up to be the men of Erin. Those who -will follow me to the strand to die bravely fighting -for our country, will step across the line.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>With a shout every boy jumped over the line to -the side of their leader. Then, with shields in front -and weapons ready, the Boys’ Corps marched down -to meet the invaders.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Ho! Ho!” laughed one of the soldiers. “Have -the men of Erin hidden in their holes and sent the -children to greet us?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Better gain what glory you can before the men -of Erin arrive to cut short your boasting,” cried the -boy leader, dashing at the man who had mocked them.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Soon the whole boy force was engaged in the unequal -struggle against an overwhelming number of -men hardened to battle. But though they were boys -and knew that they must die in the end, there was -no one but showed the fighting blood of his fathers. -One after another they went down, but all that day -they held the forces of the High King on the shore. -When the Fenians arrived that evening the enemy -<span class='pageno' title='138' id='Page_138'></span>was still on his ships and at the water’s edge. But -where were the heroic boys? Not one was left. -Only the peasants, who had watched the fight from -the hillsides, could tell the story of that noble stand.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When Finn came up and saw the forces against -him, he realized that the battle would be long and -hard. His only hope was to use small bodies of -his fighters against the foe, and trust to the bravery -of his men to wear down the forces of the enemy.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Shall we attack in force and drive them into the -sea?” asked Gaul. “Every Fenian should be able -to account for ten of the enemy.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“They will have to do more than that,” declared -Finn. “We must send out two hundred of our men -each day and let them make what headway they can. -Only in that way can we reduce their number enough -to make possible their defeat. The Fenians need -room to fight and must have strong odds against -them to <a id='tn148'></a>make them do their best. Who will lead -the first two hundred?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I will lead them,” cried Gaul.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I, too, will go,” declared Ossian.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I will be in the first two hundred,” said Oscar.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“So be it,” said Finn. “May you spread terror -into the hearts of the enemy.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Next morning the two hundred charged into the -foe. By nightfall the forces of the High King were -cut to pieces. But of the Fenians there was left but -<span class='pageno' title='139' id='Page_139'></span>Gaul, Ossian and Oscar. Gaul was so badly wounded -that he had to be carried back to the camp.</p> - -<p class='c012'>More men landed from the ships and rallied -around three men, swordsmiths of the High King, -who had led the forces that day, and who had stood -against the Fenian heroes until night closed the battle.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The next day Ossian and Oscar led out two hundred -fresh men from the Fenian army. They were -met by the three smiths and a great force from the -army of the High King. All day the battle continued. -Each Fenian did great deeds of valor and -proved worthy of his name. Toward the close of -the day but three smiths and Ossian and Oscar were -left to carry on the battle. Oscar, the best swordsman -of the Fenians, was holding two of the opposing -champions. The third was pressing hard against -his father and forcing him backward.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn was greatly alarmed for the safety of his -son. Of course, under their rules of warfare, no -more men could come into the battle after it had -started. Finn did the only thing left for him to do. -He sent his poet, Fergus, to stand behind Ossian -and to sing to him of the great deeds he had done -in the past. This encouragement was what Ossian -needed. A great strength rose up within him. He -forced back his opponent and took his head. Oscar, -at the same time, conquered the two, who stood -against him.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='140' id='Page_140'></span>The victory that day rested with the Fenians. -But it was dearly bought. At the end of his combat -Oscar sank to the ground, fainting from his -many wounds. His father had to carry him back -to the camp of the Fenians. It was many months -before he was strong enough to again take part -in the fighting.</p> - -<h3 class='c018'>II<a id='tn150'></a>.</h3> - -<p class='c019'>Not all the brave fighters in the battle of Ventry -Strand were on the Fenian side. Other men could -face great odds, too. The three smiths, who had -fallen that day, had a brother still on the ship of -the High King. When this man saw the result of -the fight, he let out a mighty shout of grief and -rage. He went straight to the High King.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Tomorrow I am going to meet the two hundred -Fenians,” he said. “What is more, I am going alone. -If any of our men try to interfere with me, I shall -kill them.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The High King knew that this man was the greatest -champion on his side. He was willing to have -him go out and strike terror into the hearts of the -Fenians. He gave orders that he should be the only -one to land next day.</p> - -<p class='c012'>For the next day’s battle Finn had no great leader -for his men. One young Fenian, anxious to gain -glory for himself, offered to lead the two hundred. -<span class='pageno' title='141' id='Page_141'></span>Finn let him go. All day long the two hundred -Fenians faced this one champion. By night the foreigner -was alone on the field. A shout of victory -went up from the ships of the High King. The -Fenians were far from joyous to see such valor -on the side of the enemy.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The next day this champion again defeated the -two hundred Fenians, and for the four days following, -the combats ended the same. Finn was getting -desperate. He could not go out and meet the man -himself, because if he were killed or badly wounded, -his men would be leaderless and the forces of the -High King would gain the victory.</p> - -<p class='c012'>How he wished for Dermot in this hour of need! -The splendid example of this great hero would have -done the Fenians more good than a thousand soldiers. -Ossian and Oscar, too badly wounded to -fight, pled with Finn to relent and send for his one-time -champion and dearest friend. But Finn’s pride -would not permit him to do this. The thought that -Dermot had yielded to a woman’s plea to be false -to his chief, cut him to the heart.</p> - -<p class='c012'>All great men have their moments of weakness. -The one dark spot on the record of Finn is his treatment -of Dermot. One point we find in his favor. -It is the fact that he did not send for Dermot during -the battle. If he could not forgive him because -he felt the justice of his friend’s position, he would -not say so because he needed his sword.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='142' id='Page_142'></span>In this hour of need another hero arrived on the -Fenian side. The son of the King of Ulster heard -of this battle and longed to take part in it. Though -little more than a boy he went to his father and -asked his permission. His father met this request -with an angry reply.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What nonsense!” he exclaimed. “You are only -a boy and not fit to go into battle.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The king not only forbade his going, but he set -over him a guard of his twelve foster-brothers to -see that he did not go without permission. But the -boy was not to be denied. He talked so earnestly -with his brothers that he fired them with a desire -to take part in the great battle. In the end all thirteen -slipped away to the camp of Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The boy went before the chief of the Fenians. -“I am the son of the King of Ulster,” he said. “It -is my wish to meet this champion, who is bringing -fear into the hearts of the Fenians.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Go home, boy,” said Conan. “This man has slain -heroes who could account for a thousand like you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The boy looked at him in indignation. “I do not -know the Fenians,” he said. “But I do know that -you must be Conan, who speaks good of no man. -If you think a boy should not face this champion, -why are you here in camp? If I cannot kill this -man, I can at least show the foreigners that the boys -of Erin have not the cowardice of a Conan!”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='143' id='Page_143'></span>Conan had no more to say after that. He hated -to hear the truth from the lips of a boy. Finn, because -he remembered the fire of his own youth, looked -with favor upon the brave lad and consented to -his meeting the champion. While they talked a -mighty shout came from the shore.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“What is that?” asked the boy.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“That is the champion calling for men to meet -him,” answered Conan. “He has just finished the -last of your bodyguard.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“He shall not have to wait long,” said the boy.</p> - -<p class='c012'>A great shout of laughter from the enemy greeted -the approach of the new fighter. The champion -joined in the jeers.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Let Finn acknowledge his defeat if he has no -more men to send out,” he cried. “I do not fight -with boys.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“If you do not fight, it will be your last battle,” -declared the son of the king.</p> - -<p class='c012'>He closed in battle. Before the smith realized -that it was a real contest, he had received several -small wounds. He began to fight in earnest. But -he had met his match at last. They fought until -their shields were torn to shreds, and their swords -were broken off at the hilts. Then they threw away -the weapons and struggled with their bare hands. -Over the shore they fought, and finally out into the -sea, where they sank from sight.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='144' id='Page_144'></span>The men of both sides waited anxiously to see -which one would come up. But neither appeared -that night. Next morning the two bodies, still locked -in a tight embrace, were washed upon the sands. -The body of the king’s son was on top, his hands -still clasping the throat of his opponent, proving -that he had won the fight.</p> - -<h3 class='c018'>III<a id='tn154'></a>.</h3> - -<p class='c019'>The great battle went on for a year and a day. -Sometimes there were single combats, sometimes -many men were engaged, but neither side could gain -a complete victory. When the year was up the High -King resolved to challenge Finn to single combat. -He saw that he was losing more men then the Fenians, -and that Finn’s plan of campaign would win -for him in the end.</p> - -<p class='c012'>If he could kill Finn, all the advantage would be -on his side. Also, the death of the Fenian chief -would make complete his revenge for the loss of -his daughter. Donn was not showing such wonderful -bravery in offering to meet the Fenian chief. -Finn was an old man, without the great strength -of his youth. Donn reasoned that he could fight -him day after day until Finn was vanquished through -weakness. He did not fear for himself. He was -protected by enchantment and could not be killed -<span class='pageno' title='145' id='Page_145'></span>except with one sword. That weapon was locked -up in his castle at home, guarded by his father.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn knew that he could not kill the High King -without this sword. Yet he accepted the challenge. -He had lost so many of his men that he was sick -at heart. He welcomed the idea of getting into the -fight himself. Even if he were killed, he could still -set an example of his unflinching courage. Gaul, -Ossian and Oscar were now almost recovered. Even -were he killed, he was sure Gaul would carry on -the fight.</p> - -<p class='c012'>On the night before the battle between the two -leaders, an enchanter from the side of the High King -entered the Fenian camp and went straight to Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I have left the camp of the High King because -he has been unjust to me,” said the enchanter. “I -am here to help you in your fight against him.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn thanked him and asked him what he could do.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Perhaps you do not know that you can only kill -him with one sword,” said the man.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I do know it,” answered Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Stand against him tomorrow, and by night you -shall have the sword. I shall go to Donn’s father -and tell him that his son has sent me for his sword -to use in the fight against you. His father will give -it to me without question.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Bring me the weapon and I shall reward you,” -said Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='146' id='Page_146'></span>The two leaders met the next day in combat. The -High King had no fear and fought recklessly. Finn -knew that he must continue the battle until the next -day, so he fought with great care and was content -with defending himself from the attacks of Donn. -This pleased the High King very much. He thought -that Finn had lost his strength. He went to his -ship that night sure that the next day would bring -with it the defeat of the Fenian chief.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But he had a surprise in store for him. The next -morning when he came out to the combat he found -Finn coming toward him. He turned pale when he -recognized the weapon in the hands of his opponent. -Fear gripped his heart and destroyed his sense of -honor. He tried to win by surprise. Before the -signal for combat was given, he struck a mighty -blow at Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But for the heroism of one of the Fenians he -would have succeeded. This young man rushed in -and received the blow intended for his chief.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When Finn saw the death of his man as a result -of treachery, a surge of rage gave him all the -strength of his youth. He raised the weapon the -enchanter had brought, and with one blow finished -his combat with Donn. Then, rallying his entire -force with his old battle cry, he set upon the leaderless -hosts.</p> - -<p class='c012'>That day’s battle was the fiercest of all. When -<span class='pageno' title='147' id='Page_147'></span>night came there was not a man of the invading -force left alive. But there were no Fenians left to -give battle had there been any more to meet. Everyone -of the brave defenders, Finn included, were dead -or suffering from severe wounds.</p> - -<p class='c012'>So ended the battle of Ventry Strand. Erin was -saved from the invaders, but at a fearful cost. The -story reminds one of the Trojan War, of which most -of us have read. In that great contest we read of -the same desperate heroism. Both were started because -of a woman, and both continued until all the -fighters on one side were completely destroyed.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='148' id='Page_148'></span> - <h2 id='ch14' class='c010'>THE DEATH OF DERMOT</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>For sixteen years after the flight of Grainne and -Dermot, the couple lived in their home in the forest. -Dermot was not unhappy, now that his remorse for -proving disloyal to Finn had grown less keen. He -divided his time between hunting in the forest and -the training of his children. He never mentioned -his former chief or his comrades.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Grainne was not so easily satisfied. She proved -to be the kind of woman who is always wishing for -something she cannot have. When she was about -to be married to Finn, she wanted Dermot. Then, -when she had succeeded in getting Dermot to marry -her, she decided that she had been foolish to run -away from Finn. While he was pursuing them, -Grainne had been perfectly happy. She had not -wished to be caught, but it pleased her vanity to -be running away with one great hero and having -another trying to capture her.</p> - -<p class='c012'>When Finn gave up the chase and she was allowed -to have the man she had chosen, she was no longer -satisfied. She decided that Finn must come and visit -them. The reason she gave Dermot for this wish -was, that their daughter could never pick a husband -<span class='pageno' title='149' id='Page_149'></span>if she was never to see any of the heroes of the -country. What she really desired was to have Finn -come and tell her that he envied Dermot his good -fortune in getting such a fine wife, or to have him -show, in some way, that he was sorry he could not -marry her.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot finally yielded to her arguments and sent -the invitation to Finn. At first the Fenian leader -refused to consider such a visit. The invitation reminded -him of what he called the treachery of the -man who had been his friend. But Ossian and -Oscar reasoned with him and urged him to make the -visit as a sign of forgiveness. They told him that -it did not look well for a mighty leader to hold a -grudge for so long. They insisted that it was just -his pride which kept him away, and that he really -wanted to see Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn finally consented. He took Oscar and Ossian -with him and went to the home in the forest.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Their reception was a cordial one. Dermot was -like a boy in his pleasure at meeting his former chief -and his old friends. As for Finn, he seemed to forget -his injured pride in the joy of being once more -on good terms with Dermot. For several days it -was a happy party. Through the day they hunted -together; in the evenings they feasted and told stories -of the hard combats of the past. Finn even went -so far as to admit that the need of Dermot’s sword -very nearly caused the defeat of the Fenians in the -<span class='pageno' title='150' id='Page_150'></span>Battle of Ventry Strand. It seemed as if the past -was all forgotten, and that Dermot would once more -become a member of the Fenian band.</p> - -<p class='c012'>But Grainne never was content. Once more she -caused trouble between the two men. She soon -proved that it was for neither her husband nor her -daughter that she desired the visit of Finn. When -he had come, he had greeted her cordially, and then -had seemed to forget all about her. This hurt her -pride. She began to make herself very agreeable -to him and to seek him out at every opportunity. -She tried to do little things for him which would -bring her to his notice.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Now, Grainne could be very charming when she -tried, and she was still a very beautiful woman. -Finn began to take an interest in her. Then, Grainne, -hoping to get some statement of regret from him, -called up the circumstances of that flight, sixteen -years before.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn’s anger, which had died almost to ashes, -burst into a flame again. He no longer took pleasure -in the company of Dermot. Even when he tried -to look pleasantly at his host, the fire in his eyes -could not be hidden. Ossian saw the change and -urged that the visit be brought to a close. Finn put -him off angrily and refused to leave.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Grainne was pleased with the results of her scheme. -It was not that she did not still love her husband. -<span class='pageno' title='151' id='Page_151'></span>You see, she knew that Dermot could not be wounded -by Finn. She thought there was no danger, and it -was pleasing to her vanity to know that once again -two fine men were interested in her.</p> - -<p class='c012'>One night the men were awakened by the continued -baying of the hounds. This could only mean -that some large animals were prowling around. So, -early next morning, they went out upon a hunt. -Oscar and Ossian took one path and Finn and Dermot -the other. The latter had not gone far when -they met an excited peasant, who informed them -that a terrible wild boar was roaming about, spreading -death and destruction in its path.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot paused. He knew that hunting the wild -boar was forbidden to him. The proper thing for -him to do was to go back, and he knew it. Finn -watched him anxiously.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You had better go back, Dermot,” he said. “This -is hardly a safe pastime for you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Dermot flushed with anger. “It is plain that you -desire my death, Finn MacCool,” he said, “or you -would not say such a thing to me. You know full -well that I cannot turn back when you question my -bravery.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn said no more. He felt sure that Dermot -would continue the hunt in spite of the warnings -of his foster-father. They had gone but a few yards -when a great boar burst out of the forest and made -<span class='pageno' title='152' id='Page_152'></span>toward them. Dermot hurled his spear. It glanced -off the thick skull. He drew his sword, but before -he could use it, the boar knocked him down and -tore him cruelly with his tusks. Even as he fell, -Dermot crushed the skull of the beast with the hilt -of his sword.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn had made no move to assist in the killing -of the boar. Now he came over and looked at Dermot. -The wounded man implored him to do something -for him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am sorry to see you this way, Dermot,” he said. -“But I can never forget that you proved untrue to -me sixteen years ago. There is nothing I can do -for you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“There is,” answered Dermot. “You can restore -me to health by giving me a drink from your two -hands.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“There is no well,” said Finn, making excuses.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“There is one just a few paces behind you,” said -Dermot.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn made no move to go. His anger held him -back.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Can’t you remember how you were bound and -suffering in the dungeon of the White Nation? I -did not hesitate to go through every trial to rescue -you. Will you refuse me now? For the sake of -what I have done for you, give me a drink that -will heal me.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='153' id='Page_153'></span>Finn was filled with remorse. He went to the well -and started back with his cupped hands full of water. -But as he walked he saw before him a picture of -that hall in Tara. Again he felt the disgrace of -having his trusted friend prove disloyal to him. The -water trickled through his fingers, and he came -back with nothing.</p> - -<p class='c012'>By that time Oscar and Ossian had come up and -had knelt beside the wounded man. Dermot looked -up at Finn with a pleading look in his eyes.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I could not bring it,” said Finn. “It is too far -to carry it. The water all runs away.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“You can bring it if you wish,” insisted Dermot. -“I know you are angry because I took Grainne away -that night. But Oscar will tell you that it was much -against my will. She put me under bonds, and I -had to go, just as you had to bring Teasa from the -land of Avarta. Your men did not turn against you -because you brought trouble to Erin by that act. -For the sake of our old friendship, get me the drink -before it is too late!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Once more a flood of pity and remorse came over -Finn. He recognized the justice of Dermot’s plea. -Again he hurried to the well and filled his hands. -But when he started back to the dying man he -seemed to see Grainne in front of him. She seemed -to be smiling at him and beckoning to him. Once -more the water ran out through his fingers, and he -came back with his hands empty.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='154' id='Page_154'></span>When he approached this time, Dermot was too -weak to speak. Only his eyes pled for the water. -Oscar could not stand it any longer. He sprang -to his feet and drew his sword.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Though you are my chief, I will not stand by -and see you do this great wrong!” he cried. “You -must get the water or one of us will never leave -this forest alive!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Oscar’s just anger brought Finn to his senses. -He put all thoughts of pride and the woman from -his mind. He hurriedly filled his hands and hastened -back to Dermot’s side. He was too late. The -mighty hero was dead.</p> - -<p class='c012'>They made preparations to take away the body -for burial. But their help was not needed. The god, -Angus, appeared and with him four shining heroes, -bearing a golden bier. On this they placed the body -of Dermot and walked majestically away.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I cannot give him back his life,” said Angus. -“But I can take his body with me, and I can have -his soul to keep me company.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then all vanished in a blaze of light. Finn, Oscar -and Ossian were left alone in the forest.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <span class='pageno' title='155' id='Page_155'></span> - <h2 id='ch15' class='c010'>THE BATTLE OF GOWRA</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c011'>A few years after the death of Dermot the old -trouble between the High King of Tara and the Fenians -arose again. Cormack was dead, but his son -was even more bitter against the army. He made -up his mind that he would destroy the forces entirely.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The new ruler realized that he could never raise -a sufficient force to meet the Fenians in battle. He -determined upon a less dangerous, though less honorable, -method. He endeavored to promote a quarrel -between two factions, so that the groups would -destroy themselves. The High King, you see, was -a man of wisdom.</p> - -<p class='c012'>This plan was an easy one to accomplish. You -have not forgotten that Gaul of Morna had held the -leadership of the Fenians for the ten years between -the death of Cool and the arrival of Finn. He had -been loyal to Finn all through the later years, but -beneath his loyalty ran a thin current of envy. He -was the older man of the two. It was easy to tell -him that, because of his age, he should be chief. -Envy is a poison that works silently, but it works -harder when it is thought about. The High King -gradually convinced Gaul that it would be to his interest -<span class='pageno' title='156' id='Page_156'></span>to quarrel with Finn and take part of the -army with him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn’s treatment of Dermot shows us that he became -more revengeful in his later years. He did not -take part in so many adventures requiring him to -use his strength, so he had more time to think over -what people had done to him. He never forgot that -it was Gaul who had given his father his mortal -wound. As long as Gaul was his faithful follower, -he did not hold this fact against him. But when -Gaul began to grow bitter in his dealings with his -chief, Finn made the quarreling easy by recalling -this fight. Both men were willing to come to blows.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The High King went with Gaul through the ranks -of the Fenians and, by promises and bribes, won -over a large number. The fact that the High King -was on the side of Gaul made it appear to these men -that those who were disloyal to Finn would probably -be on the winning side. In the end, the two -forces were about equal. Then the High King and -Gaul moved to attack the forces of Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn was sick at heart at the thought that his -splendid army was to be cut to pieces by the treacherous -plot of the High King. He would gladly have -given up his command if that act would have saved -the men from fighting among themselves. His knowledge, -however, told him that it was the plan of the -High King to get the two groups to so weaken themselves -<span class='pageno' title='157' id='Page_157'></span>that he could gather a force large enough to -defeat those left. Finn knew what Gaul did not understand, -that he was to be used and later put out -of the way.</p> - -<p class='c012'>The forces of Gaul met those of Finn at Gowra, -just at evening. In those days no one thought of -fighting at night. The two forces built their camps -and waited for morning light to give the signal for -the combat.</p> - -<p class='c012'>All through the early hours of the night Finn -paced his camp and tried to make a plan which would -stop the struggle of the next day. If the High King -had not been on the side of Gaul, he felt that the -trouble would never have occurred. At midnight -he left his own camp and went, alone, to the quarters -of Gaul and the High King.</p> - -<p class='c012'>These two men were greatly alarmed to wake and -find Finn beside them. Both sprang to their feet -and seized their weapons. They thought that Finn -meant to do away with them by treachery.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Have no fear,” said Finn. “I have come by myself, -and my purpose is to talk, not fight. I have -come to see if there is not some way in which we -can stop the slaughter of the men of Erin.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Both men were silent. Finally Gaul spoke, “There -is one way,” he said. “You may give up the leadership -and tell your men to obey me.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn turned to the High King. “If that will stop -the struggle, then I will accept the terms.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='158' id='Page_158'></span>The crafty High King was not pleased. A peace -which would leave the Fenians as strong as ever -was the last thing he wanted. He pretended to doubt -Finn’s word.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It is but a trick,” he said to Gaul. “Finn would -have us believe that he wants peace, so that he may -attack us unawares. Tomorrow’s contest shall decide -all things which are at stake.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Then I make one other proposition to you,” said -Finn, addressing the High King. “I will meet you -in single combat tomorrow morning. If you best -me, you will have a clear field to take my men as -your followers. If I prove the better fighter, Gaul -and I will be left to decide the leadership.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The High King had been whispering to some of -his men near him. These went out into the darkness -before he replied to the challenge.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I refuse your challenge,” he said, with an attempt -to cover his fear with haughtiness. “It would not -be fitting that an army leader should meet his king -in a single combat.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Then I can do no more,” declared Finn. “I must -go back and leave the decision to the morrow.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>The High King laughed excitedly. “That you -shall not do,” he said. “Our men have been awakened -and are between you and your camp. Tonight -they will settle your claims for leadership; tomorrow -your men will fight without you.”</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='159' id='Page_159'></span>Finn looked at the forces, now awake and surrounding -him. It was the basest kind of treachery. -He turned to Gaul of Morna.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“Gaul, you took the vow to be honorable in your -dealings. Are you willing that I shall face your -army, when I came in peace as a messenger? Are -you a party to this treachery?”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I am not!” cried Gaul. “Never shall it be said -that Gaul of Morna knew not how to treat a messenger -of the foe. I shall conduct you through our -forces, and woe to any man who raises a spear -against you!”</p> - -<p class='c012'>“I thank you, Gaul,” said Finn.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Without even glancing at the High King, Finn -followed Gaul out into the night. His guide escorted -him to the edge of his own camp before turning -to go back. Finn made a last appeal to him.</p> - -<p class='c012'>“It grieves me, Gaul, to see this battle take place. -I know that the High King but uses you to cause -the destruction of the Fenians. I pray you, give up -the struggle and come back to us.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Gaul was deeply moved. “I fear you are right,” -he said. “But, right or wrong, I must go on. I -have driven my game out into the open. I must -capture it or lose the respect of my men.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then Gaul went back to his camp.</p> - -<div> - <span class='pageno' title='160' id='Page_160'></span> -<h3 class='c018'>II<a id='tn170'></a>.</h3> -</div> - -<p class='c019'>With the first streaks of morning light, the great -battle of Gowra began. The men fought as only -Fenians could fight against one another. Finn threw -himself into the struggle with reckless bravery, but -the late afternoon found him still unwounded. Many -a splendid hero went down, Gaul of Morna among -them. The High King, however, did not allow the -fight to lag when his leader was killed. He took -charge of the forces himself.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Finn tried all day to get his monarch into a combat -with him, but the High King was too shrewd. -He kept clear of any of the stronger fighters of -Finn’s forces. It was Oscar, wounded and tired, -who finally cornered him and forced him to fight -or show his cowardice.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Like a rat in a trap, the High King put up a desperate -battle. He was fresh and strong, and so was -almost a match for the wounded Oscar. The end -came when both men sank to the ground at the same -time. Before Finn could reach the side of his grandson, -both men were dead.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then Finn’s mighty heart broke. He looked about -the field, where small groups of men still struggled -desperately. He determined that the contest should -stop. He blew a loud blast on his horn. The men -stopped in surprise. Finn’s voice rang out over -the field.</p> - -<p class='c012'><span class='pageno' title='161' id='Page_161'></span>“Men of Erin,” he called. “Sad am I that I have -lived to see the day when brother fights against -brother, friend against friend. Let the fighting -cease. Gaul and the High King are dead, and Finn -will soon be with you no longer. I care not to live -to think over this useless conflict. From now on the -Fenians will live only in song and story. Go back -to the chase and the pursuits of peace. I command -you never to draw sword again unless it be to protect -Erin from a foreign foe.”</p> - -<p class='c012'>Then Finn called his servant and bade him bring -to him the drinking horn from his camp. This horn -he had carried with him all through his later years. -It held the magic water which would bring sleep -and forgetfulness to any who drank from it. When -the horn was brought he drained it to the last drop. -Then he bade farewell to his men, took his weapons -with him and went into a cave on the hillside to await -the sleep that was already stealing over his limbs.</p> - -<hr class='c020' /> - -<p class='c012'>A thousand years rolled by. A new race of people -took possession of Erin. Only from the lips of -the poets and the bards could one hear of the mighty -heroes. Some laugh and say the tales are not true. -But the legend is still told among the Irish peasants -that Finn still sleeps in his cave on the hill, and that -if Ireland ever is invaded again, he will come out -and gather his Fenians for battle.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c021'> - <div><span class='sc'>The End.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c010'>Transcriber’s Notes</h2> -</div> - -<table class='table1' summary=''> -<colgroup> -<col width='72%' /> -<col width='27%' /> -</colgroup> - <tr> - <td class='c015'><a href='#tn029'>“guesed” changed to “guessed” on Page 25</a></td> - <td class='c022'>but he never guessed</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c015'><a href='#tn030'>“again” changed to “against” on Page 26</a></td> - <td class='c022'>thumb against the meat</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c015'><a href='#tn030-2'>“freightened” changed to “frightened” on Page 26</a></td> - <td class='c022'>eyes frightened him</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c015'><a href='#tn035'>“posible” changed to “possible” on Page 31</a></td> - <td class='c022'>feat be possible,</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c015'><a href='#tn035-2'>” added on Page 31</a></td> - <td class='c022'>youth,” answered Conn.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c015'><a href='#tn039'>“McCool” changed to “MacCool” on Page 35</a></td> - <td class='c022'>Thus Finn MacCool</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c015'><a href='#tn060'>“warior” changed to “warrior” on Page 52</a></td> - <td class='c022'>only a great warrior.</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c015'><a href='#tn069'>“tuggling” changed to “tugging” on Page 61</a></td> - <td class='c022'>tugging and straining</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c015'><a href='#tn084'>“him” changed to “his” on Page 76</a></td> - <td class='c022'>He cleared his way</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c015'><a href='#tn084-2'>corrected placement of quote on Page 76</a></td> - <td class='c022'>castle. “You are at</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c015'><a href='#tn091'>“ added on Page 83</a></td> - <td class='c022'>the king. “Finding</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c015'><a href='#tn102'>” added on Page 94</a></td> - <td class='c022'>lord of that castle.”</td> - </tr> - <tr> - <td class='c015'><a href='#tn148'>“made” changed to “make” on Page 138</a></td> - <td class='c022'>make them do their</td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p class='c012'>Added period to regularize headings on Pages <a href='#tn014'>12</a>, <a href='#tn105'>97</a>, <a href='#tn115'>107</a>, -<a href='#tn124'>116</a>, <a href='#tn127'>119</a>, <a href='#tn131'>123</a>, <a href='#tn138'>130</a>, <a href='#tn150'>140</a>, <a href='#tn154'>144</a>, -and <a href='#tn170'>160</a>.</p> - -<p class='c012'>Chapter 10 has no Section VIII. Section VII. begins on Page <a href='#Page_89'>89</a>, -and Section IX. begins on Page <a href='#Page_97'>97</a>.</p> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Legendary Heroes of Ireland, by Harold F. Hughes - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LEGENDARY HEROES OF IRELAND *** - -***** This file should be named 50490-h.htm or 50490-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/0/4/9/50490/ - -Produced by Chris Curnow, Lisa Anne Hatfield and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for the eBooks, unless you receive -specific permission. If you do not charge anything for copies of this -eBook, complying with the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook -for nearly any purpose such as creation of derivative works, reports, -performances and research. They may be modified and printed and given -away--you may do practically ANYTHING in the United States with eBooks -not protected by U.S. copyright law. Redistribution is subject to the -trademark license, especially commercial redistribution. - -START: FULL LICENSE - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full -Project Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at -www.gutenberg.org/license. - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or -destroy all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your -possession. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a -Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound -by the terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the -person or entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph -1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this -agreement and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the -Foundation" or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection -of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual -works in the collection are in the public domain in the United -States. If an individual work is unprotected by copyright law in the -United States and you are located in the United States, we do not -claim a right to prevent you from copying, distributing, performing, -displaying or creating derivative works based on the work as long as -all references to Project Gutenberg are removed. Of course, we hope -that you will support the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting -free access to electronic works by freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm -works in compliance with the terms of this agreement for keeping the -Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the work. You can easily -comply with the terms of this agreement by keeping this work in the -same format with its attached full Project Gutenberg-tm License when -you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are -in a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, -check the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this -agreement before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, -distributing or creating derivative works based on this work or any -other Project Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no -representations concerning the copyright status of any work in any -country outside the United States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other -immediate access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear -prominently whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work -on which the phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, -performed, viewed, copied or distributed: - - This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and - most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no - restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it - under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this - eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the - United States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you - are located before using this ebook. - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is -derived from texts not protected by U.S. copyright law (does not -contain a notice indicating that it is posted with permission of the -copyright holder), the work can be copied and distributed to anyone in -the United States without paying any fees or charges. If you are -redistributing or providing access to a work with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the work, you must comply -either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 or -obtain permission for the use of the work and the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any -additional terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms -will be linked to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works -posted with the permission of the copyright holder found at the -beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including -any word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access -to or distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format -other than "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official -version posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site -(www.gutenberg.org), you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense -to the user, provide a copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means -of obtaining a copy upon request, of the work in its original "Plain -Vanilla ASCII" or other form. Any alternate format must include the -full Project Gutenberg-tm License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -provided that - -* You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is owed - to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he has - agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments must be paid - within 60 days following each date on which you prepare (or are - legally required to prepare) your periodic tax returns. Royalty - payments should be clearly marked as such and sent to the Project - Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the address specified in - Section 4, "Information about donations to the Project Gutenberg - Literary Archive Foundation." - -* You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or destroy all - copies of the works possessed in a physical medium and discontinue - all use of and all access to other copies of Project Gutenberg-tm - works. - -* You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of - any money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days of - receipt of the work. - -* You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work or group of works on different terms than -are set forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing -from both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and The -Project Gutenberg Trademark LLC, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm -trademark. Contact the Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -works not protected by U.S. copyright law in creating the Project -Gutenberg-tm collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may -contain "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate -or corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other -intellectual property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or -other medium, a computer virus, or computer codes that damage or -cannot be read by your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium -with your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you -with the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in -lieu of a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person -or entity providing it to you may choose to give you a second -opportunity to receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If -the second copy is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing -without further opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO -OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT -LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of -damages. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement -violates the law of the state applicable to this agreement, the -agreement shall be interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or -limitation permitted by the applicable state law. The invalidity or -unenforceability of any provision of this agreement shall not void the -remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in -accordance with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the -production, promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works, harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, -including legal fees, that arise directly or indirectly from any of -the following which you do or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this -or any Project Gutenberg-tm work, (b) alteration, modification, or -additions or deletions to any Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any -Defect you cause. - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of -computers including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It -exists because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations -from people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future -generations. To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation and how your efforts and donations can help, see -Sections 3 and 4 and the Foundation information page at -www.gutenberg.org Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent permitted by -U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the -mailing address: PO Box 750175, Fairbanks, AK 99775, but its -volunteers and employees are scattered throughout numerous -locations. Its business office is located at 809 North 1500 West, Salt -Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email contact links and up to -date contact information can be found at the Foundation's web site and -official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To SEND -DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any particular -state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. To -donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project -Gutenberg-tm concept of a library of electronic works that could be -freely shared with anyone. For forty years, he produced and -distributed Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of -volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as not protected by copyright in -the U.S. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not -necessarily keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper -edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search -facility: www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. - - - -</pre> - - </body> - <!-- created with ppgen.py 3.53 on 2015-11-19 03:36:49 GMT --> -</html> diff --git a/old/50490-h/images/009fp.jpg b/old/50490-h/images/009fp.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 1e50305..0000000 --- a/old/50490-h/images/009fp.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50490-h/images/021fp.jpg b/old/50490-h/images/021fp.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index d59ffa9..0000000 --- a/old/50490-h/images/021fp.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50490-h/images/047fp.jpg b/old/50490-h/images/047fp.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 1740c76..0000000 --- a/old/50490-h/images/047fp.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50490-h/images/050fp.jpg b/old/50490-h/images/050fp.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index ba48ff9..0000000 --- a/old/50490-h/images/050fp.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50490-h/images/137fp.jpg b/old/50490-h/images/137fp.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 41a55b8..0000000 --- a/old/50490-h/images/137fp.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50490-h/images/cover.jpg b/old/50490-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 4f7c7f3..0000000 --- a/old/50490-h/images/cover.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50490-h/images/decoration.png b/old/50490-h/images/decoration.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 355c94b..0000000 --- a/old/50490-h/images/decoration.png +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/50490-h/images/shield.png b/old/50490-h/images/shield.png Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index e35564a..0000000 --- a/old/50490-h/images/shield.png +++ /dev/null |
