Page:Celtic Stories by Edward Thomas.djvu/66

 of the hill. They were resting that day. The hill-top was to be a centre of rest for tired hunters, and from it men could watch the chase on the plains below. As Finn sat, now watching and now listening for hounds and hunters, a strange man saluted him. He was dressed like a warrior in a Lochlann coat of mail, and carried two spears and a long sword. He was a man of majesty and courtesy; Finn saluted him back, and for some time they talked together. More than once, the stranger put aside questions about his name and whence he had come.

'It is wonderful, said Finn, 'that such a hero should be in Erin, but unknown to me.'

At this Conan the son of Morna interrupted and spoke hotly, saying:

'O King, this man is Midac. He is one of the Fena, but an enemy. Fourteen years he has lived yonder in the land thou gavest him, and he has never come to see us or invited us to see him.'

Midac answered mildly:

'I am one of the Fena. Is there need of invitations among brethren? I have always had ready a feast worthy of you. Come now, then, to my Palace of the Mountain Ash Trees which is not far off, and feast with me.'

Midac pointed out the way, and went on rapidly ahead to make things ready for his guests. Ossian and five chieftains were to remain at the tents until the hunt returned. Finn and the others followed Midac, promising to send back news to the tents of what should happen.

Midac disappeared at a bend in the road, but they continued after him upon the descending path for some distance. Then they took a track branching out of it