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 one of the Clan Morna possessed the cowardice and meanness you have shown. For your threats to our chief I will deal with you so hardly that from now till the day of your death you shall speak no more evil words," and clenching his fists tightly he rushed at Conan.

But Conan, hearing Oscur speak in such a furious manner, sheltered himself at the back of the Fians, crying:

"Oh, save me from that terrible man, for he has a woeful temper and a very strong arm!" So, because his high-sounding speeches and queer deeds provided them with a good deal of amusement, they laughingly protected him from Oscur's wrath; for they knew that Conan had no power to ever injure Fionn.

Oisin now asked his father what they could do to free him from this dreadful enchantment of old age which had come upon him.

"Take me," said Fionn, "to the hill of Cuillean of Cooalney. It was his daughter Miluchra, sister to my own wife, who put this spell on me, and only Cuillean can remove it."

The Fians made a litter of pine branches