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 you one night, and I will hunt the following night, for whatever time we are with you."

"Hitherto the Fianna have been able to hunt for themselves; and if they were not, I do not imagine that fat dog with you could overtake and kill our swift deer or the fierce boar." The brothers frowned, and Fionn added courteously: "However, do not think that I speak disparagingly of either your gifts or your dog; without doubt they will be very useful to us at some future time. Tell me now, before I admit you into the Fianna, whether you have any special conditions or vows to keep?"

"Three things we ask of you," they replied. "One is, that after twilight none must be allowed to come near our camp. Another is, that we do not wish you to give us food and drink; we are under a vow to provide everything for ourselves. Our third request is, that you give us that part of the country to hunt which contains the least game."

"Those are very curious demands," said Fionn. "I should like to know what reason you have for wishing to remain isolated after