Page:Heroes of the dawn.djvu/141

 over mountains and bogs and through forests, and discover where it hides itself, and it is as easy for me to do this on water as on land."

"I think," said Fionn, "that beyond all others you are the men we stand most in need of at the present moment," and he told them how the Gilla Decair had captured fifteen of his people.

Feradach said he would gladly help Fionn, and the Fians covered their eyes with their cloaks while he struck his sling-stick three times with his axe; when the Fians uncovered their eyes they saw in the water before them a large ship, with masts and sails ready set for a voyage.

Caeilté rose then and shouted loudly, so that wherever in Ireland the Fianna were they heard those shouts, and hastened to Fionn, for they feared some great danger or peril threatened him.

When the Fianna had all gathered they held counsel together, and it was agreed that Fionn, with fifteen of his men, should go in pursuit of the Gilla Decair; and during his absence Oisin should have command of the