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 and teachers. Is it not possible for you to devise some way whereby we can land on this rock-encircled island, and search for our lost comrades?"

Diarmuid's face grew red with indignation at being spoken to so scornfully, but he said nothing. He looked from the ship to the cliff, and considered for a moment, then he made a sudden mighty leap, and landed on a jutting ledge of rock far above his head. His comrades, however, could not accomplish that leap, so Diarmuid called to them that he would explore the island, and bring them word if the Fians were there.

He walked away from the rock and through a thick wood full of blossoming trees, until he came to a wide plain. He stood on the edge of the wood and surveyed the plain for some sign of life, but in all the space before him there was not one being to be seen. Only in the midst of the plain stood an immense leafy tree, and under the tree a deep clear spring of running water bubbled, and by the side of it an amber-coloured drinking-cup was lying on a big stone. Diarmuid walked over to it and