Page:Heroes of the dawn.djvu/165

 Uchtdealb was furious with Tuirenn for speaking in such a fearless manner, and could not restrain her anger. With a little carved yew stick she carried in her hand she struck Tuirenn, and cried:

"Hound you shall be, and hound you shall remain."

Instantly Tuirenn was transformed into a beautiful white hound, with black markings on her sides and back, and soft brown eyes that looked up piteously in Uchtdealb's face. But the enchantress, slipping a golden collar on her neck, held her in leash, and in that manner led her to the house of a man named Fergus Fionnlia. Of all houses it was the worst to take her to, for in the whole of Ireland there was not another man like Fergus, who hated dogs, and would never keep one with him.

When Uchtdealb saw him she said:

"At last Fionn has sent you one of his hounds to mind, Fergus Fionnlia. And he charges you to maintain her well, and not let her scour the whole country hunting game for your pot."