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 at them more closely he observed that their eyes had a strange red glare in them, like the eyes of an animal when it is waiting to pounce on its prey.

"I think there is something evil about them," said Fionn, "though they look fair and gentle. Perhaps it will be wiser for us not to go nearer."

"Surely such a great hero as Fionn mac Cumall does not fear three gentle maidens?" taunted Conan, and laughed loudly.

"I am not afraid of the greatest champion on earth, so why should I fear women?" answered Fionn. "But there are powers belonging to an unseen world which even the most courageous man may fear, without having his courage questioned, and a presentiment that such powers are near is on me now. However, we will speak to these girls," and he walked up to the mouth of the cave and stood before them.

"What are you doing," he asked, "and why do you sing such a weird song as you work?"

"We are making a rope to amuse ourselves