Page:Heroes of the dawn.djvu/198

 tunic of white metal covered him from the neck to the knees, and on his left shoulder was slung a round shield of red yew, studded and encircled with bronze. A straight keen-edged sword hung by his side, and in his hands were two tall slender spears; resting these on the deck before him he took a high, wide leap, and landed on the sandy shore.

"What youth is this who comes so daringly into the presence of the Fian chiefs?" Conan asked Fionn.

"He has probably heard of your warlike deeds, Conan, and has come to challenge you to battle," Fionn replied.

"Indeed he has not," said Conan. "Oisin and Oscur, place your broad shoulders together, so that I may stand unobserved at the back of you. I am not inclined to fight just now."

The Fians laughed heartily at this; and hearing the sound the warrior on the beach looked up, then made his way by a narrow path up the rugged cliff until he stood before Fionn.

"I seek a man called Fionn," the stranger