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 "Perhaps it would be easier for you, Fionn, if we chose a more peaceful method of deciding who is the best man among us, and if you can find among your Fians one who can get the better of me in running, or in single fight, or in wrestling, then I will return to my own country and never trouble you again."

"I assure you that we are not at all troubled by your presence," said Fionn, "and if, of the three things you mention, you prefer to run a race, I will fetch Caeilté mac Ronan, whose running is swift as the movement of a star when it falls from its place in the heavens. Do you abide here in friendliness with my Fians until I return with Caeilté, whom I shall probably find at Tara; if not there, he will surely be with some of his kindred at Keshcorran in the north."

Cael agreed to this, and soon after noonday Fionn commenced his journey. He had not gone very far when the sun disappeared behind a bank of dark clouds, and the rain descended in torrents, but he still walked on, and the miles slipped away under his quick feet. Soon he came to a dark and gloomy valley, with