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 there came to me at Ben Edar a young man, who said he was Cael, the King of Thessaly's son; and that he would conquer and put under tribute the whole of Ireland—as he had other countries—unless I found some one who, at running or wrestling or fighting, was better than himself."

"I have some acquaintance with Cael," said the big man, "and I assure you he is not boasting. There will be desolation and grief among the Fianna unless you find some one to overcome him. What do you intend doing?"

"I have said that Caeilté shall run a race with him, and I go now to search for Caeilté, who is either at Tara or Keshcorran."

The big man laughed scornfully. "Indeed if Caeilté is the only man among the Fianna on whom you rely, you are already conquered; for although Caeilté has the swiftness of a frightened deer, Cael is twice as quick."

"May I die before I see Ireland paying tribute to the foreigner!" exclaimed Fionn vehemently. "I will invoke the aid of the hidden gods and the folk of the hills; they have never yet failed me in my need, and