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 they will not now refuse their help," and he began to hurry along the forest road.

The giant made a couple of strides after him and held him by the shoulder. "Curb your hastiness, Fionn, and listen to me. I offer myself as the champion of Ireland and the opponent of Cael in the race, and I will wager you anything you like that I shall win."

"You have said that Cael is almost unconquerable," said Fionn, "so why should you seek to endanger your life in my affairs? Though indeed I think that, between the weight of your coat and those ill-fitting brogues, you must find it difficult enough to walk, and running would be an impossible feat."

"You are unwise, Fionn, to judge a person by his outward appearance. I tell you now that in the whole of Ireland there is no man but myself can outrace Cael."

"If that be so," replied Fionn, "let us straightway return to Ben Edar, and if you deliver Ireland and the Fianna from the burden Cael would impose upon us, I, for one, will swear to render you service any time you