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 the like of that. Moreover, Fionn, I regard it as a great indignity that you should bring into my presence such an object as that, and when you are under my commands I will not forget this insult you have placed on me."

The Carle gave a sudden burst of laughter, which, like the flapping of his coat-tails, could have been heard half a mile away; then he turned to Cael and said, in a quiet voice:

"You may not like my appearance, young man, but perhaps I have more attainments than you imagine. And as I have come here solely for the purpose of competing in speed with you, it will seem very like cowardice on your part if you refuse to do that which you yourself suggested. So tell me now what length of course you are accustomed to run, and if I fail to run the distance you name then you may consider yourself better than any man in Ireland."

"It is not my habit," Cael retorted scornfully, "to attempt any course measuring less than sixty miles; and I imagine, great as your size is, you are quite unequal for that distance."

"The end of the race will tell," said the