Page:Heroes of the dawn.djvu/219

 hill a few miles from Ben Edar. Then, feeling hot and thirsty, he plucked and ate blackberries until his thirst was assuaged. Afterwards he took off his coat once more, and producing his needle and thread again, sat down and began to stitch it together in such a manner that it formed a deep, wide bag, which he filled with big juicy berries. Slinging this over his shoulder he began to stroll slowly towards Ben Edar.

In the meantime Fionn and the Fianna were waiting in great anxiety at Ben Edar, fearing lest Cael should reach there before the stranger, who had so unexpectedly offered himself as their champion. As the evening wore on Fionn sent one of his men to the hilltop to watch for the approach of either Cael or Carle, and he soon returned with the news that Cael was walking unconcernedly along the road, with what appeared to be the dead body of the Carle slung upon his shoulders.

"Worse tidings than that it would be impossible to hear," cried Fionn. "To any one who will bring me better news I will give the most perfect spear and sword that can be