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 father and comrades had ceased to live. Then I turned from the wondering men and women, and travelled as quickly as I could to my old home on the Hill of Allen. But desolation reigned there. Where there had formerly been a great dún only a few broken walls were standing, and the weeds and wild flowers were growing where my father and companions had sat at many a banquet.

"Heavy sorrow enfolded me, still I could not believe that my father was not at some other of his many dwellings. North and south and west and east I searched for him, but could not find him. At length I came to Gleann-na-smol, which was one of his favourite places, and the only spot in Ireland I had not searched; if I did not find him there I should know he was no longer living, as Niav had foretold me, and I would then turn my horse's head to the west and rejoin Niav and my children again.

"I travelled slowly, looking on all sides and listening eagerly for the sound of the hunting-cry or the laugh of my friends. Then I heard a great commotion before me, and hope sprang