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 then suddenly he sprang to his feet, for it seemed to him that the little man had become transformed into a very beautiful and gigantic figure, with a face that shone like the sun, and opalescent colours gleamed round him. Then music sounded again through the quiet evening air, and Fionn saw that Cnu Deireoil was still before him. But ever after that Fionn believed that the little harper was one of the children of Dana, and that for some purpose of his own he had chosen to show himself to Fionn, and become one of his men.

The next day the Fians returned to their home on the Hill of Allen, and Cnu Deireoil accompanied them. Nor would Fionn ever make any journey afterwards without his little harper, and in stormy weather, or when Cnu Deireoil grew tired, Fionn would pick him up and carry him under his mantle; for the chief of the Fians possessed a very noble and kindly heart, and always showed a great gentleness and courtesy to any one smaller and weaker than himself.

Cnu Deireoil was a great wonder to the giant warriors of Fionn, who had never seen