Page:Heroes of the dawn.djvu/74

 There was a little rustling in the bracken near them, and Bran, tired as she was, pricked up her ears to listen. Then, in the misty moonlight, a beautiful woman, with long fair hair flowing down to the hem of her dress, stood before them. They were astonished at her sudden appearance, but before Fionn could speak to her she said, looking at him:

"Surely you are Fionn, lord of the Fianna. If so, there is a woman not far from here who wishes to meet you, and has already prepared a great feast in your honour."

"That is good news," said Conan hurriedly, before Fionn could speak. "I should like to be with her now."

The woman smiled, and courteously included Fionn's companions in the invitation. Then she led the way to a house built on the summit of a little hill overlooking an inlet of the sea, and the Fians followed her into the house. When supper was ended Fionn said to the woman who had conducted them hither:

"Where is the woman who wishes to meet me? I should like to thank her for her hospitality."