Page:Heroes of the dawn.djvu/78

 II

was early morning, and Goll mac Morn a stood at the doorway of his house at Ben Edar the place we now call the Hill of Howth and looked over the sea. He was surprised to see a number of ships in the harbour, for overnight there had been none.

"It is unlucky so many of the Fianna are away at the present time," he said to Caeilté, "for I think these ships do not belong to any friends of ours. Will you send some one to discover whether they come in peace or in war?

"I'll go myself," said Caeilté at once, and taking a curragh rowed out to the ships.

When he saw the ugly black and white woman, with a fierce red light shining in her eyes, a feeling of horror came upon him, though he spoke courteously to her.

"Goll mac Morna sends you greetings, and wishes to know what purpose has brought you hither, and whether he can render you any service," he said.

"Go back and tell Goll I have come to kill