Page:The courtship of Ferb (Leahy).djvu/50

Rh you make," said Briccriu, as he saw them go, " but will you look so fair when you return? for that I cannot tell."

"By the journey before us," said Mani, "shall the riddle you set us be solved!"

"Right well do I know," answered Briccriu, "that one day is enough for your march; nor for a night will you dare to remain within the kingdom of Conor to hold therein your feast."

"Now I pledge you my word," answered Mani, "that till for three days and three nights we have kept our feast at Dun Geirg, we turn not again to Croghan." No longer did he tarry to bandy words, but he gat him on his way for the journey.

Now when the news of their coming arrived at Dun Geirg, they commenced to prepare for the reception of the bridal party. The houses were strewn with fair-leaved, green-leaved birches, and with a deep litter of fresh rushes. And Ferb sent her friend and playmate, Findchoem, who was the daughter of Erg, that she might go with the woman who acted as herald, and observe the coming of that party in what fashion they came. Not long was the time that she needed. And when she had well beheld the host, and had noted their array, she hastened and came with sure tidings to the bower where Ferb was, and thus she spoke to her—

"I see," said she, "a host come to this burg; and