Page:Heroes of the dawn.djvu/193

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THE ENCHANTED CAVE
155

was more appalling than the other two, for it was the body of a man without a head, and in the middle of his breast a single eye rolled and turned about, and shone with a dull green glare.

Fionn, however, was in no way frightened by these dreadful looking beings, and inquired:

"What manner of people are you who show no pleasure when the chiefs of the Fianna visit you? It is the custom of the houses throughout Ireland to receive us with songs of greeting; with tables laden with venison and the flesh of the wild boar, and great flowing bowls of ale. But you have only howls and wails for us, and an empty board."

The old grey man laughed, and said, as he locked and barred the door:

"It is not sweet songs and feastings you will get here, O Fionn. Many a day we have waited for you, and woven enchantments to get you in our power, and take vengeance for a wrong you, though perhaps unknowingly, did to one of our race. But I remember now one little song we can give you before you die, for we shall certainly kill