But it is not likely Garraidh went with him, and he after speaking such foolish words.

And what happened Conan in the end is not known.  But there is a cairn of stones on a hill of Burren, near to Corcomruadh, and the people of Connacht say it is there he is buried, and that there was a stone found there one time, having on it in the old writing:  “Conan the swift-footed, the bare-footed.”  But the Munster people say it is on their own side of Burren he is buried.

CHAPTER III.  THE BATTLE OF GABHRA

Now, with one thing and another, the High King of Ireland had got to be someway bitter against Finn and the Fianna; and one time that he had a gathering of his people he spoke out to them, and he bade them to remember all the harm that had been done them through the Fianna, and all their pride, and the tribute they asked.  “And as to myself,” he said, “I would sooner die fighting the Fianna, if I could bring them down along with me, than live with Ireland under them the way it is now.”

All his people were of the same mind, and they said they would make no delay, but would attack the Fianna and make an end of them.  “And we will have good days of joy and of feasting,” they said, “when once Almhuin is clear of them.”

And the High King began to make plans against Finn; and he sent to all the men of Ireland to come and help him.  And when all was ready, he sent and bade Osgar to come to a feast he was making at Teamhair.

And Osgar, that never was afraid before any enemy, set out for Teamhair, and three hundred of his men with him.  And on the way they saw a woman of the Sidhe washing clothes at a river, and there was the colour of blood on the water where she was washing them.  And Osgar said to her:  “There is red on the clothes you are washing; and it is for the dead you are washing them.”  And the woman answered him, and it is what she said:  “It is not long till the ravens will be croaking over your own head after the battle.”  “Is there any weakness in our eyes,” said Osgar, “that a little story like that would set us crying?  And do another foretelling for us now,” he said, “and tell us will any man of our enemies fall by us before we ourselves are made an end of?”

“There will nine hundred fall by yourself,” she said; “and the High King himself will get his death-wound from you.”

Osgar and his men went on then to the king’s house at Teamhair, and they got good treatment, and the feast was made ready, and they were three days at pleasure and at drinking.

And on the last day of the drinking, the High King called out with a loud voice, and he asked Osgar would he make an exchange of spears with him.  “Why do you ask that exchange,” said Osgar, “when I myself and my spear were often with yourself in time of battle?  And you would not ask it of me,” he said, “if Finn and the Fianna were with me now.”  “I would ask it from any fighting