And the King of that country, who was the champion that had aroused Dermot, told him this was the land of Sorca, and that he had showed this kindness to Dermot for that he himself had once been on wage and service with Finn, son of Cumhal “and a better master,” said he, “man never had.”

Now the story turns to tell of what befell Finn and the remainder of his companions when Dermot left them in the ship.  After a while, seeing that he did not return, and being assured that some mischief or hindrance must have befallen him, they made an attempt to climb the cliff after him, having noted which way he went.  With much toil and peril they accomplished this, and then journeying forward and following on Dermot’s track, they came at last to the well in the wild wood, and saw near by the remains of the deer, and the ashes of the fire that Dermot had kindled to cook it.  But from this place they could discover no track of his going.  While they were debating on what should next be done, they saw riding towards them a tall warrior on a dark grey horse with a golden bridle, who greeted them courteously.  From him they enquired as to whether he had seen aught of their companion, Dermot, in the wilderness.  “Follow me,” said the warrior, “and you shall shortly have tidings of him.”

Then they followed the strange horseman into the forest by many dark and winding ways, until at last they came into a rocky ravine, where they found the mouth of a great cavern opening into the hillside.  Into this they went, and the way led them downward until it seemed as if they were going into the bowels of the earth, until at last the light began to shine round them, and they came out into a lovely land of flowery plains and green woods and singing streams.  In no long time thereafter they came to a great royal Dun, where he who led them was hailed as king and lord, and here, to their joy, they found their comrade, Dermot of the Love Spot, who told them of all his adventures and heard from them of theirs.  This ended, and when they had been entertained and refreshed, the lord of that place spoke to Finn and said:—­

“I have now, O Finn, within my fortress the fifteen stoutest heroes that the world holds.  To this end have I brought you here, that ye might make war with me upon mine enemy the Champion of the Well, who is king of the land bordering on mine, and who ceases not to persecute and to harry my people because, in his arrogance, he would have all the Under World country subject to himself alone.  Say now if ye will embrace this enterprise and help me to defend my own:  and if not I shall set you again upon the land of Erinn.”

Finn said, “What of my fifteen men that were carried away on the wild mare’s back oversea?” “They are guarding the marches of my kingdom,” said the King of Sorca, “and all is well with them and shall be well.”