Now Finn, having reached the wood, sent forward his men, but when they
came to the thickest part of the forest they beheld a fence which no man
could break through or climb. For Dermat had cleared a space round his hut
and around the space had he built the strong fence.
Then the nobles climbed a high tree and from it did they look within the
fence, and there they saw Dermat and with him a lady.
But for their love of Dermat did the nobles hide from Finn that they had
seen his foe. And one said to him, 'Far would it be from the mind of
Dermat to await thee here, knowing as he does that his life is in peril.'
Then did Finn's wrath wax strong, and he replied, 'That Dermat hath thee
for friend will avail him nought. Was it not to warn him that your
serving-man gave three shouts, and was it not to warn him that ye sent
unto him my dog Bran? Full well I know that Dermat is hid behind yonder
strong fence.'
And Finn cried aloud, 'Which of us, Dermat, is it that speaketh truth? Art
thou behind the fence?'
'Thou, as ever, art right, O King,' cried Dermat. 'I am here, and with me
is Grania, but none other shall come hither save with my leave.'
Now in the circle fence were seven doors, and at each door did Finn place
strong men, so that Dermat should by no means escape.
And Grania, when she heard Finn's voice, was filled with fear, and she
trembled greatly.
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