Chapter 1
Finnian, the Abbott of Moville, went southwards and eastwards in
great haste. News had come to him in Donegal that there were yet
people in his own province who believed in gods that he did not
approve of, and the gods that we do not approve of are treated
scurvily, even by saintly men.
He was told of a powerful gentleman who observed neither Saint's
day nor Sunday. "A powerful person!" said Finnian.
"All that," was the reply. "We shall try this person's power,"
said Finnian.
"He is reputed to be a wise and hardy man," said his informant.
"We shall test his wisdom and his hardihood."
"He is," that gossip whispered—"he is a magician." "I will
magician him," cried Finnian angrily. "Where does that man
live?"
He was informed, and he proceeded to that direction without
