It was a small vessel, handsome in every line, with sails full as if in a strong breeze. This was remarkable because no air was stirring at that time. The ship neared the shore and stopped. The sails dropped loosely. Finn and Dermot looked in vain for the crew, but there was no one visible except a lone woman, who sat on the deck.
“It is a wonder to me that one woman should be able to sail a ship alone and come into a harbor at full speed with no wind blowing,” said Finn.
Dermot was looking with interest toward the ship.
“You shall not wonder long,” said Dermot. “I will go down and bring you word.”
Finn detained him with a laugh. “No, Dermot,” he said. “This time we will take into consideration the heart of the lady. I shall see for myself.”
Finn went down to the shore, placed the point of his sword upon a rock and sprang lightly to the deck of the vessel.
He was amazed at the beauty of it all. The deck was as clean as a deck could be with trimmings of silver and gold. At the end, on a seat of the finest tapestry, sat a beautiful woman. She smiled engagingly and held out her hand toward Finn.
“Come here,” she said. “I wish you would tell me where I have landed.”
“You are in the harbor of Erin,” said Finn.
“And could you tell me where I am to find the home of a man named Finn MacCool?” she asked.