When the giant saw the Fenians he dropped the thong and approached by himself. The animal let its head drop dejectedly, and its legs bowed outward like the hoops of a barrel. It seemed about to fall to pieces.
“I am looking for Finn MacCool,” growled the giant.
Finn rose and came toward him. “I am he whom you seek,” he said.
“I have come to take service with you,” said the giant.
“If you need work, go prop up your horse,” shouted Conan. The Fenians laughed loudly.
“I do not like the behavior of your men,” said the giant, “yet do I still seek service. I have heard that you are a good master, and that you will pay a man whatever he asks.”
“I have never refused service to any man who asked it, nor have I ever refused to give a servant any reasonable wage requested,” said Finn.
“Then I would serve you,” declared the giant. “I am known as the Worthless Servant because I never give my master what he pays for. I always fail to do any task he sets me, and what I do is never done well. Moreover, I eat more than any two men and grumble unceasingly about the way I am treated.”
“You give yourself a bad name,” said Finn with a laugh. “Nevertheless, you have asked for service, so I shall give it to you.”
“Then may I turn my horse into the pasture with the others?” asked the giant.