“Many a horse will not go when pulled by the halter,” he said. “Try riding him.”
Conan sprang to the back of the horse and again tried to get it to move. This method proved no better than the other. Again Fergus made a suggestion.
“He is used to the weight of a heavier man than you. Let more Fenians get upon his back until the combined weight shall equal that of the giant.”
This advice the Fenians were glad to follow. One after another climbed up until fourteen were astride that sharp backbone. Still the animal would not move.
The Fenians were enjoying the sport. Those on the back of the animal called out jibes to those on the ground, while these made jokes at the expense of the mounted ones.
In the meantime the giant had finished eating all the food on the table. He now approached Finn in great anger.
“It seems to me that the stories I have heard of your justice were all false,” he growled.
“What makes you think so?” asked Finn.
“You stand by and see your men abusing my horse, yet you do nothing to stop them,” he complained.
“I am sure they but keep your horse from injuring their own animals,” said Finn.