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When Finn saw that the lovers were gone, a burning jealousy seized him. At once, he sent trackers from the Clan Navin after them, but they lost the scent at the Shannon. Finn was so angry, he was about to hang the sons of Navin without delay. But the trackers, having a good reason for greater effort, went hurriedly up the riverbank and picked up a trail that led to Two-Hut-Wood. Then Finn was sure that he had caught the lovers.

But the friends of Diarmuid wished to warn him of the danger, and Oscar went to one side to give orders to Finn's hound, Bran. Bran pricked up his ears and understood well. He ran ahead in the wood and hunted out the hiding-place. Then he thrust his nose into the bosom of sleeping Diarmuid.

Diarmuid started from sleep and said, 'Here is Bran, Finn's hound. Surely this is a warning that Finn is near.'

'Take the warning,' said Grainne, 'and fly.'

'I will not,' replied Diarmuid, 'for Finn is hard to escape. It is best to face him here, where I am prepared.'

When nothing moved in the wood, Oisin feared that Bran had failed, and he looked for another warning. He sent for Fergor, whose shout might be heard in three distant counties, and Fergor sent three roars that Diarmuid could not miss.

'I hear the shouts of Fergor,' said Diarmuid, 'it is certain that Finn is upon us.'

'Take the warning and fly,' said Grainne, but still he would not. Then fear and great dread came on Grainne.

Now the trackers had entered the wood and they searched all about till they came to the strong fence that Diarmuid had made.

'This is the work of Diarmuid,' said Finn, raising his voice. 'Is it not so, O Diarmuid?'

'Your judgement does not err,' came the answer. 'Grainne and I are indeed here.'

Then he comforted Grainne openly with three kisses, which Finn saw, and it made him rage. He put a company of the Fianna to guard each wattle gate so none might escape.

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