He could not even see his cows , and his heart sank lest , after all , he should have failed to bring them safely back . What was he to do ? He waited thus , for he could go neither forwards nor backwards , till he felt a great friendly paw laid on his shoulder . ` My cave is just here , ' said the Dog of Maol-mor , of whom Covan son of Gorla had heard much . ` Spend the night here , and you shall be fed on the flesh of lamb , and shall lay aside three-thirds of thy weariness . ' And Covan entered , and supped , and slept , and in the morning rose up a new man . ` Farewell , Covan , ' said the Dog of Maol-mor . ` May success go with you , for you took what I had to give and did not mock me . So , when danger is your companion , wish for me , and I will not fail you . ' At these words the Dog of Maol-mor disappeared into the forest , and Covan went to seek his cows , which were standing in the hollow where the darkness had come upon them . At the sight of Covan the Brown-haired they walked onwards , Covan following ever behind them , and looking neither to the right nor to the left . All that day they walked , and when night fell they were in a barren plain , with only rocks for shelter . ` We must rest here as best we can , ' spoke Covan to the cows . And they bowed their heads and lay down in the place where they stood . Then came the black raven of Corri-nan-creag , whose eyes never closed , and whose wings never tired ; and he fluttered before the face of Covan and told him that he knew of a cranny in the rock where there was food in plenty , and soft moss for a bed . ` Go with me thither , ' he said to Covan , ` and you shall lay aside three-thirds of your weariness , and depart in the morning refreshed , ' and Covan listened thankfully to his words , and at dawn he rose up to seek his cows . ` Farewell ! ' cried the black raven . ` You trusted me , and took all I had to offer in return for the food you once gave me . So if in time to come you need a friend , wish for me , and I will not fail you . '
As before , the cows were standing in the spot where he had left them , ready XXXXX set out .
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