This study in the psychology of Faith is founded on an old Scottish folk-tale told me last year at Onich by Mr. Alexander Cameron, who, a good many years ago, had given it also to the Rev. J. Macdougall of Duror, in whose volume, Waifs and Strays of Celtic Tradition, now out of print, it is included. Mr. Macdougall’s version is printed in full at the end of this volume.
I have used the story as the framework of an allegory, and have not tried to rival Mr. Macdougall’s narrative, nor have I often kept very close to the text. Most of these beautiful Highland tales are in such intimate touch with nature that they lend themselves very readily to further development, and the story of How Finn Kept His Children for the Big Young Hero seemed to adapt itself wonderfully to my purpose.
I. W. H.
Carlowrie, West Lothian,
June, 1917.