A young farmer named Connor once missed two fine cows from his herd. After a long, fruitless search across the bleak countryside, weary and hungry, he found shelter in a lone shieling on a desolate heath.
An eerie old couple welcomed him, claiming they had been waiting for him. Soon, two wolves arrived, each transforming into a dark, handsome youth—their sons. The family unnerved Connor with their glittering eyes and strange manner.
When Connor explained his lost cows, they only laughed mockingly. Angered, he prepared to leave. Then, the eldest youth stopped him, revealing himself as a wolf Connor had once saved from a thorn. "We never forget a kindness," he said, promising help and urging Connor to stay the night without fear.
Connor awoke at dawn by a hay-rick in his own field. At first, his cows were still missing, but then he spotted three magnificent strange cows in his field. When he tried to drive them out, a young black wolf appeared, guarding the gate and driving the cows back. Connor understood: his wolf friend had kept his word.
The cows thrived, making Connor prosperous. He learned that a good deed is never lost, but he could never find the shieling or the wolf family again to thank them.