  We have obtained imaging in the K' band (~I-band rest frame) of the z=1.786
radio galaxy 3C 294 with the 36-element curvature-sensing adaptive optics
system Hokupa`a and the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope. At a resolution of <
\~0."15, the galaxy is seen as a group of small but resolved knots distributed
over a roughly triangular region ~1."4 across. The interpretation of the
structure depends on the location of the nucleus, as indicated by the compact
radio core. Its position is uncertain by > ~0."5 (2-sigma) because of
uncertainties in the optical astrometry, but our best estimate places it at or
near the southern apex of the distribution. If this location is correct, the
most likely interpretation is that of a hidden quasar nucleus illuminating
dusty infalling dwarf-galaxy-like clumps having characteristic sizes of ~1.5
kpc.
