So much and so long did Loki brood over the thought of Ran's fishing-net, that at length he began to wonder if such a thing could really be made, and then to try to weave one out of twine as much like it as possible.
He had not quite finished his curious task when upon the mountain, just above the hut, he suddenly perceived the two mighty figures of his dreaded foes.
Knowing that their intention must be to enter his hut and make him prisoner, Loki hastily threw the half-made net upon the fire, and rushing forth he flung himself into the waterfall, where he quickly changed himself into a salmon and lurked unseen among the stones in the torrent's bed.
Meantime, the two Asas had entered the hut.
"Ho! ho!" said Odin, as he noted the silence of the place, "our bird has flown."
"What fresh mischief doth he plan?" muttered Thor, looking closely about him.
"Let us look further afield," urged Odin; but Thor kicked over the logs on the hearth and picked out the half-burned net.
Now Odin well knew the net of Ran, and the half-burnt strands suggested to him the truth. So he set to work and, with Thor's assistance, quickly mended the net, and they proceeded to drag the mountain stream with it.
At their first attempt sly Loki hid between two stones at the bottom of the river, laughing in scorn as the net passed over his head.
Then the Asas weighted the net with stones and tried again; but Loki gave a great leap over the net, and dashed up stream.