He then told Wunzh to arise and to prepare to wrestle with him, as it was only by this means that he could hope to succeed in his desires.
Wunzh knew how weak he was from fasting, but the voice of the stranger was cheery and put such a courage in his heart, that he promptly sprang up, determined to die rather than fail.
He began the trial, and after a long-sustained struggle, was almost overpowered, when the beautiful stranger said:
"My friend, it is enough for once; I will come again to try you," and smiling on him, he returned through the air in the same direction in which he had come.
The next day, although Wunzh saw how sweetly the wild-flowers bloomed upon the slopes and the birds warbled from the woodland, he longed to see the celestial visitor and to hear his voice.
To his great joy he reappeared at the same hour, toward the going down of the sun, and re-challenged Wunzh to a trial of strength.
The brave Wunzh felt that his strength of body was even less than on the day before, but the courage of his mind seemed to grow. Observing this, and how Wunzh put his whole heart into the struggle, the stranger again spoke to him in the words he used before, adding:
"To-morrow will be your last trial. Be strong, my friend, for this is the only way in which you can overcome me and obtain the boon you seek."
The light which shone after him as he left Wunzh was brighter than before.
On the third day he came again and renewed the struggle. Very faint in body was poor Wunzh, but he was stronger at heart than ever, and determined to prevail now or perish. He put forth his utmost powers, and after a contest more severe than either of the others, the stranger ceased his efforts and declared himself conquered.