"I can run," said the youth.
"We shall soon see about that. Let us go outside to the course."
The whole company went forth to a level stretch of plain. A slim youth whom they called Hugi took his place beside Thialfi. The latter, who had never been beaten in swiftness, smiled confidently.
The word was given. The two runners were off like arrows from the bow. But Thialfi could hardly credit his eyes when, before he had covered half the distance to the turning-point, he met Hugi coming back already.
"You will have to ply your legs better than that," said Utgard-Loki, "if you expect to win in this company."
A second course was run. Thialfi strained every nerve and muscle to the utmost. His heart beat as if it would burst through his ribs. Yet Hugi reached the goal when he was still a bowshot off.
"You run bravely," remarked the king. "Still, it seems to me this match will not be yours. The third trial must decide."
Once more they toed the mark and sped away. Thialfi did his best, but he was wearied with his last effort; his swift adversary crossed the finish line ere he had quite gone halfway.
The whole assemblage declared there was no need of further trial. Utgard-Loki turned to Thor.