"We have heard much of your prowess, Asa. What is your choice to prove to us that rumor's tales are true?"
"I will drink a draught with any of you," growled Thor between his teeth.
"Excellent," returned the king. He led the way back into the hall, and bade his cup-bearer bring the drinking-horn. It was borne forth.
"A good drinker," remarked Utgard-Loki, "empties
this at a single draught. Some men make two of it. The puniest of all can take it off in three."
Thor looked at the horn critically. It did not appear of extra size, though the end stretched away behind the bearer. Moreover, he was very thirsty. So little doubt had he of emptying it at a draught, that he did not pause to take breath, but set it to his lips and pulled long and deeply.
He set it down with a clatter, thinking to ask for more. To his chagrin, he could hardly perceive any lowering of the liquor.
"Well!" exclaimed the king. "Surely that is not much for Asa-Thor to boast of. I would not have believed it if it had been told me. Perhaps, though, you were saving yourself for a second draught."
Without answering, Thor seized the horn once more and quaffed a mighty draught. Yet on looking in, it seemed as if he had made less impression than before. Still the vessel could now be carried without spilling.
The king shook his head. "A man must use his own sort of skill. Certainly, though, you have left most of the task for your last attempt. I fear your reputation here will hardly match what you have in Asgard if this is a sample of your prowess."