They pushed the boat through the breakers and put out to sea, each rowing with a pair of oars. Thor was aft, and Hymir was amazed to see how the boat shot through the waves, even against the strong wind.
Before long the giant pulled in his oars.
"Here is where I catch flat fish," said he.
"No, no; further out," said Thor, pulling harder than ever.
"Stop!" cried Hymir after a while. "We are getting near the dwelling of the Midgard serpent."
"Further out is better fishing," declared Thor; and he rowed on in spite of his companion's protests.
He stopped at last. Muttering, Hymir threw out his line. Presently he drew up a whale. Then another took hold.
Meanwhile Thor had taken out a line and hook, the size of which caused the giant to stare. Fastening the gory bull's head on the hook, he dropped it far down into the depths, till it actually reached the bottom.
He did not have to wait long. Something far down there seized the bait. The line tautened. Thor jerked violently. When the monster felt the hook, it pulled so hard that Thor was forced to hold on to the rowing pins to avoid being dragged overboard.
Then the Asa's spirit waxed high. He hauled at