there is no river or sea that he cannot cross. Now I want that
bridge and some of the gold for myself, and that is the reason
that I have stolen so many boys by means of my ball. I have
tried to teach them how to gain the gifts of the good spirits,
but none of them would fast long enough, and at last I had to
send them away to perform simple, easy little tasks. But you
have been strong and faithful, and you can do this thing if you
listen to what I tell you! When you reach the river tie this ball
to your foot, and it will take you across--you cannot manage it
in any other way. But do not be afraid; trust to the ball, and
you will be quite safe!'

The boy took the ball and put it in a bag. Then he made himself
a club and a bow, and some arrows which would fly further than
anyone else's arrows, because of the strength the good spirits
had given him. They had also bestowed on him the power of
changing his shape, and had increased the quickness of his eyes
and ears so that nothing escaped him. And in some way or other
they made him understand that if he needed more help they would
give it to him.

When all these things were ready the boy bade farewell to the
witch and set out. He walked through the forest for several days
without seeing anyone but his friends the squirrels and the bears
and the birds, but though he stopped and spoke to them all, he
was careful not to let them know where he was going.

At last, after many days, he came to the river, and beyond it he
noticed a small hut standing on a hill which he guessed to be the
home of the Bad One. But the stream flowed so quickly that he