swiftly back to Hunaland; and, just before the dawn appeared
in the east, he alighted at the door of the farmhouse where
Odin and Hoenir still lay bound with thongs, and guarded by
Fafnir and Regin.

Then the farmer, Hreidmar, brought the otter's skin, and
spread it upon the ground; and, lo! it grew, and spread out
on all sides, until it covered an acre of ground. And he
cried out, "Fulfil now your promise! Cover every hair of
this hide with gold or with precious stones. If you fail to
do this, then your lives, by your own agreement, are
forfeited, and we shall do with you as we list."

Odin took the magic net from Loki's shoulder; and opening
it, he poured the treasures of the mountain elves upon the
otter-skin. And Loki and Hoenir spread the yellow pieces
carefully and evenly over every part of the furry hide. But,
after every piece had been laid in its place; Hreidmar saw
near the otter's mouth a single hair uncovered; and he
declared, that unless this hair, too, were covered, the
bargain would be unfulfilled, and the treasures and lives of
his prisoners would be forfeited. And the Asas looked at
each other in dismay; for not another piece of gold, and not
another precious stone, could they find in the net, although
they searched with the greatest care. At last Odin took from
his bosom the ring which Loki had stolen from the dwarf; for
he had been so highly pleased with its form and workmanship,
that he had hidden it, hoping that it would not be needed to
complete the payment of the ransom. And they laid the ring
upon the uncovered hair. And now no portion of the otter's