wakeful as the birds. And his hearing is so keen, that no sound on
earth escapes him,--not even that of the rippling waves upon the
seashore, nor of the quiet sprouting of the grass in the meadows, nor
even of the growth of the soft wool on the backs of the sheep. His
eyesight, too, is wondrous clear and sharp; for he can see by night as
well as by day, and the smallest thing, although a hundred leagues
away, cannot be hidden from him.

To Heimdal, then, the heralds hastened, bearing the words which Odin
had spoken, and the watchful warder of the mid-world came at once to
the call of the All-Father.

"Turn your eyes to the sombre mountains that guard the shadowy Mist
Land from the sea," said Odin. "Now look far down into the rocky gorge
in which the Fanander Cataract pours, and tell me what you see."

Heimdal did as he was bidden.

"I see a shape," said he, "sitting by the torrent's side. It is Loki's
shape, and he seems strangely busy with strong strings and cords."

"Call all our folk together!" commanded Odin. "The wily Mischief-maker
plots our hurt. He must be driven from his hiding place, and put where
he can do no further harm."

Great stir was there then in Asgard. Every one hastened to answer
Odin's call, and to join in the quest for the Mischief-maker. Thor
came on foot, with his hammer tightly grasped in his hands, and
lightning flashing from beneath his red brows. Tyr, the one-handed,
came with his sword. Then followed Bragi the Wise, with his harp and