ped into his iron car.

"Business always before pleasure!" he cried, as he gave the word to his
swift, strong goats, and rattled away at a wonderful rate through the
air.

In old AEgir's hall glad music resounded on every side; and the gleeful
Waves danced merrily as the Asa-folk sat around the festal-board, and
partook of the Ocean-king's good fare. AEgir's two thralls, the faithful
Funfeng and the trusty Elder, waited upon the guests, and carefully
supplied their wants. Never in all the world had two more thoughtful
servants been seen; and every one spoke in praise of their quickness,
and their skill, and their ready obedience.

Then Loki, unable to keep his hands from mischief, waxed very angry,
because every one seemed happy and free from trouble, and no one noticed
or cared for him. So, while good Funfeng was serving him to meat, he
struck the faithful thrall with a carving-knife, and killed him. Then
arose a great uproar in the Ocean-king's feast-hall. The Asa-folk rose
up from the table, and drove the Mischief-maker out from among them; and
in their wrath they chased him across the waters, and forced him to hide
in the thick greenwood. After this they went back to AEgir's hall, and
sat down again to the feast. But they had scarcely begun to eat, when
Loki came quietly out of his hiding-place, and stole slyly around to
AEgir's kitchen, where he found Elder, the other thrall, grieving sadly
because of his brother's death.

"I hear a great chattering and clattering over there in the feast-hall,"
said Loki. "The greedy, silly Asa-folk seem to be very busy indeed, both
with their teeth and their tongues. Tell me, now, good Elder, what they
talk about while they sit over their meat and ale."

"They talk of noble deeds," answered Elder. "They speak of gallant
heroes, and brave men, and fair women, and strong hearts, and willing
hands, and gentle manners, and kind friends. And for all these they have
words of praise, and songs of beauty; but none of them speak well of
Loki, the thief and the vile traitor."

"Ah!" said Loki wrathfully, twisting himself into a dozen different
shapes, "no one could ask so great a kindness from such folk. I must go
into the feast-hall, and take a look at this fine company, and listen to
their noisy merry-making. I have a fine scolding laid up for those good
fellows; and, unless they are careful with their tongues, they will find
many hard words mixed with their ale."

Then he went bo