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48 that he could never be happy unless she came to Asgard.

Then Skirner said if he could have Frey's horse and sword, he would ride through the flame wall, kill the watch-dog's and bring Gerd to Asgard.

Frey gave his horse gladly. Skirner rode through the fire, although it roared in his ears and blazed far above his head.

When the dogs saw him, they set up a fierce howling. But Skirner quieted them with Frey's sword.

Gerd heard the noise outside and sent a servant to see what it was. The servant said an armed warrior stood at the door.

But Gerd knew he must be a god, or he could not have passed the flame wall. So she bade the servant bring him in and give him food and drink.

As soon as Skirner saw Gerd, he took from his pocket eleven of the golden apples of the gods and offered them to her as a present from Frey.

But Gerd would not have the apples. Then Skirner offered her the wonderful golden ring made by Sindre. This, also, she refused.

Then Skirner took out a magic wand and waved it over the maiden. As he waved the wand, he sang a magic song, telling of the warmth and