When they had reached their destination they were quickly surrounded by the villagers, who displayed no small curiosity as to who their visitors were and what object they had in coming so far. When they heard that one of the strangers desired to marry the village beauty they shook their heads over him. Did he not {277} know the difficulties in the way? Finding that he would not be turned from his purpose, they led him to a huge rock which overshadowed the village, and described the first test he would be required to meet. "If you wish to win the maiden," they said, "you must first of all push away that great stone. It is keeping the sunlight from us." "Alas!" said the youth, "it is impossible." "Not so," said his companion of the swift foot; "nothing could be more easy." [Illustration: "He leaned his shoulder against the rock"] Saying this, he leaned his shoulder against the rock, and with a mighty crash it fell from its place. From the breaking up of it came the rocks and stones that are scattered over all the world. The second test was of a different nature. The people brought the strangers a large quantity of food and water, and bade them eat and drink. Being very hungry, they succeeded in disposing of the food, but the suitor sorrowfully regarded the great kettles of water. "Alas!" said he, "who can drink up that?" "I can," said the Thirsty One, and in a twinkling he had drunk it all. The people were amazed at the prowess of the visitors. However, they said, "There is still another test," and they brought out a woman who was a very swift runner, so swift that no one had ever outstripped her in a race. The Race "You must run a race with this woman," said they. "If you win you shall have the hand of the maiden you have come to seek." Naturally the suitor chose the Swift One for this test. When the runners were started the people hailed them as {278} fairly matched, for they raced together till they were out of sight. When they reached the turning-point the woman said: "Come, let us rest for a little." The man agreed, but no sooner had he sat down than he fell asleep. The woman seized her opportunity. Making sure that her rival was sleeping soundly, she set off for the village, running as hard as she could. Meanwhile the four comrades were anxiously awaiting the return of the competitors, and great was their disappointment when the woman came in sight, while there was yet no sign of their champion. The man who could hear the plants growing bent his ear to the ground. "He is asleep," said he; "I can hear him snoring." The Skilful Archer came forward, and as he bit the point off an arrow he said: "I will soon wake him."