"No

"No, grandmother," he answered, "and some of the spirits stood at a distance, saying I had not fasted long enough."

"Then you must continue your fast," said the witch, "until you have received all the gifts of the good gods, not one of them missing."

The boy said nothing, but lay down on the buffalo skin for the third time and fasted for twenty more days. At last the witch thought he was dead, for he lay there, pale and stiff. But after giving him a bowl of food, he came to himself again and was soon able to sit up.

"You've been fasting a long time," she said, "longer than anyone has ever fasted before. Are the good spirits satisfied now?"

"Yes, Grandma." "They all came and gave me presents."

The witch was very happy and gave him another pot of food. While he was eating, the witch said to him, "Far across the river, there lived a great villain. There was a lot of gold in his house, and there was something more precious than gold -- a little bridge. As long as the big bad man waved his hand, the bridge became longer, so there was no river or sea under the sky that he could not cross. Now I want the bridge and some gold. That's why I lured so many boys with the magic ball. I used to teach them how to get good gifts from the gods, but they couldn't fast long enough, so I asked them to do something simple and easy. But you're strong and loyal, and if you do what I say, you'll get the job done! When you reach the river, tie the ball to your foot and it will help you cross the river. There is no other way. Don't be afraid. Trust the Orb. You'll be safe!"

The boy took the ball, put it in his bag, and made himself a stick, a bow, and some arrows. He could now shoot farther than any man, for during his fast he had gained the power which the gods had given him. They also gave him the power of change, sharpening his eyes and ears, so that nothing could escape his search. They also taught him how to enlist the help of the gods in times of need.

When everything was ready, the boy said goodbye to the witch and set out. He walked through the forest for days without seeing a soul. Only his squirrel friend, his little bear friend, and his little bird friend could be seen. Now and then he stopped to talk to them, but he was always careful not to tell them where he was going.

A few days later, he finally came to the river. On the other side of the river he saw a little house on a hill. He thought that must be the home of the big bad man. But the current was so strong that he did not know how to cross it. To test the speed of the current, he broke off a branch and threw it into the water. The branch seemed to be swept away before it touched the river, and even his magical eyes could not keep up with it. He was a little afraid, but once he made up his mind to do something, he never flinched. He tied the ball to his right foot,