Thor battles the Cobra and Mr. Hyde while Jane Foster hovers close to death. Odin's heart begins to soften towards Jane, thanks to the intervention of Balder. Odin, in his infinite wisdom, commands Loki to deliver a message to Hardol, the mystic healer, who lives beyond the molten chasm. Loki has no choice but to obey but is waylaid by Balder and some other gods who, for some reason, distrust him. Balder delivers the message himself. Thor defeats the Cobra and Hyde. Balder finds Hardol, obtains the medicine needed for Jane's recovery and sends it to Thor in the nick of time. Jane will live!; When out walking with Balder and Loki, Thor is challenged to a duel by Sigurd. They fight and Thor knocks Sigurd to the ground repeatedly. However, each time Sigurd gets up he is stronger than ever. Balder remembers the key to Sigurd's increasing strength. He is a son of the Earth Sprites; his strength comes from the very ground itself. Thor hooks his hammer under Sigurd's belt and flings him skywards where he will be stranded on a deserted asteroid. The three gods continue their way home, with Loki disappointed that Thor was not defeated.