“How brave you are,” said Logi, in pretended admiration. “Do you see that treasure?” said the Nibelung, proudly pointing to a great heap of gold and gems. The gods assented. “But,” said Wotan, “what good does it do you, here in Nibelheim?” Alberich glared at him, and then laughed. “Ha! ha! But wait!” he said. “You gods! You gods! You have looked down upon us Nibelungs. Now we, with the help of the Golden Ring, will sway the whole world. We will storm the gates of Walhalla! Beware! Ha! ha! Do you hear me? Beware!” Wotan, in anger, started forward, but Logi slipped in front of him. “Most wonderful are you, O Nibelung!” he said, admiringly. “I salute you as the mightiest creature alive. But tell me one thing, O wise one. How guard you your Ring from thieves?” “Does Logi think that all are as foolish as himself?” asked Alberich. “That danger I provided for. A Cap of Darkness, called the Tarnhelm, is mine, to change me into whatever shape I wish, and also to hide me at any time. So, my friend, guard I my Ring, sleeping or waking, as I wish.” “Wondrous above all it seems!” cried Logi. “Prove it, O Dwarf!” “That I will. What shape shall I take?” “Whatever you wish,” answered Logi. “It is sure to be wonderful.” Alberich placed the metal cap upon his head and became a great dragon, writhing on the ground. “Wonderful!” cried the gods. “Yet I should again like to behold its magic. Is it possible to become small as well as large by its aid?” asked Logi. “I beg of you show us if you can become small, O great one!” “Nothing easier!” cried Alberich, beginning to enjoy himself. “Look, then, O gods!” He placed the helmet on his head and vanished. A toad hopped on the ground in his stead. “Quick! Hold him!” cried the Fire God; and Wotan firmly held the toad with his foot, while Logi lifted up the Tarnhelm, which still rested upon its great head. And behold! Alberich lay at their feet, struggling and roaring with rage. The Fire God produced a rope, and the two gods bound the Nibelung and carried him with them up the dark passage-way through which they had descended, and left behind them the crimson fires, the clanging hammers, the gloom, and hopelessness of Nibelheim. [Music: Motif of Alberich’s Spell] CHAPTER IV THE RAINBOW BRIDGE Out of the underground world into the wild, mountainous country above, veiled still with the strange gray mist of age, came the two gods and their captive, Alberich.