He was now all ready for his adventures, but before starting out,
Mimer told him of a great treasure of gold guarded by a fearful
serpent. This treasure was spread out over a plain called the
Glittering Heath. No man had yet been able to take it, because of
its terrible guardian.

Siegfried was not in the least frightened by the stories he heard of
the monster. He started out on his dangerous errand with a heart
full of courage.

At last, he drew near the plain. He could see it on the other side
of the Rhine, from the hilltop where he was standing. With no one to
help him, not even taking his magic horse with him, he hurried down
the hillside and sprang into a boat on the shore.

An old man had charge of the boat, and as he rowed Siegfried across,
he gave him good advice. This old man, as it happened, was the god
Odin, who loved Siegfried and wished to see him succeed.

"Dig a deep trench along the path the serpent has worn on his way to
the river when in search of water," said the old boatman. "Hide
yourself in the trench, and, as the serpent passes along, you must
thrust your sword deep into his body."

It was good advice. Siegfried did as Odin directed him. He went to
work on the trench at once. It was soon finished, and then the young
prince, sword in hand, was lying in watch for the dread monster.

He did not have long to wait. He soon heard the sound of rolling
stones. Then came a loud hiss, and immediately afterward he felt the