The cloud of smoke moved down the gloomy cave and Alberich's cruel voice
laughed: "Ha! ha! Now I shall make you black slaves work! Now you dare
not be idle, for when you do not see me I shall be watching you!"

His voice sank deeper. "Now I will make you dig, dig, dig, to the very
depths of the earth to bring me gold!"

Mimi was so frightened.

When the cloud of smoke had gone out of sight, he lay down upon the
rocks and cried.


THE MASTER

Wotan and Loki swung themselves over the ledge and slid down into the
murky cave where Alberich lived.

Wotan looked around and said:--

"So this is the Kingdom of the Nibelungs! What an awful place it is!"

From far down the passages came the sound of hundreds of slaves melting
and welding precious metals for their master.

"Loki," said Wotan, "I believe it is always dark and gloomy where there
is no love. What is that strange cry I hear?"

"Ho, Mimi, is that you?" said Loki.