smith Mimi is.

"I will mend the sword and Siegfried shall use it to slay the dragon."

He folded the baby close in his rough, black little arms.

"A few more years, a few more years," he gurgled in glee, "and Mimi's
hands shall clutch the precious gold."


SIEGFRIED AND HIS FRIENDS

Mimi took good care of Siegfried.

When the boy had grown large enough to play about in the woods, Mimi
made for him a little silver horn.

Siegfried loved all the birds and the wild animals.

He knew they were his best friends, for something in Mimi's face always
showed him that the dwarf was false.

Siegfried would wander out into the forest with his silver horn swinging
from his shoulder.

He would blow his little horn song, and his forest friends would hear
the call and come to play with him.

He watched the birds as they built their nests.