on the crest of a mountain, encircled by fire.

Sweetly he sang:--"Only he who knows no fear may claim her for his
bride."

Siegfried sprang to his feet. "I do not know fear. I have tried with all
my might to learn it. Oh, help me to find the mountain where
she sleeps!"

The little bird flew away in the opposite direction from where the
wicked Nibelungs stood quarreling, and Siegfried joyously hurried after.


SIEGFRIED REACHES THE MOUNTAIN

A heavy storm arose as Siegfried and the bird neared the foot of the
mountain where Brunhilde slept. There were peals of deep thunder.

The sky grew very dark. The great boughs of the trees swayed with the
wind.

Siegfried took shelter under a low spreading fir.

The storm did not last long, and as the light again broke through the
clouds, Siegfried looked about for his little guide, but all in vain.
The bird had fled.

Siegfried started on up the mountain, when suddenly the giant Wotan
stood before him.