"Where's the helmet, you rogue?" he said. "It shall not be well with your skin if you don't give it up."
"Mercy, mercy!" howled Mime, the tears making little furrows down his dirty face. "I haven't got it done yet."
"Yes, you have! What is that you are trying to hide in your hands? Give it to me, I say!"
And Alberich seized the object which Mime had just dropped in terror.
"Ah! just as I thought!" continued the stronger brother. "Here is the magic helmet all complete; and this sly knave thought to keep it for himself. But I shall pay him for his treachery!
"Hark you, rascals!" he continued, turning to all the other dwarfs. "I am your king. Ye must henceforth serve me alone, and pile up all your treasure in the royal vaults. I have this day obtained the powers of magic which make you my servants. At this moment you see me not; but I shall make myself felt among you, I promise you!"
And with this speech he clapped the helmet upon his head and instantly vanished. But in his stead there came a pillar of mist, and out of the mist came his voice sternly commanding them to obey. Then the sharp lashes of a whip were heard right and left; and Mime fell groaning to the ground while the others retreated in terror, seemingly driven along a narrow way on the far side of the cavern. Alberich was beginning his reign with a vengeance!
Meanwhile the two celestial visitors had stood unnoticed in a side passage. While they debated as to the best means of making their presence known, Alberich came back in his true shape, carrying the helmet in his hand, fondling the Ring upon his finger and chuckling with glee. Then he espied the two gods, and his brow wrinkled darkly.
"Why come you to my caverns?" he demanded. "Know you not that I am king here, and that strangers are not welcome?"
"We have but come to see some of the marvels of which we have heard so much," said Wotan pacifically.