o
behold, and, in a few moments, he perceived a small wicket open, and a
dwarf come forth.

Ahubal soon lost sight of the dwarf behind the rocks; but he resolved
to wait there to see whether he could find any passage into the
valley.

The dwarf, after being hid for some time, appeared again about the
middle of the rocks, and by his course appeared to descend in a spiral
path around the mountain.

When the dwarf had reached the bottom he advanced to Ahubal, and,
presenting him with a clue, he told him that, if he threw it before
him, and followed it, the clue would unravel itself, and discover to
him the path which led up the rocks to the castle of Ollomand, his
master.

Ahubal, having heard from Ulin and Happuck that Ollomand was his
friend, took the clue out of the hand of the dwarf, and threw it
before him.

As the clue rolled onward until it touched the rocks, Ahubal
discovered a regular ascent, which, winding round, brought him by
degrees to the castle on the summit of the mountain.

The enchanter Ollomand received Ahubal at the entrance of the castle,
which was guarded by four dragons, and led him through a large court
into a spacious hall, the walls of which were lined with human bones
that had been whitened in the sun.

"Favourite of the race of the powerful," said Ollomand, "see here the
bones of those who have lifted up their arms against thee; and I will
add to their number till this castle be filled."

"Alas," answered Ahubal, "Ulin is no more, and the vultures are
preying on the vitals of Happuck! Ten provinces have deserted my
cause, and the coffers of my army are exhausted!"

"Happuck," answered Ollomand, "despised the assistance of riches and
trusted to deceit, and therefore failed. The provinces dared not
revolt while the armies of Misnar overawed them; but I will replenish
thy coffers, and Ollomand will tempt the leaders of the Sultan's
troops to join the cause of Ahubal. In this castle are riches and arms
sufficient to equip all the inhabitants of Asia; and when these are
exhausted, we will apply to Pharesanen, Hapacuson, and all the
chieftains of our race: and fear not, Ahubal; for, by my art, I read
that Misnar the Sultan shall fly before the face of his enemies."

Ahubal was encouraged by the words of Ollomand; and the enchanter,
having opened his design to the Prince, invited him to behold the
riches of his castle.

Passing through the hall of bones, they descended into a square cou