ve of
Darkness, a short time since. For reasons of his own, the Wizard sought
to overpower him with the spell of his Urn of Vapors, but the prince,
who had come upon him without warning, suddenly flashed about him a
magic weapon, the Sword of Flames, that instantly took from my master
all power to protect himself. He cried aloud to us, and at once we
hurried him away to an inner chamber, far from its dreadful sway. There
he lay for a time insensible, and we feared for his life, but at length,
tended by his servants, he became able to move a little, and, at last,
even to speak. But that is all."

"What has become of this prince and his magic sword?" demanded the
Shadow Witch, watching him yet more closely. "Have you permitted him to
escape with it unharmed?"

"Ah, madam," the Chief Imp replied, "When we came to seek him, to wreak
vengeance upon him, he had vanished and had left no trace."

"Had this prince no servants, no companions?" insisted she. "None who
guided him to my brother's cavern?"

"Nay," he assured her, "the prince was quite alone."

The Shadow Witch asked him no further questions, but stood silent,
pondering deeply whether or no she should grant the Wizard's request.
She herself had seen him overcome by the fairy sword, had seen the
prince depart in safety, but that her brother trusted to any magic of
her own to restore him, she greatly doubted. Still, she believed that
there could be no grave danger to herself in going to him. Never, even
in the fulness of his power, had he been able to really injure her. Why
should she fear him now, when he was helpless. Besides, from what the
Imp had said, it was not known that she had guided and protected the
prince. Therefore she had no cause for uneasiness.

She turned to where the Chief Imp waited, regarding her with his crafty
eyes. "Go back to your master," she bade him. "Say to him that I will
come shortly to render him what aid I can."

Well pleased at the result of his errand, the Chief Imp departed.

As soon as he was out of sight the Shadow Witch beckoned Creeping Shadow
to her side and instructed her with lifted finger. "I go alone to visit
my brother, the Wizard, who lies ill, and has sent for me. If, however,
much time passes, and I have not returned, you may be sure that some
evil has befallen me. Seek me then, instantly, in the Cave of Darkness,
for I shall have need of you."

Creeping Shadow swore to obey what she had been told, and her mistre