e which covered the walls in the Cave Hall, when they should become
worn, and drop to pieces. Others sat upon blocks of charcoal and braided
ropes of darkness to bind those who disobeyed the Wizard's will and
though they knew that they themselves might at any time be bound by
them, they durst not make them less strong than their master ordained
that they should be.

Over them stood the Chief Imp, whose business it was to see that none
failed in his duty, or gossiped unduly with his neighbors, and so deeply
engaged in their several tasks were one and all, that none heard the
sound of approaching footsteps, none knew that any but themselves were
near, till quite by accident the Chief Imp raised his head and saw
within the doorway of the chamber the ruddy form of Prince Ember
standing, and by his side the grey Shadow Witch, whom all had believed
to be closely guarded by the walls of her distant prison.

Before the Chief Imp could give a command, before any other could cry
out, or attempt evil, the Prince had drawn forth a wand from beneath his
mantle and raised it. Clear and strong his voice fell on their ears,
saying, "Stir not from your places, nor speak, until the hour when the
feet of the Shadow Witch stand once more within the safe borders of her
own land."

Under Prince Ember's spell each servant of the Wizard became fixed in
his place, unable to move or to utter a syllable. With staring eyes they
beheld the Prince and his companion advance, and pass through their very
midst, whilst they remained powerless to so much as stretch out a hand
to clutch at their garments.

In their rebellious ears the words of his enchantment were still ringing
as he departed with the Shadow Witch from their sight.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XI

Prince Ember and the Shadow Witch were now rapidly approaching the Cave
Hall. On their way they passed other vaulted chambers, like the one they
had just left, and glancing into these as they hastened by, they saw
great urns with ponderous lids, and enormous chests, all marked with the
signs of the Wizard, filled, as the Shadow Witch was well aware, with
those evil things with which he worked his spells, but not an Imp was
anywhere to be seen.

She glided cautiously to the door of one of these rooms and peeped in.
She found, as she had supposed, that it was the bedchamber of her
brother. His huge bed, with its jet black cover