ped in a slumber so profound that nothing could possibly break it.

This, too, was the spell of the Sword of Fire.

As the Shadow Witch passed the Imps and saw them sleeping there, some
leaning upright against the rough wall of the cavern, some with heads
bowed on knees, and others lying prostrate on the ground, she turned her
head to her companion, with a smile.

"Vain are my brother's guards," she murmured, "when Prince Ember comes."

[Illustration]

CHAPTER XII

Rejoicing in the freedom which she now felt was fully restored to her,
the Shadow Witch glided from the Cave of Darkness and was about to
descend the cliff, but Prince Ember laid a gentle hand upon her, to draw
her back. "Dear Lady of the Shadows," he said in an undertone, "we must
not go unprotected into the open. It may be that unseen enemies are
lurking there, who at least have power to hinder us, even if they cannot
harm us. I have in my possession a magic Cloak, which will make us
invisible to our enemies, and enable us to go securely and swiftly on
our way. Let us put it on." So saying, he drew her still closer to him,
and took from his belt the Cloak of Ash and cast it about them both.

She thanked him sweetly for his constant care of her, and side by side
they went down the cliff.

But though they were now unseen, they had stood for a moment before the
Cave entrance, fully revealed, and in that moment the eyes of an enemy
had caught sight of them.

Long had Curling Smoke crouched low in his cranny in the cliff-side. His
gaze had roved unceasingly over the Plain of Ash. So vigilant was he
that he was sure that none could possibly have approached the Wizard's
Cave without being seen by him from his hiding-place. Nevertheless, hour
had dragged slowly after hour, and still the one for whom he waited did
not appear.

The giant's eyeballs ached, and grew dim at length from his steadfast
watching. Had it not been for his keen desire to satisfy his own ancient
grudge against the good fairies of the Fire, he would have broken his
promise to the Wizard, and careless as to whether or not the Prince went
by, he would have lain down to rest.

He wondered greatly at the delay, for, long since, Black Shadow had told
him that the stranger was already within the Elf's dwelling in the
Borderland. If this were true, he should have reached the Cave by now.
Curling Smoke could not imagine what t