t," was the answer. "Look within the chest
once more and you will see."

Leaning down the Prince peered into the dimness of the chest. "There is
a small round box," he said.

"Take it, and open it," commanded the Wise One.

Obediently Prince Ember drew it forth and undid its clasp. He looked
within and saw a bit of charcoal, black and glistening; nothing more. He
regarded it with astonishment. "What power has this to help me?" he
inquired.

"Its power is great," returned the Wise One, gravely. "Guard it with
care. When escape for yourself and for the Shadow Witch seems
impossible, take it out, and cast it boldly into the midst of the danger
that threatens you, and by its good spell your way to safety will be
made clear."

The Prince thanked him. He closed the box, and placed it carefully in
his breast.

"In order that you may succeed in this undertaking," continued his
adviser, "you must be able to reach the prison of the Shadow Witch
unseen. You know, as well as I, that among the good fairies of the Fire,
only the Ember Fairies have power to become entirely invisible. Within
the Wizard's Cave your own magic will serve to make you so, but in the
Plain outside you must have the Cloak of Ash."

"This, also, you will give me?" demanded the Prince with quickening
breath.

"Nay, I have it not," answered the Wise One, shaking his head. "Only the
Elf of the Borderland can bestow this upon you, for he alone, together
with his elves, possesses the secret of its making. Moreover it must be
woven in the presence of him who is to wear it; otherwise it has no
power. Go to him and ask it. He will not refuse you. Creeping Shadow,
who knows where he is to be found, will guide you to him. Do in all
things as I have advised you, and you will not fail."

So Prince Ember, with grateful words bade the Wise One good-bye and
departed with his gifts, and as he left the hut, Creeping Shadow arose
from her seat beneath the flame-bush and came to walk beside him and
guide him to the Borderland.

Quite alone, in the Borderland, stands the house of the good grey Elf.
Its door was fast shut and its windows closed when Prince Ember and
Creeping Shadow approached it. The thick thatch of ash which covered its
roof and came low down upon its walls so concealed it from view, that
had he been without his companion to guide him, the Prince might have
sought for it long in vain.

When they had reached it, Creeping Shadow stood still. "This is