returned Black Shadow. "Whether
or not it is true, I know not. I have come to you for one thing only--to
obtain a promise for the Wizard that you will engage yourself against
this prince, wherever you may encounter him."

Again Curling Smoke laughed, and his huge shape swayed boastfully from
side to side. "You have little need to doubt my answer," he replied. "Do
I not hate these strangers from the Land of Fire with all my heart? Am I
not only too eager for an excuse to do them harm? Return, then, to the
Wizard, and say to him that he need have no fear that this prince will
escape me. Say to him that Curling Smoke--greatest of all magicians,
promises that it shall not be."

This said, Curling Smoke settled again into a cleft from whence he could
watch the entire Plain of Ash. No one could approach him from thence
without being seen by him.

Black Shadow assured of the vigilance of this powerful ally, departed at
once to seek the Ash Goblin, whose low mean hovel stood at some distance
away among the ash mounds of the plain.

So despised is the Ash Goblin that few ever seek his door, and when he
heard upon it the sharp knock of Black Shadow, he started with surprise.
He crept across the dingy floor, and put his bulging eye to the keyhole
to peer through, and discover who stood without. His astonishment at
seeing Black Shadow was great, for never had she sought him out before,
but he knew that he had no reason to fear her, so he opened to her at
once.

She came in, and without waiting to be invited sank down into a seat.
The Ash Goblin made fast the door, and as he did so he turned his crafty
head to her and inquired her errand. She told him all.

"Well may you come to me," he assured her. "I have long desired to
revenge myself upon your impudent mistress. Often she has made sport of
me with her tricking shadows. Often she has even dared to make my own
form flicker and dance before me--not as it is--indeed, but twisted and
misshapen to please her own mischievous fancy." His eyes glinted with
malice, and Black Shadow was well pleased to find him so willing to give
his help.

"Then I will count upon you," she said rising. "As I have told you, the
Prince is now in the Elf's house. If you are wise, you will go and hide
yourself near it, and seize your chance to attack him as soon as he
leaves its shelter."

"The Wizard need have no fear," retorted the Ash Goblin. "I will surely
not miss so good an opportunity to ave