Now Flying Soot knew well that a Soot Fairy can work no magic with the wand of a Fire Fairy unless he is taught its secret. “Promise that you will surely show me how to use it,” said he, “and I will do as you ask.” “Yes, yes, of course,” agreed the Earth Fairy impatiently. “Only be swift about your task, and the secret shall be yours.” Satisfied with her reply, Flying Soot went his way. In the darkness of her cell the Earth Fairy waited, scarcely able to breathe, so fearful was she that the Prince might return from the Wise One and disenchant the Princess before she had time to interfere. It was but a little while, however, before she heard the stealthy footsteps of Flying Soot returning. It was but a moment more till she heard the great key turn in the lock, and saw the door flung wide open. “Come out quickly,” whispered her deliverer. “Your keepers, blinded with soot, grope hither and thither utterly bewildered. Together we must contrive to shove them into your prison, and lock them up in your place. After that you will be able to go on your way in safety.” Instantly, the Earth Fairy sprang to his help, and so skillfully did the two evil fairies jostle the keepers against one another and guide them to the prison door, that soon they were lodged in the Earth Fairy’s cell. Then the key was turned upon them, and they were left to grope clumsily about in the darkness, while the Earth Fairy and her companion hurried to the safe shelter of a thicket. There the Earth Fairy told Flying Soot where she had hidden her wands, and bade him haste to bring them to her. When he had departed upon his errand the Earth Fairy huddled low among the bushes to await his coming with what patience she might. In spite of the years that had passed since the Earth Fairy had hidden her wands, none had discovered the place where they lay. So crafty a messenger was Flying Soot that he obtained them unseen, and without difficulty, and soon returned to where the Earth Fairy was concealed. He laid the bundle in her outstretched hand. Trembling with anxiety, the Earth Fairy opened the case, and ran her fingers over the wands to test their power. The Green Wand shot forth emerald fire from its tip as she took it from among the rest. It was as full of magic as on that far-off day when with it she had so cruelly enchanted the baby Princess. With covetous eyes Flying Soot looked upon it. “Ah!” cried he, “that is the wand of my desire. That shall be my well-earned reward.” He stretched his hand to take it from her, but the Earth Fairy waved him back with an imperious gesture.