Flying Soot stole up to him unseen, and softly touched his elbow. The Giant turned with so tremendous a start that masses of ash were shaken loose from the Seven Hills, and fell in clouds into the hollow. “So it is you, Flying Soot!” he cried joyfully. “That means there is good prospect of mischief afoot.” “Ay,” replied Flying Soot, “that there is.” He found a seat on a soft bank close to the Giant, who at once prepared himself to hear interesting news. Flying Soot began forthwith to tell him about the Earth Fairy, who he said had sent him to ask the Giant’s aid against a young Prince who would soon be traveling that way. “He will be preceded by a flame, who is the enchanted Princess whom he loves,” said he. “She it is, who, under the Earth Fairy’s spell, leads him on to danger. We wish you to destroy the Prince if you can. At any rate you must completely overpower him, in order that the Earth Fairy may take from him a Veil which he carries, and which she greatly covets.” “Surely this Veil must be endowed with marvelous power,” exclaimed the Giant, “if the Earth Fairy is so anxious to secure it.” “True,” Flying Soot made haste to answer; “but it possesses this power only in the hands of the Prince, or of the Earth Fairy. To you or to others it would be of no use whatever.” “Well, well,” growled the Giant, “she may have it and welcome for all I care. Why should I wish for a wretched Veil so long as I have my Cloak with which to work my will.” “Why should you, indeed?” agreed the Soot Fairy. “What is a trifle like a Veil, compared to a Cloak so wonderful as yours?” Flattered by the words of Flying Soot, the Giant was now ready to exert himself to the utmost, and could hardly wait for the arrival of the Prince. “Be sure that you do no harm to the Princess,” Flying Soot warned him. “The Earth Fairy herself will see to her. It is the Prince alone upon whom you are to exercise your power.” “I shall remember,” replied the Giant. “Say no more, but come and watch for them with me. Through this opening between the Seven Hills we can surely see them as they approach.” Flying Soot did as the Giant bade him and together they watched and waited for some time. At last, in the distance, they beheld a flashing brightness coming steadily toward the place where they lay in wait, and close behind it followed a figure well known to Flying Soot. “See!” he whispered, gripping the Giant’s arm. “The Princess comes, and the Prince hastens after. There also is my friend the Earth Fairy.” “Ay,” answered the Giant with a malicious chuckle. “They are coming fast. Go farther from me, Flying Soot, that I may have room to use my Cloak.” Flying Soot obeyed, and the Giant began to make ready.