By a great effort he slipped his hand down to his side. With shaking fingers he undid the clasp of his Pouch and reached for the glowing coal that lay within. He drew it forth, and felt, as he did so that it was on fire with magic. He pressed it against the Giant’s Cloak. Immediately a hole appeared in its folds, which widened rapidly. The air rushed in, reviving the Prince with its freshness and giving him zeal and new courage. So well did he use his weapon then, that presently he had before him a great opening in the thick folds through which he could pass with ease. The Cloak in the Giant’s hands was still whirling at tremendous speed. Prince Radiance, looking out through the opening saw the Seven Hills of Ash and the Wide Grey Plain spinning dizzily round and round far beneath him. Yet he was not afraid. He prepared himself to leap from the opening that he had made, when suddenly the Giant hurled his Cloak violently forward. Instantly the Prince was thrown through the air with such force that he was driven far out of reach or sight of his enemies. His scarlet mantle spread itself about him like great wings that bore him swiftly on and on, until at last it settled slowly and allowed him to alight in a place of safety. The Giant, unaware that Prince Radiance was no longer in his power, gave his huge Cloak an abrupt twist. Immediately it shrunk to its former size, and he threw it down into the hollow between the Seven Hills. Then he turned to the Earth Fairy triumphantly. [Illustration: Suddenly the Giant hurled his Cloak violently forward] “Come now, and take what you desire,” he roared, “for this miserable Prince is without doubt completely destroyed.” Forth rushed the wicked Earth Fairy in a tremor of delight, sure that she was about to possess the Veil. With greedy hands she flung aside the folds of the Giant’s Cloak; with greedy hands she searched within its folds; but search as she would, she could find nothing. Unable to believe in such ill-fortune she tore the Cloak to right and left, but at last she knew for a certainty that the Prince was not there. In a rage she turned upon the Giant. “Miserable creature, see what you have done!” she screamed. “With the Prince completely in your grasp as he was, you have been so stupid as to allow him to escape.” The Giant could not believe it possible. He stooped over the Cloak, and himself examined each one of its great folds, but at last he was convinced that the Earth Fairy was right. The Prince was indeed gone, and the great hole burned in the Cloak showed plainly the manner of his escape. Vexed as he was, his vexation changed quickly to anger as the Earth Fairy continued to pour contempt upon him for his failure, and to upbraid Flying Soot for having brought her to so worthless an ally. Springing up in uncontrollable fury at her insolence, the Giant shouted threats at her at the top of his lungs.