The Earth Fairy glanced to where the flame of the Princess trembled between hope and fear for the Prince. She looked to where the Dragon groaning dismally lay close along the ground, his head buried between his paws. She knew that here all chance of help for herself was completely gone. She had no plan of her own that promised more than this of Flying Soot. She had almost decided to consent to his proposal, when he caught at her sleeve. “Look quickly!” he cried, under his breath. “Do you not behold him there in the distance, my friend, Curling Smoke. See--there he rises in the plain beyond that dark hill. He is a marvelous magician. I am certain that he will not fail you. Do not be foolish, Earth Fairy. Permit me to go to him in your behalf. I assure you, you will not regret it.” Urged thus, the Earth Fairy gave her consent, and Flying Soot flew off in a twinkling upon his errand of evil. With the Dragon now fully vanquished Prince Radiance saw that he could at last pass on his way in safety. Leaving his enemy behind him he stepped boldly into the country beyond. There he discerned the flame of his Princess flickering pure and pale against a gloomy hillside. Swiftly he hastened toward her, and presently he found himself so near that he believed he could cast the Veil upon her from where he now stood. Trembling with eagerness he felt for the golden box in which the wondrous Veil lay hid--found it, and pressed upon the clasp. Alas for his hopes! The keen eyes of the Earth Fairy saw what he was about to do. Before he could draw out the Veil or even undo the clasp, the Green Wand was lifted, and by its dread power the Princess was once more compelled to take her flight from him who would fain have delivered her. With a sinking heart Prince Radiance beheld her receding down the dark valley, but with fresh rallying of his courage he called to her, “Princess, dear Princess, go if you must, but remember always that I follow--follow to the end.” [Illustration] CHAPTER XI Where the Gloomy Vale borders the plain beyond, rises the low-walled dwelling of the Ash Goblin. So low it lies that only those familiar with that land know of its presence. Only those with eyes accustomed to the grey stretches can see the Ash Goblin himself. Very small he is, and grey of face and eyes and hair. Grey, too, are his garments, soft and grey as the ashes that surround him. So he moves about, concealed from the view of all but his friends. Not less eager than the rest of the Evil Fairies is he to join in any mischief, but because he is so small and weak, his help is less often sought than is that of the more powerful fairies of the land.