Flying Soot had no intention of asking him to join in the affairs of the Earth Fairy. He had not even thought of him. On many former occasions as he had passed through the Land of the Evil Fairies he had stopped to chat with the Ash Goblin, and give him the news, but to-day he had not time for so much as a glance at the grey walls of his dwelling. The Ash Goblin seated beside his door saw him as he approached, and saw too that he intended to pass without speaking. Astonished and displeased he determined not to permit it. He sprang to his feet in haste, and caught at the fluttering mantle of the Soot Fairy to drag him back. “Ho there,” he cried. “On what errand of mischief are you bound, that you do not even give me good-day?” “Pray let me go at once,” answered Flying Soot impatiently, with a jerk of his mantle, “I have business of importance that must not be delayed.” “But it is of this important business that I wish to hear,” insisted the Ash Goblin, clutching his raiment only the more firmly. Flying Soot knew well that one so insignificant as the Ash Goblin could do little to further the wishes of the Earth Fairy. So he put him off. “It is an adventure,” said he, “in which you cannot be of the smallest use to me. Let me go then to where I can get the help that I need.” At this the Ash Goblin became exceedingly affronted, and was at no pains to conceal it. “If it is a matter in which you require assistance you do ill to despise mine,” he declared, drawing himself up haughtily. But Flying Soot did not tarry to argue the matter. He wrenched free his mantle, and hurried away to seek Curling Smoke, leaving the Ash Goblin to nurse his wrath at his leisure. Wavering and swaying in the plain beyond the dark hill where Flying Soot had first beheld him, hung Curling Smoke, the grey magician. In all the Land of the Evil Fairies there were few who possessed such power as he, or were so ready to wield it. Even at this moment he was watching craftily for a chance to work ill upon whoever might come his way, now crouching low to peer between the hills, now rising to the full spire of his height to overlook the black valleys, and ashy plains. Thus he caught sight of Flying Soot from afar, and waited for him, for well he knew that mischief was afoot wherever that black mantle flew. Flying Soot came fast, calling to him as he drew near. “Curling Smoke, Curling Smoke, do not depart! I have urgent business with you.” Nothing that he could have said would have been more pleasing to Curling Smoke, and when the Soot Fairy reached him he waved him to a seat, settled himself down beside him and gave him an attentive ear.