But Flying Soot was not to be discouraged. He continued to sing the Wind’s praises, until finally the Earth Fairy consented to give him a trial. “You have but to wait here in concealment near the mouth of the Cave until the Prince comes forth,” directed Flying Soot, before he took his leave of her. “Then cause the Princess to lead him to the Chimney yonder, and you will soon see that the Wind is one whose magic is not to be despised.” He gathered his black mantle about him and departed, and the Earth Fairy hid herself and Princess White Flame in a deep cleft close by, from whence she should be able to see Prince Radiance the moment that he issued from the Cave. With her keen eyes fixed steadily in that direction the Earth Fairy did not let her gaze wander elsewhere, and hence she did not see a tall form creeping stealthily from dark cliff to dark cliff as though seeking someone; she did not see a small grey figure following closely at his heels. They were Curling Smoke and the Ash Goblin in quest of the Prince and Flying Soot. At last the Earth Fairy’s watching was rewarded. She saw Prince Radiance come from the Cave’s mouth in company with the Shadow Witch, saw him bid her farewell, and saw the Shadow Witch steal away from him to her own land. Then quickly the Earth Fairy came forth and drove the Princess to where Prince Radiance could not fail to behold her when he should set out in quest of her. It happened as the Earth Fairy expected; the Prince searching the plain with his eyes instantly descried the Princess. He had not even had time to call to her, when suddenly the huge grey form of Curling Smoke wound upon him from behind, gathered the Prince, the Princess and the Earth Fairy, one and all, into a dense cloud of smoke, in which none could see the other, and hurried them away toward the Chimney. The Ash Goblin beholding, danced for joy, for he had seen Flying Soot vanish into the Chimney not long since, and believed that now his time of punishment was come. Flying Soot had indeed reached the great Chimney where the Wind dwelt, and was even now awaiting the coming of the Earth Fairy and those that she should bring with her. The Chimney was wide and dark, with great rough boundaries, and the Wind’s voice was so strong and boisterous that it could be heard from the Chimney Mouth to the Chimney Top. Over the entire Chimney the Wind ruled, and none dared to intrude upon him there without first asking his permission. It was true that Curling Smoke had the right of way to the Chimney Top, but it was well understood that the Wind was at liberty to deny him entrance to the Chimney at any time that he chose. When Flying Soot had arrived at the Chimney Mouth, the Wind had howled a welcome to him, and bade him enter. This Flying Soot had made haste to do, and finding a seat beside the Wind had told his errand without loss of time.