So despised is the Ash Goblin that few ever seek his door, and when he heard upon it the sharp knock of Black Shadow, he started with surprise. He crept across the dingy floor, and put his bulging eye to the keyhole to peer through, and discover who stood without. His astonishment at seeing Black Shadow was great, for never had she sought him out before, but he knew that he had no reason to fear her, so he opened to her at once. She came in, and without waiting to be invited sank down into a seat. The Ash Goblin made fast the door, and as he did so he turned his crafty head to her and inquired her errand. She told him all. “Well may you come to me,” he assured her. “I have long desired to revenge myself upon your impudent mistress. Often she has made sport of me with her tricking shadows. Often she has even dared to make my own form flicker and dance before me—not as it is—indeed, but twisted and misshapen to please her own mischievous fancy.” His eyes glinted with malice, and Black Shadow was well pleased to find him so willing to give his help. “Then I will count upon you,” she said rising. “As I have told you, the Prince is now in the Elf’s house. If you are wise, you will go and hide yourself near it, and seize your chance to attack him as soon as he leaves its shelter.” “The Wizard need have no fear,” retorted the Ash Goblin. “I will surely not miss so good an opportunity to avenge myself upon his sister.” This ally also having been gained, Black Shadow bade him farewell, and went to the Wind in the Chimney. Wide is the Chimney Mouth, which gives entrance to the Wind’s dwelling, for a giant must come and go through it. This entrance is dark, and yawning, and perilous, and none dares enter it except at the Wind’s will. The voice of the Wind is loud when he laughs in glee, but it is louder a thousandfold when he howls with rage, and when he sweeps down from his high seat in the Chimney and rushes out into the lands beyond, whistling or shrieking as he goes, he drives all before him, whether they will or no. Today the Wind rested in his home, on the great rough bench which was his favorite seat, and Black Shadow had but to ask of the Breezes who loitered about the Chimney Mouth whether she might go into the Wind’s presence, to have her request granted immediately. Seldom did she trust herself to such boisterous company, but the occasion was urgent. So she entered, though not without some uneasiness, and went on and up the rough uneven way, till she reached the huge cranny in the Chimney where the Wind sat, humming a whining song to himself, as he lounged against the Chimney wall.