The Wizard stood for a moment wrapped in thought, but presently he laid down the wand which he held in his hand and chose another from the case. He raised it aloft and waved it in a great circle above his head. “By the power of this wand,” he exclaimed, “I bid any who stand invisible within this Cave Hall to become visible at once.” As he heard the words, Prince Ember’s heart stood still. He knew not the power of the Wizard’s wand, nor whether his own magic would surely be proof against it. But his own spell held firm, and he remained invisible. So certain was the Wizard of the potency of his wand, that he smiled grimly and confidently when he saw none appear. Leaving the circle of his urns, he stepped to the entrance to the corridor, and drew his wand across it. “Let none pass this threshold unseen,” he cried in a loud voice. Satisfied that he now had made all secure, he returned, Prince Ember watching him meanwhile. He took his place amid the urns and replaced his wand in the box with its fellows. He dropped the lid and turned the key. He closed and locked his Book of Craft, also. Then he smote his hands together sharply and, at the signal, the Chief Imp came rushing to learn his desire. “Take away these urns,” the Wizard commanded, “and place my wands and book in safe-keeping.” The Chief Imp raised the Book of Craft from the table and bearing it carefully in his outstretched hands, disappeared with it from the Hall. A moment later he returned and carried away the box of wands in the same manner. With him came many Imps, who laid hands upon the ponderous urns and with heavy rumblings rolled them slowly away out of the Cave Hall. In the meanwhile Prince Ember stood still watchful beside the wall, waiting for some clue which would guide him to where the Shadow Witch lay imprisoned, for he knew well that without this he must surely go astray. He had not long to wait, for when presently the Imps came flocking back to the Cave Hall, as they were always free to do when the Hour of Enchantment was done, the Wizard gave a sign to his lantern-bearers. “I go to visit my sister, the Shadow Witch,” he said. Immediately they snatched up their lights and stood ready. The Wizard crossed to the farther end of the Cave Hall and touched the wall with his wand. Prince Ember saw the wall part instantly in twain, revealing the dim corridor beyond it. The Imps plunged quickly into it holding aloft their flickering lanterns that gave out but a feeble light in the gloom. The Wizard strode after them, and at his very side stole the Prince, overjoyed at this sudden and unexpected opportunity. The Wizard paused and touched the wall again, and it closed soundlessly behind them. Then they went forward. Deep and yet deeper, into the very heart of the Cave they penetrated, following its dark and winding ways. The Prince observed each turn closely, so that when he should return bringing with him the Shadow Witch, he might find his way out without error.