r incident to such a place. But what was his
surprise, on beholding, in the midst of the island, and obscured from
view to the surrounding country by an almost impenetrable grove of
young willows, a round chimney-top rising over a high circular granite
wall! Nothing daunted, he continued his steps directly towards the
mysterious dwelling, notwithstanding the protestations and prayers of
Joe. When they drew near, a thin slightly coloured vapor could be
distinguished ascending from the chimney, indicating that the tenement
was certainly inhabited. When they reached the wall, they pursued
their way round it until they found a small iron gate.

"Rap there, Joe," said Glenn. Joe only turned his head, and looked at
him in silence.

"Knock," continued Glenn.

"Oh!" exclaimed Joe, falling on his knees. "If ever you were prevailed
on not to do any thing you were doing, let me this one time persuade
you to leave this place."

"Knock!" repeated Glenn, emphatically. Joe struck the gate several
blows with his knuckles, but so gently that he could not hear them
himself. Glenn seemed to grow angry, and seizing his man's musket, was
in the act of applying the end of it violently, when the gate flew
open at one spring, and a hoary porter stood bowing and beckoning
before him.

"Do not enter!" cried Joe, throwing his arms around Glenn.

"It is too late, now--you have knocked, and it is opened unto
you--your mission must be accomplished before you turn back. Mine is
not yet effected--I am the one who dared to face the magic swan--and
like me, all who come hither must remain until it shall be the
pleasure of the fire-wizard to release them," said the old attendant.

"Lead me to this fire-wizard!" said Glenn, firmly, stepping into the
inclosure. When they entered, the gate closed after them without any
apparent agency of the old hunter, and with such force that Joe sprang
several feet forward.

"Oh, goodness! we are nothing but poor rats in the trap, now!"
exclaimed he.

"I pledged myself for your safety, and will keep my word," said Glenn.

"But what will the wizard care about your veracity?" asked Joe.

"Follow!" said the old porter, leading the way towards the house.
After passing several small buildings, Glenn found himself in a
spacious area, over which were scattered various and strange
implements, and divers nondescript machines. Some half dozen men were
also observed, their sleeves rolled up, and intently plying the
c