e go with you," responded the friendly Elf in a cautious
undertone. "Put on the Cloak now, and go forth."

In obedience to his words, Prince Ember threw the Cloak about him and
fastened it securely. As its soft and delicate folds enveloped him, the
Cloak became invisible at the same time that the Prince himself became
fully concealed by it.

He lifted the latch and opened the door and passed silently out into the
Borderland.

[Illustration]

CHAPTER VIII

The Ash Goblin was filled with pride. To have his assistance asked by so
powerful a magician as the Wizard of the Cave was something that had
never before occurred. Although he was small and weak, he was always
desirous of having a part in any mischief that might be going on, and
now that his chance had come he was determined to prove to all those who
had hitherto despised him and overlooked him, that his cunning and skill
in evil magic were fully equal to their own.

Scarcely had the door of his hovel closed upon Black Shadow than he
locked it securely. Then he hurried across the room and pressed upon a
certain spot in the wall. It yielded to his touch, and a portion of the
wall slid back upon itself, showing a small, rude cupboard within. Upon
a shelf there lay a book, covered with dust. It was his Book of Craft.
He took it out and carried it to a table. He undid the rough clasp that
bound the book and began to turn the dingy pages. At length, he reached
the one whereon the spell that he sought was written. The letters were
crabbed and dim with age, and the Ash Goblin strained his eyes to see
them, following the words with his crooked forefinger. He read the spell
through carefully, again and again, until he was certain that he knew it
by heart. Then he closed the book and returned it to its hiding-place.
He made the wall fast again, and went to the chest that held his pouch
and cloak. Taking them out, he carried the pouch to the hearth and
filled it to the brim with the evil ash that lay thick there. He bound
the pouch about his waist, covered himself from head to foot with the
cloak and left the hovel, closing the door tightly, so that none could
enter in his absence.

The Plain of Ash stretches wide and grey between the hovel of the Ash
Goblin and the Borderland where the Elf dwells. In the Borderland itself
no evil fairy can practice his craft, but the Ash Goblin knew a spot
where the Plain