Away rushed the Imp accompanied by a dozen or more of his companions to do the Wizard’s bidding, and presently a low rumbling was heard. It was the Imps returning, all pushing and shoving a huge black urn. A ponderous cover sealed it tightly, and when the Imps had succeeded in placing it beside their master, Flying Soot saw that it was so tall that it reached almost to the Wizard’s shoulders. Its sides were covered with inscriptions of evil magic. The Wizard scrutinized it closely, and satisfied himself that it was the one that he desired. Then he waved back his servants and turned to Flying Soot. “When I lift this cover,” he said, “the Earth Fairy has but to rush forward and take what she desires, for in the instant that the Prince is met by my magic vapor he will fall to the Earth unable to offer her the slightest resistance.”
Flying Soot had no time to answer, for at that moment Princess White Flame, driven by the Earth Fairy, fluttered terror-stricken into the Cave Hall, and came to rest in a corner at some distance from the Wizard. Soon after he whom the Earth Fairy believed to be Prince Radiance appeared also, but before he could advance into the Cave Hall the Wizard stretched forth his hand quickly to the urn. Uttering mystic words he lifted the cover and forthwith a stream of vapor rushed from it directly toward the Prince.
It had no sooner reached him than the Wizard’s prophecy was fulfilled; he fell to the ground in a heap, apparently without life.
The Princess seeing this uttered a piercing cry, but held by the spell of her enchantress she could not stir from her place.
The Wizard replaced the lid of the urn, and the Earth Fairy rushed forward to pounce upon the helpless Prince. Her eyes glittered with joy to see him in her power at last.
She tore back his cloak, sure that the Veil of Disenchantment was hidden beneath it, but as soon as her fingers touched the prostrate form it vanished. Where it had been, she saw only the charcoal floor of the Cave. Puzzled and astonished she struggled to her feet, and stood dazed, peering down at the spot where the figure had lain as though she could scarcely believe her senses. When at last she could no longer doubt that the Prince had indeed disappeared, she rushed to the Wizard, shrieking in fury, “What evil magic is this that you have wrought upon me, wicked one that you are? You have ruined everything by your miserable enchantments. You have destroyed the Veil as well as the Prince.”