HOW THE MOON PRINCESS WAS TAKEN CAPTIVE BY THE BLACK DWARF  
(unlabelled)
As the guide finished his story of the Sunset Princess, Ethelda noticed they had passed through the forest, and it was with a little thrill of terror she saw the black dwarf and his companions a short distance ahead.
 
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After thanking their kind messenger for his guidance and the delightful stories he had told them, Prince Dorion and his party joined the dwarf. He seemed more hideous than ever, but his manner was perfectly respectful as he greeted his guests, and he hardly looked at the Princess. Two days of travel followed,—days during which new beauties of the earth were revealed; and because of her interest in these beauties the lovely Moon Princess almost forgot her sad forebodings. She did not see the black dwarf during that time, and the horror of his presence almost passed. He kept out of her sight, and remaining in front with his imps, led the way.
 
Gold and silver had been scattered as they travelled, and for each piece that fell there formed later a splendid mine. The precious metal, melting and filtering through the earth in slender veins, reached finally the heart of the deepest mountains. There it spread and grew, until to-day the earth is full of its treasures in gold and silver mines.
 
One day, Ethelda, light-hearted and happy, had loitered behind for a moment, to gather some tiny green ferns creeping between the rocks. She was stooping to pluck one, when suddenly she felt herself rudely seized. Looking up, she saw it was the black dwarf who had her within his grasp. She tried to get away, but his grip was like iron on her delicate arm. She could not move, and realizing her utter helplessness, she screamed aloud. Her agonizing call reached her husband, but too late for him to aid her. For the black dwarf stamped violently upon the ground, which opened wide, and with her in his arms he sank into the opening, which immediately closed over them. Then Ethelda fainted.
 
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When she recovered, she found she was in a large vaulted chamber, in a big cave. The light was very poor, but she could see the ugly black dwarf watching her steadily. For a moment she thought she would die of fright, and then she remembered that, as a Moon maiden, she had the power to protect herself from harm. In that instant her courage returned and strengthened her. Softly she repeated the words of the charm she had learned in the nursery of the Moon palace, and had sung at her mother’s knee. In a low, musical voice she chanted:—
 
Rays of the Moon, brilliant and bright,
Protect me by day, protect me by night.
Naught can harm me when in your embrace,
Protect me you must, as child of your race.
Send but the halo seen often about you,
And I promise, sweet mother, I never shall doubt you.
As she sang, a beautiful halo formed gradually about her, such as you sometimes see about the moon, and in the centre of this great shining space Ethelda stood alone.
 
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When she moved, her white and silver dress flashed in long sparkling rays, like the moonlight on the water. The black man covered his eyes to shield them at first from the blinding light, for it was like the sudden flashing of midday into the darkest night, and the cave became very bright. He looked on surprised, not understanding Ethelda’s words, and on finding what she had done he was completely astounded. He stepped forward quickly to snatch her from the glowing circle, but found he could not reach her side. Then he became furious and ............