"You're talkin' straight enough, Plums, an' I 'gree to all you say; but this 'ere princess ain't like the general run of kids,--that you could see if you was blind. She's a reg'lar swell, an' you can bet there won't be any kick 'cause we ain't stoppin' at the Walledoff. Couldn't you get a little more of a move on? At this rate we sha'n't have supper much before mornin'." Master Plummer was willing to comply with this request, and did indeed appear to be making strenuous efforts to walk at a more rapid pace; but having patterned after a snail so many years, it seemed impossible for him to overcome what had become a habit. Not once during the short journey did the princess make any protest against the plan her temporary guardian had suggested. She was very comfortable, and although Joe's arms ached from long holding the light burden, she knew it not,--perhaps it would have made no difference had she been aware of the fact. Finally, and after what had seemed a very long journey to the princess's guardian, the little party arrived in front of the blacksmith's shop, and Master Plummer conducted his guests through a narrow alley to the rear of the building, where was a small, shed-like structure, the end of which was open, save for a pile of boxes and boards directly in front of it. "This is the place," Master Plummer said, with an air of proprietorship; "an' seein's you've got the kid in your arms, I'd better light a candle so's you can see the way, 'cause there's a lot of stuff out here at this end. I've been countin' on clearin' it up some day, but can't seem to find the time. Besides, it wouldn't make any difference to us,--it's only 'cause we've got the princess to lodge with us that I'd like to see it a little cleaner. Say, Joe, what _is_ a princess, anyhow?" "Why, it's a--you see, it's--it's a--well, look at her, can't you see? That's what it is. _She's_ a princess. Now don't be all night lightin' one candle." It did really appear as if Plums was even slower than usual, and so awkward that two matches were consumed before the wick was ignited. "You see I don't often swell out in so much style as to have candles, an' it takes me quite a spell to get one goin'," he said, in an apologetic tone. "She's all right now, though. Jest come 'round the end of that box, an' look out for this pile of iron, 'cause you might trip. There _would_ be a mess if your princess was dumped down on this stuff." "You get on with the candle, an' I'll see to the rest of the business," Joe said, impatiently, for by this time his arms ached severely. Master Plummer obeyed, and a moment later Joe and the princess were surveying the home, which occupied six square feet or more in one corner of the shed, was walled in by barrels and boxes, and furnished with a pile of straw and a disreputable-looking gray blanket.