1] THE LOST PRINCE. 37

which you must allow me to call charming, I
would strongly caution you as to your behaviour.
Keep the great magic word for use in case of diffi-
culty. Meanwhile, above all things look anybody
to whom you speak straight in the face. Nothing
disconcerts a knave more than a pair of honest
eyes looking into his. Don’t look behind you or down
upon the ground. Eat and drink what is offered
to you, but always remember to say the word to
yourselves before you do so. Nothing can hurt
you then. We must abandon our steeds here: in fact
no pig would be safe for a moment in the Giant’s
country, and their presence would betray us at once.
You had better walk straight forward into the country
—in fact I will lead the way—and when accosted,
say you are come on a visit to Pattle-perry, and
demand to be led to his palace. When there, boldly
tell him that you have come in search of your
brother, lost some nine years ago, and whom you
have reason to believe is in his kingdom, and
when the matter has been thus fairly started, I can
only leave you to the instincts of your own common
sense, guided by the advice and instructions which I
have had the honour and pleasure of giving you.’
With these words, the worthy Rindelgrover jumped
lightly from his steed, and having politely assisted the
Princesses to dismount also, turned the three pigs’ heads
' in a homeward direction, and waved his hand towards
the forest. The sensible animals needed no further
orders, but set off at best speed down the hill with
deep grunts of satisfaction. Then the Dwarf pointed
out the ledge of a rock upon which the sisters might