1] THE LOST PRINCE. 47

“Oh, sir!’ replied she, ‘I am sure you will not object
to my little pet ; I assure you he will hurt no one,’

‘But I do object, retorted the Giant with an angry
look ; ‘I object very much, and I do not see why Iam
to have what I don’t like in my own palace,’

As he spoke, he turned back and took a step to-
wards the Princess, as if he were half inclined to take
the animal from her. ‘ Ri-too-ri-lal-lural’ gently
hummed the maiden as he approached. He stopped
suddenly.

‘Well,’ said he, ‘I suppose you must have yout
own way,’ and abruptly left the room.

As soon as ever he was gone, Pincher struggled to
be set free, and in a low and whining voice told the
sisters that it was evident the Giant knew or suspected
that there was something wrong about him.

“Still,” said he, ‘as long as he is alone, I fear not,
but should others more powerful than he come to visit
him whilst we are here, I shall have to “look out for
squalls,” and you must be prepared to see me assume
different shapes, and must take care to help meas I
have directed you. Meanwhile, do not lose any time in
pressing him upon the matter which you have in hand,
otherwise he will continually put you off with excuses,
and you may find greater difficulties than ought to be
the case.’ Having said these words, the little fellow
ran under a sofa and hid ; shortly after which the Giant
re-entered the room.

‘Princesses,’ he said, ‘your apartments are prepared
for you; and as you have brought no maid with you,
my worthy housekeeper, Dame Skrinklegriggs, will be
happy to attend upon you.’