barking showed that he was on the alert
to defend his young charges, and Roy had to call to him again and again
before he was satisfied that the newcomer was a friend.

"Why, what a long time you've been coming," said the Heir-to-Empire
calmly. "We've had our breakfast, 'cos we couldn't wait any longer. You
can't have come as fast as you could. No more would Tumbu, only we made
him not be lazy, 'cos Head-nurse says--what is it she says, Bija?"

The little girl looked solemn. "She says every one should do everything
as quick as ever they can. So we shouted at Tumbu and pulled his tail
just a liddly-wee bit like the bullock drivers do. And then we had the
loveliest ride, and Tumbu wasn't a bit cross; but he wouldn't go down
the rocks and growled. So we had to get out and walk. And then we came
here, and first of all we picked flowers; then I had hearth cakes and
popcorn in my veil, and so we ate our breakfast, and then you came--and
that's all, thank you!" She had just finished a lovely soft ball and she
flung it full at the Heir-to-Empire. It hit him, but he took no notice.
He was thinking of something else.

"But where," he began, and his little lip went down, "is Head-nurse--and
Foster-father--and Foster-mother--and Old Faithful--and Meroo--and Down?
What have you done with them, slave?"

He was half angry, half ready to cry, so Roy, though his own heart
failed him as he thought of the dangers of the road, had to soothe and
comfort him by saying, as cheerfully as he could, that they would come
before long. But would they? Now that the relief of finding the children
were safe was over, poor Roy began to see the difficulties before him.
If those others did not come, what would he, a mere lad, do? How could
he care for his little master and mistress? They had had their
breakfast, it is true--Roy forgot he had had none himself!--but what
could they have for supper? He could not even think, he felt too giddy
and tired even to sleep; so, after he had rolled his fur coat into a
soft pillow for the little Prince and Princess, who were drowsy for
their mid-day rest, and covered them over with their own, he sat with
his head between his hands, his eyes closed, wishing he were not so
stupid, wishing he could only think of something to do; for in reality
he was quite wearied out. If the others did not come! Of course they
might come at any moment; and yet the moments passed to minutes, the
minutes to hours, while the children s