ances, and said to his princess when the newsdealer rejoined
them:

"Now, little one, we're goin' to Plums's home, an' you must try not to
feel bad 'cause it ain't very swell. It's bound to be better'n stayin'
out in the street all night, for I've tried that game a good many times,
an' there's nothin' funny 'bout it."

The little maid, perched on Joe's arm something after the fashion of a
bird, chirped and twittered a reply, and Plums, who had fallen in the
rear that he might secretly touch the arm which was around Joe's neck,
said, reflectively:

"I s'pose we'll have a high old time between now and mornin', 'cause
that kid, sweet as she's lookin' jest now, ain't goin' to be quiet in a
place like mine. It's fellers like you an' me, Joe, who've knocked
'round the city a good many times when we didn't have the price of a
lodgin' in our pockets, what can 'preciate a home where the wind an'
rain can't get in."

"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