ems like she
couldn't come to much harm on the straw. It's only been here two weeks."

"Put the papers down, an' we'll talk 'bout it afterwards. It seems as
though my arms would break."

Master Plummer obeyed, but with an ill grace, for this fault-finding
without reason was not agreeable.

There was no lack of newspapers in the house, and in as short a time as
Plums could compass it the straw was covered.

It was with a long breath of relief that Joe sat his charming burden
down, and then were the boys treated to an exhibition of the princess's
temper.

Cleanly though the couch was, she had no idea of sitting bolt upright
when there were two subjects at hand to obey her wishes.

She positively refused to be seated, but held out her hands as if for
Joe to take her in his arms once more, and when the boy attempted to
explain that it was necessary she remain there a few moments, the little
maiden made protest at the full strength of her lungs.

"I guess I'll have to take her up again," Joe said, with a long-drawn
sigh, "an' I don't know as she's to be blamed for not wantin' to stay
there."

"Well, I'd never believed anything so pretty could screech so loud!"
Master Plummer exclaimed, in a tone of wonderment. "She yells jest 'bout
the same's old Mis' Carter's kids do, an' there's nothin' swell about
them."

Joe made no reply. He was too deeply engaged in trying to hush the
princess to give any heed to his friend's remark, and fully five minutes
passed before the imperious little maid was reduced to silence.

Then she nestled down in his arms with such apparent content, and looked
so charming, that he was her willing slave, without one disagreeable
thought concerning her temper.

"If my face was washed, I'd kiss her this minute," he said, half to
himself, and immediately Master Plummer looked jealous.

"If you can do that, I reckon I can."

"Well, there won't either of us try it yet awhile, so s'posin' you go
after your supper, an' bring something for the princess when you come
back. Don't be gone any longer'n you can help, will you, Plums, 'cause
she must be gettin' hungry by this time."

"I'll take the cans an' get the stew in them, else I'd be gone quite a
spell if I waited to eat my share. Will I buy custard pie for her?"

"Yes, an' anything else you think she'd like. Don't get cheap stuff,
'cause she ain't used to it."

Then Joe emptied the contents of his pocket in Master Plummer's hands,
and the l