“I’m his son, though.”
“And why should the goblins mind you , pray?”
“Because I don’t mind them. I’m used to them.”
“What difference does that make?”
“If you’re not afraid of them, they’re afraid of you. I’m not afraid of them. That’s all. But it’s all that’s wanted—up here, that is. It’s a different thing down there. They won’t always mind that song even, down there. And if anyone sings it, they stand grinning at him awfully; and if he gets frightened, and misses a word, or says a wrong one, they—oh! don’t they give it him!”
“What do they do to him?” asked Irene, with a trembling voice.
“Don’t go frightening the princess,” said the nurse.
“The princess!” repeated the little miner, taking off his curious cap. “I beg your pardon; but you oughtn’t to be out so late. Everybody knows that’s against the law.”
“Yes, indeed it is!” said the nurse, beginning to cry again. “And I shall have to suffer for it.”
“What does that matter?” said the boy. “It must be your fault. It is the princess who will suffer for it. I hope they didn’t hear you call her the princess. If they did, they’re sure to know her again: they’re awfully sharp.”
“Lootie! Lootie!” cried the princess. “Take me home.”
“Don’t go on like that,” said the nurse to the boy, almost fiercely. “How could I help it? I lost my way.”