I thanked goodness I was a fine runner, and started for the pawpaw thicket.

Once there, I paused only one minute to see whether the way to the stream was clear, and while standing tense and gazing, I heard something.

For an instant it was every bit as bad as at the dry creek.

Then I realized that this was a soft voice singing, and I forgot everything else in a glow of delight.

The Princess was coming! Never in all my life was I so surprised, and astonished, and bewildered.