royaler than an American, I'd like to know what it is."

The Princesses seemed uncertain what reply to make to this speech
and began whispering together. Finally, Indigo said to Trot, "We do
not think it matters what you were in your own country, for having
left there you have forfeited your rank. By recklessly intruding
into our domain, you have become a slave, and being a slave you must
obey us or suffer the consequences."

"What cons'quences?" asked the girl.

"Dare to disobey us and you will quickly find out," snapped Indigo,
swaying her head from side to side on its long, swan-like neck like
the pendulum of a clock.

"I don't want any trouble," said Trot gravely. "We came to Sky
Island by mistake and wanted to go right away again; but your father
wouldn't let us. It isn't our fault we're still here, an' I'm free
to say you're a very dis'gree'ble an' horrid lot of people with no
manners to speak of, or you'd treat us nicely."

"No impertinence!" cried Indigo savagely.

"Why, it's the truth," replied Trot.

Indigo made a rush and caught Trot by both shoulders. The Princess
was twice the little girl's size, and she shook her victim so
violently that Trot's teeth rattled together. Then Princess Cobalt
came up and slapped one side of the slave's face, and Princess
Turquoise ran forward and slapped the other side. Cerulia gave Trot