“To be sure it is,” Gran’pa replied. “I had forgotten that!”
The Princess took them into all the ice cream parlors and candy stores in the City, and when they returned to the Castle all were loaded with bundles.
As they neared the steps of the Castle, Gran’pa shouted, “Look at the crowd near the Castle door. It must be people who have come to see you about something!”
The Princess looked worried. “No,” she replied, “they would never crowd about the Castle door in such a disorderly manner. Something has happened!”
Just as they started up the long flight of steps, the crowd separated and as the people fell back on either side a tall form dashed out of the doorway waving his crooked stick and shouting hoarsely.
“Old Jingles, the Magician!” the Princess cried as she sank to the steps.
CHAPTER XII
Gran’ma Tweaks Old Jingles’ Nose
Gran’ma, Janey and Mrs. Tiptoe rushed to the Princess and, raising her between them, they half carried and half dragged her back down the marble steps.
The Chief of Detectives, the Dancing Master, Johnny and Gran’pa sprang up the steps to meet the Magician. But the Chief of Detectives and Johnny caught their feet together and went tumbling to the foot of the hard stone steps, where they lay dazed.