"Don't contradict," said General Merchandise. "Why didn't you tell me you weren't, then?"
"That would be contradicting, sir," said Billy, laughing in spite of his fears.
"General," said the Princess, "let me speak."
"If you will promise not to talk," said the General, bowing.
"First then, soldiers, take your hands off Mr. Messenger Boy."
"Billy Bounce is my name, Princess," murmured Billy.
"Ha," growled the General, half to himself, "another name, eh!"
"Silence, General; I can't forget that my Aunt Queen Bee—"
"She's not an ant, she's a bee," said the General, sulkily.
"Silence, sir; you forget yourself. I say that I cannot forget that my Aunt Queen Bee, whose heir I am, bestowed the title of General Merchandise upon you, because she set such store by you, but I cannot stand these interruptions."