Page:The Floating Prince - Frank R Stockton.djvu/212

Rh "No," said the citizen. "I think we can manage it better than that. Our large friend here, will be able to get these people out of your house without killing them."

"Oh, yes," said the giant, "I'll attend to that."

Jorn being now quite ready to travel, the party proceeded, and soon reached his house.

When Laub perceived the approach of Jorn and his friends, he barricaded all the doors and windows, and, with his companions prepared to resist all attempts to enter.

But his efforts were useless. The giant knelt down before the house, and having easily removed the door, he thrust in his arm, and sweeping it around the room, easily caught three of the invaders.

He then put his other arm through the window of the Ninkum's room, and soon pulled out Laub, taking no notice of his kicks and blows.

The giant then tied the four rascals in a bunch by the feet, and laid them on the grass.

"Now," said the citizen to the Ninkum, "as there seems to be nothing more to be done for this good man and his daughter, suppose you tell me the way to the Castle of Bim. I think I can find it, if I have good directions, and I do not wish to waste any more time."

"I do not know the exact way," answered the Ninkum.

"What!" cried the other, "have you never been there?"

"No," said the Ninkum.

"Well, then, did not the person who told you about it, tell you the way?"

"No one ever told me about it," replied the Ninkum. "I have thought a great deal on the subject, and I feel sure that there must be such a place, and the way to find it is to go and look for it."