They ought to have listened to me, and then they wouldn't have been taken by surprise as they were.' 'That is true, Curdie; but it is not for you to blame them much.

You remember ?' 'Yes, mother, I do.

Only I must really have something to eat.' 'You shall, my boy--as fast as I can get it,' said his mother, rising and setting the princess on her chair.
But before his breakfast was ready, Curdie jumped up so suddenly as to startle both his companions.
'Mother, mother!' he cried, 'I was forgetting.

You must take the princess home yourself.

I must go and wake my father.' Without a word of explanation, he rushed to the place where his father was sleeping.