Final answer:
The sentence in question mainly helps propel the action of the story by introducing events that quicken the pace of the story.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sentence in question mainly helps propel the action of the story by introducing events that quicken the pace of the story. It describes the prince following the girl as she runs off towards home and jumps into the pigeon-house, creating a sense of urgency and movement in the narrative. This sentence contributes to the rising action of the story, leading the reader closer to the climax where a significant action will take place.