第4章
"Therearemanyothercolors，however，andthepurpleonesarescatteredthroughouttherooms，andareofmanydifferentshapesandsizes。Takemywordforit，Steward，theywillneverthinkofchoosingthepurpleornaments。"
Billina，squattingunderthethrone，hadlistenedcarefullytoallthistalk，andnowchuckledsoftlytoherselfassheheardtheKingdisclosehissecret。
"Still，youareactingfoolishlybyrunningthechance，"continuedtheSteward，roughly;"anditisstillmorefoolishofyoutotransformallthosepeoplefromOzintogreenornaments。"
"IdidthatbecausetheycamefromtheEmeraldCity，"repliedtheKing;"andIhadnogreenornamentsinmycollectionuntilnow。I
thinktheywilllookquitepretty，mixedwiththeothers。Don’tyou？"
TheStewardgaveanangrygrunt。
"Haveyourownway，sinceyouaretheKing，"hegrowled。"Butifyoucometogriefthroughyourcarelessness，rememberthatItoldyouso。
IfIworethemagicbeltwhichenablesyoutoworkallyourtransformations，andgivesyousomuchotherpower，IamsureIwouldmakeamuchwiserandbetterKingthanyouare。"
"Oh，ceaseyourtiresomechatter！"commandedtheKing，gettingangryagain。"BecauseyouaremyChiefStewardyouhaveanideayoucanscoldmeasmuchasyouplease。Buttheverynexttimeyoubecomeimpudent，Iwillsendyoutoworkinthefurnaces，andgetanotherNometofillyourplace。Nowfollowmetomychamber，forIamgoingtobed。AndseethatIamwakenedearlytomorrowmorning。Iwanttoenjoythefunoftransformingtherestofthesepeopleintoornaments。"
"WhatcolorwillyoumaketheKansasgirl？"askedtheSteward。
"Gray，Ithink，"saidhisMajesty。
"AndtheScarecrowandthemachineman？"
"Oh，theyshallbeofsolidgold，becausetheyaresouglyinreallife。"
Thenthevoicesdiedaway，andBillinaknewthattheKingandhisStewardhadlefttheroom。Shefixedupsomeofhertailfeathersthatwerenotstraight，andthentuckedherheadunderherwingagainandwenttosleep。
InthemorningDorothyandtheLionandTigerweregiventheirbreakfastintheirrooms，andafterwardjoinedtheKinginhisthroneroom。TheTigercomplainedbitterlythathewashalfstarved，andbeggedtogointothepalaceandbecomeanornament，sothathewouldnolongersufferthepangsofhunger。
"Haven’tyouhadyourbreakfast？"askedtheNomeKing。
"Oh，Ihadjustabite，"repliedthebeast。"Butwhatgoodisabite，toahungrytiger？"
"Heateseventeenbowlsofporridge，aplatterfulloffriedsausages，elevenloavesofbreadandtwenty-onemincepies，"saidtheSteward。
"Whatmoredoyouwant？"demandedtheKing。
"Afatbaby。Iwantafatbaby，"saidtheHungryTiger。"Anice，plump，juicy，tender，fatbaby。But，ofcourse，ifIhadone，myconsciencewouldnotallowmetoeatit。SoI’llhavetobeanornamentandforgetmyhunger。"
"Impossible！"exclaimedtheKing。"I’llhavenoclumsybeastsentermypalace，tooverturnandbreakallmyprettynick-nacks。Whentherestofyourfriendsaretransformedyoucanreturntotheupperworld，andgoaboutyourbusiness。"
"Asforthat，wehavenobusiness，whenourfriendsaregone，"saidtheLion。"Sowedonotcaremuchwhatbecomesofus。"
Dorothybeggedtobeallowedtogofirstintothepalace，butTiktokfirmlymaintainedthattheslaveshouldfacedangerbeforethemistress。TheScarecrowagreedwithhiminthat，sotheNomeKingopenedthedoorforthemachineman，whotrampedintothepalacetomeethisfate。ThenhisMajestyreturnedtohisthroneandpuffedhispipesocontentedlythatasmallcloudofsmokeformedabovehishead。
Byeandbyehesaid：
"I’msorrytherearesofewofyouleft。Verysoon，now，myfunwillbeover，andthenforamusementIshallhavenothingtodobutadmiremynewornaments。"
"Itseemstome，"saidDorothy，"thatyouarenotsohonestasyoupretendtobe。"
"How’sthat？"askedtheKing。
"Why，youmadeusthinkitwouldbeeasytoguesswhatornamentsthepeopleofEvwerechangedinto。"
"ItISeasy，"declaredthemonarch，"ifoneisagoodguesser。Butitappearsthatthemembersofyourpartyareallpoorguessers。"
"WhatisTiktokdoingnow？"askedthegirl，uneasily。
"Nothing，"repliedtheKing，withafrown。"Heisstandingperfectlystill，inthemiddleofaroom。"
"Oh，Iexpecthe’srundown，"saidDorothy。"Iforgottowindhimupthismorning。Howmanyguesseshashemade？"
"Allthatheisallowedexceptone，"answeredtheKing。"Supposeyougoinandwindhimup，andthenyoucanstaythereandmakeyourownguesses。"
"Allright，"saidDorothy。
"Itismyturnnext，"declaredtheScarecrow。
"Why，youdon’twanttogoawayandleavemeallalone，doyou？"askedthegirl。"Besides，ifIgonowIcanwindupTiktok，sothathecanmakehislastguess。"
"Verywell，then，"saidtheScarecrow，withasigh。"Runalong，littleDorothy，andmaygoodluckgowithyou！"
SoDorothy，tryingtobebraveinspiteofherfears，passedthroughthedoorwayintothegorgeousroomsofthepalace。Thestillnessoftheplaceawedher，atfirst，andthechilddrewshortbreaths，andpressedherhandtoherheart，andlookedallaroundwithwonderingeyes。
Yes，itwasabeautifulplace;butenchantmentslurkedineverynookandcorner，andshehadnotyetgrownaccustomedtothewizardriesofthesefairycountries，sodifferentfromthequietandsensiblecommon-placesofherownnativeland。
SlowlyshepassedthroughseveralroomsuntilshecameuponTiktok，standingmotionless。Itreallyseemed，then，thatshehadfoundafriendinthismysteriouspalace，soshehastenedtowindupthemachineman’sactionandspeechandthoughts。
"Thankyou，Dor-oth-y，"werehisfirstwords。"Ihavenowonemoreguesstomake。"
"Oh，beverycareful，Tiktok;won’tyou？"criedthegirl。
"Yes。ButtheNomeKinghasusinhispower，andhehassetatrapforus。Ifearwearealllost。"heanswered。
"Ifearso，too，"saidDorothy，sadly。
"IfSmith&Tin-kerhadgiv-enmeaguess-ingclock-workat-tach-ment，"
continuedTiktok，"Imighthavede-fiedtheNomeKing。Butmythoughtsareplainandsim-ple，andarenotofmuchuseinthiscase。"
"Dothebestyoucan，"saidDorothy，encouragingly，"andifyoufailI
willwatchandseewhatshapeyouarechangedinto。"
SoTiktoktouchedayellowglassvasethathaddaisiespaintedononeside，andhespokeatthesametimetheword"Ev。"
Inaflashthemachinemanhaddisappeared，andalthoughthegirllookedquicklyineverydirection，shecouldnottellwhichofthemanyornamentstheroomcontainedhadamomentbeforebeenherfaithfulfriendandservant。
Soallshecoulddowastoacceptthehopelesstasksether，andmakeherguessesandabidebytheresult。
"Itcan’thurtverymuch，"shethought，"forIhaven’theardanyofthemscreamorcryout——noteventhepoorofficers。Dearme！I
wonderifUncleHenryorAuntEmwilleverknowIhavebecomeanorn’mentintheNomeKing’spalace，andmuststandforeverandeverinoneplaceandlookpretty——’ceptwhenI’mmovedtobedusted。Itisn’tthewayIthoughtI’dturnout，atall;butIs’poseitcan’tbehelped。"
Shewalkedthroughalltheroomsoncemore，andexaminedwithcarealltheobjectstheycontained;butthereweresomany，theybewilderedher，andshedecided，afterall，asOzmahaddone，thatitcouldbeonlyguessworkatthebest，andthatthechancesweremuchagainstherguessingaright。
Timidlyshetouchedanalabasterbowlandsaid："Ev。"
"That’sonefailure，anyhow，"shethought。"ButhowamItoknowwhichthingisenchanted，andwhichisnot？"
Nextshetouchedtheimageofapurplekittenthatstoodonthecornerofamantel，andasshepronouncedtheword"Ev"thekittendisappeared，andapretty，fair-hairedboystoodbesideher。Atthesametimeabellrangsomewhereinthedistance，andasDorothystartedback，partlyinsurpriseandpartlyinjoy，thelittleoneexclaimed：
"WhereamI？Andwhoareyou？Andwhathashappenedtome？"
"Well，Ideclare！"saidDorothy。"I’vereallydoneit。"
"Donewhat？"askedtheboy。
"Savedmyselffrombeinganornament，"repliedthegirl，withalaugh，"andsavedyoufrombeingforeverapurplekitten。"
"Apurplekitten？"herepeated。"ThereISnosuchthing。"
"Iknow，"sheanswered。"Buttherewas，aminuteago。Don’tyourememberstandingonacornerofthemantel？"
"Ofcoursenot。IamaPrinceofEv，andmynameisEvring，"thelittleoneannounced，proudly。"Butmyfather，theKing，soldmymotherandallherchildrentothecruelruleroftheNomes，andafterthatIremembernothingatall。"
"Apurplekittencan’tbe’spectedtoremember，Evring，"saidDorothy。
"Butnowyouareyourselfagain，andI’mgoingtotrytosavesomeofyourbrothersandsisters，andperhapsyourmother，aswell。Socomewithme。"
Sheseizedthechild’shandandeagerlyhurriedhereandthere，tryingtodecidewhichobjecttochoosenext。Thethirdguesswasanotherfailure，andsowasthefourthandthefifth。
LittleEvringcouldnotimaginewhatshewasdoing，buthetrottedalongbesideherverywillingly，forhelikedthenewcompanionhehadfound。
Dorothy’sfurtherquestprovedunsuccessful;butafterherfirstdisappointmentwasover，thelittlegirlwasfilledwithjoyandthankfulnesstothinkthatafterallshehadbeenabletosaveonememberoftheroyalfamilyofEv，andcouldrestorethelittlePrincetohissorrowingcountry。NowshemightreturntotheterribleNomeKinginsafety，carryingwithhertheprizeshehadwoninthepersonofthefair-hairedboy。
Sosheretracedherstepsuntilshefoundtheentrancetothepalace，andassheapproached，themassivedoorsofrockopenedoftheirownaccord，allowingbothDorothyandEvringtopasstheportalsandenterthethroneroom。
15。BillinaFrightenstheNomeKingNowwhenDorothyhadenteredthepalacetomakeherguessesandtheScarecrowwasleftwiththeNomeKing，thetwosatinmoodysilenceforseveralminutes。Thenthemonarchexclaimed，inatoneofsatisfaction：
"Verygood！"
"Whoisverygood？"askedtheScarecrow。
"Themachineman。Hewon’tneedtobewoundupanymore，forhehasnowbecomeaveryneatornament。Veryneat，indeed。"
"HowaboutDorothy？"theScarecrowenquired。
"Oh，shewillbegintoguess，prettysoon，"saidtheKing，cheerfully。
"Andthenshewilljoinmycollection，anditwillbeyourturn。"
ThegoodScarecrowwasmuchdistressedbythethoughtthathislittlefriendwasabouttosufferthefateofOzmaandtherestoftheirparty;
butwhilehesatingloomyreverieashrillvoicesuddenlycried：
"Kut，kut，kut——ka-daw-kutt！Kut，kut，kut——ka-daw-kutt！"
TheNomeKingnearlyjumpedoffhisseat，hewassostartled。
"Goodgracious！What’sthat？"heyelled。
"Why，it’sBillina，"saidtheScarecrow。
"Whatdoyoumeanbymakinganoiselikethat？"shoutedtheKing，angrily，astheyellowhencamefromunderthethroneandstruttedproudlyabouttheroom。
"I’vegotarighttocackle，Iguess，"repliedBillina。"I’vejustlaidmyegg。"
"What！Laidanegg！Inmythroneroom！Howdareyoudosuchathing？"askedtheKing，inavoiceoffury。
"IlayeggswhereverIhappentobe，"saidthehen，rufflingherfeathersandthenshakingthemintoplace。
"But——thunder-ation！Don’tyouknowthateggsarepoison？"roaredtheKing，whilehisrock-coloredeyesstuckoutingreatterror。
"Poison！well，Ideclare，"saidBillina，indignantly。"I’llhaveyouknowallmyeggsarewarrantedstrictlyfreshanduptodate。
Poison，indeed！"
"Youdon’tunderstand，"retortedthelittlemonarch，nervously。"Eggsbelongonlytotheoutsideworld——totheworldontheearth’ssurface，whereyoucamefrom。Here，inmyundergroundkingdom，theyarerankpoison，asIsaid，andweNomescan’tbearthemaround。"
"Well，you’llhavetobearthisonearound，"declaredBillina;"forI’velaidit。"
"Where？"askedtheKing。
"Underyourthrone，"saidthehen。
TheKingjumpedthreefeetintotheair，soanxiouswashetogetawayfromthethrone。
"Takeitaway！Takeitawayatonce！"heshouted。
"Ican’t，"saidBillina。"Ihaven’tanyhands。"
"I’lltaketheegg，"saidtheScarecrow。"I’mmakingacollectionofBillina’seggs。There’soneinmypocketnow，thatshelaidyesterday。"
Hearingthis，themonarchhastenedtoputagooddistancebetweenhimselfandtheScarecrow，whowasabouttoreachunderthethronefortheeggwhenthehensuddenlycried：
"Stop！"
"What’swrong？"askedtheScarecrow。
"Don’ttaketheeggunlesstheKingwillallowmetoenterthepalaceandguessastheothershavedone，"saidBillina。
"Pshaw！"returnedtheKing。"You’reonlyahen。Howcouldyouguessmyenchantments？"
"Icantry，Isuppose，"saidBillina。"And，ifIfail，youwillhaveanotherornament。"
"Aprettyornamentyou’dmake，wouldn’tyou？"growledtheKing。"Butyoushallhaveyourway。Itwillproperlypunishyoufordaringtolayanegginmypresence。AftertheScarecrowisenchantedyoushallfollowhimintothepalace。Buthowwillyoutouchtheobjects？"
"Withmyclaws，"saidthehen;"andIcanspeaktheword’Ev’asplainlyasanyone。AlsoImusthavetherighttoguesstheenchantmentsofmyfriends，andtoreleasethemifIsucceed。"
"Verywell，"saidtheKing。"Youhavemypromise。"
"Then，"saidBillinatotheScarecrow，"youmaygettheegg。"
Hekneltdownandreachedunderneaththethroneandfoundtheegg，whichheplacedinanotherpocketofhisjacket，fearingthatifbotheggswereinonepockettheywouldknocktogetherandgetbroken。
Justthenabellabovethethronerangbriskly，andtheKinggaveanothernervousjump。
"Well，well！"saidhe，witharuefulface;"thegirlhasactuallydoneit。"
"Donewhat？"askedtheScarecrow。
"Shehasmadeoneguessthatisright，andbrokenoneofmyneatestenchantments。Byricketty，it’stoobad！Ineverthoughtshewoulddoit。"
"DoIunderstandthatshewillnowreturntousinsafety？"enquiredtheScarecrow，joyfullywrinklinghispaintedfaceintoabroadsmile。
"Ofcourse，"saidtheKing，fretfullypacingupanddowntheroom。"I
alwayskeepmypromises，nomatterhowfoolishtheyare。ButIshallmakeanornamentoftheyellowhentoreplacetheoneIhavejustlost。"
"Perhapsyouwill，andperhapsyouwon’t，"murmuredBillina，calmly。
"Imaysurpriseyoubyguessingright。"
"Guessingright？"snappedtheKing。"Howcouldyouguessright，whereyourbettershavefailed，youstupidfowl？"
Billinadidnotcaretoanswerthisquestion，andamomentlaterthedoorsflewopenandDorothyentered，leadingthelittlePrinceEvringbythehand。
TheScarecrowwelcomedthegirlwithacloseembrace，andhewouldhaveembracedEvring，too，inhisdelight。ButthelittlePrincewasshy，andshrankawayfromthepaintedScarecrowbecausehedidnotyetknowhismanyexcellentqualities。
Buttherewaslittletimeforthefriendstotalk，becausetheScarecrowmustnowenterthepalace。Dorothy’ssuccesshadgreatlyencouragedhim，andtheybothhopedhewouldmanagetomakeatleastonecorrectguess。
However，heprovedasunfortunateastheothersexceptDorothy，andalthoughhetookagooddealoftimetoselecthisobjects，notonedidthepoorScarecrowguessaright。
Sohebecameasolidgoldcard-receiver，andthebeautifulbutterriblepalaceawaitedit’snextvisitor。
"It’sallover，"remarkedtheKing，withasighofsatisfaction;"andithasbeenaveryamusingperformance，exceptfortheonegoodguesstheKansasgirlmade。Iamricherbyagreatmanyprettyornaments。
"Itismyturn，now，"saidBillina，briskly。
"Oh，I’dforgottenyou，"saidtheKing。"Butyouneedn’tgoifyoudon’twishto。Iwillbegenerous，andletyouoff。"
"Noyouwon’t，"repliedthehen。"Iinsistuponhavingmyguesses，asyoupromised。"
"Thengoahead，youabsurdfeatheredfool！"grumbledtheKing，andhecausedtheopeningthatledtothepalacetoappearoncemore。
"Don’tgo，Billina，"saidDorothy，earnestly。"Itisn’teasytoguessthoseorn’ments，andonlylucksavedmefrombeingonemyself。Staywithmeandwe’llgobacktotheLandofEvtogether。I’msurethislittlePrincewillgiveusahome。"
"IndeedIwill，"saidEvring，withmuchdignity。
"Don’tworry，mydear，"criedBillina，withacluckthatwasmeantforalaugh。"Imaynotbehuman，butI’mnofool，ifIAMachicken。"
"Oh，Billina！"saidDorothy，"youhaven’tbeenachickeninalongtime。Notsinceyou——you’vebeen——grownup。"
"Perhapsthat’strue，"answeredBillina，thoughtfully。"ButifaKansasfarmersoldmetosomeone，whatwouldhecallme？——ahenorachicken！"
"YouarenotaKansasfarmer，Billina，"repliedthegirl，"andyousaid——"
"Nevermindthat，Dorothy。I’mgoing。Iwon’tsaygood-bye，becauseI’mcomingback。Keepupyourcourage，forI’llseeyoualittlelater。"
ThenBillinagaveseveralloud"cluck-clucks"thatseemedtomakethefatlittleKingMOREnervousthanever，andmarchedthroughtheentranceintotheenchantedpalace。
"IhopeI’veseenthelastofTHATbird，"declaredthemonarch，seatinghimselfagaininhisthroneandmoppingtheperspirationfromhisforeheadwithhisrock-coloredhandkerchief。"Hensarebothersomeenoughattheirbest，butwhentheycantalkthey’resimplydreadful。"
"Billina’smyfriend，"saidDorothyquietly。"Shemaynotalwaysbe’zactlypolite;butsheMEANSwell，I’msure。"
16。Purple，Green，andGoldTheyellowhen，steppinghighandwithanairofvastimportance，walkedslowlyovertherichvelvetcarpetsofthesplendidpalace，examiningeverythingshemetwithhersharplittleeyes。
Billinahadarighttofeelimportant;forshealonesharedtheNomeKing’ssecretandknewhowtotelltheobjectsthatweretransformationsfromthosethathadneverbeenalive。Shewasverysurethatherguesseswouldbecorrect，butbeforeshebegantomakethemshewascurioustobeholdallthemagnificenceofthisundergroundpalace，whichwasperhapsoneofthemostsplendidandbeautifulplacesinanyfairyland。
Asshewentthroughtheroomsshecountedthepurpleornaments;andalthoughsomeweresmallandhiddeninqueerplaces，Billinaspiedthemall，andfoundtheentiretenscatteredaboutthevariousrooms。
Thegreenornamentsshedidnotbothertocount，forshethoughtshecouldfindthemallwhenthetimecame。
Finally，havingmadeasurveyoftheentirepalaceandenjoyeditssplendor，theyellowhenreturnedtooneoftheroomswhereshehadnoticedalargepurplefootstool。Sheplacedaclawuponthisandsaid"Ev，"andatoncethefootstoolvanishedandalovelylady，tallandslenderandmostbeautifullyrobed，stoodbeforeher。
Thelady’seyeswereroundwithastonishmentforamoment，forshecouldnotrememberhertransformation，norimaginewhathadrestoredhertolife。
"Goodmorning，ma’am，"saidBillina，inhersharpvoice。"You’relookingquitewell，consideringyourage。"
"Whospeaks？"demandedtheQueenofEv，drawingherselfupproudly。
"Why，myname’sBill，byrights，"answeredthehen，whowasnowpercheduponthebackofachair;"althoughDorothyhasputscollopsonitandmadeitBillina。Butthenamedoesn’tmatter。I’vesavedyoufromtheNomeKing，andyouareaslavenolonger。"
"ThenIthankyouforthegraciousfavor，"saidtheQueen，withagracefulcourtesy。"But，mychildren——tellme，Ibegofyou——wherearemychildren？"andsheclaspedherhandsinanxiousentreaty。
"Don’tworry，"advisedBillina，peckingatatinybugthatwascrawlingoverthechairback。"Justatpresenttheyareoutofmischiefandperfectlysafe，fortheycan’tevenwiggle。"
"Whatmeanyou，Okindlystranger？"askedtheQueen，strivingtorepressheranxiety。
"They’reenchanted，"saidBillina，"justasyouhavebeen——all，thatis，exceptthelittlefellowDorothypickedout。Andthechancesarethattheyhavebeengoodboysandgirlsforsometime，becausetheycouldn’thelpit。"
"Oh，mypoordarlings！"criedtheQueen，withasobofanguish。
"Notatall，"returnedthehen。"Don’tlettheirconditionmakeyouunhappy，ma’am，becauseI’llsoonhavethemcrowding’roundtobotherandworryyouasnaturallyasever。Comewithme，ifyouplease，andI’llshowyouhowprettytheylook。"
Sheflewdownfromherperchandwalkedintothenextroom，theQueenfollowing。Asshepassedalowtableasmallgreengrasshoppercaughthereye，andinstantlyBillinapounceduponitandsnappeditupinhersharpbill。Forgrasshoppersareafavoritefoodwithhens，andtheyusuallymustbecaughtquickly，beforetheycanhopaway。ItmighteasilyhavebeentheendofOzmaofOz，hadshebeenarealgrasshopperinsteadofanemeraldone。ButBillinafoundthegrasshopperhardandlifeless，andsuspectingitwasnotgoodtoeatshequicklydroppeditinsteadoflettingitslidedownherthroat。
"Imighthaveknownbetter，"shemutteredtoherself，"forwherethereisnograsstherecanbenolivegrasshoppers。ThisisprobablyoneoftheKing’stransformations。"
Amomentlatersheapproachedoneofthepurpleornaments，andwhiletheQueenwatchedhercuriouslythehenbroketheNomeKing’senchantmentandasweet-facedgirl，whosegoldenhairfellinacloudoverhershoulders，stoodbesidethem。
"Evanna！"criedtheQueen，"myownEvanna！"andsheclaspedthegirltoherbosomandcoveredherfacewithkisses。
"That’sallright，"saidBillina，contentedly。"AmIagoodguesser，Mr。NomeKing？Well，Iguess！"
Thenshedisenchantedanothergirl，whomtheQueenaddressedasEvrose，andafterwardsaboynamedEvardo，whowasolderthanhisbrotherEvring。Indeed，theyellowhenkeptthegoodQueenexclaimingandembracingforsometime，untilfivePrincessesandfourPrinces，alllookingverymuchalikeexceptforthedifferenceinsize，stoodinarowbesidetheirhappymother。
ThePrincesseswerenamed，Evanna，Evrose，Evella，EvireneandEvedna，whilethePrinceswereEvrob，Evington，EvardoandEvroland。OftheseEvardowastheeldestandwouldinherithisfather’sthroneandbecrownedKingofEvwhenhereturnedtohisowncountry。Hewasagraveandquietyouth，andwoulddoubtlessrulehispeoplewiselyandwithjustice。
Billina，havingrestoredalloftheroyalfamilyofEvtotheirproperforms，nowbegantoselectthegreenornamentswhichwerethetransformationsofthepeopleofOz。Shehadlittletroubleinfindingthese，andbeforelongallthetwenty-sixofficers，aswellastheprivate，weregatheredaroundtheyellowhen，joyfullycongratulatingherupontheirrelease。Thethirty-sevenpeoplewhowerenowaliveintheroomsofthepalaceknewverywellthattheyowedtheirfreedomtotheclevernessoftheyellowhen，andtheywereearnestinthankingherforsavingthemfromthemagicoftheNomeKing。
"Now，"saidBillina，"ImustfindOzma。Sheissuretobehere，somewhere，andofcoursesheisgreen，beingfromOz。Solookaround，youstupidsoldiers，andhelpmeinmysearch。"
Forawhile，however，theycoulddiscovernothingmorethatwasgreen。
ButtheQueen，whohadkissedallherninechildrenoncemoreandcouldnowfindtimetotakeaninterestinwhatwasgoingon，saidtothehen：
"Mayhap，mygentlefriend，itisthegrasshopperwhomyouseek。"
"Ofcourseit’sthegrasshopper！"exclaimedBillina。"Ideclare，I’mnearlyasstupidasthesebravesoldiers。Waithereforme，andI’llgobackandgetit。"
Soshewentintotheroomwhereshehadseenthegrasshopper，andpresentlyOzmaofOz，aslovelyanddaintyasever，enteredandapproachedtheQueenofEv，greetingherasonehighbornprincessgreetsanother。
"Butwherearemyfriends，theScarecrowandtheTinWoodman？"askedthegirlRuler，whenthesecourtesieshadbeenexchanged。
"I’llhuntthemup，"repliedBillina。"TheScarecrowissolidgold，andsoisTiktok;butIdon’texactlyknowwhattheTinWoodmanis，becausetheNomeKingsaidhehadbeentransformedintosomethingfunny。"
Ozmaeagerlyassistedtheheninherquest，andsoontheScarecrowandthemachineman，beingornamentsofshininggold，werediscoveredandrestoredtotheiraccustomedforms。But，searchastheymight，innoplacecouldtheyfindafunnyornamentthatmightbethetransformationoftheTinWoodman。
"Onlyonethingcanbedone，"saidOzma，atlast，"andthatistoreturntotheNomeKingandobligehimtotelluswhathasbecomeofourfriend。"
"Perhapshewon’t，"suggestedBillina。
"Hemust，"returnedOzma，firmly。"TheKinghasnottreatedushonestly，forunderthemaskoffairnessandgoodnatureheentrappedusall，andwewouldhavebeenforeverenchantedhadnotourwiseandcleverfriend，theyellowhen，foundawaytosaveus。"
"TheKingisavillain，"declaredtheScarecrow。
"Hislaughisworsethananotherman’sfrown，"saidtheprivate，withashudder。
"Ithoughthewashon-est，butIwasmis-tak-en，"remarkedTiktok。
"Mythoughtsareus-u-al-lycor-rect，butitisSmith&Tin-ker’sfaultiftheysome-timesgowrongordonotworkprop-er-ly。"
"Smith&Tinkermadeaverygoodjobofyou，"saidOzma，kindly。"I
donotthinktheyshouldbeblamedifyouarenotquiteperfect。"
"Thankyou，"repliedTiktok。
"Then，"saidBillina，inherbrisklittlevoice，"letusallgobacktotheNomeKing，andseewhathehastosayforhimself。"
Sotheystartedfortheentrance，Ozmagoingfirst，withtheQueenandhertrainoflittlePrincesandPrincessesfollowing。ThencameTiktok，andtheScarecrowwithBillinapercheduponhisstraw-stuffedshoulder。Thetwenty-sevenofficersandtheprivatebroughtuptherear。
Astheyreachedthehallthedoorsflewopenbeforethem;butthentheyallstoppedandstaredintothedomedcavernwithfacesofastonishmentanddismay。Fortheroomwasfilledwiththemail-cladwarriorsoftheNomeKing，rankafterrankstandinginorderlyarray。
Theelectriclightsupontheirbrowsgleamedbrightly，theirbattle-axeswerepoisedasiftostrikedowntheirfoes;yettheyremainedmotionlessasstatues，awaitingthewordofcommand。
AndinthecenterofthisterriblearmysatthelittleKinguponhisthroneofrock。Butheneithersmilednorlaughed。Instead，hisfacewasdistortedwithrage，andmostdreadfultobehold。
17。TheScarecrowWinstheFightAfterBillinahadenteredthepalaceDorothyandEvringsatdowntoawaitthesuccessorfailureofhermission，andtheNomeKingoccupiedhisthroneandsmokedhislongpipeforawhileinacheerfulandcontentedmood。
Thenthebellabovethethrone，whichsoundedwheneveranenchantmentwasbroken，begantoring，andtheKinggaveastartofannoyanceandexclaimed，"Rocketty-ricketts！"
WhenthebellrangasecondtimetheKingshoutedangrily，"Smudgeandblazes！"andatathirdringhescreamedinafury，"Hippikaloric！"
whichmustbeadreadfulwordbecausewedon’tknowwhatitmeans。
Afterthatthebellwentonringingtimeaftertime;buttheKingwasnowsoviolentlyenragedthathecouldnotutteraword，buthoppedoutofhisthroneandallaroundtheroominamadfrenzy，sothatheremindedDorothyofajumping-jack。
Thegirlwas，forherpart，filledwithjoyateverypealofthebell，foritannouncedthefactthatBillinahadtransformedonemoreornamentintoalivingperson。DorothywasalsoamazedatBillina’ssuccess，forshecouldnotimaginehowtheyellowhenwasabletoguesscorrectlyfromallthebewilderingnumberofarticlesclusteredintheroomsofthepalace。Butaftershehadcountedten，andthebellcontinuedtoring，sheknewthatnotonlytheroyalfamilyofEv，butOzmaandherfollowersalso，werebeingrestoredtotheirnaturalforms，andshewassodelightedthattheanticsoftheangryKingonlymadeherlaughmerrily。
Perhapsthelittlemonarchcouldnotbemorefuriousthanhewasbefore，butthegirl’slaughternearlydrovehimfrantic，andheroaredatherlikeasavagebeast。Then，ashefoundthatallhisenchantmentswerelikelytobedispelledandhisvictimseveryonesetfree，hesuddenlyrantothelittledoorthatopeneduponthebalconyandgavetheshrillwhistlethatsummonedhiswarriors。
Atoncethearmyfiledoutofthegoldandsilverdoorsingreatnumbers，andmarchedupawindingstairsandintothethroneroom，ledbyasternfeaturedNomewhowastheircaptain。Whentheyhadnearlyfilledthethroneroomtheyformedranksinthebigundergroundcavernbelow，andthenstoodstilluntiltheyweretoldwhattodonext。
Dorothyhadpressedbacktoonesideofthecavernwhenthewarriorsentered，andnowshestoodholdinglittlePrinceEvring’shandwhilethegreatLioncrouchedupononesideandtheenormousTigercrouchedontheotherside。
"Seizethatgirl！"shoutedtheKingtohiscaptain，andagroupofwarriorssprangforwardtoobey。ButboththeLionandTigersnarledsofiercelyandbaredtheirstrong，sharpteethsothreateningly，thatthemendrewbackinalarm。
"Don’tmindthem！"criedtheNomeKing;"theycannotleapbeyondtheplaceswheretheynowstand。"
"Buttheycanbitethosewhoattempttotouchthegirl，"saidthecaptain。
"I’llfixthat，"answeredtheKing。"I’llenchantthemagain，sothattheycan’topentheirjaws。"
Hesteppedoutofthethronetodothis，butjustthentheSawhorseranupbehindhimandgavethefatmonarchapowerfulkickwithbothhiswoodenhindlegs。
"Ow！Murder！Treason！"yelledtheKing，whohadbeenhurledagainstseveralofhiswarriorsandwasconsiderablybruised。"Whodidthat？"
"Idid，"growledtheSawhorse，viciously。"YouletDorothyalone，orI’llkickyouagain。"
"We’llseeaboutthat，"repliedtheKing，andatoncehewavedhishandtowardtheSawhorseandmutteredamagicalword。"Aha！"hecontinued;"NOWletusseeyoumove，youwoodenmule！"
ButinspiteofthemagictheSawhorsemoved;andhemovedsoquicklytowardtheKing，thatthefatlittlemancouldnotgetoutofhisway。
Thump——BANG！camethewoodenheels，rightagainsthisroundbody，andtheKingflewintotheairandfellupontheheadofhiscaptain，wholethimdropflatupontheground。
"Well，well！"saidtheKing，sittingupandlookingsurprised。"Whydidn’tmymagicbeltwork，Iwonder？"
"Thecreatureismadeofwood，"repliedthecaptain。"Yourmagicwillnotworkonwood，youknow。"
"Ah，I’dforgottenthat，"saidtheKing，gettingupandlimpingtohisthrone。"Verywell，letthegirlalone。Shecan’tescapeus，anyway。"
Thewarriors，whohadbeenratherconfusedbytheseincidents，nowformedtheirranksagain，andtheSawhorseprancedacrosstheroomtoDorothyandtookapositionbesidetheHungryTiger。
AtthatmomentthedoorsthatledtothepalaceflewopenandthepeopleofEvandthepeopleofOzweredisclosedtoview。Theypaused，astonished，atsightofthewarriorsandtheangryNomeKing，seatedintheirmidst。
"Surrender！"criedtheKing，inaloudvoice。"Youaremyprisoners。"
"Go’long！"answeredBillina，fromtheScarecrow’sshoulder。"YoupromisedmethatifIguessedcorrectlymyfriendsandImightdepartinsafety。Andyoualwayskeepyourpromises。"
"Isaidyoumightleavethepalaceinsafety，"retortedtheKing;"andsoyoumay，butyoucannotleavemydominions。Youaremyprisoners，andIwillhurlyouallintomyundergrounddungeons，wherethevolcanicfiresglowandthemoltenlavaflowsineverydirection，andtheairishotterthanblueblazes。"
"Thatwillbetheendofme，allright，"saidtheScarecrow，sorrowfully。"Onesmallblaze，blueorgreen，isenoughtoreducemetoanash-heap。"
"Doyousurrender？"demandedtheKing。
BillinawhisperedsomethingintheScarecrow’searthatmadehimsmileandputhishandsinhisjacketpockets。
"No！"returnedOzma，boldlyansweringtheKing。Thenshesaidtoherarmy：
"Forward，mybravesoldiers，andfightforyourRulerandyourselves，untodeath！"
"Pardonme，MostRoyalOzma，"repliedoneofhergenerals;"butIfindthatIandmybrotherofficersallsufferfromheartdisease，andtheslightestexcitementmightkillus。Ifwefightwemaygetexcited。
Woulditnotbewellforustoavoidthisgravedanger？"
"Soldiersshouldnothaveheartdisease，"saidOzma。
"Privatesoldiersarenot，Ibelieve，afflictedthatway，"declaredanothergeneral，twirlinghismoustachethoughtfully。"IfyourRoyalHighnessdesires，wewillorderourprivatetoattackyonderwarriors。"
"Doso，"repliedOzma。
"For-ward——march！"criedallthegenerals，withonevoice。
"For-ward——march！"yelledthecolonels。"For-ward——march！"shoutedthemajors。"For-ward——march！"commandedthecaptains。
Andatthattheprivateleveledhisspearanddashedfuriouslyuponthefoe。
ThecaptainoftheNomeswassosurprisedbythissuddenonslaughtthatheforgottocommandhiswarriorstofight，sothatthetenmeninthefirstrow，whostoodinfrontoftheprivate’sspear，felloverlikesomanytoysoldiers。Thespearcouldnotgothroughtheirsteelarmor，however，sothewarriorsscrambledtotheirfeetagain，andbythattimetheprivatehadknockedoveranotherrowofthem。
Thenthecaptainbroughtdownhisbattle-axewithsuchastrongblowthattheprivate’sspearwasshatteredandknockedfromhisgrasp，andhewashelplesstofightanylonger。
TheNomeKinghadlefthisthroneandpressedthroughhiswarriorstothefrontranks，sohecouldseewhatwasgoingon;butashefacedOzmaandherfriendstheScarecrow，asifarousedtoactionbythevaloroftheprivate，drewoneofBillina’seggsfromhisrightjacketpocketandhurleditstraightatthelittlemonarch’shead。
Itstruckhimsquarelyinhislefteye，wheretheeggsmashedandscattered，aseggswill，andcoveredhisfaceandhairandbeardwithitsstickycontents。
"Help，help！"screamedtheKing，clawingwithhisfingersattheegg，inastruggletoremoveit。
"Anegg！anegg！Runforyourlives！"shoutedthecaptainoftheNomes，inavoiceofhorror。
AndhowtheyDIDrun！Thewarriorsfairlytumbledoveroneanotherintheireffortstoescapethefatalpoisonofthatawfulegg，andthosewhocouldnotrushdownthewindingstairfelloffthebalconyintothegreatcavernbeneath，knockingoverthosewhostoodbelowthem。
EvenwhiletheKingwasstillyellingforhelphisthroneroombecameemptiedofeveryoneofhiswarriors，andbeforethemonarchhadmanagedtocleartheeggawayfromhislefteyetheScarecrowthrewthesecondeggagainsthisrighteye，whereitsmashedandblindedhimentirely。TheKingwasunabletofleebecausehecouldnotseewhichwaytorun;sohestoodstillandhowledandshoutedandscreamedinabjectfear。
Whilethiswasgoingon，BillinaflewovertoDorothy，andperchingherselfupontheLion’sbackthehenwhisperedeagerlytothegirl：
"Gethisbelt！GettheNomeKing’sjeweledbelt！Itunbucklesintheback。Quick，Dorothy——quick！"
18。TheFateoftheTinWoodmanDorothyobeyed。SheranatoncebehindtheNomeKing，whowasstilltryingtofreehiseyesfromtheegg，andinatwinklingshehadunbuckledhissplendidjeweledbeltandcarrieditawaywithhertoherplacebesidetheTigerandLion，where，becauseshedidnotknowwhatelsetodowithit，shefasteneditaroundherownslimwaist。
JustthentheChiefStewardrushedinwithaspongeandabowlofwater，andbeganmoppingawaythebrokeneggsfromhismaster’sface。
Inafewminutes，andwhileallthepartystoodlookingon，theKingregainedtheuseofhiseyes，andthefirstthinghedidwastoglarewickedlyupontheScarecrowandexclaim：
"I’llmakeyousufferforthis，youhay-stuffeddummy！Don’tyouknoweggsarepoisontoNomes？"
"Really，"saidtheScarecrow，"theyDON’Tseemtoagreewithyou，althoughIwonderwhy。"
"Theywerestrictlyfreshandabovesuspicion，"saidBillina。"Yououghttobegladtogetthem。"
"I’lltransformyouallintoscorpions！"criedtheKing，angrily，andbeganwavinghisarmsandmutteringmagicwords。
Butnoneofthepeoplebecamescorpions，sotheKingstoppedandlookedattheminsurprise。
"What’swrong？"heasked。
"Why，youarenotwearingyourmagicbelt，"repliedtheChiefSteward，afterlookingtheKingovercarefully。"Whereisit？Whathaveyoudonewithit？"
TheNomeKingclappedhishandtohiswaist，andhisrockcoloredfaceturnedwhiteaschalk。
"It’sgone，"hecried，helplessly。"It’sgone，andIamruined！"
Dorothynowsteppedforwardandsaid：
"RoyalOzma，andyou，QueenofEv，Iwelcomeyouandyourpeoplebacktothelandoftheliving。Billinahassavedyoufromyourtroubles，andnowwewillleavethisdrea’fulplace，andreturntoEvassoonasposs’ble。"
Whilethechildspoketheycouldallseethatsheworethemagicbelt，andagreatcheerwentupfromallherfriends，whichwasledbythevoicesoftheScarecrowandtheprivate。ButtheNomeKingdidnotjointhem。Hecreptbackontohisthronelikeawhippeddog，andlaytherebitterlybemoaninghisdefeat。
"Butwehavenotyetfoundmyfaithfulfollower，theTinWoodman，"
saidOzmatoDorothy，"andwithouthimIdonotwishtogoaway。"
"NorI，"repliedDorothy，quickly。"Wasn’theinthepalace？"
"Hemustbethere，"saidBillina;"butIhadnocluetoguidemeinguessingtheTinWoodman，soImusthavemissedhim。"
"Wewillgobackintotherooms，"saidDorothy。"Thismagicbelt，I
amsure，willhelpustofindourdearoldfriend。"
Soshere-enteredthepalace，thedoorsofwhichstillstoodopen，andeveryonefollowedherexcepttheNomeKing，theQueenofEvandPrinceEvring。ThemotherhadtakenthelittlePrinceinherlapandwasfondlingandkissinghimlovingly，forhewasheryoungestborn。
ButtheotherswentwithDorothy，andwhenshecametothemiddleofthefirstroomthegirlwavedherhand，asshehadseentheKingdo，andcommandedtheTinWoodman，whateverformhemightthenhave，toresumehispropershape。Noresultfollowedthisattempt，soDorothywentintoanotherroomandrepeatedit，andsothroughalltheroomsofthepalace。YettheTinWoodmandidnotappeartothem，norcouldtheyimaginewhichamongthethousandsofornamentswastheirtransformedfriend。
Sadlytheyreturnedtothethroneroom，wheretheKing，seeingthattheyhadmetwithfailure，jeeredatDorothy，saying：
"Youdonotknowhowtousemybelt，soitisofnousetoyou。GiveitbacktomeandIwillletyougofree——youandallthepeoplewhocamewithyou。AsfortheroyalfamilyofEv，theyaremyslaves，andshallremainhere。"
"Ishallkeepthebelt，"saidDorothy。
"Buthowcanyouescape，withoutmyconsent？"askedtheKing。
"Easilyenough，"answeredthegirl。"Allweneedtodoistowalkoutthewaythatwecamein。"
"Oh，that’sall，isit？"sneeredtheKing。"Well，whereisthepassagethroughwhichyouenteredthisroom？"
Theyalllookedaround，butcouldnotdiscovertheplace，forithadlongsincebeenclosed。Dorothy，however，wouldnotbedismayed。Shewavedherhandtowardtheseeminglysolidwallofthecavernandsaid：
"Icommandthepassagetoopen！"
Instantlytheorderwasobeyed;theopeningappearedandthepassagelayplainlybeforethem。
TheKingwasamazed，andalltheothersoverjoyed。
"Why，then，ifthebeltobeysyou，wereweunabletodiscovertheTinWoodman？"askedOzma。
"Ican’timagine，"saidDorothy。
"Seehere，girl，"proposedtheKing，eagerly;"givemethebelt，andI
willtellyouwhatshapetheTinWoodmanwaschangedinto，andthenyoucaneasilyfindhim。"
Dorothyhesitated，butBillinacriedout：
"Don’tyoudoit！IftheNomeKinggetsthebeltagainhewillmakeeveryoneofusprisoners，forwewillbeinhispower。Onlybykeepingthebelt，Dorothy，willyoueverbeabletoleavethisplaceinsafety。"
"Ithinkthatistrue，"saidtheScarecrow。"ButIhaveanotheridea，duetomyexcellentbrains。LetDorothytransformtheKingintoagoose-eggunlessheagreestogointothepalaceandbringouttoustheornamentwhichisourfriendNickChopper，theTinWoodman。"
"Agoose-egg！"echoedthehorrifiedKing。"Howdreadful！"
"Well，agoose-eggyouwillbeunlessyougoandfetchustheornamentwewant，"declaredBillina，withajoyfulchuckle。
"YoucanseeforyourselfthatDorothyisabletousethemagicbeltallright，"addedtheScarecrow。
TheNomeKingthoughtitoverandfinallyconsented，forhedidnotwanttobeagoose-egg。SohewentintothepalacetogettheornamentwhichwasthetransformationoftheTinWoodman，andtheyallawaitedhisreturnwithconsiderableimpatience，fortheywereanxioustoleavethisundergroundcavernandseethesunshineoncemore。ButwhentheNomeKingcamebackhebroughtnothingwithhimexceptapuzzledandanxiousexpressionuponhisface。
"He’sgone！"hesaid。"TheTinWoodmanisnowhereinthepalace。"
"Areyousure？"askedOzma，sternly。
"I’mverysure，"answeredtheKing，trembling，"forIknowjustwhatI
transformedhiminto，andexactlywherehestood。Butheisnotthere，andpleasedon’tchangemeintoagoose-egg，becauseI’vedonethebestIcould。"
Theywereallsilentforatime，andthenDorothysaid：
"ThereisnousepunishingtheNomeKinganymore，andI’m’fraidwe’llhavetogoawaywithoutourfriend。"
"Ifheisnothere，wecannotrescuehim，"agreedtheScarecrow，sadly。"PoorNick！Iwonderwhathasbecomeofhim。"
"Andheowedmesixweeksbackpay！"saidoneofthegenerals，wipingthetearsfromhiseyeswithhisgold-lacedcoatsleeve。
Verysorrowfullytheydeterminedtoreturntotheupperworldwithouttheirformercompanion，andsoOzmagavetheordertobeginthemarchthroughthepassage。
Thearmywentfirst，andthentheroyalfamilyofEv，andafterwardcameDorothy，Ozma，Billina，theScarecrowandTiktok。
TheylefttheNomeKingscowlingatthemfromhisthrone，andhadnothoughtofdangeruntilOzmachancedtolookbackandsawalargenumberofthewarriorsfollowingtheminfullchase，withtheirswordsandspearsandaxesraisedtostrikedownthefugitivesassoonastheydrewnearenough。
EvidentlytheNomeKinghadmadethislastattempttopreventtheirescapinghim;butitdidhimnogood，forwhenDorothysawthedangertheywereinshestoppedandwavedherhandandwhisperedacommandtothemagicbelt。
Instantlytheforemostwarriorsbecameeggs，whichrolleduponthefloorofthecaverninsuchnumbersthatthosebehindcouldnotadvancewithoutsteppinguponthem。But，whentheysawtheeggs，alldesiretoadvancedepartedfromthewarriors，andtheyturnedandfledmadlyintothecavern，andrefusedtogobackagain。
Ourfriendshadnofurthertroubleinreachingtheendofthepassage，andsoonwerestandingintheouterairuponthegloomypathbetweenthetwohighmountains。ButthewaytoEvlayplainlybeforethem，andtheyferventlyhopedthattheyhadseenthelastoftheNomeKingandofhisdreadfulpalace。
ThecavalcadewasledbyOzma，mountedontheCowardlyLion，andtheQueenofEv，whorodeuponthebackoftheTiger。ThechildrenoftheQueenwalkedbehindher，handinhand。DorothyrodetheSawhorse，whiletheScarecrowwalkedandcommandedthearmyintheabsenceoftheTinWoodman。
Presentlythewaybegantolightenandmoreofthesunshinetocomeinbetweenthetwomountains。Andbeforelongtheyheardthe"thump！
thump！thump！"ofthegiant’shammerupontheroad。
"Howmaywepassthemonstrousmanofiron？"askedtheQueen，anxiousforthesafetyofherchildren。ButDorothysolvedtheproblembyawordtothemagicbelt。
Thegiantpaused，withhishammerheldmotionlessintheair，thusallowingtheentirepartytopassbetweenhiscast-ironlegsinsafety。
19。TheKingofEvIftherewereanyshifting，rock-coloredNomesonthemountainsidenow，theyweresilentandrespectful，forouradventurerswerenotannoyed，asbefore，bytheirimpudentlaughter。ReallytheNomeshadnothingtolaughat，sincethedefeatoftheirKing。
OntheothersidetheyfoundOzma’sgoldenchariot，standingastheyhadleftit。SoontheLionandtheTigerwereharnessedtothebeautifulchariot，inwhichwasenoughroomforOzmaandtheQueenandsixoftheroyalchildren。
LittleEvringpreferredtoridewithDorothyupontheSawhorse，whichhadalongback。ThePrincehadrecoveredfromhisshynessandhadbecomeveryfondofthegirlwhohadrescuedhim，sotheywerefastfriendsandchattedpleasantlytogetherastheyrodealong。Billinawasalsoperchedupontheheadofthewoodensteed，whichseemednottomindtheaddedweightintheleast，andtheboywasfullofwonderthatahencouldtalk，andsaysuchsensiblethings。
Whentheycametothegulf，Ozma’smagiccarpetcarriedthemalloverinsafety;andnowtheybegantopassthetrees，inwhichbirdsweresinging;andthebreezethatwaswaftedtothemfromthefarmsofEvwasspicywithflowersandnew-mownhay;andthesunshinefellfulluponthem，towarmthemanddriveawayfromtheirbodiesthechillanddampnessoftheundergroundkingdomoftheNomes。
"Iwouldbequitecontent，"saidtheScarecrowtoTiktok，"wereonlytheTinWoodmanwithus。Butitbreaksmyhearttoleavehimbehind。"
"Hewasafinefel-low，"repliedTiktok，"al-thoughhisma-ter-i-alwasnotve-rydu-ra-ble。"
"Oh，tinisanexcellentmaterial，"theScarecrowhastenedtosay;
"andifanythingeverhappenedtopoorNickChopperhewasalwayseasilysoldered。Besides，hedidnothavetobewoundup，andwasnotliabletogetoutoforder。"
"Isome-timeswish，"saidTiktok，"thatIwasstuffedwithstraw，asyouare。Itishardtobemadeofcop-per。"
"Ihavenoreasontocomplainofmylot，"repliedtheScarecrow。"A
littlefreshstraw，nowandthen，makesmeasgoodasnew。ButIcanneverbethepolishedgentlemanthatmypoordepartedfriend，theTinWoodman，was。"
YoumaybesuretheroyalchildrenofEvandtheirQueenmotherweredelightedatseeingagaintheirbelovedcountry;andwhenthetowersofthepalaceofEvcameintoviewtheycouldnotforbearcheeringatthesight。LittleEvring，ridinginfrontofDorothy，wassooverjoyedthathetookacurioustinwhistlefromhispocketandblewashrillblastthatmadetheSawhorseleapandpranceinsuddenalarm。
"Whatisthat？"askedBillina，whohadbeenobligedtoflutterherwingsinordertokeepherseatupontheheadofthefrightenedSawhorse。
"That’smywhistle，"saidPrinceEvring，holdingitoutuponhishand。
Itwasintheshapeofalittlefatpig，madeoftinandpaintedgreen。Thewhistlewasinthetailofthepig。
"Wheredidyougetit？"askedtheyellowhen，closelyexaminingthetoywithherbrighteyes。
"Why，IpickeditupintheNomeKing’spalace，whileDorothywasmakingherguesses，andIputitinmypocket，"answeredthelittlePrince。
Billinalaughed;oratleastshemadethepeculiarcacklethatservedherforalaugh。
"NowonderIcouldn’tfindtheTinWoodman，"shesaid;"andnowonderthemagicbeltdidn’tmakehimappear，ortheKingcouldn’tfindhim，either！"
"Whatdoyoumean？"questionedDorothy。
"Why，thePrincehadhiminhispocket，"criedBillina，cacklingagain。
"Ididnot！"protestedlittleEvring。"Ionlytookthewhistle。"
"Well，then，watchme，"returnedthehen，andreachingoutaclawshetouchedthewhistleandsaid"Ev。"
Swish！
"Goodafternoon，"saidtheTinWoodman，takingoffhisfunnelcapandbowingtoDorothyandthePrince。"IthinkImusthavebeenasleepforthefirsttimesinceIwasmadeoftin，forIdonotrememberourleavingtheNomeKing。"
"Youhavebeenenchanted，"answeredthegirl，throwinganarmaroundheroldfriendandhugginghimtightinherjoy。
"Butit’sallright，now。"
"Iwantmywhistle！"saidthelittlePrince，beginningtocry。
"Hush！"cautionedBillina。"Thewhistleislost，butyoumayhaveanotherwhenyougethome。"
TheScarecrowhadfairlythrownhimselfuponthebosomofhisoldcomrade，sosurprisedanddelightedwashetoseehimagain，andTiktoksqueezedtheTinWoodman’shandsoearnestlythathedentedsomeofhisfingers。ThentheyhadtomakewayforOzmatowelcomethetinman，andthearmycaughtsightofhimandsetupacheer，andeverybodywasdelightedandhappy。
FortheTinWoodmanwasagreatfavoritewithallwhoknewhim，andhissuddenrecoveryaftertheyhadthoughthewaslosttothemforeverwasindeedapleasantsurprise。
Beforelongthecavalcadearrivedattheroyalpalace，whereagreatcrowdofpeoplehadgatheredtowelcometheirQueenandhertenchildren。Therewasmuchshoutingandcheering，andthepeoplethrewflowersintheirpath，andeveryfaceworeahappysmile。
TheyfoundthePrincessLangwidereinhermirroredchamber，whereshewasadmiringoneofherhandsomestheads——onewithrichchestnuthair，dreamywalnuteyesandashapelyhickorynutnose。ShewasverygladtoberelievedofherdutiestothepeopleofEv，andtheQueengraciouslypermittedhertoretainherroomsandhercabinetofheadsaslongasshelived。
ThentheQueentookhereldestsonoutuponabalconythatoverlookedthecrowdofsubjectsgatheredbelow，andsaidtothem：
"Hereisyourfutureruler，KingEvardoFifteenth。Heisfifteenyearsofage，hasfifteensilverbucklesonhisjacketandisthefifteenthEvardotorulethelandofEv。"
Thepeopleshoutedtheirapprovalfifteentimes，andeventheWheelers，someofwhomwerepresent，loudlypromisedtoobeythenewKing。
SotheQueenplacedabigcrownofgold，setwithrubies，uponEvardo’shead，andthrewanerminerobeoverhisshoulders，andproclaimedhimKing;andhebowedgratefullytoallhissubjectsandthenwentawaytoseeifhecouldfindanycakeintheroyalpantry。
OzmaofOzandherpeople，aswellasDorothy，TiktokandBillina，weresplendidlyentertainedbytheQueenmother，whoowedallherhappinesstotheirkindoffices;andthateveningtheyellowhenwaspubliclypresentedwithabeautifulnecklaceofpearlsandsapphires，asatokenofesteemfromthenewKing。
20。TheEmeraldCityDorothydecidedtoacceptOzma’sinvitationtoreturnwithhertotheLandofOz。TherewasnogreaterchanceofhergettinghomefromEvthanfromOz，andthelittlegirlwasanxioustoseeoncemorethecountrywhereshehadencounteredsuchwonderfuladventures。BythistimeUncleHenrywouldhavereachedAustraliainhisship，andhadprobablygivenherupforlost;sohecouldn’tworryanymorethanhedidifshestayedawayfromhimawhilelonger。SoshewouldgotoOz。
Theybadegood-byetothepeopleofEv，andtheKingpromisedOzmathathewouldeverbegratefultoherandrendertheLandofOzanyservicethatmightliewithinhispower。
Andthentheyapproachedtheedgeofthedangerousdesert，andOzmathrewdownthemagiccarpet，whichatonceunrolledfarenoughforallofthemtowalkuponitwithoutbeingcrowded。
Tiktok，claimingtobeDorothy’sfaithfulfollowerbecausehebelongedtoher，hadbeenpermittedtojointheparty，andbeforetheystartedthegirlwounduphismachineryasfaraspossible，andthecoppermansteppedoffasbrisklyasanyoneofthem。
OzmaalsoinvitedBillinatovisittheLandofOz，andtheyellowhenwasgladenoughtogowherenewsightsandscenesawaitedher。
Theybeganthetripacrossthedesertearlyinthemorning，andastheystoppedonlylongenoughforBillinatolayherdailyegg，beforesunsettheyespiedthegreenslopesandwoodedhillsofthebeautifulLandofOz。TheyentereditintheMunchkinterritory，andtheKingoftheMunchkinsmetthemattheborderandwelcomedOzmawithgreatrespect，beingverypleasedbyhersafereturn。ForOzmaofOzruledtheKingoftheMunchkins，theKingoftheWinkies，theKingoftheQuadlingsandtheKingoftheGillikinsjustasthosekingsruledtheirownpeople;andthissupremeruleroftheLandofOzlivedinagreattownofherown，calledtheEmeraldCity，whichwasintheexactcenterofthefourkingdomsoftheLandofOz。
TheMunchkinkingentertainedthemathispalacethatnight，andinthemorningtheysetoutfortheEmeraldCity，travellingoveraroadofyellowbrickthatledstraighttothejewel-studdedgates。
EverywherethepeopleturnedouttogreettheirbelovedOzma，andtohailjoyfullytheScarecrow，theTinWoodmanandtheCowardlyLion，whowerepopularfavorites。Dorothy，too，rememberedsomeofthepeople，whohadbefriendedherontheoccasionofherfirstvisittoOz，andtheywerewellpleasedtoseethelittleKansasgirlagain，andshoweredherwithcomplimentsandgoodwishes。
Atoneplace，wheretheystoppedtorefreshthemselves，Ozmaacceptedabowlofmilkfromthehandsofaprettydairy-maid。Thenshelookedatthegirlmoreclosely，andexclaimed：
"Why，it’sJinjur——isn’tit！"
"Yes，yourHighness，"wasthereply，asJinjurdroppedalowcurtsy。
AndDorothylookedwonderinglyatthislivelyappearingperson，whohadonceassembledanarmyofwomenanddriventheScarecrowfromthethroneoftheEmeraldCity，andevenfoughtabattlewiththepowerfularmyofGlindatheSorceress。
"I’vemarriedamanwhoownsninecows，"saidJinjurtoOzma，"andnowIamhappyandcontentedandwillingtoleadaquietlifeandmindmyownbusiness。"
"Whereisyourhusband？"askedOzma。
"Heisinthehouse，nursingablackeye，"repliedJinjur，calmly。
"ThefoolishmanwouldinsistuponmilkingtheredcowwhenIwantedhimtomilkthewhiteone;buthewillknowbetternexttime，Iamsure。"
Thenthepartymovedonagain，andaftercrossingabroadriveronaferryandpassingmanyfinefarmhousesthatweredomeshapedandpaintedaprettygreencolor，theycameinsightofalargebuildingthatwascoveredwithflagsandbunting。
"Idon’trememberthatbuilding，"saidDorothy。"Whatisit？"
"ThatistheCollegeofArtandAthleticPerfection，"repliedOzma。
"Ihaditbuiltquiterecently，andtheWoggle-Bugisit’spresident。
Itkeepshimbusy，andtheyoungmenwhoattendthecollegearenoworseoffthantheywerebefore。Yousee，inthiscountryareanumberofyouthswhodonotliketowork，andthecollegeisanexcellentplaceforthem。"
AndnowtheycameinsightoftheEmeraldCity，andthepeopleflockedouttogreettheirlovelyruler。Therewereseveralbandsandmanyofficersandofficialsoftherealm，andacrowdofcitizensintheirholidayattire。
ThusthebeautifulOzmawasescortedbyabrilliantprocessiontoherroyalcity，andsogreatwasthecheeringthatshewasobligedtoconstantlybowtotherightandlefttoacknowledgethegreetingsofhersubjects。
Thateveningtherewasagrandreceptionintheroyalpalace，attendedbythemostimportantpersonsofOz，andJackPumpkinhead，whowasalittleoverripebutstillactive，readanaddresscongratulatingOzmaofOzuponthesuccessofhergenerousmissiontorescuetheroyalfamilyofaneighboringkingdom。
Thenmagnificentgoldmedalssetwithpreciousstoneswerepresentedtoeachofthetwenty-sixofficers;andtheTinWoodmanwasgivenanewaxestuddedwithdiamonds;andtheScarecrowreceivedasilverjarofcomplexionpowder。DorothywaspresentedwithaprettycoronetandmadeaPrincessofOz，andTiktokreceivedtwobraceletssetwitheightrowsofveryclearandsparklingemeralds。
Afterwardtheysatdowntoasplendidfeast，andOzmaputDorothyatherrightandBillinaatherleft，wherethehensatuponagoldenroostandatefromajeweledplatter。ThenwereplacedtheScarecrow，theTinWoodmanandTiktok，withbasketsoflovelyflowersbeforethem，becausetheydidnotrequirefood。Thetwenty-sixofficerswereatthelowerendofthetable，andtheLionandtheTigeralsohadseats，andwereservedongoldenplatters，thatheldahalfabushelatonetime。
ThewealthiestandmostimportantcitizensoftheEmeraldCitywereproudtowaituponthesefamousadventurers，andtheywereassistedbyasprightlylittlemaidnamedJelliaJamb，whomtheScarecrowpincheduponherrosycheeksandseemedtoknowverywell。
DuringthefeastOzmagrewthoughtful，andsuddenlysheasked：
"Whereistheprivate？"
"Oh，heissweepingoutthebarracks，"repliedoneofthegenerals，whowasbusyeatingalegofaturkey。"ButIhaveorderedhimadishofbreadandmolassestoeatwhenhisworkisdone。"
"Lethimbesentfor，"saidthegirlruler。
Whiletheywaitedforthiscommandtobeobeyed，sheenquired：
"Haveweanyotherprivatesinthearmies？"
"Oh，yes，"repliedtheTinWoodman，"Ibelievetherearethree，altogether。"
Theprivatenowentered，salutinghisofficersandtheroyalOzmaveryrespectfully。
"Whatisyourname，myman？"askedthegirl。
"OmbyAmby，"answeredtheprivate。
"Then，OmbyAmby，"saidshe，"IpromoteyoutobeCaptainGeneralofallthearmiesofmykingdom，andespeciallytobeCommanderofmyBodyGuardattheroyalpalace。"
"Itisveryexpensivetoholdsomanyoffices，"saidtheprivate，hesitating。"Ihavenomoneywithwhichtobuyuniforms。"
"Youshallbesuppliedfromtheroyaltreasury，"saidOzma。
Thentheprivatewasgivenaseatatthetable，wheretheotherofficerswelcomedhimcordially，andthefeastingandmerrimentwereresumed。
SuddenlyJelliaJambexclaimed：
"Thereisnothingmoretoeat！TheHungryTigerhasconsumedeverything！"
"Butthatisnottheworstofit，"declaredtheTiger，mournfully。
"Somewhereorsomehow，I’veactuallylostmyappetite！"
21。Dorothy’sMagicBeltDorothypassedseveralveryhappyweeksintheLandofOzastheguestoftheroyalOzma，whodelightedtopleaseandinterestthelittleKansasgirl。Manynewacquaintanceswereformedandmanyoldonesrenewed，andwherevershewentDorothyfoundherselfamongfriends。
Oneday，however，asshesatinOzma’sprivateroom，shenoticedhanginguponthewallapicturewhichconstantlychangedinappearance，atonetimeshowingameadowandatanothertimeaforest，alakeoravillage。
"Howcurious！"sheexclaimed，afterwatchingtheshiftingscenesforafewmoments。
"Yes，"saidOzma，"thatisreallyawonderfulinventioninmagic。IfIwishtoseeanypartoftheworldoranypersonliving，Ineedonlyexpressthewishanditisshowninthepicture。"
"MayIuseit？"askedDorothy，eagerly。
"Ofcourse，mydear。"
"ThenI’dliketoseetheoldKansasfarm，andAuntEm，"saidthegirl。
Instantlythewellrememberedfarmhouseappearedinthepicture，andAuntEmcouldbeseenquiteplainly。Shewasengagedinwashingdishesbythekitchenwindowandseemedquitewellandcontented。Thehiredmenandtheteamswereintheharvestfieldsbehindthehouse，andthecornandwheatseemedtothechildtobeinprimecondition。
OnthesideporchDorothy’spetdog，Toto，waslyingfastasleepinthesun，andtohersurpriseoldSpeckleswasrunningaroundwithabroodoftwelvenewchickenstrailingafterher。
"Everythingseemsallrightathome，"saidDorothy，withasighofrelief。"NowIwonderwhatUncleHenryisdoing。"
ThesceneinthepictureatonceshiftedtoAustralia，where，inapleasantroominSydney，UncleHenrywasseatedinaneasychair，solemnlysmokinghisbriarpipe。Helookedsadandlonely，andhishairwasnowquitewhiteandhishandsandfacethinandwasted。
"Oh！"criedDorothy，inananxiousvoice，"I’msureUncleHenryisn’tgettinganybetter，andit’sbecauseheisworriedaboutme。Ozma，dear，Imustgotohimatonce！"
"Howcanyou？"askedOzma。
"Idon’tknow，"repliedDorothy;"butletusgotoGlindatheGood。
I’msureshewillhelpme，andadvisemehowtogettoUncleHenry。"
OzmareadilyagreedtothisplanandcausedtheSawhorsetobeharnessedtoaprettygreenandpinkphaeton，andthetwogirlsrodeawaytovisitthefamoussorceress。
Glindareceivedthemgraciously，andlistenedtoDorothy’sstorywithattention。
"Ihavethemagicbelt，youknow，"saidthelittlegirl。"IfI
buckleditaroundmywaistandcommandedittotakemetoUncleHenry，wouldn’titdoit？"
"Ithinkso，"repliedGlinda，withasmile。
"Andthen，"continuedDorothy，"ifIeverwantedtocomebackhereagain，thebeltwouldbringme。"
"Inthatyouarewrong，"saidthesorceress。"Thebelthasmagicalpowersonlywhileitisinsomefairycountry，suchastheLandofOz，ortheLandofEv。Indeed，mylittlefriend，wereyoutowearitandwishyourselfinAustralia，withyouruncle，thewishwoulddoubtlessbefulfilled，becauseitwasmadeinfairyland。Butyouwouldnotfindthemagicbeltaroundyouwhenyouarrivedatyourdestination。"
"Whatwouldbecomeofit？"askedthegirl。
"Itwouldbelost，aswereyoursilvershoeswhenyouvisitedOzbefore，andnoonewouldeverseeitagain。Itseemstoobadtodestroytheuseofthemagicbeltinthatway，doesn’tit？"
"Then，"saidDorothy，afteramoment’sthought，"IwillgivethemagicbelttoOzma，forshecanuseitinherowncountry。AndshecanwishmetransportedtoUncleHenrywithoutlosingthebelt。"
"Thatisawiseplan，"repliedGlinda。
SotheyrodebacktotheEmeraldCity，andonthewayitwasarrangedthateverySaturdaymorningOzmawouldlookatDorothyinhermagicpicture，whereverthelittlegirlmightchancetobe。And，ifshesawDorothymakeacertainsignal，thenOzmawouldknowthatthelittleKansasgirlwantedtorevisittheLandofOz，andbymeansoftheNomeKing’smagicbeltwouldwishthatshemightinstantlyreturn。
Thishavingbeenagreedupon，Dorothybadegood-byetoallherfriends。TiktokwantedtogotoAustralia;too，butDorothyknewthatthemachinemanwouldneverdoforaservantinacivilizedcountry，andthechanceswerethathismachinerywouldn’tworkatall。SoshelefthiminOzma’scare。
Billina，onthecontrary，preferredtheLandofOztoanyothercountry，andrefusedtoaccompanyDorothy。
"ThebugsandantsthatIfindherearethefinestflavoredintheworld，"declaredtheyellowhen，"andthereareplentyofthem。SohereIshallendmydays;andImustsay，Dorothy，mydear，thatyouareveryfoolishtogobackintothatstupid，humdrumworldagain。"
"UncleHenryneedsme，"saidDorothy，simply;andeveryoneexceptBillinathoughtitwasrightthatsheshouldgo。
AllDorothy’sfriendsoftheLandofOz——botholdandnew——gatheredinagroupinfrontofthepalacetobidherasorrowfulgood-byeandtowishherlonglifeandhappiness。Aftermuchhandshaking，DorothykissedOzmaoncemore，andthenhandedhertheNomeKing’smagicbelt，saying：
"Now，dearPrincess，whenIwavemyhandkerchief，pleasewishmewithUncleHenry。I’maw’flysorrytoleaveyou——andtheScarecrow——andtheTinWoodman——andtheCowardlyLion——andTiktok——and——andeverybody——butIdowantmyUncleHenry！Sogood-bye，allofyou。"
Thenthelittlegirlstoodononeofthebigemeraldswhichdecoratedthecourtyard，andafterlookingonceagainateachofherfriends，wavedherhandkerchief。
"No，"saidDorothy，"Iwasn’tdrownedatall。AndI’vecometonurseyouandtakecareofyou，UncleHenry，andyoumustpromisetogetwellassoonasposs’ble。"
UncleHenrysmiledandcuddledhislittleniececloseinhislap。
"I’mbetteralready，mydarling，"saidhe。