\"Don’tworry，dear，\"Dorothyexclaimed，\"I’llholdyouinmyarms，andtakeyouwithme。\"
\"Takeus，too！\"criedtheninetinypiglets，allinonebreath。
\"PerhapsIcan，\"answeredDorothy。\"I’lltry。\"
\"Couldn’tyoumanagetoholdmeinyourarms？\"askedthecab-horse。
Dorothylaughed。
\"I’lldobetterthanthat，\"shepromised，\"forIcaneasilysaveyouall，onceIammyselfintheLandofOz。\"
\"How？\"theyasked。
\"ByusingtheMagicBelt。AllIneeddoistowishyouwithme，andthereyou’llbe——safeintheroyalpalace！\"
\"Good！\"criedZeb。
\"Ibuiltthatpalace，andtheEmeraldCity，too，\"remarkedtheWizard，inathoughtfultone，\"andI’dliketoseethemagain，forIwasveryhappyamongtheMunchkinsandWinkiesandQuadlingsandGillikins。\"
\"Whoarethey？\"askedtheboy。
\"ThefournationsthatinhabittheLandofOz，\"wasthereply。\"I
wonderiftheywouldtreatmenicelyifIwentthereagain。\"
\"Ofcoursetheywould！\"declaredDorothy。\"TheyarestillproudoftheirformerWizard，andoftenspeakofyoukindly。\"
\"DoyouhappentoknowwhateverbecameoftheTinWoodmanandtheScarecrow？\"heenquired。
\"TheyliveinOzyet，\"saidthegirl，\"andareveryimportantpeople。\"
\"AndtheCowardlyLion？\"
\"Oh，helivestheretoo，withhisfriendtheHungryTiger;andBillinaisthere，becauseshelikedtheplacebetterthanKansas，andwouldn’tgowithmetoAustralia。\"
\"I’mafraidIdon’tknowtheHungryTigerandBillina，\"saidtheWizard，shakinghishead。\"IsBillinaagirl？\"
\"No;she’sayellowhen，andagreatfriendofmine。You’resuretolikeBillina，whenyouknowher，\"assertedDorothy。
\"Yourfriendssoundlikeamenagerie，\"remarkedZeb，uneasily。
\"Couldn’tyouwishmeinsomesaferplacethanOz。\"
\"Don’tworry，\"repliedthegirl。\"You’lljustlovethefolksinOz，whenyougetacquainted。Whattimeisit，Mr。Wizard？\"
Thelittlemanlookedathiswatch——abigsilveronethathecarriedinhisvestpocket。
\"Half-pastthree，\"hesaid。
\"Thenwemustwaitforhalfanhour，\"shecontinued;\"butitwon’ttakelong，afterthat，tocarryusalltotheEmeraldCity。\"
Theysatsilentlythinkingforatime。ThenJimsuddenlyasked：
\"ArethereanyhorsesinOz？\"
\"Onlyone，\"repliedDorothy，\"andhe’sasawhorse。\"
\"Awhat？\"
\"Asawhorse。PrincessOzmaoncebroughthimtolifewithawitch-powder，whenshewasaboy。\"
\"WasOzmaonceaboy？\"askedZeb，wonderingly。
\"Yes;awickedwitchenchantedher，soshecouldnotruleherkingdom。
Butshe’sagirlnow，andthesweetest，loveliestgirlinalltheworld。\"
\"Asawhorseisathingtheysawboardson，\"remarkedJim，withasniff。
\"Itiswhenit’snotalive，\"acknowledgedthegirl。\"Butthissawhorsecantrotasfastasyoucan，Jim;andhe’sverywise，too。\"
\"Pah！I’llracethemiserablewoodendonkeyanydayintheweek！\"
criedthecab-horse。
Dorothydidnotreplytothat。ShefeltthatJimwouldknowmoreabouttheSaw-Horselateron。
Thetimedraggedwearilyenoughtotheeagerwatchers，butfinallytheWizardannouncedthatfouro’clockhadarrived，andDorothycaughtupthekittenandbegantomakethesignalthathadbeenagreedupontothefar-awayinvisibleOzma。
\"Nothingseemstohappen，\"saidZeb，doubtfully。
\"Oh，wemustgiveOzmatimetoputontheMagicBelt，\"repliedthegirl。
Shehadscarcelyspokenthewordsthenshesuddenlydisappearedfromthecave，andwithherwentthekitten。Therehadbeennosoundofanykindandnowarning。OnemomentDorothysatbesidethemwiththekitteninherlap，andamomentlaterthehorse，thepiglets，theWizardandtheboywereallthatremainedintheundergroundprison。
\"Ibelievewewillsoonfollowher，\"announcedtheWizard，inatoneofgreatrelief;\"forIknowsomethingaboutthemagicofthefairylandthatiscalledtheLandofOz。Letusbeready，forwemaybesentforanyminute。\"
HeputthepigletssafelyawayinhispocketagainandthenheandZebgotintothebuggyandsatexpectantlyupontheseat。
\"Willithurt？\"askedtheboy，inavoicethattrembledalittle。
\"Notatall，\"repliedtheWizard。\"Itwillallhappenasquickasawink。\"
Andthatwasthewayitdidhappen。
Thecab-horsegaveanervousstartandZebbegantorubhiseyestomakesurehewasnotasleep。Fortheywereinthestreetsofabeautifulemerald-greencity，bathedinagratefulgreenlightthatwasespeciallypleasingtotheireyes，andsurroundedbymerryfacedpeopleingorgeousgreen-and-goldcostumesofmanyextraordinarydesigns。
Beforethemwerethejewel-studdedgatesofamagnificentpalace，andnowthegatesopenedslowlyasifinvitingthemtoenterthecourtyard，wheresplendidflowerswerebloomingandprettyfountainsshottheirsilveryspraysintotheair。
Zebshookthereinstorousethecab-horsefromhisstuporofamazement，forthepeoplewerebeginningtogatheraroundandstareatthestrangers。
\"Gid-dap！\"criedtheboy，andatthewordJimslowlytrottedintothecourtyardanddrewthebuggyalongthejewelleddrivewaytothegreatentranceoftheroyalpalace。
15。OldFriendsareReunitedManyservantsdressedinhandsomeuniformsstoodreadytowelcomethenewarrivals，andwhentheWizardgotoutofthebuggyaprettygirlinagreengowncriedoutinsurprise：
\"Why，it’sOz，theWonderfulWizard，comebackagain！\"
Thelittlemanlookedathercloselyandthentookboththemaiden’shandsinhisandshookthemcordially。
\"Onmyword，\"heexclaimed，\"it’slittleJelliaJamb——aspertandprettyasever！\"
\"Whynot，Mr。Wizard？\"askedJellia，bowinglow。\"ButI’mafraidyoucannotruletheEmeraldCity，asyouusedto，becausewenowhaveabeautifulPrincesswhomeveryonelovesdearly。\"
\"Andthepeoplewillnotwillinglypartwithher，\"addedatallsoldierinaCaptain-General’suniform。
TheWizardturnedtolookathim。
\"Didyounotweargreenwhiskersatonetime？\"heasked。
\"Yes，\"saidthesoldier;\"butIshavedthemofflongago，andsincethenIhaverisenfromaprivatetobetheChiefGeneraloftheRoyalArmies。\"
\"That’snice，\"saidthelittleman。\"ButIassureyou，mygoodpeople，thatIdonotwishtoruletheEmeraldCity，\"headded，earnestly。
\"Inthatcaseyouareverywelcome！\"criedalltheservants，anditpleasedtheWizardtonotetherespectwithwhichtheroyalretainersbowedbeforehim。HisfamehadnotbeenforgottenintheLandofOz，byanymeans。
\"WhereisDorothy？\"enquiredZeb，anxiously，asheleftthebuggyandstoodbesidehisfriendthelittleWizard。
\"SheiswiththePrincessOzma，intheprivateroomsofthepalace，\"
repliedJelliaJamb。\"Butshehasorderedmetomakeyouwelcomeandtoshowyoutoyourapartments。\"
Theboylookedaroundhimwithwonderingeyes。Suchmagnificenceandwealthaswasdisplayedinthispalacewasmorethanhehadeverdreamedof，andhecouldscarcelybelievethatallthegorgeousglitterwasrealandnottinsel。
\"What’stobecomeofme？\"askedthehorse，uneasily。Hehadseenconsiderableoflifeinthecitiesinhisyoungerdays，andknewthatthisregalpalacewasnoplaceforhim。
ItperplexedevenJelliaJamb，foratime，toknowwhattodowiththeanimal。Thegreenmaidenwasmuchastonishedatthesightofsounusualacreature，forhorseswereunknowninthisLand;butthosewholivedintheEmeraldCitywereapttobeastonishedbyqueersights，soafterinspectingthecab-horseandnotingthemildlookinhisbigeyesthegirldecidednottobeafraidofhim。
\"Therearenostableshere，\"saidtheWizard，\"unlesssomehavebeenbuiltsinceIwentaway。\"
\"Wehaveneverneededthembefore，\"answeredJellia;\"fortheSawhorselivesinaroomofthepalace，beingmuchsmallerandmorenaturalinappearancethanthisgreatbeastyouhavebroughtwithyou。\"
\"DoyoumeanthatI’mafreak？\"askedJim，angrily。
\"Oh，no，\"shehastenedtosay，\"theremaybemanymorelikeyouintheplaceyoucamefrom，butinOzanyhorsebutaSawhorseisunusual。\"
ThismollifiedJimalittle，andaftersomethoughtthegreenmaidendecidedtogivethecab-horsearoominthepalace，suchabigbuildinghavingmanyroomsthatwereseldominuse。
SoZebunharnessedJim，andseveraloftheservantsthenledthehorsearoundtotherear，wheretheyselectedanicelargeapartmentthathecouldhavealltohimself。
ThenJelliasaidtotheWizard：
\"Yourownroom——whichwasbackofthegreatThroneRoom——hasbeenvacanteversinceyouleftus。Wouldyoulikeitagain？\"
\"Yes，indeed！\"returnedthelittleman。\"Itwillseemlikebeingathomeagain，forIlivedinthatroomformany，manyyears。\"
Heknewthewaytoit，andaservantfollowedhim，carryinghissatchel。Zebwasalsoescortedtoaroom——sograndandbeautifulthathealmostfearedtositinthechairsorlieuponthebed，lesthemightdimtheirsplendor。Intheclosetshediscoveredmanyfancycostumesofrichvelvetsandbrocades，andoneoftheattendantstoldhimtodresshimselfinanyoftheclothesthatpleasedhimandtobepreparedtodinewiththePrincessandDorothyinanhour’stime。
Openingfromthechamberwasafinebathroomhavingamarbletubwithperfumedwater;sotheboy，stilldazedbythenoveltyofhissurroundings，indulgedinagoodbathandthenselectedamaroonvelvetcostumewithsilverbuttonstoreplacehisownsoiledandmuchwornclothing。Thereweresilkstockingsandsoftleatherslipperswithdiamondbucklestoaccompanyhisnewcostume，andwhenhewasfullydressedZeblookedmuchmoredignifiedandimposingthaneverbeforeinhislife。
HewasallreadywhenanattendantcametoescorthimtothepresenceofthePrincess;hefollowedbashfullyandwasusheredintoaroommoredaintyandattractivethanitwassplendid。HerehefoundDorothyseatedbesideayounggirlsomarvelouslybeautifulthattheboystoppedsuddenlywithagaspofadmiration。
ButDorothysprangupandrantoseizeherfriend’shanddrawinghimimpulsivelytowardthelovelyPrincess，whosmiledmostgraciouslyuponherguest。ThentheWizardentered，andhispresencerelievedtheboy’sembarrassment。Thelittlemanwasclothedinblackvelvet，withmanysparklingemeraldornamentsdecoratinghisbreast;
buthisbaldheadandwrinkledfeaturesmadehimappearmoreamusingthanimpressive。
OzmahadbeenquitecurioustomeetthefamousmanwhohadbuilttheEmeraldCityandunitedtheMunchkins，Gillikins，QuadlingsandWinkiesintoonepeople;sowhentheywereallfourseatedatthedinnertablethePrincesssaid：
\"Pleasetellme，Mr。Wizard，whetheryoucalledyourselfOzafterthisgreatcountry，orwhetheryoubelievemycountryiscalledOzafteryou。ItisamatterthatIhavelongwishedtoenquireabout，becauseyouareofastrangeraceandmyownnameisOzma。No，one，Iamsure，isbetterabletoexplainthismysterythanyou。\"
\"Thatistrue，\"answeredthelittleWizard;\"thereforeitwillgivemepleasuretoexplainmyconnectionwithyourcountry。Inthefirstplace，ImusttellyouthatIwasborninOmaha，andmyfather，whowasapolitician，namedmeOscarZoroasterPhadrigIsaacNormanHenkleEmmannuelAmbroiseDiggs，Diggsbeingthelastnamebecausehecouldthinkofnomoretogobeforeit。Takenaltogether，itwasadreadfullylongnametoweighdownapoorinnocentchild，andoneofthehardestlessonsIeverlearnedwastoremembermyownname。WhenIgrewupIjustcalledmyselfO。Z。，becausetheotherinitialswereP-I-N-H-E-A-D;andthatspelled’pinhead，’whichwasareflectiononmyintelligence。\"
\"Surelynoonecouldblameyouforcuttingyournameshort，\"saidOzma，sympathetically。\"Butdidn’tyoucutitalmosttooshort？\"
\"Perhapsso，\"repliedtheWizard。\"WhenayoungmanIranawayfromhomeandjoinedacircus。IusedtocallmyselfaWizard，anddotricksofventriloquism。\"
\"Whatdoesthatmean？\"askedthePrincess。
\"ThrowingmyvoiceintoanyobjectIpleased，tomakeitappearthattheobjectwasspeakinginsteadofme。AlsoIbegantomakeballoonascensions。OnmyballoonandonalltheotherarticlesIusedinthecircusIpaintedthetwoinitials：’O。Z。’，toshowthatthosethingsbelongedtome。
\"Onedaymyballoonranawaywithmeandbroughtmeacrossthedesertstothisbeautifulcountry。Whenthepeoplesawmecomefromtheskytheynaturallythoughtmesomesuperiorcreature，andboweddownbeforeme。ItoldthemIwasaWizard，andshowedthemsomeeasytricksthatamazedthem;andwhentheysawtheinitialspaintedontheballoontheycalledmeOz。\"
\"NowIbegintounderstand，\"saidthePrincess，smiling。
\"Atthattime，\"continuedtheWizard，busilyeatinghissoupwhiletalking，\"therewerefourseparatecountriesinthisLand，eachoneofthefourbeingruledbyaWitch。ButthepeoplethoughtmypowerwasgreaterthanthatoftheWitches;andperhapstheWitchesthoughtsotoo，fortheyneverdaredopposeme。IorderedtheEmeraldCitytobebuiltjustwherethefourcountriescorneredtogether，andwhenitwascompletedIannouncedmyselftheRuleroftheLandofOz，whichincludedallthefourcountriesoftheMunchkins，theGillikins，theWinkiesandtheQuadlings。OverthisLandIruledinpeaceformanyyears，untilIgrewoldandlongedtoseemynativecityonceagain。
SowhenDorothywasfirstblowntothisplacebyacycloneIarrangedtogoawaywithherinaballoon;buttheballoonescapedtoosoonandcarriedmebackalone。AftermanyadventuresIreachedOmaha，onlytofindthatallmyoldfriendsweredeadorhadmovedaway。So，havingnothingelsetodo，Ijoinedacircusagain，andmademyballoonascensionsuntiltheearthquakecaughtme。\"
\"Thatisquiteahistory，\"saidOzma;\"butthereisalittlemorehistoryabouttheLandofOzthatyoudonotseemtounderstand——perhapsforthereasonthatnooneevertoldityou。ManyyearsbeforeyoucameherethisLandwasunitedunderoneRuler，asitisnow，andtheRuler’snamewasalways’Oz，’whichmeansinourlanguage’GreatandGood’;or，iftheRulerhappenedtobeawoman，hernamewasalways’Ozma。’ButonceuponatimefourWitchesleaguedtogethertodeposethekingandrulethefourpartsofthekingdomthemselves;sowhentheRuler，mygrandfather，washuntingoneday，oneWickedWitchnamedMombistolehimandcarriedhimaway，keepinghimacloseprisoner。ThentheWitchesdividedupthekingdom，andruledthefourpartsofituntilyoucamehere。Thatwaswhythepeopleweresogladtoseeyou，andwhytheythoughtfromyourinitialsthatyouweretheirrightfulruler。\"
\"But，atthattime，\"saidtheWizard，thoughtfully，\"thereweretwoGoodWitchesandtwoWickedWitchesrulingintheland。\"
\"Yes，\"repliedOzma，\"becauseagoodWitchhadconqueredMombiintheNorthandGlindatheGoodhadconqueredtheevilWitchintheSouth。
ButMombiwasstillmygrandfather’sjailor，andafterwardmyfather’sjailor。WhenIwasbornshetransformedmeintoaboy，hopingthatnoonewouldeverrecognizemeandknowthatIwastherightfulPrincessoftheLandofOz。ButIescapedfromherandamnowtheRulerofmypeople。\"
\"Iamverygladofthat，\"saidtheWizard，\"andhopeyouwillconsidermeoneofyourmostfaithfulanddevotedsubjects。\"
\"WeoweagreatdealtotheWonderfulWizard，\"continuedthePrincess，\"foritwasyouwhobuiltthissplendidEmeraldCity。\"
\"Yourpeoplebuiltit，\"heanswered。\"Ionlybossedthejob，aswesayinOmaha。\"
\"Butyouruleditwiselyandwellformanyyears，\"saidshe，\"andmadethepeopleproudofyourmagicalart。So，asyouarenowtoooldtowanderabroadandworkinacircus，Iofferyouahomehereaslongasyoulive。YoushallbetheOfficialWizardofmykingdom，andbetreatedwitheveryrespectandconsideration。\"
\"Iacceptyourkindofferwithgratitude，graciousPrincess，\"thelittlemansaid，inasoftvoice，andtheycouldallseethattear-dropswerestandinginhiskeenoldeyes。Itmeantagooddealtohimtosecureahomelikethis。
\"He’sonlyahumbugWizard，though，\"saidDorothy，smilingathim。
\"AndthatisthesafestkindofaWizardtohave，\"repliedOzma，promptly。
\"Ozcandosomegoodtricks，humbugornohumbug，\"announcedZeb，whowasnowfeelingmoreatease。
\"Heshallamuseuswithhistrickstomorrow，\"saidthePrincess。\"I
havesentmessengerstosummonallofDorothy’soldfriendstomeetherandgiveherwelcome，andtheyoughttoarriveverysoon，now。\"
Indeed，thedinnerwasnosoonerfinishedthaninrushedtheScarecrow，tohugDorothyinhispaddedarmsandtellherhowgladhewastoseeheragain。TheWizardwasalsomostheartilywelcomedbythestrawman，whowasanimportantpersonageintheLandofOz。
\"Howareyourbrains？\"enquiredthelittlehumbug，ashegraspedthesoft，stuffedhandsofhisoldfriend。
\"Workingfinely，\"answeredtheScarecrow。\"I’mverycertain，Oz，thatyougavemethebestbrainsintheworld，forIcanthinkwiththemdayandnight，whenallotherbrainsarefastasleep。\"
\"HowlongdidyouruletheEmeraldCity，afterIlefthere？\"wasthenextquestion。
\"Quiteawhile，untilIwasconqueredbyagirlnamedGeneralJinjur。
ButOzmasoonconqueredher，withthehelpofGlindatheGood，andafterthatIwenttolivewithNickChopper，theTinWoodman。\"
Justthenaloudcacklingwasheardoutside;and，whenaservantthrewopenthedoorwithalowbow，ayellowhenstruttedin。Dorothysprangforwardandcaughtthefluffyfowlinherarms，utteringatthesametimeagladcry。
\"Oh，Billina！\"shesaid;\"howfatandsleekyou’vegrown。\"
\"Whyshouldn’tI？\"askedthehen，inasharp，clearvoice。\"Iliveonthefatoftheland——don’tI，Ozma？\"
\"Youhaveeverythingyouwishfor，\"saidthePrincess。
AroundBillina’sneckwasastringofbeautifulpearls，andonherlegswerebraceletsofemeralds。ShenestledherselfcomfortablyinDorothy’slapuntilthekittengaveasnarlofjealousangerandleapedupwithasharpclawfiercelybaredtostrikeBillinaablow。
Butthelittlegirlgavetheangrykittensuchaseverecuffthatitjumpeddownagainwithoutdaringtoscratch。
\"Howhorridofyou，Eureka！\"criedDorothy。\"Isthatthewaytotreatmyfriends？\"
\"Youhavequeerfriends，seemstome，\"repliedthekitten，inasurlytone。
\"Seemstomethesameway，\"saidBillina，scornfully，\"ifthatbeastlycatisoneofthem。\"
\"Lookhere！\"saidDorothy，sternly。\"Iwon’thaveanyquarrellingintheLandofOz，Icantellyou！Everybodylivesinpeacehere，andloveseverybodyelse;andunlessyoutwo，BillinaandEureka，makeupandbefriends，I’lltakemyMagicBeltandwishyoubothhomeagain，IMMEJITLY。So，there！\"
Theywerebothmuchfrightenedatthethreat，andpromisedmeeklytobegood。Butitwasnevernoticedthattheybecameverywarmfriends，forallofthat。
AndnowtheTinWoodmanarrived，hisbodymostbeautifullynickle-plated，sothatitshonesplendidlyinthebrilliantlightoftheroom。TheTinWoodmanlovedDorothymosttenderly，andwelcomedwithjoythereturnofthelittleoldWizard。
\"Sir，\"saidhetothelatter，\"Inevercanthankyouenoughfortheexcellentheartyouoncegaveme。Ithasmadememanyfriends，Iassureyou，anditbeatsaskindlyandlovinglytodayasiteverydid。\"
\"I’mgladtohearthat，\"saidtheWizard。\"Iwasafraiditwouldgetmoldyinthattinbodyofyours。\"
\"Notatall，\"returnedNickChopper。\"Itkeepsfinely，beingpreservedinmyair-tightchest。\"
Zebwasalittleshywhenfirstintroducedtothesequeerpeople;buttheyweresofriendlyandsincerethathesoongrewtoadmirethemverymuch，evenfindingsomegoodqualitiesintheyellowhen。Buthebecamenervousagainwhenthenextvisitorwasannounced。
\"This，\"saidPrincessOzma，\"ismyfriendMr。H。M。Woggle-Bug，T。E。，whoassistedmeonetimewhenIwasingreatdistress，andisnowtheDeanoftheRoyalCollegeofAthleticScience。\"
\"Ah，\"saidtheWizard;\"I’mpleasedtomeetsodistinguishedapersonage。\"
\"H。M。，\"saidtheWoggle-Bug，pompously，\"meansHighlyMagnified;andT。E。meansThoroughlyEducated。Iam，inreality，averybigbug，anddoubtlessthemostintelligentbeinginallthisbroaddomain。\"
\"Howwellyoudisguiseit，\"saidtheWizard。\"ButIdon’tdoubtyourwordintheleast。\"
\"Nobodydoubtsit，sir，\"repliedtheWoggle-Bug，anddrawingabookfromitspocketthestrangeinsectturneditsbackonthecompanyandsatdowninacornertoread。
Nobodymindedthisrudeness，whichmighthaveseemedmoreimpoliteinonelessthoroughlyeducated;sotheystraightwayforgothimandjoinedinamerryconversationthatkeptthemwellamuseduntilbed-timearrived。
16。Jim，TheCab-HorseJimtheCab-horsefoundhimselfinpossessionofalargeroomwithagreenmarblefloorandcarvedmarblewainscoting，whichwassostatelyinitsappearancethatitwouldhaveawedanyoneelse。Jimaccepteditasameredetail，andathiscommandtheattendantsgavehiscoatagoodrubbing，combedhismaneandtail，andwashedhishoofsandfetlocks。Thentheytoldhimdinnerwouldbeserveddirectlyandherepliedthattheycouldnotserveittooquicklytosuithisconvenience。Firsttheybroughthimasteamingbowlofsoup，whichthehorseeyedindismay。
\"Takethatstuffaway！\"hecommanded。\"Doyoutakemeforasalamander？\"
Theyobeyedatonce，andnextservedafinelargeturbotonasilverplatter，withdrawngravypouredoverit。
\"Fish！\"criedJim，withasniff。\"Doyoutakemeforatom-cat？Awaywithit！\"
Theservantswerealittlediscouraged，butsoontheybroughtinagreattraycontainingtwodozennicelyroastedquailontoast。
\"Well，well！\"saidthehorse，nowthoroughlyprovoked。\"Doyoutakemeforaweasel？Howstupidandignorantyouare，intheLandofOz，andwhatdreadfulthingsyoufeedupon！Istherenothingthatisdecenttoeatinthispalace？\"
ThetremblingservantssentfortheRoyalSteward，whocameinhasteandsaid：
\"WhatwouldyourHighnesslikefordinner？\"
\"Highness！\"repeatedJim，whowasunusedtosuchtitles。
\"Youareatleastsixfeethigh，andthatishigherthananyotheranimalinthiscountry，\"saidtheSteward。
\"Well，myHighnesswouldlikesomeoats，\"declaredthehorse。
\"Oats？Wehavenowholeoats，\"theStewardreplied，withmuchdeference。
\"Butthereisanyquantityofoatmeal，whichweoftencookforbreakfast。
Oatmealisabreakfastdish，\"addedtheSteward，humbly。
\"I’llmakeitadinnerdish，\"saidJim。\"Fetchiton，butdon’tcookit，asyouvalueyourlife。\"
Yousee，therespectshowntheworn-outoldcab-horsemadehimalittlearrogant，andheforgothewasaguest，neverhavingbeentreatedotherwisethanasaservantsincethedayhewasborn，untilhisarrivalintheLandofOz。Buttheroyalattendantsdidnotheedtheanimal’silltemper。Theysoonmixedatubofoatmealwithalittlewater，andJimateitwithmuchrelish。
Thentheservantsheapedalotofrugsuponthefloorandtheoldhorsesleptonthesoftestbedhehadeverknowninhislife。
Inthemorning，assoonasitwasdaylight，heresolvedtotakeawalkandtrytofindsomegrassforbreakfast;soheambledcalmlythroughthehandsomearchofthedoorway，turnedthecornerofthepalace，whereinallseemedasleep，andcamefacetofacewiththeSawhorse。
Jimstoppedabruptly，beingstartledandamazed。TheSawhorsestoppedatthesametimeandstaredattheotherwithitsqueerprotrudingeyes，whichweremereknotsinthelogthatformeditsbody。ThelegsoftheSawhorsewerefoursticksdrivingintoholesboredinthelog;
itstailwasasmallbranchthathadbeenleftbyaccidentanditsmouthaplacechoppedinoneendofthebodywhichprojectedalittleandservedasahead。Theendsofthewoodenlegswereshodwithplatesofsolidgold，andthesaddleofthePrincessOzma，whichwasofredleathersetwithsparklingdiamonds，wasstrappedtotheclumsybody。
Jim’seyesstuckoutasmuchasthoseoftheSawhorse，andhestaredatthecreaturewithhisearserectandhislongheaddrawnbackuntilitrestedagainsthisarchedneck。
Inthiscomicalpositionthetwohorsescircledslowlyaroundeachotherforawhile，eachbeingunabletorealizewhatthesingularthingmightbewhichitnowbeheldforthefirsttime。ThenJimexclaimed：
\"Forgoodnesssake，whatsortofabeingareyou？\"
\"I’maSawhorse，\"repliedtheother。
\"Oh;IbelieveI’veheardofyou，\"saidthecab-horse;\"butyouareunlikeanythingthatIexpectedtosee。\"
\"Idonotdoubtit，\"theSawhorseobserved，withatoneofpride。\"I
amconsideredquiteunusual。\"
\"Youare，indeed。Butaricketywoodenthinglikeyouhasnorighttobealive。\"
\"Icouldn’thelpit，\"returnedtheother，rathercrestfallen。\"Ozmasprinkledmewithamagicpowder，andIjusthadtolive。IknowI’mnotmuchaccount;butI’mtheonlyhorseinalltheLandofOz，sotheytreatmewithgreatrespect。\"
\"You，ahorse！\"
\"Oh，notarealone，ofcourse。Therearenorealhorseshereatall。
ButI’masplendidimitationofone。\"
Jimgaveanindignantneigh。
\"Lookatme！\"hecried。\"Beholdarealhorse！\"
Thewoodenanimalgaveastart，andthenexaminedtheotherintently。
\"IsitpossiblethatyouareaRealHorse？\"hemurmured。
\"Notonlypossible，buttrue，\"repliedJim，whowasgratifiedbytheimpressionhehadcreated。\"Itisprovedbymyfinepoints。Forexample，lookatthelonghairsonmytail，withwhichIcanwhiskawaytheflies。\"
\"Thefliesnevertroubleme，\"saidtheSaw-Horse。
\"Andnoticemygreatstrongteeth，withwhichInibblethegrass。\"
\"Itisnotnecessaryformetoeat，\"observedtheSawhorse。
\"Alsoexaminemybroadchest，whichenablesmetodrawdeep，fullbreaths，\"saidJim，proudly。
\"Ihavenoneedtobreathe，\"returnedtheother。
\"No;youmissmanypleasures，\"remarkedthecab-horse，pityingly。
\"Youdonotknowthereliefofbrushingawayaflythathasbittenyou，northedelightofeatingdeliciousfood，northesatisfactionofdrawingalongbreathoffresh，pureair。Youmaybeanimitationofahorse，butyou’reamightypoorone。\"
\"Oh，Icannothopeevertobelikeyou，\"sighedtheSawhorse。\"ButI
amgladtomeetalastaRealHorse。YouarecertainlythemostbeautifulcreatureIeverbeheld。\"
ThispraisewonJimcompletely。Tobecalledbeautifulwasanoveltyinhisexperience。Saidhe：
\"Yourchieffault，myfriend，isinbeingmadeofwood，andthatI
supposeyoucannothelp。Realhorses，likemyself，aremadeoffleshandbloodandbones。\"
\"Icanseethebonesallright，\"repliedtheSawhorse，\"andtheyareadmirableanddistinct。AlsoIcanseetheflesh。Buttheblood，I
supposeistuckedawayinside。\"
\"Exactly，\"saidJim。
\"Whatgoodisit？\"askedtheSawhorse。
Jimdidnotknow，buthewouldnottelltheSawhorsethat。
\"Ifanythingcutsme，\"hereplied，\"thebloodrunsouttoshowwhereI
amcut。You，poorthing！cannotevenbleedwhenyouarehurt。\"
\"ButIamneverhurt，\"saidtheSawhorse。\"OnceinawhileIgetbrokenupsome，butIameasilyrepairedandputingoodorderagain。
AndIneverfeelabreakorasplinterintheleast。\"
Jimwasalmosttemptedtoenvythewoodenhorseforbeingunabletofeelpain;butthecreaturewassoabsurdlyunnaturalthathedecidedhewouldnotchangeplaceswithitunderanycircumstances。
\"Howdidyouhappentobeshodwithgold？\"heasked。
\"PrincessOzmadidthat，\"wasthereply;\"anditsavesmylegsfromwearingout。We’vehadagoodmanyadventurestogether，OzmaandI，andshelikesme。\"
Thecab-horsewasabouttoreplywhensuddenlyhegaveastartandaneighofterrorandstoodtremblinglikealeaf。Foraroundthecornerhadcometwoenormoussavagebeasts，treadingsolightlythattheywereuponhimbeforehewasawareoftheirpresence。JimwasintheactofplungingdownthepathtoescapewhentheSawhorsecriedout：
\"Stop，mybrother！Stop，RealHorse！Thesearefriends，andwilldoyounoharm。\"
Jimhesitated，eyeingthebeastsfearfully。OnewasanenormousLionwithclear，intelligenteyes，atawneymanebushyandwellkept，andabodylikeyellowplush。TheotherwasagreatTigerwithpurplestripesaroundhislithebody，powerfullimbs，andeyesthatshowedthroughthehalfclosedlidslikecoalsoffire。Thehugeformsofthesemonarchsoftheforestandjunglewereenoughtostriketerrortothestoutestheart，anditisnowonderJimwasafraidtofacethem。
ButtheSawhorseintroducedthestrangerinacalmtone，saying：
\"This，nobleHorse，ismyfriendtheCowardlyLion，whoisthevaliantKingoftheForest，butatthesametimeafaithfulvassalofPrincessOzma。
AndthisistheHungryTiger，theterrorofthejungle，wholongstodevourfatbabiesbutispreventedbyhisconsciencefromdoingso。
TheseroyalbeastsarebothwarmfriendsoflittleDorothyandhavecometotheEmeraldCitythismorningtowelcomehertoourfairyland。\"
HearingthesewordsJimresolvedtoconquerhisalarm。Hebowedhisheadwithasmuchdignityashecouldmustertowardthesavagelookingbeasts，whoinreturnnoddedinafriendlyway。
\"IsnottheRealHorseabeautifulanimal？\"askedtheSawhorseadmiringly。
\"Thatisdoubtlessamatteroftaste，\"returnedtheLion。\"Intheforesthewouldbethoughtungainly，becausehisfaceisstretchedoutandhisneckisuselesslylong。Hisjoints，Inotice，areswollenandovergrown，andhelacksfleshandisoldinyears。\"
\"Anddreadfullytough，\"addedtheHungryTiger，inasadvoice。\"MyconsciencewouldneverpermitmetoeatsotoughamorselastheRealHorse。\"
\"I’mgladofthat，\"saidJim;\"forI，also，haveaconscience，andittellsmenottocrushinyourskullwithablowofmypowerfulhoof。\"
Ifhethoughttofrightenthestripedbeastbysuchlanguagehewasmistaken。TheTigerseemedtosmile，andwinkedoneeyeslowly。
\"Youhaveagoodconscience，friendHorse，\"itsaid，\"andifyouattendtoitsteachingsitwilldomuchtoprotectyoufromharm。
SomedayIwillletyoutrytocrushinmyskull，andafterwardyouwillknowmoreabouttigersthanyoudonow。\"
\"AnyfriendofDorothy，\"remarkedtheCowardlyLion，\"mustbeourfriend，aswell。Soletusceasethistalkofskullcrushingandconverseuponmorepleasantsubjects。Haveyoubreakfasted，SirHorse？\"
\"Notyet，\"repliedJim。\"Buthereisplentyofexcellentclover，soifyouwillexcusemeIwilleatnow。\"
\"He’savegetarian，\"remarkedtheTiger，asthehorsebegantomunchtheclover。\"IfIcouldeatgrassIwouldnotneedaconscience，fornothingcouldthentemptmetodevourbabiesandlambs。\"
JustthenDorothy，whohadrisenearlyandheardthevoicesoftheanimals，ranouttogreetheroldfriends。ShehuggedboththeLionandtheTigerwitheagerdelight，butseemedtolovetheKingofBeastsalittlebetterthanshedidhishungryfriend，havingknownhimlonger。
BythistimetheyhadindulgedinagoodtalkandDorothyhadtoldthemallabouttheawfulearthquakeandherrecentadventures，thebreakfastbellrangfromthepalaceandthelittlegirlwentinsidetojoinherhumancomrades。Assheenteredthegreathallavoicecalledout，inaratherharshtone：
\"What！areYOUhereagain？\"
\"Yes，Iam，\"sheanswered，lookingallaroundtoseewherethevoicecamefrom。
\"Whatbroughtyouback？\"wasthenextquestion，andDorothy’seyerestedonanantleredheadhangingonthewalljustoverthefireplace，andcaughtitslipsintheactofmoving。
\"Goodgracious！\"sheexclaimed。\"Ithoughtyouwerestuffed。\"
\"SoIam，\"repliedthehead。\"ButonceonatimeIwaspartoftheGump，whichOzmasprinkledwiththePowderofLife。IwasthenforatimetheHeadofthefinestFlyingMachinethatwaseverknowntoexist，andwedidmanywonderfulthings。AfterwardtheGumpwastakenapartandIwasputbackonthiswall;butIcanstilltalkwhenI
feelinthemood，whichisnotoften。\"
\"It’sverystrange，\"saidthegirl。\"Whatwereyouwhenyouwerefirstalive？\"
\"ThatIhaveforgotten，\"repliedtheGump’sHead，\"andIdonotthinkitisofmuchimportance。ButherecomesOzma;soI’dbetterhushup，forthePrincessdoesn’tlikemetochattersinceshechangedhernamefromTiptoOzma。\"
JustthenthegirlishRulerofOzopenedthedoorandgreetedDorothywithagood-morningkiss。ThelittlePrincessseemedfreshandrosyandingoodspirits。
\"Breakfastisserved，dear，\"shesaid，\"andIamhungry。Sodon’tletuskeepitwaitingasingleminute。\"
17。TheNineTinyPigletsAfterbreakfastOzmaannouncedthatshehadorderedaholidaytobeobservedthroughouttheEmeraldCity，inhonorofhervisitors。ThepeoplehadlearnedthattheiroldWizardhadreturnedtothemandallwereanxioustoseehimagain，forhehadalwaysbeenararefavorite。
Sofirsttherewastobeagrandprocessionthroughthestreets，afterwhichthelittleoldmanwasrequestedtoperformsomeofhiswizardriesinthegreatThroneRoomofthepalace。Intheafternoonthereweretobegamesandraces。
Theprocessionwasveryimposing。FirstcametheImperialCornetBandofOz，dressedinemeraldvelvetuniformswithslashesofpea-greensatinandbuttonsofimmensecutemeralds。TheyplayedtheNationalaircalled\"TheOzSpangledBanner，\"andbehindthemwerethestandardbearerswiththeRoyalflag。Thisflagwasdividedintofourquarters，onebeingcoloredsky-blue，anotherpink，athirdlavenderandafourthwhite。Inthecenterwasalargeemerald-greenstar，andalloverthefourquartersweresewnspanglesthatglitteredbeautifullyinthesunshine。ThecolorsrepresentedthefourcountriesofOz，andthegreenstartheEmeraldCity。
Justbehindtheroyalstandard-bearerscamethePrincessOzmainherroyalchariot，whichwasofgoldencrustedwithemeraldsanddiamondssetinexquisitedesigns。ThechariotwasdrawnonthisoccasionbytheCowardlyLionandtheHungryTiger，whoweredecoratedwithimmensepinkandbluebows。InthechariotrodeOzmaandDorothy，theformerinsplendidraimentandwearingherroyalcoronet，whilethelittleKansasgirlworearoundherwaisttheMagicBeltshehadoncecapturedfromtheNomeKing。
FollowingthechariotcametheScarecrowmountedontheSawhorse，andthepeoplecheeredhimalmostasloudlyastheydidtheirlovelyRuler。Behindhimstalkedwithregular，jerkysteps，thefamousmachine-mancalledTik-tok，whohadbeenwoundupbyDorothyfortheoccasion。Tik-tokmovedbyclockwork，andwasmadeallofburnishedcopper。HereallybelongedtotheKansasgirl，whohadmuchrespectforhisthoughtsaftertheyhadbeenproperlywoundandsetgoing;butasthecoppermanwouldbeuselessinanyplacebutafairycountryDorothyhadlefthiminchargeofOzma，whosawthathewassuitablycaredfor。
Therefollowedanotherbandafterthis，whichwascalledtheRoyalCourtBand，becausethemembersalllivedinthepalace。Theyworewhiteuniformswithrealdiamondbuttonsandplayed\"WhatisOzwithoutOzma\"verysweetly。
ThencameProfessorWoggle-Bug，withagroupofstudentsfromtheRoyalCollegeofScientificAthletics。Theboysworelonghairandstripedsweatersandyelledtheircollegeyelleveryothersteptheytook，tothegreatsatisfactionofthepopulace，whichwasgladtohavethisevidencethattheirlungswereingoodcondition。
ThebrilliantlypolishedTinWoodmanmarchednext，attheheadoftheRoyalArmyofOzwhichconsistedoftwenty-eightofficers，fromGeneralsdowntoCaptains。Therewerenoprivatesinthearmybecauseallweresocourageousandskillfulthattheyhadbeenpromotedonebyoneuntiltherewerenoprivatesleft。Jimandthebuggyfollowed，theoldcab-horsebeingdrivenbyZebwhiletheWizardstoodupontheseatandbowedhisbaldheadrightandleftinanswertothecheersofthepeople，whocrowdedthickabouthim。
Takenaltogethertheprocessionwasagrandsuccess，andwhenithadreturnedtothepalacethecitizenscrowdedintothegreatThroneRoomtoseetheWizardperformhistricks。
Thefirstthingthelittlehumbugdidwastoproduceatinywhitepigletfromunderneathhishatandpretendtopullitapart，makingtwo。Thisactherepeateduntilalloftheninetinypigletswerevisible，andtheyweresogladtogetoutofhispocketthattheyranaroundinaverylivelymanner。Theprettylittlecreatureswouldhavebeenanoveltyanywhere，sothepeoplewereasamazedanddelightedattheirappearanceaseventheWizardcouldhavedesired。
WhenhehadmadethemalldisappearagainOzmadeclaredshewassorrytheyweregone，forshewantedoneofthemtopetandplaywith。SotheWizardpretendedtotakeoneofthepigletsoutofthehairofthePrincess（whilereallyheslylytookitfromhisinsidepocket）andOzmasmiledjoyouslyasthecreaturenestledinherarms，andshepromisedtohaveanemeraldcollarmadeforitsfatneckandtokeepthelittlesquealeralwaysathandtoamuseher。
AfterwarditwasnoticedthattheWizardalwaysperformedhisfamoustrickwitheightpiglets，butitseemedtopleasethepeoplejustaswellasiftherehadbeennineofthem。
InhislittleroombackoftheThroneRoomtheWizardhadfoundalotofthingshehadleftbehindhimwhenhewentawayintheballoon，fornoonehadoccupiedtheapartmentinhisabsence。Therewasenoughmaterialtheretoenablehimtoprepareseveralnewtrickswhichhehadlearnedfromsomeofthejugglersinthecircus，andhehadpassedpartofthenightingettingthemready。SohefollowedthetrickoftheninetinypigletswithseveralotherwonderfulfeatsthatgreatlydelightedhisaudienceandthepeopledidnotseemtocareabitwhetherthelittlemanwasahumbugWizardornot，solongashesucceededinamusingthem。Theyapplaudedallhistricksandattheendoftheperformancebeggedhimearnestlynottogoawayagainandleavethem。
\"Inthatcase，\"saidthelittleman，gravely，\"IwillcancelallofmyengagementsbeforethecrownedheadsofEuropeandAmericaanddevotemyselftothepeopleofOz，forIloveyouallsowellthatIcandenyyounothing。\"
AfterthepeoplehadbeendismissedwiththispromiseourfriendsjoinedPrincessOzmaatanelaborateluncheoninthepalace，whereeventheTigerandtheLionweresumptuouslyfedandJimtheCab-horseatehisoatmealoutofagoldenbowlwithsevenrowsofrubies，sapphiresanddiamondssetaroundtherimofit。
Intheafternoontheyallwenttoagreatfieldoutsidethecitygateswherethegamesweretobeheld。TherewasabeautifulcanopyforOzmaandhergueststositunderandwatchthepeoplerunracesandjumpandwrestle。YoumaybesurethefolksofOzdidtheirbestwithsuchadistinguishedcompanywatchingthem，andfinallyZebofferedtowrestlewithalittleMunchkinwhoseemedtobethechampion。InappearancehewastwiceasoldasZeb，forhehadlongpointedwhiskersandworeapeakedhatwithlittlebellsallaroundthebrimofit，whichtinkledgailyashemoved。ButalthoughtheMunchkinwashardlytallenoughtocometoZeb’sshoulderhewassostrongandcleverthathelaidtheboythreetimesonhisbackwithapparentease。
Zebwasgreatlyastonishedathisdefeat，andwhentheprettyPrincessjoinedherpeopleinlaughingathimheproposedaboxing-matchwiththeMunchkin，towhichthelittleOzitereadilyagreed。ButthefirsttimethatZebmanagedtogivehimasharpboxontheearstheMunchkinsatdownuponthegroundandcrieduntilthetearsrandownhiswhiskers，becausehehadbeenhurt。ThismadeZeblaugh，inturn，andtheboyfeltcomfortedtofindthatOzmalaughedasmerrilyatherweepingsubjectasshehadathim。
JustthentheScarecrowproposedaracebetweentheSawhorseandtheCab-horse;andalthoughalltheothersweredelightedatthesuggestiontheSawhorsedrewback，saying：
\"Sucharacewouldnotbefair。\"
\"Ofcoursenot，\"addedJim，withatouchofscorn;\"thoselittlewoodenlegsofyoursarenothalfaslongasmyown。\"
\"Itisn’tthat，\"saidtheSawhorse，modestly;\"butInevertire，andyoudo。\"
\"Bah！\"criedJim，lookingwithgreatdisdainattheother;\"doyouimagineforaninstantthatsuchashabbyimitationofahorseasyouarecanrunasfastasI？\"
\"Idon’tknow，I’msure，\"repliedtheSawhorse。
\"Thatiswhatwearetryingtofindout，\"remarkedtheScarecrow。
\"Theobjectofaraceistoseewhocanwinit——oratleastthatiswhatmyexcellentbrainsthink。\"
\"Once，whenIwasyoung，\"saidJim，\"Iwasaracehorse，anddefeatedallwhodaredrunagainstme。IwasborninKentucky，youknow，whereallthebestandmostaristocratichorsescomefrom。\"
\"Butyou’reold，now，Jim，\"suggestedZeb。
\"Old！Why，Ifeellikeacolttoday，\"repliedJim。\"Ionlywishtherewasarealhorsehereformetoracewith。I’dshowthepeopleafinesight，Icantellyou。\"
\"ThenwhynotracewiththeSawhorse？\"enquiredtheScarecrow。
\"He’safraid，\"saidJim。
\"Oh，no，\"answeredtheSawhorse。\"Imerelysaiditwasn’tfair。ButifmyfriendtheRealHorseiswillingtoundertaketheraceIamquiteready。\"
SotheyunharnessedJimandtookthesaddleofftheSawhorse，andthetwoqueerlymatchedanimalswerestoodsidebysideforthestart。
\"WhenIsay’Go！’\"Zebcalledtothem，\"youmustdigoutandraceuntilyoureachthosethreetreesyouseeoveryonder。Thencircle’roundthemandcomebackagain。ThefirstonethatpassestheplacewherethePrincesssitsshallbenamedthewinner。Areyouready？\"
\"IsupposeIoughttogivethewoodendummyagoodstartofme，\"
growledJim。
\"Nevermindthat，\"saidtheSawhorse。\"I’lldothebestIcan。\"
\"Go！\"criedZeb;andatthewordthetwohorsesleapedforwardandtheracewasbegun。
Jim’sbighoofspoundedawayatagreatrate，andalthoughhedidnotlookverygracefulheraninawaytodocredittohisKentuckybreeding。ButtheSawhorsewasswifterthanthewind。Itswoodenlegsmovedsofastthattheirtwinklingcouldscarcelybeseen，andalthoughsomuchsmallerthanthecab-horseitcoveredthegroundmuchfaster。BeforetheyhadreachedthetreestheSawhorsewasfarahead，andthewoodenanimalreturnedtothestartingplaceaswasbeinglustilycheeredbytheOzitesbeforeJimcamepantinguptothecanopywherethePrincessandherfriendswereseated。
IamsorrytorecordthefactthatJimwasnotonlyashamedofhisdefeatbutforamomentlostcontrolofhistemper。AshelookedatthecomicalfaceoftheSawhorseheimaginedthatthecreaturewaslaughingathim;soinafitofunreasonableangerheturnedaroundandmadeaviciouskickthatsenthisrivaltumblingheadoverheelsupontheground，andbrokeoffoneofitslegsanditsleftear。
AninstantlatertheTigercrouchedandlauncheditshugebodythroughtheairswiftandresistlessasaballfromacannon。ThebeaststruckJimfullonhisshoulderandsenttheastonishedcab-horserollingoverandover，amidshoutsofdelightfromthespectators，whohadbeenhorrifiedbytheungraciousacthehadbeenguiltyof。
WhenJimcametohimselfandsatuponhishauncheshefoundtheCowardlyLioncrouchedononesideofhimandtheHungryTigerontheother，andtheireyeswereglowinglikeballsoffire。
\"Ibegyourpardon，I’msure，\"saidJim，meekly。\"IwaswrongtokicktheSawhorse，andIamsorryIbecameangryathim。Hehaswontherace，andwonitfairly;butwhatcanahorseoffleshdoagainstatirelessbeastofwood？\"
HearingthisapologytheTigerandtheLionstoppedlashingtheirtailsandretreatedwithdignifiedstepstothesideofthePrincess。
\"Noonemustinjureoneofourfriendsinourpresence，\"growledtheLion;andZebrantoJimandwhisperedthatunlesshecontrolledhistemperinthefuturehewouldprobablybetorntopieces。
ThentheTinWoodmancutastraightandstronglimbfromatreewithhisgleamingaxeandmadeanewlegandanewearfortheSawhorse;
andwhentheyhadbeensecurelyfastenedinplacePrincessOzmatookthecoronetfromherownheadandplacedituponthatofthewinneroftherace。Saidshe：
\"Myfriend，IrewardyouforyourswiftnessbyproclaimingyouPrinceofHorses，whetherofwoodorofflesh;andhereafterallotherhorses——intheLandofOz，atleast——mustbeconsideredimitations，andyoutherealChampionofyourrace。\"
Therewasmoreapplauseatthis，andthenOzmahadthejewelledsaddlereplacedupontheSawhorseandherselfrodethevictorbacktothecityattheheadofthegrandprocession。
\"Ioughttobeafairy，\"grumbledJim，asheslowlydrewthebuggyhome;\"fortobejustanordinaryhorseinafairycountryistobeofnoaccountwhatever。It’snoplaceforus，Zeb。\"
\"It’sluckywegothere，though，\"saidtheboy;andJimthoughtofthedarkcave，andagreedwithhim。
18。TheTrialofEurekatheKittenSeveraldaysoffestivityandmerry-makingfollowed，forsucholdfriendsdidnotoftenmeetandtherewasmuchtobetoldandtalkedoverbetweenthem，andmanyamusementstobeenjoyedinthisdelightfulcountry。
OzmawashappytohaveDorothybesideher，forgirlsofherownagewithwhomitwasproperforthePrincesstoassociatewereveryfew，andoftentheyouthfulRulerofOzwaslonelyforlackofcompanionship。
ItwasthethirdmorningafterDorothy’sarrival，andshewassittingwithOzmaandtheirfriendsinareceptionroom，talkingoveroldtimes，whenthePrincesssaidtohermaid：
\"Pleasegotomyboudoir，Jellia，andgetthewhitepigletIleftonthedressing-table。Iwanttoplaywithit。\"
Jelliaatoncedepartedontheerrand，andshewasgonesolongthattheyhadalmostforgottenhermissionwhenthegreenrobedmaidenreturnedwithatroubledface。
\"Thepigletisnotthere，yourHighness，\"saidshe。
\"Notthere！\"exclaimedOzma。\"Areyousure？\"
\"Ihavehuntedineverypartoftheroom，\"themaidreplied。
\"Wasnotthedoorclosed？\"askedthePrincess。
\"Yes，yourHighness;Iamsureitwas;forwhenIopeneditDorothy’swhitekittencreptoutandranupthestairs。\"
Hearingthis，DorothyandtheWizardexchangedstartledglances，fortheyrememberedhowoftenEurekahadlongedtoeatapiglet。Thelittlegirljumpedupatonce。
\"Come，Ozma，\"shesaid，anxiously;\"letusgoourselvestosearchforthepiglet。\"
Sothetwowenttothedressing-roomofthePrincessandsearchedcarefullyineverycornerandamongthevasesandbasketsandornamentsthatstoodabouttheprettyboudoir。Butnotatracecouldtheyfindofthetinycreaturetheysought。
Dorothywasnearlyweeping，bythistime，whileOzmawasangryandindignant。WhentheyreturnedtotheothersthePrincesssaid：
\"Thereislittledoubtthatmyprettypiglethasbeeneatenbythathorridkitten，andifthatistruetheoffendermustbepunished。\"
\"Idon’tb’lieveEurekawoulddosuchadreadfulthing！\"criedDorothy，muchdistressed。\"Goandgetmykitten，please，Jellia，andwe’llhearwhatshehastosayaboutit。\"
Thegreenmaidenhastenedaway，butpresentlyreturnedandsaid：
\"Thekittenwillnotcome。ShethreatenedtoscratchmyeyesoutifI
touchedher。\"
\"Whereisshe？\"askedDorothy。
\"Underthebedinyourownroom，\"wasthereply。
SoDorothyrantoherroomandfoundthekittenunderthebed。
\"Comehere，Eureka！\"shesaid。
\"Iwon’t，\"answeredthekitten，inasurlyvoice。
\"Oh，Eureka！Whyareyousobad？\"
Thekittendidnotreply。
\"Ifyoudon’tcometome，rightaway，\"continuedDorothy，gettingprovoked，\"I’lltakemyMagicBeltandwishyouintheCountryoftheGurgles。\"
\"Whydoyouwantme？\"askedEureka，disturbedbythisthreat。
\"YoumustgotoPrincessOzma。Shewantstotalktoyou。\"
\"Allright，\"returnedthekitten，creepingout。\"I’mnotafraidofOzma——oranyoneelse。\"
Dorothycarriedherinherarmsbacktowheretheotherssatingrievedandthoughtfulsilence。
\"Tellme，Eureka，\"saidthePrincess，gently：\"didyoueatmyprettypiglet？\"
\"Iwon’tanswersuchafoolishquestion，\"assertedEureka，withasnarl。
\"Oh，yesyouwill，dear，\"Dorothydeclared。\"Thepigletisgone，andyouranoutoftheroomwhenJelliaopenedthedoor。So，ifyouareinnocent，Eureka，youmusttellthePrincesshowyoucametobeinherroom，andwhathasbecomeofthepiglet。\"
\"Whoaccusesme？\"askedthekitten，defiantly。
\"Noone，\"answeredOzma。\"Youractionsaloneaccuseyou。ThefactisthatIleftmylittlepetinmydressing-roomlyingasleepuponthetable;andyoumusthavestoleninwithoutmyknowingit。Whennextthedoorwasopenedyouranoutandhidyourself——andthepigletwasgone。\"
\"That’snoneofmybusiness，\"growledthekitten。
\"Don’tbeimpudent，Eureka，\"admonishedDorothy。
\"Itisyouwhoareimpudent，\"saidEureka，\"foraccusingmeofsuchacrimewhenyoucan’tproveitexceptbyguessing。\"
Ozmawasnowgreatlyincensedbythekitten’sconduct。ShesummonedherCaptain-General，andwhenthelong，leanofficerappearedshesaid：
\"Carrythiscatawaytoprison，andkeepherinsafeconfinementuntilsheistriedbylawforthecrimeofmurder。\"
SotheCaptain-GeneraltookEurekafromthearmsofthenowweepingDorothyandinspiteofthekitten’ssnarlsandscratchescarrieditawaytoprison。
\"Whatshallwedonow？\"askedtheScarecrow，withasigh，forsuchacrimehadcastagloomoverallthecompany。
\"IwillsummontheCourttomeetintheThroneRoomatthreeo’clock，\"
repliedOzma。\"Imyselfwillbethejudge，andthekittenshallhaveafairtrial。\"
\"Whatwillhappenifsheisguilty？\"askedDorothy。
\"Shemustdie，\"answeredthePrincess。
\"Ninetimes？\"enquiredtheScarecrow。
\"Asmanytimesasisnecessary，\"wasthereply。\"IwillasktheTinWoodmantodefendtheprisoner，becausehehassuchakindheartIamsurehewilldohisbesttosaveher。AndtheWoggle-BugshallbethePublicAccuser，becauseheissolearnedthatnoonecandeceivehim。\"
\"Whowillbethejury？\"askedtheTinWoodman。
\"Thereoughttobeseveralanimalsonthejury，\"saidOzma，\"becauseanimalsunderstandeachotherbetterthanwepeopleunderstandthem。
SothejuryshallconsistoftheCowardlyLion，theHungryTiger，JimtheCab-horse，theYellowHen，theScarecrow，theWizard，Tik-toktheMachineMan，theSawhorseandZebofHugson’sRanch。Thatmakestheninewhichthelawrequires，andallmypeopleshallbeadmittedtohearthetestimony。\"
Theynowseparatedtoprepareforthesadceremony;forwheneveranappealismadetolawsorrowisalmostcertaintofollow——eveninafairylandlikeOz。ButismustbestatedthatthepeopleofthatLandweregenerallysowell-behavedthattherewasnotasinglelawyeramongstthem，andithadbeenyearssinceanyRulerhadsatinjudgmentuponanoffenderofthelaw。Thecrimeofmurderbeingthemostdreadfulcrimeofall，tremendousexcitementprevailedintheEmeraldCitywhenthenewsofEureka’sarrestandtrialbecameknown。
TheWizard，whenhereturnedtohisownroom，wasexceedinglythoughtful。HehadnodoubtEurekahadeatenhispiglet，butherealizedthatakittencannotbedependeduponatalltimestoactproperly，sinceitsnatureistodestroysmallanimalsandevenbirdsforfood，andthetamecatthatwekeepinourhousestodayisdescendedfromthewildcatofthejungle——averyferociouscreature，indeed。TheWizardknewthatifDorothy’spetwasfoundguiltyandcondemnedtodeaththelittlegirlwouldbemadeveryunhappy;so，althoughhegrievedoverthepiglet’ssadfateasmuchasanyofthem，heresolvedtosaveEureka’slife。
SendingfortheTinWoodmantheWizardtookhimintoacornerandwhispered：
\"Myfriend，itisyourdutytodefendthewhitekittenandtrytosaveher，butIfearyouwillfailbecauseEurekahaslongwishedtoeatapiglet，tomycertainknowledge，andmyopinionisthatshehasbeenunabletoresistthetemptation。Yetherdisgraceanddeathwouldnotbringbackthepiglet，butonlyservetomakeDorothyunhappy。SoI
intendtoprovethekitten’sinnocencebyatrick。\"
Hedrewfromhisinsidepocketoneoftheeighttinypigletsthatwereremainingandcontinued：
\"Thiscreatureyoumusthideinsomesafeplace，andifthejurydecidesthatEurekaisguiltyyoumaythenproducethispigletandclaimitistheonethatwaslost。Allthepigletsareexactlyalike，sonoonecandisputeyourword。ThisdeceptionwillsaveEureka’slife，andthenwemayallbehappyagain。\"
\"Idonotliketodeceivemyfriends，\"repliedtheTinWoodman;
\"still，mykindhearturgesmetosaveEureka’slife，andIcanusuallytrustmyhearttodotherightthing。SoIwilldoasyousay，friendWizard。\"
Aftersomethoughtheplacedthelittlepiginsidehisfunnel-shapedhat，andthenputthehatuponhisheadandwentbacktohisroomtothinkoverhisspeechtothejury。
19。TheWizardPerformsAnotherTrickAtthreeo’clocktheThroneRoomwascrowdedwithcitizens，men，womenandchildrenbeingeagertowitnessthegreattrial。
PrincessOzma，dressedinhermostsplendidrobesofstate，satinthemagnificentemeraldthrone，withherjewelledsceptreinherhandandhersparklingcoronetuponherfairbrow。Behindherthronestoodthetwenty-eightofficersofherarmyandmanyofficialsoftheroyalhousehold。AtherrightsatthequeerlyassortedJury——animals，animateddummiesandpeople——allgravelypreparedtolistentowhatwassaid。Thekittenhadbeenplacedinalargecagejustbeforethethrone，whereshesatuponherhaunchesandgazedthroughthebarsatthecrowdsaroundher，withseemingunconcern。
Andnow，atasignalfromOzma，theWoggle-Bugaroseandaddressedthejury。Histonewaspompousandhestruttedupanddowninanabsurdattempttoappeardignified。
\"YourRoyalHighnessandFellowCitizens，\"hebegan;\"thesmallcatyouseeaprisonerbeforeyouisaccusedofthecrimeoffirstmurderingandtheneatingouresteemedRuler’sfatpiglet——orelsefirsteatingandthenmurderingit。Ineithercaseagravecrimehasbeencommittedwhichdeservesagravepunishment。\"
\"Doyoumeanmykittenmustbeputinagrave？\"askedDorothy。
\"Don’tinterrupt，littlegirl，\"saidtheWoggle-Bug。\"WhenIgetmythoughtsarrangedingoodorderIdonotliketohaveanythingupsetthemorthrowthemintoconfusion。\"
\"Ifyourthoughtswereanygoodtheywouldn’tbecomeconfused，\"
remarkedtheScarecrow，earnestly。\"Mythoughtsarealways——\"
\"Isthisatrialofthoughts，orofkittens？\"demandedtheWoggle-Bug。
\"It’satrialofonekitten，\"repliedtheScarecrow;\"butyourmannerisatrialtousall。\"
\"LetthePublicAccusercontinue，\"calledOzmafromherthrone，\"andI
prayyoudonotinterrupthim。\"
\"Thecriminalwhonowsitsbeforethecourtlickingherpaws，\"resumedtheWoggle-Bug，\"haslongdesiredtounlawfullyeatthefatpiglet，whichwasnobiggerthanamouse。Andfinallyshemadeawickedplantosatisfyherdepravedappetiteforpork。Icanseeher，inmymind’seye——\"
\"What’sthat？\"askedtheScarecrow。
\"IsayIcanseeherinmymind’seye——\"
\"Themindhasnoeye，\"declaredtheScarecrow。\"It’sblind。\"
\"YourHighness，\"criedtheWoggle-Bug，appealingtoOzma，\"haveIamind’seye，orhaven’tI？\"
\"Ifyouhave，itisinvisible，\"saidthePrincess。
\"Verytrue，\"returnedtheWoggle-Bug，bowing。\"IsayIseethecriminal，inmymind’seye，creepingstealthilyintotheroomofourOzmaandsecretingherself，whennoonewaslooking，untilthePrincesshadgoneawayandthedoorwasclosed。Thenthemurdererwasalonewithherhelplessvictim，thefatpiglet，andIseeherpounceupontheinnocentcreatureandeatitup——\"
\"Areyoustillseeingwithyourmind’seye？\"enquiredtheScarecrow。
\"Ofcourse;howelsecouldIseeit？Andweknowthethingistrue，becausesincethetimeofthatinterviewthereisnopiglettobefoundanywhere。\"
\"Isuppose，ifthecathadbeengone，insteadofthepiglet，yourmind’seyewouldseethepigleteatingthecat，\"suggestedtheScarecrow。
\"Verylikely，\"acknowledgedtheWoggle-Bug。\"Andnow，FellowCitizensandCreaturesoftheJury，Iassertthatsoawfulacrimedeservesdeath，andinthecaseoftheferociouscriminalbeforeyou——whoisnowwashingherface——thedeathpenaltyshouldbeinflictedninetimes。\"
Therewasgreatapplausewhenthespeakersatdown。ThenthePrincessspokeinasternvoice：
\"Prisoner，whathaveyoutosayforyourself？Areyouguilty，ornotguilty？\"
\"Why，that’sforyoutofindout，\"repliedEureka。\"IfyoucanproveI’mguilty，I’llbewillingtodieninetimes，butamind’seyeisnoproof，becausetheWoggle-Bughasnomindtoseewith。\"
\"Nevermind，dear，\"saidDorothy。
ThentheTinWoodmanaroseandsaid：
\"RespectedJuryanddearlybelovedOzma，Iprayyounottojudgethisfelineprisonerunfeelingly。Idonotthinktheinnocentkittencanbeguilty，andsurelyitisunkindtoaccusealuncheonofbeingamurder。Eurekaisthesweetpetofalovelylittlegirlwhomwealladmire，andgentlenessandinnocenceareherchiefvirtues。Lookatthekitten’sintelligenteyes;\"（hereEurekaclosedhereyessleepily）
\"gazeathersmilingcountenance！\"（hereEurekasnarledandshowedherteeth）\"markthetenderposeofhersoft，paddedlittlehands！\"（HereEurekabaredhersharpclawsandscratchedatthebarsofthecage。）
\"Wouldsuchagentleanimalbeguiltyofeatingafellowcreature？
No;athousandtimes，no！\"
\"Oh，cutitshort，\"saidEureka;\"you’vetalkedlongenough。\"
\"I’mtryingtodefendyou，\"remonstratedtheTinWoodman。
\"Thensaysomethingsensible，\"retortedthekitten。\"Tellthemitwouldbefoolishformetoeatthepiglet，becauseIhadsenseenoughtoknowitwouldraisearowifIdid。Butdon’ttrytomakeoutI’mtooinnocenttoeatafatpigletifIcoulddoitandnotbefoundout。Iimagineitwouldtastemightygood。\"
\"Perhapsitwould，tothosewhoeat，\"remarkedtheTinWoodman。\"I
myself，notbeingbuilttoeat，havenopersonalexperienceinsuchmatters。ButIrememberthatourgreatpoetoncesaid：
\"’ToeatissweetWhenhunger’sseatDemandsatreatOfsavorymeat。’
\"Takethisintoconsideration，friendsoftheJury，andyouwillreadilydecidethatthekitteniswrongfullyaccusedandshouldbesetatliberty。\"
WhentheTinWoodmansatdownnooneapplaudedhim，forhisargumentshadnotbeenveryconvincingandfewbelievedthathehadprovedEureka’sinnocence。AsfortheJury，thememberswhisperedtoeachotherforafewminutesandthentheyappointedtheHungryTigertheirspokesman。Thehugebeastslowlyaroseandsaid：
\"Kittenshavenoconsciences，sotheyeatwhateverpleasesthem。ThejurybelievesthewhitekittenknownasEurekaisguiltyofhavingeatenthepigletownedbyPrincessOzma，andrecommendsthatshebeputtodeathinpunishmentofthecrime。\"
Thejudgmentofthejurywasreceivedwithgreatapplause，althoughDorothywassobbingmiserablyatthefateofherpet。ThePrincesswasjustabouttoorderEureka’sheadchoppedoffwiththeTinWoodman’saxewhenthatbrilliantpersonageoncemorearoseandaddressedher。
\"YourHighness，\"saidhe，\"seehoweasyitisforajurytobemistaken。
Thekittencouldnothaveeatenyourpiglet——forhereitis！\"
Hetookoffhisfunnelhatandfrombeneathitproducedatinywhitepiglet，whichheheldaloftthatallmightseeitclearly。
Ozmawasdelightedandexclaimed，eagerly：
\"Givememypet，NickChopper！\"
Andallthepeoplecheeredandclappedtheirhands，rejoicingthattheprisonerhadescapeddeathandbeenprovedtobeinnocent。
AsthePrincessheldthewhitepigletinherarmsandstrokeditssofthairshesaid：\"LetEurekaoutofthecage，forsheisnolongeraprisoner，butourgoodfriend。Wheredidyoufindmymissingpet，NickChopper？\"
\"Inaroomofthepalace，\"heanswered。
\"Justice，\"remarkedtheScarecrow，withasigh，\"isadangerousthingtomeddlewith。Ifyouhadn’thappenedtofindthepiglet，Eurekawouldsurelyhavebeenexecuted。\"
\"Butjusticeprevailedatthelast，\"saidOzma，\"forhereismypet，andEurekaisoncemorefree。\"
\"Irefusetobefree，\"criedthekitten，inasharpvoice，\"unlesstheWizardcandohistrickwitheightpiglets。Ifhecanproducebutseven，thenthisisnotthepigletthatwaslost，butanotherone。\"
\"Hush，Eureka！\"warnedtheWizard。
\"Don’tbefoolish，\"advisedtheTinWoodman，\"oryoumaybesorryforit。\"
\"ThepigletthatbelongedtothePrincessworeanemeraldcollar，\"
saidEureka，loudlyenoughforalltohear。
\"Soitdid！\"exclaimedOzma。\"ThiscannotbetheonetheWizardgaveme。\"
\"Ofcoursenot;hehadnineofthem，altogether，\"declaredEureka;
\"andImustsayitwasverystingyofhimnottoletmeeatjustafew。Butnowthatthisfoolishtrialisended，Iwilltellyouwhatreallybecameofyourpetpiglet。\"
AtthiseveryoneintheThroneRoomsuddenlybecamequiet，andthekittencontinued，inacalm，mockingtoneofvoice：
\"IwillconfessthatIintendedtoeatthelittlepigformybreakfast;soIcreptintotheroomwhereitwaskeptwhilethePrincesswasdressingandhidmyselfunderachair。WhenOzmawentawaysheclosedthedoorandleftherpetonthetable。AtonceI
jumpedupandtoldthepigletnottomakeafuss，forhewouldbeinsideofmeinhalfasecond;butnoonecanteachoneofthesecreaturestobereasonable。Insteadofkeepingstill，soIcouldeathimcomfortably，hetrembledsowithfearthathefelloffthetableintoabigvasethatwasstandingonthefloor。Thevasehadaverysmallneck，andspreadoutatthetoplikeabowl。AtfirstthepigletstuckintheneckofthevaseandIthoughtIshouldgethim，afterall，buthewriggledhimselfthroughandfelldownintothedeepbottompart——andIsupposehe’sthereyet。\"
Allwereastonishedatthisconfession，andOzmaatoncesentanofficertoherroomtofetchthevase。WhenhereturnedthePrincesslookeddownthenarrowneckofthebigornamentanddiscoveredherlostpiglet，justasEurekahadsaidshewould。
Therewasnowaytogetthecreatureoutwithoutbreakingthevase，sotheTinWoodmansmasheditwithhisaxeandsetthelittleprisonerfree。
ThenthecrowdcheeredlustilyandDorothyhuggedthekitteninherarmsandtoldherhowdelightedshewastoknowthatshewasinnocent。
\"Butwhydidn’tyoutellusatfirst？\"sheasked。
\"Itwouldhavespoiledthefun，\"repliedthekitten，yawning。
OzmagavetheWizardbackthepiglethehadsokindlyallowedNickChoppertosubstituteforthelostone，andthenshecarriedherownintotheapartmentsofthepalacewhereshelived。Andnow，thetrialbeingover，thegoodcitizensoftheEmeraldCityscatteredtotheirhomes，wellcontentwiththeday’samusement。
20。ZebReturnstotheRanchEurekawasmuchsurprisedtofindherselfindisgrace;butshewas，inspiteofthefactthatshehadnoteatenthepiglet。ForthefolksofOzknewthekittenhadtriedtocommitthecrime，andthatonlyanaccidenthadpreventedherfromdoingso;thereforeeventheHungryTigerpreferrednottoassociatewithher。EurekawasforbiddentowanderaroundthepalaceandwasmadetostayinconfinementinDorothy’sroom;soshebegantobeghermistresstosendhertosomeotherplacewhereshecouldenjoyherselfbetter。
Dorothywasherselfanxioustogethome，soshepromisedEurekatheywouldnotstayintheLandofOzmuchlonger。
ThenexteveningafterthetrialthelittlegirlbeggedOzmatoallowhertolookintheenchantedpicture，andthePrincessreadilyconsented。Shetookthechildtoherroomandsaid：\"Makeyourwish，dear，andthepicturewillshowthesceneyoudesiretobehold。\"
ThenDorothyfound，withtheaidoftheenchantedpicture，thatUncleHenryhadreturnedtothefarminKansas，andshealsosawthatbothheandAuntEmweredressedinmourning，becausetheythoughttheirlittleniecehadbeenkilledbytheearthquake。
\"Really，\"saidthegirl，anxiously，\"Imustgetbackassoonasposs’bletomyownfolks。\"
Zebalsowantedtoseehishome，andalthoughhedidnotfindanyonemorningforhim，thesightofHugson’sRanchinthepicturemadehimlongtogetbackthere。
\"Thisisafinecountry，andIlikeallthepeoplethatliveinit，\"
hetoldDorothy。\"Butthefactis，JimandIdon’tseemtofitintoafairyland，andtheoldhorsehasbeenbeggingmetogohomeagaineversincehelosttherace。So，ifyoucanfindawaytofixit，we’llbemuchobligedtoyou。\"
\"Ozmacandoit，easily，\"repliedDorothy。\"TomorrowmorningI’llgotoKansasandyoucangotoCaliforny。\"
Thatlasteveningwassodelightfulthattheboywillneverforgetitaslongashelives。Theywerealltogether（exceptEureka）intheprettyroomsofthePrincess，andtheWizarddidsomenewtricks，andtheScarecrowtoldstories，andtheTinWoodmansangalovesonginasonorous，metallicvoice，andeverybodylaughedandhadagoodtime。
ThenDorothywoundupTik-tokandhedancedajigtoamusethecompany，afterwhichtheYellowHenrelatedsomeofheradventureswiththeNomeKingintheLandofEv。
ThePrincessserveddeliciousrefreshmentstothosewhowereinthehabitofeating，andwhenDorothy’sbedtimearrivedthecompanyseparatedafterexchangingmanyfriendlysentiments。
Nextmorningtheyallassembledforthefinalparting，andmanyoftheofficialsandcourtierscametolookupontheimpressiveceremonies。
DorothyheldEurekainherarmsandbadeherfriendsafondgood-bye。
\"Youmustcomeagain，sometime，\"saidthelittleWizard;andshepromisedshewouldifshefounditpossibletodoso。
\"ButUncleHenryandAuntEmneedmetohelpthem，\"sheadded，\"soI
can’teverbeverylongawayfromthefarminKansas。\"
OzmaworetheMagicBelt;and，whenshehadkissedDorothyfarewellandhadmadeherwish，thelittlegirlandherkittendisappearedinatwinkling。
\"Whereisshe？\"askedZeb，ratherbewilderedbythesuddennessofit。
\"GreetingheruncleandauntinKansas，bythistime，\"returnedOzma，withasmile。
ThenZebbroughtoutJim，allharnessedtothebuggy，andtookhisseat。
\"I’mmuchobligedforallyourkindness，\"saidtheboy，\"andverygratefultoyouforsavingmylifeandsendingmehomeagainafterallthegoodtimesI’vehad。Ithinkthisistheloveliestcountryintheworld;butnotbeingfairiesJimandIfeelweoughttobewherewebelong——andthat’sattheranch。Good-bye，everybody！\"
Hegaveastartandrubbedhiseyes。Jimwastrottingalongthewell-knownroad，shakinghisearsandwhiskinghistailwithacontentedmotion。JustaheadofthemwerethegatesofHugson’sRanch，andUncleHugsonnowcameoutandstoodwithupliftedarmsandwideopenmouth，staringinamazement。
\"Goodnessgracious！It’sZeb——andJim，too！\"heexclaimed。\"Whereintheworldhaveyoubeen，mylad？\"
\"Why，intheworld，Uncle，\"answeredZeb，withalaugh。