"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。