"Youdidnotwindmemuch，atfirst，"hecalmlysaid，"andItoldyouthatlongsto-rya-boutKingEv-ol-do;soitisnowon-derthatIrandown。"
　　Shenextrewoundtheactionclock-work，andthenBillinaadvisedhertocarrythekeytoTiktokinherpocket，soitwouldnotgetlostagain。
　　"Andnow，"saidDorothy，whenallthiswasaccomplished，"tellmewhatyouweregoingtosayabouttheWheelers。"
　　"Why，theyarenoth-ingtobefright-en’dat，"saidthemachine。
　　"Theytrytomakefolksbe-lievethattheyarever-yter-ri-ble，butasamat-teroffacttheWheel-ersareharm-lesse-noughtoan-yonethatdarestofightthem。Theymighttrytohurtalit-tlegirllikeyou，per-haps，be-causetheyarever-ymis-chiev-ous。ButifIhadaclubtheywouldruna-wayassoonastheysawme。"
　　"Haven’tyouaclub？"askedDorothy。
　　"No，"saidTiktok。
　　"Andyouwon’tfindsuchathingamongtheserocks，either，"declaredtheyellowhen。
　　"Thenwhatshallwedo？"askedthegirl。
　　"Windupmythink-workstight-ly，andIwilltrytothinkofsomeoth-erplan，"saidTiktok。
　　SoDorothyrewoundhisthoughtmachinery，andwhilehewasthinkingshedecidedtoeatherdinner。Billinawasalreadypeckingawayatthecracksintherocks，tofindsomethingtoeat，soDorothysatdownandopenedhertindinner-pail。
　　Inthecovershefoundasmalltankthatwasfullofverynicelemonade。Itwascoveredbyacup，whichmightalso，whenremoved，beusedtodrinkthelemonadefrom。Withinthepailwerethreeslicesofturkey，twoslicesofcoldtongue，somelobstersalad，fourslicesofbreadandbutter，asmallcustardpie，anorangeandninelargestrawberries，andsomenutsandraisins。Singularlyenough，thenutsinthisdinner-pailgrewalreadycracked，sothatDorothyhadnotroubleinpickingouttheirmeatstoeat。
　　Shespreadthefeastupontherockbesideherandbeganherdinner，firstofferingsomeofittoTiktok，whodeclinedbecause，ashesaid，hewasmerelyamachine。AfterwardsheofferedtosharewithBillina，butthehenmurmuredsomethingabout"deadthings"andsaidshepreferredherbugsandants。
　　"Dothelunch-boxtreesandthedinner-pailtreesbelongtotheWheelers？"thechildaskedTiktok，whileengagedineatinghermeal。
　　"Ofcoursenot，"heanswered。"Theybe-longtotheroy-alfam-il-yofEv，on-lyofcoursethereisnoroy-alfam-il-yjustnowbe-causeKingEv-ol-dojumpedin-totheseaandhiswifeandtenchil-drenhavebeentrans-formedbytheNomeKing。SothereisnoonetoruletheLandofEv，thatIcanthinkof。Per-hapsitisforthisrea-sonthattheWheel-ersclaimthetreesfortheirown，andpickthelunch-eonsanddin-nerstoeatthem-selves。Buttheybe-longtotheKing，andyouwillfindtheroy-al"E"stampedup-onthebot-tomofev-er-ydin-nerpail。"
　　Dorothyturnedthepailover，andatoncediscoveredtheroyalmarkuponit，asTiktokhadsaid。
　　"AretheWheelerstheonlyfolkslivingintheLandofEv？"enquiredthegirl。
　　"No;theyon-lyin-hab-itasmallpor-tionofitjustbackofthewoods，"repliedthemachine。"Buttheyhaveal-waysbeenmis-chiev-ousandim-per-ti-nent，andmyoldmas-ter，KingEv-ol-do，usedtocar-ryawhipwithhim，whenhewalkedout，tokeepthecrea-turesinor-der。WhenIwasfirstmadetheWheel-erstriedtoruno-verme，andbuttmewiththeirheads;buttheysoonfoundIwasbuiltoftoosol-idama-ter-i-alforthemtoin-jure。"
　　"Youseemverydurable，"saidDorothy。"Whomadeyou？"
　　"ThefirmofSmith&Tin-ker，inthetownofEvna，wheretheroy-alpal-acestands，"answeredTiktok。
　　"Didtheymakemanyofyou？"askedthechild。
　　"No;Iamtheon-lyau-to-mat-icme-chan-i-calmantheyev-ercom-plet-ed，"hereplied。"Theywerever-ywon-der-fulin-ven-tors，weremymak-ers，andquitear-tis-ticinalltheydid。"
　　"Iamsureofthat，"saidDorothy。"DotheyliveinthetownofEvnanow？"
　　"Theyarebothgone，"repliedthemachine。"Mr。Smithwasanart-ist，aswellasanin-vent-or，andhepaint-edapic-tureofariv-erwhichwassonat-ur-althat，ashewasreach-inga-crossittopaintsomeflow-ersontheop-po-sitebank，hefellin-tothewa-terandwasdrowned。"
　　"Oh，I’msorryforthat！"exclaimedthelittlegirl。
　　"Mis-terTin-ker，"continuedTiktok，"madealad-dersotallthathecouldresttheendofita-gainstthemoon，whilehestoodonthehigh-estrungandpickedthelit-tlestarstosetinthepointsoftheking’scrown。ButwhenhegottothemoonMis-terTin-kerfounditsuchalove-lyplacethathede-cid-edtolivethere，sohepulledupthelad-deraf-terhimandwehavenev-erseenhimsince。"
　　"Hemusthavebeenagreatlosstothiscountry，"saidDorothy，whowasbythistimeeatinghercustardpie。
　　"Hewas，"acknowledgedTiktok。"Alsoheisagreatlosstome。ForifIshouldgetoutofor-derIdonotknowofan-yonea-bletore-pairme，be-causeIamsocom-pli-cat-ed。Youhavenoi-de-ahowfullofma-chin-er-yIam。"
　　"Icanimagineit，"saidDorothy，readily。
　　"Andnow，"continuedthemachine，"Imuststoptalk-ingandbe-ginthink-inga-gainofawaytoes-capefromthisrock。"Soheturnedhalfwayaround，inordertothinkwithoutbeingdisturbed。
　　"ThebestthinkerIeverknew，"saidDorothytotheyellowhen，"wasascarecrow。"
　　"Nonsense！"snappedBillina。
　　"Itistrue，"declaredDorothy。"ImethimintheLandofOz，andhetraveledwithmetothecityofthegreatWizardofOz，soastogetsomebrains，forhisheadwasonlystuffedwithstraw。
　　Butitseemedtomethathethoughtjustaswellbeforehegothisbrainsashedidafterward。"
　　"DoyouexpectmetobelieveallthatrubbishabouttheLandofOz？"
　　enquiredBillina，whoseemedalittlecross——perhapsbecausebugswerescarce。
　　"Whatrubbish？"askedthechild，whowasnowfinishinghernutsandraisins。
　　"Why，yourimpossiblestoriesaboutanimalsthatcantalk，andatinwoodmanwhoisalive，andascarecrowwhocanthink。"
　　"Theyareallthere，"saidDorothy，"forIhaveseenthem。"
　　"Idon’tbelieveit！"criedthehen，withatossofherhead。
　　"That’s’causeyou’resoign’rant，"repliedthegirl，whowasalittleoffendedatherfriendBillina’sspeech。
　　"IntheLandofOz，"remarkedTiktok，turningtowardthem，"an-y-thingispos-si-ble。Foritisawon-der-fulfair-ycoun-try。"
　　"There，Billina！whatdidIsay？"criedDorothy。Andthensheturnedtothemachineandaskedinaneagertone："DoyouknowtheLandofOz，Tiktok？"
　　"No;butIhavehearda-boutit，"saidthecop-perman。"Foritison-lysep-a-ra-tedfromthisLandofEvbyabroaddes-ert。"
　　Dorothyclappedherhandstogetherdelightedly。
　　"I’mgladofthat！"sheexclaimed。"Itmakesmequitehappytobesonearmyoldfriends。ThescarecrowItoldyouof，Billina，istheKingoftheLandofOz。"
　　"Par-donme。Heisnotthekingnow，"saidTiktok。
　　"HewaswhenIleftthere，"declaredDorothy。
　　"Iknow，"saidTiktok，"buttherewasarev-o-lu-tionintheLandofOz，andtheScare-crowwasde-posedbyasol-dierwo-mannamedGen-er-alJin-jur。AndthenJin-jurwasde-posedbyalit-tlegirlnamedOz-ma，whowastheright-fulheirtothethroneandnowrulesthelandun-dertheti-tleofOz-maofOz。"
　　"Thatisnewstome，"saidDorothy，thoughtfully。"ButIs’poselotsofthingshavehappenedsinceIlefttheLandofOz。IwonderwhathasbecomeoftheScarecrow，andoftheTinWoodman，andtheCowardlyLion。AndIwonderwhothisgirlOzmais，forIneverheardofherbefore。"
　　ButTiktokdidnotreplytothis。Hehadturnedaroundagaintoresumehisthinking。
　　Dorothypackedtherestofthefoodbackintothepail，soasnottobewastefulofgoodthings，andtheyellowhenforgotherdignityfarenoughtopickupallofthescatteredcrumbs，whichsheaterathergreedily，althoughshehadsolatelypretendedtodespisethethingsthatDorothypreferredasfood。
　　BythistimeTiktokapproachedthemwithhisstiffbow。
　　"Bekinde-noughtofol-lowme，"hesaid，"andIwillleadyoua-wayfromheretothetownofEv-na，whereyouwillbemorecom-for-ta-ble，andal-soIwillpro-tectyoufromtheWheel-ers。"
　　"Allright，"answeredDorothy，promptly。"I’mready！"
　　6。TheHeadsofLangwidereTheywalkedslowlydownthepathbetweentherocks，Tiktokgoingfirst，Dorothyfollowinghim，andtheyellowhentrottingalonglastofall。
　　Atthefootofthepaththecoppermanleaneddownandtossedasidewitheasetherocksthatencumberedtheway。ThenheturnedtoDorothyandsaid：
　　"Letmecar-ryyourdin-ner-pail。"
　　Sheplaceditinhisrighthandatonce，andthecopperfingersclosedfirmlyoverthestouthandle。
　　Thenthelittleprocessionmarchedoutuponthelevelsands。
　　AssoonasthethreeWheelerswhowereguardingthemoundsawthem，theybegantoshouttheirwildcriesandrolledswiftlytowardthelittlegroup，asiftocapturethemorbartheirway。Butwhentheforemosthadapproachednearenough，Tiktokswungthetindinner-pailandstrucktheWheelerasharpblowoveritsheadwiththequeerweapon。Perhapsitdidnothurtverymuch，butitmadeagreatnoise，andtheWheelerutteredahowlandtumbledoveruponitsside。Thenextminuteitscrambledtoitswheelsandrolledawayasfastasitcouldgo，screechingwithfearatthesametime。
　　"Itoldyoutheywereharm-less，"beganTiktok;butbeforehecouldsaymoreanotherWheelerwasuponthem。Crack！wentthedinner-pailagainstitshead，knockingitsstrawhatadozenfeetaway;andthatwasenoughforthisWheeler，also。Itrolledawayafterthefirstone，andthethirddidnotwaittobepoundedwiththepail，butjoineditsfellowsasquicklyasitswheelswouldwhirl。
　　Theyellowhengaveacackleofdelight，andflyingtoaperchuponTiktok’sshoulder，shesaid：
　　"Bravelydone，mycopperfriend！andwiselythoughtof，too。Nowwearefreefromthoseuglycreatures。"
　　ButjustthenalargebandofWheelersrolledfromtheforest，andrelyingupontheirnumberstoconquer，theyadvancedfiercelyuponTiktok。DorothygrabbedBillinainherarmsandheldhertight，andthemachineembracedtheformofthelittlegirlwithhisleftarm，thebettertoprotecther。ThentheWheelerswereuponthem。
　　Rattlety，bang！bang！wentthedinner-pailineverydirection，anditmadesomuchclatterbumpingagainsttheheadsoftheWheelersthattheyweremuchmorefrightenedthanhurtandfledinagreatpanic。
　　All，thatis，excepttheirleader。ThisWheelerhadstumbledagainstanotherandfallenflatuponhisback，andbeforehecouldgethiswheelsunderhimtoriseagain，Tiktokhadfastenedhiscopperfingersintotheneckofthegorgeousjacketofhisfoeandheldhimfast。
　　"Tellyourpeo-pletogoa-way，"commandedthemachine。
　　TheleaderoftheWheelershesitatedtogivethisorder，soTiktokshookhimasaterrierdogdoesarat，untiltheWheeler’steethrattledtogetherwithanoiselikehailstonesonawindowpane。Then，assoonasthecreaturecouldgetitsbreath，itshoutedtotheotherstorollaway，whichtheyimmediatelydid。
　　"Now，"saidTiktok，"youshallcomewithusandtellmewhatIwanttoknow。"
　　"You’llbesorryfortreatingmeinthisway，"whinedtheWheeler。
　　"I’materriblyfierceperson。"
　　"Asforthat，"answeredTiktok，"Iamonlyama-chine，andcan-notfeelsor-roworjoy，nomat-terwhathap-pens。Butyouarewrongtothinkyour-selfter-ri-bleorfierce。"
　　"Whyso？"askedtheWheeler。
　　"Be-causenooneelsethinksasyoudo。Yourwheelsmakeyouhelp-lesstoin-jurean-yone。Foryouhavenofistsandcannotscratchore-venpullhair。Norhaveyouan-yfeettokickwith。
　　Allyoucandoistoyellandshout，andthatdoesnothurtan-yoneatall。"
　　TheWheelerburstintoafloodoftears，toDorothy’sgreatsurprise。
　　"NowIandmypeopleareruinedforever！"hesobbed;"foryouhavediscoveredoursecret。Beingsohelpless，ouronlyhopeistomakepeopleafraidofus，bypretendingweareveryfierceandterrible，andwritinginthesandwarningstoBewaretheWheelers。Untilnowwehavefrightenedeveryone，butsinceyouhavediscoveredourweaknessourenemieswillfalluponusandmakeusverymiserableandunhappy。"
　　"Oh，no，"exclaimedDorothy，whowassorrytoseethisbeautifullydressedWheelersomiserable;"Tiktokwillkeepyoursecret，andsowillBillinaandI。Only，youmustpromisenottotrytofrightenchildrenanymore，iftheycomeneartoyou。"
　　"Iwon’t——indeedIwon’t！"promisedtheWheeler，ceasingtocryandbecomingmorecheerful。"I’mnotreallybad，youknow;butwehavetopretendtobeterribleinordertopreventothersfromattackingus。"
　　"Thatisnotex-act-lytrue，"saidTiktok，startingtowalktowardthepaththroughtheforest，andstillholdingfasttohisprisoner，whorolledslowlyalongbesidehim。"Youandyourpeo-plearefullofmis-chief，andliketoboth-erthosewhofearyou。Andyouareof-tenim-pu-dentanddis-a-gree-a-ble，too。ButifyouwilltrytocurethosefaultsIwillnottellany-onehowhelp-lessyouare。"
　　"I’lltry，ofcourse，"repliedtheWheeler，eagerly。"Andthankyou，Mr。Tiktok，foryourkindness。"
　　"Iamon-lyama-chine，"saidTiktok。"Icannotbekindan-ymorethanIcanbesor-ryorglad。Icanon-lydowhatIamwounduptodo。"
　　"Areyouwounduptokeepmysecret？"askedtheWheeler，anxiously。
　　"Yes;ifyoube-haveyour-self。Buttellme：whorulestheLandofEvnow？"askedthemachine。
　　"Thereisnoruler，"wastheanswer，"becauseeverymemberoftheroyalfamilyisimprisonedbytheNomeKing。ButthePrincessLangwidere，whoisanieceofourlateKingEvoldo，livesinapartoftheroyalpalaceandtakesasmuchmoneyoutoftheroyaltreasuryasshecanspend。ThePrincessLangwidereisnotexactlyaruler，yousee，becauseshedoesn’trule;butsheisthenearestapproachtoarulerwehaveatpresent。"
　　"Idonotre-mem-berher，"saidTiktok。"Whatdoesshelooklike？"
　　"ThatIcannotsay，"repliedtheWheeler，"althoughIhaveseenhertwentytimes。ForthePrincessLangwidereisadifferentpersoneverytimeIseeher，andtheonlywayhersubjectscanrecognizeheratallisbymeansofabeautifulrubykeywhichshealwayswearsonachainattachedtoherleftwrist。WhenweseethekeyweknowwearebeholdingthePrincess。"
　　"Thatisstrange，"saidDorothy，inastonishment。"Doyoumeantosaythatsomanydifferentprincessesareoneandthesameperson？"
　　"Notexactly，"answeredtheWheeler。"Thereis，ofcourse，butoneprincess;butsheappearstousinmanyforms，whichareallmoreorlessbeautiful。"
　　"Shemustbeawitch，"exclaimedthegirl。
　　"Idonotthinkso，"declaredtheWheeler。"Butthereissomemysteryconnectedwithher，nevertheless。Sheisaveryvaincreature，andlivesmostlyinaroomsurroundedbymirrors，sothatshecanadmireherselfwhicheverwayshelooks。"
　　Nooneansweredthisspeech，becausetheyhadjustpassedoutoftheforestandtheirattentionwasfixeduponthescenebeforethem——abeautifulvaleinwhichweremanyfruittreesandgreenfields，withprettyfarm-housesscatteredhereandthereandbroad，smoothroadsthatledineverydirection。
　　Inthecenterofthislovelyvale，aboutamilefromwhereourfriendswerestanding，rosethetallspiresoftheroyalpalace，whichglitteredbrightlyagainsttheirbackgroundofbluesky。Thepalacewassurroundedbycharminggrounds，fullofflowersandshrubbery。
　　Severaltinklingfountainscouldbeseen，andtherewerepleasantwalksborderedbyrowsofwhitemarblestatuary。
　　AllthesedetailsDorothywas，ofcourse，unabletonoticeoradmireuntiltheyhadadvancedalongtheroadtoapositionquiteneartothepalace，andshewasstilllookingattheprettysightswhenherlittlepartyenteredthegroundsandapproachedthebigfrontdooroftheking’sownapartments。Totheirdisappointmenttheyfoundthedoortightlyclosed。Asignwastackedtothepanelwhichreadasfollows：
　　————————————————————————————
　　OWNERABSENT。
　　PleaseKnockattheThird
　　DoorintheLeftWing。
　　————————————————————————————
　　"Now，"saidTiktoktothecaptiveWheeler，"youmustshowusthewaytotheLeftWing。"
　　"Verywell，"agreedtheprisoner，"itisaroundhereattheright。"
　　"Howcantheleftwingbeattheright？"demandedDorothy，whofearedtheWheelerwasfoolingthem。
　　"Becausethereusedtobethreewings，andtwoweretorndown，sotheoneontherightistheonlyoneleft。ItisatrickofthePrincessLangwideretopreventvisitorsfromannoyingher。"
　　Thenthecaptiveledthemaroundtothewing，afterwhichthemachineman，havingnofurtherusefortheWheeler，permittedhimtodepartandrejoinhisfellows。Heimmediatelyrolledawayatagreatpaceandwassoonlosttosight。
　　Tiktoknowcountedthedoorsinthewingandknockedloudlyuponthethirdone。
　　Itwasopenedbyalittlemaidinacaptrimmedwithgayribbons，whobowedrespectfullyandasked：
　　"Whatdoyouwish，goodpeople？"
　　"AreyouthePrincessLangwidere？"askedDorothy。
　　"No，miss;Iamherservant，"repliedthemaid。
　　"MayIseethePrincess，please？"
　　"Iwilltellheryouarehere，miss，andaskhertograntyouanaudience，"
　　saidthemaid。"Stepin，please，andtakeaseatinthedrawing-room。"
　　SoDorothywalkedin，followedcloselybythemachine。Butastheyellowhentriedtoenterafterthem，thelittlemaidcried"Shoo！"
　　andflappedheraproninBillina’sface。
　　"Shoo，yourself！"retortedthehen，drawingbackinangerandrufflingupherfeathers。"Haven’tyouanybettermannersthanthat？"
　　"Oh，doyoutalk？"enquiredthemaid，evidentlysurprised。
　　"Can’tyouhearme？"snappedBillina。"Dropthatapron，andgetoutofthedoorway，sothatImayenterwithmyfriends！"
　　"ThePrincesswon’tlikeit，"saidthemaid，hesitating。
　　"Idon’tcarewhethershelikesitornot，"repliedBillina，andflutteringherwingswithaloudnoisesheflewstraightatthemaid’sface。Thelittleservantatonceduckedherhead，andthehenreachedDorothy’ssideinsafety。
　　"Verywell，"sighedthemaid;"ifyouareallruinedbecauseofthisobstinatehen，don’tblamemeforit。Itisn’tsafetoannoythePrincessLangwidere。"
　　"Tellherwearewaiting，ifyouplease，"Dorothyrequested，withdignity。"Billinaismyfriend，andmustgowhereverIgo。"
　　Withoutmorewordsthemaidledthemtoarichlyfurnisheddrawing-room，lightedwithsubduedrainbowtintsthatcameinthroughbeautifulstained-glasswindows。
　　"Remainhere，"shesaid。"WhatnamesshallIgivethePrincess？"
　　"IamDorothyGale，ofKansas，"repliedthechild;"andthisgentlemanisamachinenamedTiktok，andtheyellowhenismyfriendBillina。"
　　Thelittleservantbowedandwithdrew，goingthroughseveralpassagesandmountingtwomarblestairwaysbeforeshecametotheapartmentsoccupiedbyhermistress。
　　PrincessLangwidere’ssitting-roomwaspaneledwithgreatmirrors，whichreachedfromtheceilingtothefloor;alsotheceilingwascomposedofmirrors，andthefloorwasofpolishedsilverthatreflectedeveryobjectuponit。SowhenLangwideresatinhereasychairandplayedsoftmelodiesuponhermandolin，herformwasmirroredhundredsoftimes，inwallsandceilingandfloor，andwhicheverwaytheladyturnedherheadshecouldseeandadmireherownfeatures。Thisshelovedtodo，andjustasthemaidenteredshewassayingtoherself：
　　"Thisheadwiththeauburnhairandhazeleyesisquiteattractive。I
　　mustwearitmoreoftenthanIhavedoneoflate，althoughitmaynotbethebestofmycollection。"
　　"Youhavecompany，YourHighness，"announcedthemaid，bowinglow。
　　"Whoisit？"askedLangwidere，yawning。
　　"DorothyGaleofKansas，Mr。TiktokandBillina，"answeredthemaid。
　　"Whataqueerlotofnames！"murmuredthePrincess，beginningtobealittleinterested。"Whataretheylike？IsDorothyGaleofKansaspretty？"
　　"Shemightbecalledso，"themaidreplied。
　　"AndisMr。Tiktokattractive？"continuedthePrincess。
　　"ThatIcannotsay，YourHighness。Butheseemsverybright。WillYourGraciousHighnessseethem？"
　　"Oh，Imayaswell，Nanda。ButIamtiredadmiringthishead，andifmyvisitorhasanyclaimtobeautyImusttakecarethatshedoesnotsurpassme。SoIwillgotomycabinetandchangetoNo。17，whichI
　　thinkismybestappearance。Don’tyou？"
　　"YourNo。17isexceedinglybeautiful，"answeredNanda，withanotherbow。
　　AgainthePrincessyawned。Thenshesaid：
　　"Helpmetorise。"
　　Sothemaidassistedhertogainherfeet，althoughLangwiderewasthestrongerofthetwo;andthenthePrincessslowlywalkedacrossthesilverfloortohercabinet，leaningheavilyateverystepuponNanda’sarm。
　　NowImustexplaintoyouthatthePrincessLangwiderehadthirtyheads——asmanyastherearedaysinthemonth。Butofcourseshecouldonlywearoneofthematatime，becauseshehadbutoneneck。
　　Theseheadswerekeptinwhatshecalledher"cabinet，"whichwasabeautifuldressing-roomthatlayjustbetweenLangwidere’ssleeping-chamberandthemirroredsitting-room。Eachheadwasinaseparatecupboardlinedwithvelvet。Thecupboardsranallaroundthesidesofthedressing-room，andhadelaboratelycarveddoorswithgoldnumbersontheoutsideandjeweled-framedmirrorsontheinsideofthem。
　　WhenthePrincessgotoutofhercrystalbedinthemorningshewenttohercabinet，openedoneofthevelvet-linedcupboards，andtooktheheaditcontainedfromitsgoldenshelf。Then，bytheaidofthemirrorinsidetheopendoor，sheputonthehead——asneatandstraightascouldbe——andafterwardcalledhermaidstorobeherfortheday。
　　Shealwaysworeasimplewhitecostume，thatsuitedalltheheads。
　　For，beingabletochangeherfacewheneversheliked，thePrincesshadnointerestinwearingavarietyofgowns，ashaveotherladieswhoarecompelledtowearthesamefaceconstantly。
　　Ofcoursethethirtyheadswereingreatvariety，notwoformedalikebutallbeingofexceedingloveliness。Therewereheadswithgoldenhair，brownhair，richauburnhairandblackhair;butnonewithgrayhair。Theheadshadeyesofblue，ofgray，ofhazel，ofbrownandofblack;buttherewerenoredeyesamongthem，andallwerebrightandhandsome。ThenoseswereGrecian，Roman，retrousseandOriental，representingalltypesofbeauty;andthemouthswereofassortedsizesandshapes，displayingpearlyteethwhentheheadssmiled。Asfordimples，theyappearedincheeksandchins，wherevertheymightbemostcharming，andoneortwoheadshadfrecklesuponthefacestocontrastthebetterwiththebrilliancyoftheircomplexions。
　　Onekeyunlockedallthevelvetcupboardscontainingthesetreasures——acuriouskeycarvedfromasingleblood-redruby——andthiswasfastenedtoastrongbutslenderchainwhichthePrincessworearoundherleftwrist。
　　WhenNandahadsupportedLangwideretoapositioninfrontofcupboardNo。17，thePrincessunlockedthedoorwithherrubykeyandafterhandingheadNo。9，whichshehadbeenwearing，tothemaid，shetookNo。17fromitsshelfandfittedittoherneck。Ithadblackhairanddarkeyesandalovelypearl-and-whitecomplexion，andwhenLangwidereworeitsheknewshewasremarkablybeautifulinappearance。
　　TherewasonlyonetroublewithNo。17;thetemperthatwentwithit（andwhichwashiddensomewhereundertheglossyblackhair）wasfiery，harshandhaughtyintheextreme，anditoftenledthePrincesstodounpleasantthingswhichsheregrettedwhenshecametowearherotherheads。
　　Butshedidnotrememberthistoday，andwenttomeetherguestsinthedrawing-roomwithafeelingofcertaintythatshewouldsurprisethemwithherbeauty。
　　However，shewasgreatlydisappointedtofindthathervisitorsweremerelyasmallgirlinaginghamdress，acoppermanthatwouldonlygowhenwoundup，andayellowhenthatwassittingcontentedlyinLangwidere’sbestwork-basket，wheretherewasachinaeggusedfordarningstockings。（Itmaysurpriseyoutolearnthataprincesseverdoessuchacommonthingasdarnstockings。But，ifyouwillstoptothink，youwillrealizethataprincessissuretowearholesinherstockings，thesameasotherpeople;onlyitisn’tconsideredquitepolitetomentionthematter。）
　　"Oh！"saidLangwidere，slightlyliftingthenoseofNo。17。"I
　　thoughtsomeoneofimportancehadcalled。"
　　"Thenyouwereright，"declaredDorothy。"I’magooddealof’portancemyself，andwhenBillinalaysaneggshehastheproudestcackleyoueverheard。AsforTiktok，he’sthe——"
　　"Stop——Stop！"commandedthePrincess，withanangryflashofhersplendideyes。"Howdareyouannoymewithyoursenselesschatter？"
　　"Why，youhorridthing！"saidDorothy，whowasnotaccustomedtobeingtreatedsorudely。
　　ThePrincesslookedathermoreclosely。
　　"Tellme，"sheresumed，"areyouofroyalblood？"
　　"Betterthanthat，ma’am，"saidDorothy。"IcamefromKansas。"
　　"Huh！"criedthePrincess，scornfully。"Youareafoolishchild，andIcannotallowyoutoannoyme。Runaway，youlittlegoose，andbothersomeoneelse。"
　　Dorothywassoindignantthatforamomentshecouldfindnowordstoreply。Butsherosefromherchair，andwasabouttoleavetheroomwhenthePrincess，whohadbeenscanningthegirl’sface，stoppedherbysaying，moregently：
　　"Comenearertome。"
　　Dorothyobeyed，withoutathoughtoffear，andstoodbeforethePrincesswhileLangwidereexaminedherfacewithcarefulattention。
　　"Youareratherattractive，"saidthelady，presently。"Notatallbeautiful，youunderstand，butyouhaveacertainstyleofprettinessthatisdifferentfromthatofanyofmythirtyheads。SoIbelieveI’lltakeyourheadandgiveyouNo。26forit。"
　　"Well，Ib’lieveyouwon’t！"exclaimedDorothy。
　　"Itwilldoyounogoodtorefuse，"continuedthePrincess;"forI
　　needyourheadformycollection，andintheLandofEvmywillislaw。IneverhavecaredmuchforNo。26，andyouwillfindthatitisverylittleworn。Besides，itwilldoyoujustaswellastheoneyou’rewearing，forallpracticalpurposes。"
　　"Idon’tknowanythingaboutyourNo。26，andIdon’twantto，"saidDorothy，firmly。"I’mnotusedtotakingcast-offthings，soI’lljustkeepmyownhead。"
　　"Yourefuse？"criedthePrincess，withafrown。
　　"OfcourseIdo，"wasthereply。
　　"Then，"saidLangwidere，"Ishalllockyouupinatoweruntilyoudecidetoobeyme。Nanda，"turningtohermaid，"callmyarmy。"
　　Nandarangasilverbell，andatonceabigfatcolonelinabrightreduniformenteredtheroom，followedbytenleansoldiers，whoalllookedsadanddiscouragedandsalutedtheprincessinaverymelancholyfashion。
　　"CarrythatgirltotheNorthTowerandlockherup！"criedthePrincess，pointingtoDorothy。
　　"Tohearistoobey，"answeredthebigredcolonel，andcaughtthechildbyherarm。ButatthatmomentTiktokraisedhisdinner-pailandpoundeditsoforciblyagainstthecolonel’sheadthatthebigofficersatdownuponthefloorwithasuddenbump，lookingbothdazedandverymuchastonished。
　　"Help！"heshouted，andthetenleansoldierssprangtoassisttheirleader。
　　Therewasgreatexcitementforthenextfewmoments，andTiktokhadknockeddownsevenofthearmy，whoweresprawlingineverydirectionuponthecarpet，whensuddenlythemachinepaused，withthedinner-pailraisedforanotherblow，andremainedperfectlymotionless。
　　"Myac-tionhasrundown，"hecalledtoDorothy。"Windmeup，quick。"
　　Shetriedtoobey，butthebigcolonelhadbythistimemanagedtogetuponhisfeetagain，sohegrabbedfastholdofthegirlandshewashelplesstoescape。
　　"Thisistoobad，"saidthemachine。"Ioughttohaverunsixhourslon-ger，atleast，butIsup-posemylongwalkandmyfightwiththeWheel-ersmademerundownfast-erthanus-u-al。"
　　"Well，itcan’tbehelped，"saidDorothy，withasigh。
　　"Willyouexchangeheadswithme？"demandedthePrincess。
　　"No，indeed！"criedDorothy。
　　"Thenlockherup，"saidLangwideretohersoldiers，andtheyledDorothytoahightoweratthenorthofthepalaceandlockedhersecurelywithin。
　　ThesoldiersafterwardtriedtoliftTiktok，buttheyfoundthemachinesosolidandheavythattheycouldnotstirit。Sotheylefthimstandinginthecenterofthedrawing-room。
　　"PeoplewillthinkIhaveanewstatue，"saidLangwidere，"soitwon’tmatterintheleast，andNandacankeephimwellpolished。"
　　"Whatshallwedowiththehen？"askedthecolonel，whohadjustdiscoveredBillinainthework-basket。
　　"Putherinthechicken-house，"answeredthePrincess。"SomedayI’llhaveherfriedforbreakfast。"
　　"Shelooksrathertough，YourHighness，"saidNanda，doubtfully。
　　"Thatisabaseslander！"criedBillina，strugglingfranticallyinthecolonel’sarms。"ButthebreedofchickensIcomefromissaidtobepoisontoallprincesses。"
　　"Then，"remarkedLangwidere，"Iwillnotfrythehen，butkeephertolayeggs;andifshedoesn’tdoherdutyI’llhaveherdrownedinthehorsetrough。"
　　7。OzmaofOztotheRescueNandabroughtDorothybreadandwaterforhersupper，andshesleptuponahardstonecouchwithasinglepillowandasilkencoverlet。
　　Inthemorningsheleanedoutofthewindowofherprisoninthetowertoseeiftherewasanywaytoescape。Theroomwasnotsoveryhighup，whencomparedwithourmodernbuildings，butitwasfarenoughabovethetreesandfarmhousestogiveheragoodviewofthesurroundingcountry。
　　Totheeastshesawtheforest，withthesandsbeyonditandtheoceanbeyondthat。Therewasevenadarkspeckupontheshorethatshethoughtmightbethechicken-coopinwhichshehadarrivedatthissingularcountry。
　　Thenshelookedtothenorth，andsawadeepbutnarrowvalleylyingbetweentworockymountains，andathirdmountainthatshutoffthevalleyatthefurtherend。
　　WestwardthefertileLandofEvsuddenlyendedalittlewayfromthepalace，andthegirlcouldseemilesandmilesofsandydesertthatstretchedfurtherthanhereyescouldreach。Itwasthisdesert，shethought，withmuchinterest，thataloneseparatedherfromthewonderfulLandofOz，andsherememberedsorrowfullythatshehadbeentoldnoonehadeverbeenabletocrossthisdangerouswastebutherself。Onceacyclonehadcarriedheracrossit，andamagicalpairofsilvershoeshadcarriedherbackagain。Butnowshehadneitheracyclonenorsilvershoestoassisther，andherconditionwassadindeed。Forshehadbecometheprisonerofadisagreeableprincesswhoinsistedthatshemustexchangeherheadforanotheronethatshewasnotusedto，andwhichmightnotfitheratall。
　　Really，thereseemednohopeofhelpforherfromheroldfriendsintheLandofOz。Thoughtfullyshegazedfromhernarrowwindow。Onallthedesertnotalivingthingwasstirring。
　　Wait，though！SomethingsurelyWASstirringonthedesert——somethinghereyeshadnotobservedatfirst。Nowitseemedlikeacloud;nowitseemedlikeaspotofsilver;nowitseemedtobeamassofrainbowcolorsthatmovedswiftlytowardher。
　　WhatCOULDitbe，shewondered？
　　Then，gradually，butinabriefspaceoftimenevertheless，thevisiondrewnearenoughtoDorothytomakeoutwhatitwas。
　　Abroadgreencarpetwasunrollingitselfuponthedesert，whileadvancingacrossthecarpetwasawonderfulprocessionthatmadethegirlopenhereyesinamazementasshegazed。
　　Firstcameamagnificentgoldenchariot，drawnbyagreatLionandanimmenseTiger，whostoodshouldertoshoulderandtrottedalongasgracefullyasawell-matchedteamofthoroughbredhorses。Andstandinguprightwithinthechariotwasabeautifulgirlclothedinflowingrobesofsilvergauzeandwearingajeweleddiademuponherdaintyhead。Sheheldinonehandthesatinribbonsthatguidedherastonishingteam，andintheotheranivorywandthatseparatedatthetopintotwoprongs，theprongsbeingtippedbytheletters"O"and"Z"，madeofglisteningdiamondssetcloselytogether。
　　ThegirlseemedneitheroldernorlargerthanDorothyherself，andatoncetheprisonerinthetowerguessedthatthelovelydriverofthechariotmustbethatOzmaofOzofwhomshehadsolatelyheardfromTiktok。
　　FollowingclosebehindthechariotDorothysawheroldfriendtheScarecrow，ridingcalmlyastrideawoodenSaw-Horse，whichprancedandtrottedasnaturallyasanymeathorsecouldhavedone。
　　AndthencameNickChopper，theTinWoodman，withhisfunnel-shapedcaptippedcarelesslyoverhisleftear，hisgleamingaxeoverhisrightshoulder，andhiswholebodysparklingasbrightlyasithadeverdoneintheolddayswhenfirstsheknewhim。
　　TheTinWoodmanwasonfoot，marchingattheheadofacompanyoftwenty-sevensoldiers，ofwhomsomewereleanandsomefat，someshortandsometall;butallthetwenty-sevenweredressedinhandsomeuniformsofvariousdesignsandcolors，notwobeingalikeinanyrespect。
　　Behindthesoldiersthegreencarpetrolleditselfupagain，sothattherewasalwaysjustenoughofitfortheprocessiontowalkupon，inorderthattheirfeetmightnotcomeincontactwiththedeadly，life-destroyingsandsofthedesert。
　　Dorothyknewatonceitwasamagiccarpetshebeheld，andherheartbeathighwithhopeandjoyassherealizedshewassoontoberescuedandallowedtogreetherdearlybelovedfriendsofOz——theScarecrow，theTinWoodmanandtheCowardlyLion。
　　Indeed，thegirlfeltherselfasgoodasrescuedassoonassherecognizedthoseintheprocession，forshewellknewthecourageandloyaltyofheroldcomrades，andalsobelievedthatanyotherswhocamefromtheirmarvelouscountrywouldprovetobepleasantandreliableacquaintances。
　　Assoonasthelastbitofdesertwaspassedandalltheprocession，fromthebeautifulanddaintyOzmatothelastsoldier，hadreachedthegrassymeadowsoftheLandofEv，themagiccarpetrolleditselftogetherandentirelydisappeared。
　　ThenthechariotdriverturnedherLionandTigerintoabroadroadwayleadinguptothepalace，andtheothersfollowed，whileDorothystillgazedfromhertowerwindowineagerexcitement。
　　Theycamequiteclosetothefrontdoorofthepalaceandthenhalted，theScarecrowdismountingfromhisSaw-Horsetoapproachthesignfastenedtothedoor，thathemightreadwhatitsaid。
　　Dorothy，justabovehim，couldkeepsilentnolonger。
　　"HereIam！"sheshouted，asloudlyasshecould。"Here’sDorothy！"
　　"Dorothywho？"askedtheScarecrow，tippinghisheadtolookupwarduntilhenearlylosthisbalanceandtumbledoverbackward。
　　"DorothyGale，ofcourse。YourfriendfromKansas，"sheanswered。
　　"Why，hello，Dorothy！"saidtheScarecrow。"Whatintheworldareyoudoingupthere？"
　　"Nothing，"shecalleddown，"becausethere’snothingtodo。Saveme，myfriend——saveme！"
　　"Youseemtobequitesafenow，"repliedtheScarecrow。
　　"ButI’maprisoner。I’mlockedin，sothatIcan’tgetout，"
　　shepleaded。
　　"That’sallright，"saidtheScarecrow。"Youmightbeworseoff，littleDorothy。Justconsiderthematter。Youcan’tgetdrowned，orberunoverbyaWheeler，orfalloutofanapple-tree。Somefolkswouldthinktheywereluckytobeupthere。"
　　"Well，Idon’t，"declaredthegirl，"andIwanttogetdownimmed’i’tlyandseeyouandtheTinWoodmanandtheCowardlyLion。"
　　"Verywell，"saidtheScarecrow，nodding。"Itshallbejustasyousay，littlefriend。Wholockedyouup？"
　　"TheprincessLangwidere，whoisahorridcreature，"sheanswered。
　　AtthisOzma，whohadbeenlisteningcarefullytotheconversation，calledtoDorothyfromherchariot，asking：
　　"WhydidthePrincesslockyouup，mydear？"
　　"Because，"exclaimedDorothy，"Iwouldn’tletherhavemyheadforhercollection，andtakeanold，cast-offheadinexchangeforit。"
　　"Idonotblameyou，"exclaimedOzma，promptly。"IwillseethePrincessatonce，andobligehertoliberateyou。"
　　"Oh，thankyouvery，verymuch！"criedDorothy，whoassoonassheheardthesweetvoiceofthegirlishRulerofOzknewthatshewouldsoonlearntoloveherdearly。
　　Ozmanowdroveherchariotaroundtothethirddoorofthewing，uponwhichtheTinWoodmanboldlyproceededtoknock。
　　AssoonasthemaidopenedthedoorOzma，bearinginherhandherivorywand，steppedintothehallandmadeherwayatoncetothedrawing-room，followedbyallhercompany，excepttheLionandtheTiger。Andthetwenty-sevensoldiersmadesuchanoiseandaclatterthatthelittlemaidNandaranawayscreamingtohermistress，whereuponthePrincessLangwidere，rousedtogreatangerbythisrudeinvasionofherpalace，camerunningintothedrawing-roomwithoutanyassistancewhatever。
　　ThereshestoodbeforetheslightanddelicateformofthelittlegirlfromOzandcriedout;——
　　"Howdareyouentermypalaceunbidden？Leavethisroomatonce，orI
　　willbindyouandallyourpeopleinchains，andthrowyouintomydarkestdungeons！"
　　"Whatadangerouslady！"murmuredtheScarecrow，inasoftvoice。
　　"Sheseemsalittlenervous，"repliedtheTinWoodman。
　　ButOzmaonlysmiledattheangryPrincess。
　　"Sitdown，please，"shesaid，quietly。"Ihavetraveledalongwaytoseeyou，andyoumustlistentowhatIhavetosay。"
　　"Must！"screamedthePrincess，herblackeyesflashingwithfury——forshestillworeherNo。17head。"Must，toME！"
　　"Tobesure，"saidOzma。"IamRuleroftheLandofOz，andIampowerfulenoughtodestroyallyourkingdom，ifIsowish。YetIdidnotcomeheretodoharm，butrathertofreetheroyalfamilyofEvfromthethralloftheNomeKing，thenewshavingreachedmethatheisholdingtheQueenandherchildrenprisoners。"
　　Hearingthesewords，Langwideresuddenlybecamequiet。
　　"Iwishyoucould，indeed，freemyauntandhertenroyalchildren，"
　　saidshe，eagerly。"ForiftheywererestoredtotheirproperformsandstationtheycouldruletheKingdomofEvthemselves，andthatwouldsavemealotofworryandtrouble。AtpresentthereareatleasttenminuteseverydaythatImustdevotetoaffairsofstate，andIwouldliketobeabletospendmywholetimeinadmiringmybeautifulheads。"
　　"Thenwewillpresentlydiscussthismatter，"saidOzma，"andtrytofindawaytoliberateyourauntandcousins。Butfirstyoumustliberateanotherprisoner——thelittlegirlyouhavelockedupinyourtower。"
　　"Ofcourse，"saidLangwidere，readily。"Ihadforgottenallabouther。Thatwasyesterday，youknow，andaPrincesscannotbeexpectedtoremembertodaywhatshedidyesterday。Comewithme，andIwillreleasetheprisoneratonce。"
　　SoOzmafollowedher，andtheypassedupthestairsthatledtotheroominthetower。
　　WhiletheyweregoneOzma’sfollowersremainedinthedrawing-room，andtheScarecrowwasleaningagainstaformthathehadmistakenforacopperstatuewhenaharsh，metallicvoicesaidsuddenlyinhisear：
　　"Getoffmyfoot，please。Youarescratch-ingmypol-ish。"
　　"Oh，excuseme！"hereplied，hastilydrawingback。"Areyoualive？"
　　"No，"saidTiktok，"Iamon-lyama-chine。ButIcanthinkandspeakandact，whenIampro-per-lywoundup。Justnowmyac-tionisrundown，andDor-o-thyhasthekeytoit。"
　　"That’sallright，"repliedtheScarecrow。Dorothywillsoonbefree，andthenshe’llattendtoyourworks。Butitmustbeagreatmisfortunenottobealive。I’msorryforyou。"
　　"Why？"askedTiktok。
　　"Becauseyouhavenobrains，asIhave，"saidtheScarecrow。
　　"Oh，yes，Ihave，"returnedTiktok。"Iamfit-tedwithSmith&
　　Tin-ker’sIm-provedCom-bi-na-tionSteelBrains。Theyarewhatmakemethink。Whatsortofbrainsareyoufit-tedwith？"
　　"Idon’tknow，"admittedtheScarecrow。"TheyweregiventomebythegreatWizardofOz，andIdidn’tgetachancetoexaminethembeforeheputthemin。Buttheyworksplendidlyandmyconscienceisveryactive。Haveyouaconscience？"
　　"No，"saidTiktok。
　　"Andnoheart，Isuppose？"addedtheTinWoodman，whohadbeenlisteningwithinteresttothisconversation。
　　"No，"saidTiktok。
　　"Then，"continuedtheTinWoodman，"IregrettosaythatyouaregreatlyinferiortomyfriendtheScarecrow，andtomyself。Forwearebothalive，andhehasbrainswhichdonotneedtobewoundup，whileIhaveanexcellentheartthatiscontinuallybeatinginmybosom。"
　　"Icon-grat-u-lateyou，"repliedTiktok。"Ican-nothelpbe-ingyourin-fer-i-orforIamamerema-chine。WhenIamwoundupIdomydu-tybygo-ingjustasmyma-chin-er-yismadetogo。Youhavenoi-de-ahowfullofma-chin-er-yIam。"
　　"Icanguess，"saidtheScarecrow，lookingatthemachinemancuriously。"SomedayI’dliketotakeyouapartandseejusthowyouaremade。"
　　"Donotdothat，Ibegofyou，"saidTiktok;"foryoucouldnotputmeto-geth-era-gain，andmyuse-ful-nesswouldbede-stroyed。"
　　"Oh！areyouuseful？"askedtheScarecrow，surprised。
　　"Ve-ry，"saidTiktok。
　　"Inthatcase，"theScarecrowkindlypromised，"Iwon’tfoolwithyourinterioratall。ForIamapoormechanic，andmightmixyouup。"
　　"Thankyou，"saidTiktok。
　　JustthenOzmare-enteredtheroom，leadingDorothybythehandandfollowedcloselybythePrincessLangwidere。
　　8。TheHungryTigerThefirstthingDorothydidwastorushintotheembraceoftheScarecrow，whosepaintedfacebeamedwithdelightashepressedherformtohisstraw-paddedbosom。ThentheTinWoodmanembracedher——verygently，forheknewhistinarmsmighthurtherifhesqueezedtooroughly。
　　Thesegreetingshavingbeenexchanged，DorothytookthekeytoTiktokfromherpocketandwoundupthemachineman’saction，sothathecouldbowproperlywhenintroducedtotherestofthecompany。WhiledoingthisshetoldthemnowusefulTiktokhadbeentoher，andboththeScarecrowandtheTinWoodmanshookhandswiththemachineoncemoreandthankedhimforprotectingtheirfriend。
　　ThenDorothyasked："WhereisBillina？"
　　"Idon’tknow，"saidtheScarecrow。"WhoisBillina？"
　　"She’sayellowhenwhoisanotherfriendofmine，"answeredthegirl，anxiously。"Iwonderwhathasbecomeofher？"
　　"Sheisinthechickenhouse，inthebackyard，"saidthePrincess。
　　"Mydrawing-roomisnoplaceforhens。"
　　WithoutwaitingtohearmoreDorothyrantogetBillina，andjustoutsidethedoorshecameupontheCowardlyLion，stillhitchedtothechariotbesidethegreatTiger。TheCowardlyLionhadabigbowofblueribbonfastenedtothelonghairbetweenhisears，andtheTigerworeabowofredribbononhistail，justinfrontofthebushyend。
　　InaninstantDorothywashuggingthehugeLionjoyfully。
　　"I’mSOgladtoseeyouagain！"shecried。
　　"Iamalsogladtoseeyou，Dorothy，"saidtheLion。"We’vehadsomefineadventurestogether，haven’twe？"
　　"Yes，indeed，"shereplied。"Howareyou？"
　　"Ascowardlyasever，"thebeastansweredinameekvoice。"Everylittlethingscaresmeandmakesmyheartbeatfast。Butletmeintroducetoyouanewfriendofmine，theHungryTiger。"
　　"Oh！Areyouhungry？"sheasked，turningtotheotherbeast，whowasjustthenyawningsowidelythathedisplayedtworowsofterribleteethandamouthbigenoughtostartleanyone。
　　"Dreadfullyhungry，"answeredtheTiger，snappinghisjawstogetherwithafierceclick。
　　"Thenwhydon’tyoueatsomething？"sheasked。
　　"It’snouse，"saidtheTigersadly。"I’vetriedthat，butIalwaysgethungryagain。"
　　"Why，itisthesamewithme，"saidDorothy。"YetIkeeponeating。"
　　"Butyoueatharmlessthings，soitdoesn’tmatter，"repliedtheTiger。"Formypart，I’masavagebeast，andhaveanappetiteforallsortsofpoorlittlelivingcreatures，fromachipmunktofatbabies。
　　"Howdreadful！"saidDorothy。
　　"Isn’tit，though？"returnedtheHungryTiger，lickinghislipswithhislongredtongue。"Fatbabies！Don’ttheysounddelicious？ButI’venevereatenany，becausemyconsciencetellsmeitiswrong。IfIhadnoconscienceIwouldprobablyeatthebabiesandthengethungryagain，whichwouldmeanthatIhadsacrificedthepoorbabiesfornothing。No;hungryIwasborn，andhungryIshalldie。ButI’llnothaveanycrueldeedsonmyconsciencetobesorryfor。"
　　"Ithinkyouareaverygoodtiger，"saidDorothy，pattingthehugeheadofthebeast。
　　"Inthatyouaremistaken，"wasthereply。"Iamagoodbeast，perhaps，butadisgracefullybadtiger。Foritisthenatureoftigerstobecruelandferocious，andinrefusingtoeatharmlesslivingcreaturesIamactingasnogoodtigerhaseverbeforeacted。
　　ThatiswhyIlefttheforestandjoinedmyfriendtheCowardlyLion。"
　　"ButtheLionisnotreallycowardly，"saidDorothy。"Ihaveseenhimactasbravelyascanbe。"
　　"Allamistake，mydear，"protestedtheLiongravely。"ToothersI
　　mayhaveseemedbrave，attimes，butIhaveneverbeeninanydangerthatIwasnotafraid。"
　　"NorI，"saidDorothy，truthfully。"ButImustgoandsetfreeBillina，andthenIwillseeyouagain。"
　　Sheranaroundtothebackyardofthepalaceandsoonfoundthechickenhouse，beingguidedtoitbyaloudcacklingandcrowingandadistractinghubbubofsoundssuchaschickensmakewhentheyareexcited。
　　Somethingseemedtobewronginthechickenhouse，andwhenDorothylookedthroughtheslatsinthedoorshesawagroupofhensandroostershuddledinonecornerandwatchingwhatappearedtobeawhirlingballoffeathers。Itboundedhereandthereaboutthechickenhouse，andatfirstDorothycouldnottellwhatitwas，whilethescreechingofthechickensnearlydeafenedher。
　　Butsuddenlythebunchoffeathersstoppedwhirling，andthen，toheramazement，thegirlsawBillinacrouchingupontheprostrateformofaspeckledrooster。Foraninstanttheybothremainedmotionless，andthentheyellowhenshookherwingstosettlethefeathersandwalkedtowardthedoorwithastrutofprouddefianceandacluckofvictory，whilethespeckledroosterlimpedawaytothegroupofotherchickens，trailinghiscrumpledplumageinthedustashewent。
　　"Why，Billina！"criedDorothy，inashockedvoice;"haveyoubeenfighting？"
　　"IreallythinkIhave，"retortedBillina。"DoyouthinkI’dletthatspeckledvillainofaroosterlorditoverME，andclaimtorunthischickenhouse，aslongasI’mabletopeckandscratch？NotifmynameisBill！"
　　"Itisn’tBill，it’sBillina;andyou’retalkingslang，whichisveryundig’n’fied，"saidDorothy，reprovingly。"Comehere，Billina，andI’llletyouout;forOzmaofOzishere，andhassetusfree。"
　　Sotheyellowhencametothedoor，whichDorothyunlatchedforhertopassthrough，andtheotherchickenssilentlywatchedthemfromtheircornerwithoutofferingtoapproachnearer。
　　Thegirlliftedherfriendinherarmsandexclaimed：
　　"Oh，Billina！howdreadfulyoulook。You’velostalotoffeathers，andoneofyoureyesisnearlypeckedout，andyourcombisbleeding！"
　　"That’snothing，"saidBillina。"Justlookatthespeckledrooster！
　　Didn’tIdohimupbrown？"
　　Dorothyshookherhead。
　　"Idon’t’proveofthis，atall，"shesaid，carryingBillinaawaytowardthepalace。"Itisn’tagoodthingforyouto’sociatewiththosecommonchickens。Theywouldsoonspoilyourgoodmanners，andyouwouldn’tberespec’ableanymore。"
　　"Ididn’tasktoassociatewiththem，"repliedBillina。"ItisthatcrossoldPrincesswhoistoblame。ButIwasraisedintheUnitedStates，andIwon’tallowanyone-horsechickenoftheLandofEvtorunovermeandputonairs，aslongasIcanliftaclawinself-defense。"
　　"Verywell，Billina，"saidDorothy。"Wewon’ttalkaboutitanymore。"
　　SoontheycametotheCowardlyLionandtheHungryTigertowhomthegirlintroducedtheYellowHen。
　　"GladtomeetanyfriendofDorothy’s，"saidtheLion，politely。"Tojudgebyyourpresentappearance，youarenotacoward，asIam。"
　　"Yourpresentappearancemakesmymouthwater，"saidtheTiger，lookingatBillinagreedily。"My，my！howgoodyouwouldtasteifI
　　couldonlycrunchyoubetweenmyjaws。Butdon’tworry。Youwouldonlyappeasemyappetiteforamoment;soitisn’tworthwhiletoeatyou。"
　　"Thankyou，"saidthehen，nestlingcloserinDorothy’sarms。
　　"Besides，itwouldn’tberight，"continuedtheTiger，lookingsteadilyatBillinaandclickinghisjawstogether。
　　"Ofcoursenot，"criedDorothy，hastily。"Billinaismyfriend，andyoumustn’tevereatherunderanycirc’mstances。"
　　"I’lltrytorememberthat，"saidtheTiger;"butI’malittleabsent-minded，attimes。"
　　ThenDorothycarriedherpetintothedrawing-roomofthepalace，whereTiktok，beinginvitedtodosobyOzma，hadseatedhimselfbetweentheScarecrowandtheTinWoodman。OppositetothemsatOzmaherselfandthePrincessLangwidere，andbesidethemtherewasavacantchairforDorothy。
　　AroundthisimportantgroupwasrangedtheArmyofOz，andasDorothylookedatthehandsomeuniformsoftheTwenty-Sevenshesaid：
　　"Why，theyseemtobeallofficers。"
　　"Theyare，allexceptone，"answeredtheTinWoodman。"IhaveinmyArmyeightGenerals，sixColonels，sevenMajorsandfiveCaptains，besidesoneprivateforthemtocommand。I’dliketopromotetheprivate，forIbelievenoprivateshouldeverbeinpubliclife;andI’vealsonoticedthatofficersusuallyfightbetterandaremorereliablethancommonsoldiers。Besides，theofficersaremoreimportantlooking，andlenddignitytoourarmy。"
　　"Nodoubtyouareright，"saidDorothy，seatingherselfbesideOzma。
　　"Andnow，"announcedthegirlishRulerofOz，"wewillholdasolemnconferencetodecidethebestmannerofliberatingtheroyalfamilyofthisfairLandofEvfromtheirlongimprisonment。"
　　9。TheRoyalFamilyofEvTheTinWoodmanwasthefirsttoaddressthemeeting。