"Tobeginwith，"saidhe，"wordcametoournobleandillustriousRuler，OzmaofOz，thatthewifeandtenchildren——fiveboysandfivegirls——oftheformerKingofEv，bynameEvoldo，havebeenenslavedbytheNomeKingandareheldprisonersinhisundergroundpalace。AlsothattherewasnooneinEvpowerfulenoughtoreleasethem。
　　NaturallyourOzmawishedtoundertaketheadventureofliberatingthepoorprisoners;butforalongtimeshecouldfindnowaytocrossthegreatdesertbetweenthetwocountries。FinallyshewenttoafriendlysorceressofourlandnamedGlindatheGood，whoheardthestoryandatoncepresentedOzmaamagiccarpet，whichwouldcontinuallyunrollbeneathourfeetandsomakeacomfortablepathforustocrossthedesert。AssoonasshehadreceivedthecarpetourgraciousRulerorderedmetoassembleourarmy，whichIdid。YoubeholdintheseboldwarriorsthepickofallthefinestsoldiersofOz;and，ifweareobligedtofighttheNomeKing，everyofficeraswellastheprivate，willbattlefiercelyuntodeath。"
　　ThenTiktokspoke。
　　"WhyshouldyoufighttheNomeKing？"heasked。"Hehasdonenowrong。"
　　"Nowrong！"criedDorothy。"Isn’titwrongtoimprisonaqueenmotherandhertenchildren？"
　　"TheyweresoldtotheNomeKingbyKingEv-ol-do，"repliedTiktok。
　　"ItwastheKingofEvwhodidwrong，andwhenhere-al-izedwhathehaddonehejumpedin-totheseaanddrownedhim-self。"
　　"Thisisnewstome，"saidOzma，thoughtfully。"IhadsupposedtheNomeKingwasalltoblameinthematter。But，inanycase，hemustbemadetoliberatetheprisoners。"
　　"MyuncleEvoldowasaverywickedman，"declaredthePrincessLangwidere。"Ifhehaddrownedhimselfbeforehesoldhisfamily，noonewouldhavecared。ButhesoldthemtothepowerfulNomeKinginexchangeforalonglife，andafterwarddestroyedthelifebyjumpingintothesea。"
　　"Then，"saidOzma，"hedidnotgetthelonglife，andtheNomeKingmustgiveuptheprisoners。Wherearetheyconfined？"
　　"Nooneknows，exactly，"repliedthePrincess。"Fortheking，whosenameisRoquatoftheRocks，ownsasplendidpalaceunderneaththegreatmountainwhichisatthenorthendofthiskingdom，andhehastransformedthequeenandherchildrenintoornamentsandbric-a-bracwithwhichtodecoratehisrooms。"
　　"I’dliketoknow，"saidDorothy，"whothisNomeKingis？"
　　"Iwilltellyou，"repliedOzma。"HeissaidtobetheRuleroftheUndergroundWorld，andcommandstherocksandallthattherockscontain。UnderhisrulearemanythousandsoftheNomes，whoarequeerlyshapedbutpowerfulspritesthatlaboratthefurnacesandforgesoftheirking，makinggoldandsilverandothermetalswhichtheyconcealinthecrevicesoftherocks，sothatthoselivingupontheearth’ssurfacecanonlyfindthemwithgreatdifficulty。Alsotheymakediamondsandrubiesandemeralds，whichtheyhideintheground;sothatthekingdomoftheNomesiswonderfullyrich，andallwehaveofpreciousstonesandsilverandgoldiswhatwetakefromtheearthandrockswheretheNomeKinghashiddenthem。"
　　"Iunderstand，"saidDorothy，noddingherlittleheadwisely。
　　"Forthereasonthatweoftenstealhistreasures，"continuedOzma，"theRuleroftheUndergroundWorldisnotfondofthosewholiveupontheearth’ssurface，andneverappearsamongus。IfwewishtoseeKingRoquatoftheRocks，wemustvisithisowncountry，whereheisallpowerful，andthereforeitwillbeadangerousundertaking。"
　　"But，forthesakeofthepoorprisoners，"saidDorothy，"weoughttodoit。"
　　"Weshalldoit，"repliedtheScarecrow，"althoughitrequiresalotofcourageformetogoneartothefurnacesoftheNomeKing。ForI
　　amonlystuffedwithstraw，andasinglesparkoffiremightdestroymeentirely。"
　　"Thefurnacesmayalsomeltmytin，"saidtheTinWoodman;
　　"butIamgoing。"
　　"Ican’tbearheat，"remarkedthePrincessLangwidere，yawninglazily，"soIshallstayathome。ButIwishyoumayhavesuccessinyourundertaking，forIamheartilytiredofrulingthisstupidkingdom，andIneedmoreleisureinwhichtoadmiremybeautifulheads。"
　　"Wedonotneedyou，"saidOzma。"For，ifwiththeaidofmybravefollowersIcannotaccomplishmypurpose，thenitwouldbeuselessforyoutoundertakethejourney。"
　　"Quitetrue，"sighedthePrincess。"So，ifyou’llexcuseme，Iwillnowretiretomycabinet。I’vewornthisheadquiteawhile，andI
　　wanttochangeitforanother。"
　　Whenshehadleftthem（andyoumaybesurenoonewassorrytoseehergo）OzmasaidtoTiktok：
　　"Willyoujoinourparty？"
　　"IamtheslaveofthegirlDor-oth-y，whorescuedmefrompris-on，"
　　repliedthemachine。"WhereshegoesIwillgo。"
　　"Oh，Iamgoingwithmyfriends，ofcourse，"saidDorothy，quickly。
　　"Iwouldn’tmissthefunforanything。Willyougo，too，Billina？"
　　"Tobesure，"saidBillinainacarelesstone。Shewassmoothingdownthefeathersofherbackandnotpayingmuchattention。
　　"Heatisjustinherline，"remarkedtheScarecrow。"Ifsheisnicelyroasted，shewillbebetterthanever。"
　　"Then"saidOzma，"wewillarrangetostartfortheKingdomoftheNomesatdaybreaktomorrow。And，inthemeantime，wewillrestandprepareourselvesforthejourney。"
　　AlthoughPrincessLangwideredidnotagainappeartoherguests，thepalaceservantswaiteduponthestrangersfromOzanddideverythingintheirpowertomakethepartycomfortable。Thereweremanyvacantroomsattheirdisposal，andthebraveArmyoftwenty-sevenwaseasilyprovidedforandliberallyfeasted。
　　TheCowardlyLionandtheHungryTigerwereunharnessedfromthechariotandallowedtoroamatwillthroughoutthepalace，wheretheynearlyfrightenedtheservantsintofits，althoughtheydidnoharmatall。AtonetimeDorothyfoundthelittlemaidNandacrouchinginterrorinacorner，withtheHungryTigerstandingbeforeher。
　　"Youcertainlylookdelicious，"thebeastwassaying。"Willyoukindlygivemepermissiontoeatyou？"
　　"No，no，no！"criedthemaidinreply。
　　"Then，"saidtheTiger，yawningfrightfully，"pleasetogetmeaboutthirtypoundsoftenderloinsteak，cookedrare，withapeckofboiledpotatoesontheside，andfivegallonsofice-creamfordessert。"
　　"I——I’lldothebestIcan！"saidNanda，andsheranawayasfastasshecouldgo。
　　"Areyousoveryhungry？"askedDorothy，inwonder。
　　"Youcanhardlyimaginethesizeofmyappetite，"repliedtheTiger，sadly。"Itseemstofillmywholebody，fromtheendofmythroattothetipofmytail。Iamverysuretheappetitedoesn’tfitme，andistoolargeforthesizeofmybody。Someday，whenImeetadentistwithapairofforceps，I’mgoingtohaveitpulled。"
　　"What，yourtooth？"askedDorothy。
　　"No，myappetite，"saidtheHungryTiger。
　　ThelittlegirlspentmostoftheafternoontalkingwiththeScarecrowandtheTinWoodman，whorelatedtoherallthathadtakenplaceintheLandofOzsinceDorothyhadleftit。ShewasmuchinterestedinthestoryofOzma，whohadbeen，whenababy，stolenbyawickedoldwitchandtransformedintoaboy。Shedidnotknowthatshehadeverbeenagirluntilshewasrestoredtohernaturalformbyakindsorceress。ThenitwasfoundthatshewastheonlychildoftheformerRulerofOz，andwasentitledtoruleinhisplace。Ozmahadmanyadventures，however，beforesheregainedherfather’sthrone，andintheseshewasaccompaniedbyapumpkin-headedman，ahighlymagnifiedandthoroughlyeducatedWoggle-Bug，andawonderfulsawhorsethathadbeenbroughttolifebymeansofamagicpowder。TheScarecrowandtheTinWoodmanhadalsoassistedher;buttheCowardlyLion，whoruledthegreatforestastheKingofBeasts，knewnothingofOzmauntilaftershebecamethereigningprincessofOz。ThenhejourneyedtotheEmeraldCitytoseeher，andonhearingshewasabouttovisittheLandofEvtosetfreetheroyalfamilyofthatcountry，theCowardlyLionbeggedtogowithher，andbroughtalonghisfriend，theHungryTiger，aswell。
　　Havingheardthisstory，Dorothyrelatedtothemherownadventures，andthenwentoutwithherfriendstofindtheSawhorse，whichOzmahadcausedtobeshodwithplatesofgold，sothatitslegswouldnotwearout。
　　TheycameupontheSawhorsestandingmotionlessbesidethegardengate，butwhenDorothywasintroducedtohimhebowedpolitelyandblinkedhiseyes，whichwereknotsofwood，andwaggedhistail，whichwasonlythebranchofatree。
　　"Whataremarkablething，tobealive！"exclaimedDorothy。
　　"Iquietagreewithyou，"repliedtheSawhorse，inaroughbutnotunpleasantvoice。"Acreaturelikemehasnobusinesstolive，asweallknow。Butitwasthemagicpowderthatdidit，soIcannotjustlybeblamed。"
　　"Ofcoursenot，"saidDorothy。"Andyouseemtobeofsomeuse，’causeInoticedtheScarecrowridinguponyourback。"
　　"Oh，yes;I’mofuse，"returnedtheSawhorse;"andInevertire，neverhavetobefed，orcaredforinanyway。"
　　"Areyouintel’gent？"askedthegirl。
　　"Notvery，"saidthecreature。"ItwouldbefoolishtowasteintelligenceonacommonSawhorse，whensomanyprofessorsneedit。
　　ButIknowenoughtoobeymymasters，andtogid-dup，orwhoa，whenI’mtoldto。SoI’mprettywellsatisfied。"
　　ThatnightDorothysleptinapleasantlittlebed-chambernexttothatoccupiedbyOzmaofOz，andBillinapercheduponthefootofthebedandtuckedherheadunderherwingandsleptassoundlyinthatpositionasdidDorothyuponhersoftcushions。
　　Butbeforedaybreakeveryonewasawakeandstirring，andsoontheadventurerswereeatingahastybreakfastinthegreatdining-roomofthepalace。Ozmasatattheheadofalongtable，onaraisedplatform，withDorothyonherrighthandandtheScarecrowonherleft。TheScarecrowdidnoteat，ofcourse;butOzmaplacedhimnearhersothatshemightaskhisadviceaboutthejourneywhilesheate。
　　Lowerdownthetablewerethetwenty-sevenwarriorsofOz，andattheendoftheroomtheLionandtheTigerwereeatingoutofakettlethathadbeenplaceduponthefloor，whileBillinaflutteredaroundtopickupanyscrapsthatmightbescattered。
　　Itdidnottakelongtofinishthemeal，andthentheLionandtheTigerwereharnessedtothechariotandthepartywasreadytostartfortheNomeKing’sPalace。
　　FirstrodeOzma，withDorothybesideherinthegoldenchariotandholdingBillinafastinherarms。ThencametheScarecrowontheSawhorse，withtheTinWoodmanandTiktokmarchingsidebysidejustbehindhim。AfterthesetrampedtheArmy，lookingbraveandhandsomeintheirsplendiduniforms。Thegeneralscommandedthecolonelsandthecolonelscommandedthemajorsandthemajorscommandedthecaptainsandthecaptainscommandedtheprivate，whomarchedwithanairofproudimportancebecauseitrequiredsomanyofficerstogivehimhisorders。
　　Andsothemagnificentprocessionleftthepalaceandstartedalongtheroadjustasdaywasbreaking，andbythetimethesuncameouttheyhadmadegoodprogresstowardthevalleythatledtotheNomeKing’sdomain。
　　10。TheGiantwiththeHammerTheroadledforatimethroughaprettyfarmcountry，andthenpastapicnicgrovethatwasveryinviting。ButtheprocessioncontinuedtosteadilyadvanceuntilBillinacriedinanabruptandcommandingmanner：
　　"Wait——wait！"
　　OzmastoppedherchariotsosuddenlythattheScarecrow’sSawhorsenearlyranintoit，andtheranksofthearmytumbledoveroneanotherbeforetheycouldcometoahalt。ImmediatelytheyellowhenstruggledfromDorothy’sarmsandflewintoaclumpofbushesbytheroadside。
　　"What’sthematter？"calledtheTinWoodman，anxiously。
　　"Why，Billinawantstolayheregg，that’sall，"saidDorothy。
　　"Layheregg！"repeatedtheTinWoodman，inastonishment。
　　"Yes;shelaysoneeverymorning，aboutthistime;andit’squitefresh，"saidthegirl。
　　"Butdoesyourfoolisholdhensupposethatthisentirecavalcade，whichisboundonanimportantadventure，isgoingtostandstillwhileshelaysheregg？"enquiredtheTinWoodman，earnestly。
　　"Whatelsecanwedo？"askedthegirl。"It’sahabitofBillina’sandshecan’tbreakherselfofit。"
　　"Thenshemusthurryup，"saidtheTinWoodman，impatiently。
　　"No，no！"exclaimedtheScarecrow。"Ifshehurriesshemaylayscrambledeggs。"
　　"That’snonsense，"saidDorothy。"ButBillinawon’tbelong，I’msure。"
　　Sotheystoodandwaited，althoughallwererestlessandanxioustoproceed。Andbyandbytheyellowhencamefromthebushessaying：
　　"Kut-kut，kut，ka-daw-kutt！Kut，kut，kut——ka-daw-kut！"
　　"Whatisshedoing——singingherlay？"askedtheScarecrow。
　　"For-ward——march！"shoutedtheTinWoodman，wavinghisaxe，andtheprocessionstartedjustasDorothyhadoncemoregrabbedBillinainherarms。
　　"Isn’tanyonegoingtogetmyegg？"criedthehen，ingreatexcitement。
　　"I’llgetit，"saidtheScarecrow;andathiscommandtheSawhorseprancedintothebushes。Thestrawmansoonfoundtheegg，whichheplacedinhisjacketpocket。Thecavalcade，havingmovedrapidlyon，waseventhenfarinadvance;butitdidnottaketheSawhorselongtocatchupwithit，andpresentlytheScarecrowwasridinginhisaccustomedplacebehindOzma’schariot。
　　"WhatshallIdowiththeegg？"heaskedDorothy。
　　"Idonotknow，"thegirlanswered。"PerhapstheHungryTigerwouldlikeit。"
　　"Itwouldnotbeenoughtofilloneofmybackteeth，"remarkedtheTiger。"Abushelofthem，hardboiled，mighttakealittleoftheedgeoffmyappetite;butoneeggisn’tgoodforanythingatall，thatIknowof。"
　　"No;itwouldn’tevenmakeaspongecake，"saidtheScarecrow，thoughtfully。"TheTinWoodmanmightcarryitwithhisaxeandhatchit;butafterallImayaswellkeepitmyselfforasouvenir。"Soheleftitinhispocket。
　　TheyhadnowreachedthatpartofthevalleythatlaybetweenthetwohighmountainswhichDorothyhadseenfromhertowerwindow。Atthefarendwasthethirdgreatmountain，whichblockedthevalleyandwasthenorthernedgeoftheLandofEv。ItwasunderneaththismountainthattheNomeKing’spalacewassaidtobe;butitwouldbesometimebeforetheyreachedthatplace。
　　Thepathwasbecomingrockyanddifficultforthewheelsofthechariottopassover，andpresentlyadeepgulfappearedattheirfeetwhichwastoowideforthemtoleap。SoOzmatookasmallsquareofgreenclothfromherpocketandthrewitupontheground。Atonceitbecamethemagiccarpet，andunrolleditselffarenoughforallthecavalcadetowalkupon。Thechariotnowadvanced，andthegreencarpetunrolledbeforeit，crossingthegulfonalevelwithitsbanks，sothatallpassedoverinsafety。
　　"That’seasyenough，"saidtheScarecrow。"Iwonderwhatwillhappennext。"
　　Hewasnotlonginmakingthediscovery，forthesidesofthemountaincameclosertogetheruntilfinallytherewasbutanarrowpathbetweenthem，alongwhichOzmaandherpartywereforcedtopassinsinglefile。
　　Theynowheardalowanddeep"thump！——thump！——thump！"whichechoedthroughoutthevalleyandseemedtogrowlouderastheyadvanced。
　　Then，turningacornerofrock，theysawbeforethemahugeform，whichtoweredabovethepathformorethanahundredfeet。Theformwasthatofagiganticmanbuiltoutofplatesofcastiron，anditstoodwithonefootoneithersideofthenarrowroadandswungoveritsrightshoulderanimmenseironmallet，withwhichitconstantlypoundedtheearth。Theseresoundingblowsexplainedthethumpingsoundstheyhadheard，forthemalletwasmuchbiggerthanabarrel，andwhereitstruckthepathbetweentherockysidesofthemountainitfilledallthespacethroughwhichourtravelerswouldbeobligedtopass。
　　Ofcoursetheyatoncehalted，asafedistanceawayfromtheterribleironmallet。Themagiccarpetwoulddothemnogoodinthiscase，foritwasonlymeanttoprotectthemfromanydangersuponthegroundbeneaththeirfeet，andnotfromdangersthatappearedintheairabovethem。
　　"Wow！"saidtheCowardlyLion，withashudder。"Itmakesmedreadfullynervoustoseethatbighammerpoundingsonearmyhead。
　　Oneblowwouldcrushmeintoadoor-mat。"
　　"Their-ongi-antisafinefel-low，"saidTiktok，"andworksasstead-i-lyasaclock。HewasmadefortheNomeKingbySmith&
　　Tin-ker，whomademe，andhisdu-tyistokeepfolksfromfind-ingtheun-der-groundpal-ace。Ishenotagreatworkofart？"
　　"Canhethink，andspeak，asyoudo？"askedOzma，regardingthegiantwithwonderingeyes。
　　"No，"repliedthemachine;"heison-lymadetopoundtheroad，andhasnothink-ingorspeak-ingat-tach-ment。Buthepoundsve-rywell，Ithink。"
　　"Toowell，"observedtheScarecrow。"Heiskeepingusfromgoingfarther。Istherenowaytostophismachinery？"
　　"On-lytheNomeKing，whohasthekey，candothat，"answeredTiktok。
　　"Then，"saidDorothy，anxiously，"whatshallwedo？"
　　"Excusemeforafewminutes，"saidtheScarecrow，"andIwillthinkitover。"
　　Heretired，then，toapositionintherear，whereheturnedhispaintedfacetotherocksandbegantothink。
　　Meantimethegiantcontinuedtoraisehisironmallethighintheairandtostrikethepathterrificblowsthatechoedthroughthemountainsliketheroarofacannon。Eachtimethemalletlifted，however，therewasamomentwhenthepathbeneaththemonsterwasfree，andperhapstheScarecrowhadnoticedthis，forwhenhecamebacktotheothershesaid：
　　"Thematterisaverysimpleone，afterall。Wehavebuttorununderthehammer，oneatatime，whenitislifted，andpasstotheothersidebeforeitfallsagain。"
　　"Itwillrequirequickwork，ifweescapetheblow，"saidtheTinWoodman，withashakeofhishead。"Butitreallyseemstheonlythingtobedone。Whowillmakethefirstattempt？"
　　Theylookedatoneanotherhesitatinglyforamoment。ThentheCowardlyLion，whowastremblinglikealeafinthewind，saidtothem：
　　"Isupposetheheadoftheprocessionmustgofirst——andthat’sme。
　　ButI’mterriblyafraidofthebighammer！"
　　"Whatwillbecomeofme？"askedOzma。"Youmightrushunderthehammeryourself，butthechariotwouldsurelybecrushed。"
　　"Wemustleavethechariot，"saidtheScarecrow。"ButyoutwogirlscanrideuponthebacksoftheLionandtheTiger。"
　　Sothiswasdecidedupon，andOzma，assoonastheLionwasunfastenedfromthechariot，atoncemountedthebeast’sbackandsaidshewasready。
　　"Clingfasttohismane，"advisedDorothy。"Iusedtoridehimmyself，andthat’sthewayIheldon。"
　　SoOzmaclungfasttothemane，andthelioncrouchedinthepathandeyedtheswingingmalletcarefullyuntilheknewjusttheinstantitwouldbegintoriseintheair。
　　Then，beforeanyonethoughthewasready，hemadeasuddenleapstraightbetweentheirongiant’slegs，andbeforethemalletstruckthegroundagaintheLionandOzmaweresafeontheotherside。
　　TheTigerwentnext。Dorothysatuponhisbackandlockedherarmsaroundhisstripedneck，forhehadnomanetoclingto。Hemadetheleapstraightandtrueasanarrowfromabow，andereDorothyrealizeditshewasoutofdangerandstandingbyOzma’sside。
　　NowcametheScarecrowontheSawhorse，andwhiletheymadethedashinsafetytheywerewithinahair’sbreadthofbeingcaughtbythedescendinghammer。
　　Tiktokwalkeduptotheveryedgeofthespotthehammerstruck，andasitwasraisedforthenextblowhecalmlysteppedforwardandescapeditsdescent。ThatwasanideafortheTinWoodmantofollow，andhealsocrossedinsafetywhilethegreathammerwasintheair。
　　Butwhenitcametothetwenty-sixofficersandtheprivate，theirkneesweresoweakthattheycouldnotwalkastep。
　　"Inbattlewearewonderfullycourageous，"saidoneofthegenerals，"andourfoesfindusveryterribletoface。Butwarisonethingandthisisanother。Whenitcomestobeingpoundedupontheheadbyanironhammer，andsmashedintopancakes，wenaturallyobject。"
　　"Makearunforit，"urgedtheScarecrow。
　　"Ourkneesshakesothatwecannotrun，"answeredacaptain。"Ifweshouldtryitwewouldallcertainlybepoundedtoajelly。"
　　"Well，well，"sighedtheCowardlyLion，"Isee，friendTiger，thatwemustplaceourselvesingreatdangertorescuethisboldarmy。Comewithme，andwewilldothebestwecan。"
　　So，OzmaandDorothyhavingalreadydismountedfromtheirbacks，theLionandtheTigerleapedbackagainundertheawfulhammerandreturnedwithtwogeneralsclingingtotheirnecks。Theyrepeatedthisdaringpassagetwelvetimes，whenalltheofficershadbeencarriedbeneaththegiant’slegsandlandedsafelyonthefurtherside。Bythattimethebeastswereverytired，andpantedsohardthattheirtongueshungoutoftheirgreatmouths。
　　"Butwhatistobecomeoftheprivate？"askedOzma。
　　"Oh，leavehimtheretoguardthechariot，"saidtheLion。"I’mtiredout，andwon’tpassunderthatmalletagain。"
　　Theofficersatonceprotestedthattheymusthavetheprivatewiththem，elsetherewouldbenooneforthemtocommand。ButneithertheLionortheTigerwouldgoafterhim，andsotheScarecrowsenttheSawhorse。
　　Eitherthewoodenhorsewascareless，oritfailedtoproperlytimethedescentofthehammer，forthemightyweaponcaughtitsquarelyuponitshead，andthumpeditagainstthegroundsopowerfullythattheprivateflewoffitsbackhighintotheair，andlandedupononeofthegiant’scast-ironarms。Hereheclungdesperatelywhilethearmroseandfellwitheachoneoftherapidstrokes。
　　TheScarecrowdashedintorescuehisSawhorse，andhadhisleftfootsmashedbythehammerbeforehecouldpullthecreatureoutofdanger。
　　TheythenfoundthattheSawhorsehadbeenbadlydazedbytheblow;
　　forwhilethehardwoodenknotofwhichhisheadwasformedcouldnotbecrushedbythehammer，bothhisearswerebrokenoffandhewouldbeunabletohearasounduntilsomenewonesweremadeforhim。Alsohisleftkneewascracked，andhadtobeboundupwithastring。
　　Billinahavingflutteredunderthehammer，itnowremainedonlytorescuetheprivatewhowasridingupontheirongiant’sarm，highintheair。
　　TheScarecrowlayflatuponthegroundandcalledtothemantojumpdownuponhisbody，whichwassoftbecauseitwasstuffedwithstraw。
　　Thistheprivatemanagedtodo，waitinguntilatimewhenhewasnearestthegroundandthenlettinghimselfdropupontheScarecrow。
　　Heaccomplishedthefeatwithoutbreakinganybones，andtheScarecrowdeclaredhewasnotinjuredintheleast。
　　Therefore，theTinWoodmanhavingbythistimefittednewearstotheSawhorse，theentirepartyproceededuponitsway，leavingthegianttopoundthepathbehindthem。
　　11。TheNomeKingByandby，whentheydrewneartothemountainthatblockedtheirpathandwhichwasthefurthermostedgeoftheKingdomofEv，thewaygrewdarkandgloomyforthereasonthatthehighpeaksoneithersideshutoutthesunshine。Anditwasverysilent，too，astherewerenobirdstosingorsquirrelstochatter，thetreesbeingleftfarbehindthemandonlythebarerocksremaining。
　　OzmaandDorothywerealittleawedbythesilence，andalltheotherswerequietandgraveexcepttheSawhorse，which，asittrottedalongwiththeScarecrowuponhisback，hummedaqueersong，ofwhichthiswasthechorus：
　　"Wouldawoodenhorseinawoodlandgo？
　　Aye，aye！Isigh，hewould，althoughHadhenothadawoodenheadHe’dmountthemountaintopinstead。"
　　ButnoonepaidanyattentiontothisbecausetheywerenowclosetotheNomeKing’sdominions，andhissplendidundergroundpalacecouldnotbeveryfaraway。
　　Suddenlytheyheardashoutofjeeringlaughter，andstoppedshort。
　　Theywouldhavetostopinaminute，anyway，forthehugemountainbarredtheirfurtherprogressandthepathrancloseuptoawallofrockandended。
　　"Whowasthatlaughing？"askedOzma。
　　Therewasnoreply，butinthegloomtheycouldseestrangeformsflitacrossthefaceoftherock。Whateverthecreationsmightbetheyseemedveryliketherockitself，fortheywerethecolorofrocksandtheirshapeswereasroughandruggedasiftheyhadbeenbrokenawayfromthesideofthemountain。Theykeptclosetothesteepclifffacingourfriends，andglidedupanddown，andthiswayandthat，withalackofregularitythatwasquiteconfusing。Andtheyseemednottoneedplacestoresttheirfeet，butclungtothesurfaceoftherockasaflydoestoawindow-pane，andwereneverstillforamoment。
　　"Donotmindthem，"saidTiktok，asDorothyshrankback。"Theyareon-lytheNomes。"
　　"AndwhatareNomes？"askedthegirl，halffrightened。
　　"Theyarerockfair-ies，andservetheNomeKing，"repliedthemachine。
　　"Buttheywilldousnoharm。YoumustcallfortheKing，be-causewith-outhimyoucanne-verfindtheen-trancetothepal-ace。"
　　"YOUcall，"saidDorothytoOzma。
　　JustthentheNomeslaughedagain，andthesoundwassoweirdanddishearteningthatthetwenty-sixofficerscommandedtheprivateto"right-about-face！"andtheyallstartedtorunasfastastheycould。
　　TheTinWoodmanatoncepursuedhisarmyandcried"halt！"andwhentheyhadstoppedtheirflightheasked："Whereareyougoing？"
　　"I——IfindI’veforgottenthebrushformywhiskers，"saidageneral，tremblingwithfear。"S-s-soweareg-goingbackafterit！"
　　"Thatisimpossible，"repliedtheTinWoodman。"Forthegiantwiththehammerwouldkillyouallifyoutriedtopasshim。"
　　"Oh！I’dforgottenthegiant，"saidthegeneral，turningpale。
　　"Youseemtoforgetagoodmanythings，"remarkedtheTinWoodman。
　　"Ihopeyouwon’tforgetthatyouarebravemen。"
　　"Never！"criedthegeneral，slappinghisgold-embroideredchest。
　　"Never！"criedalltheotherofficers，indignantlyslappingtheirchests。
　　"Formypart，"saidtheprivate，meekly，"Imustobeymyofficers;sowhenIamtoldtorun，Irun;andwhenIamtoldtofight，Ifight。"
　　"Thatisright，"agreedtheTinWoodman。"AndnowyoumustallcomebacktoOzma，andobeyHERorders。AndifyoutrytorunawayagainI
　　willhaveherreduceallthetwenty-sixofficerstoprivates，andmaketheprivateyourgeneral。"
　　ThisterriblethreatsofrightenedthemthattheyatoncereturnedtowhereOzmawasstandingbesidetheCowardlyLion。
　　ThenOzmacriedoutinaloudvoice：
　　"IdemandthattheNomeKingappeartous！"
　　Therewasnoreply，exceptthattheshiftingNomesuponthemountainlaughedinderision。
　　"YoumustnotcommandtheNomeKing，"saidTiktok，"foryoudonotrulehim，asyoudoyourownpeo-ple。"
　　SoOzmacalledagain，saying：
　　"IrequesttheNomeKingtoappeartous。"
　　Onlythemockinglaughterrepliedtoher，andtheshadowyNomescontinuedtoflithereandthereupontherockycliff。
　　"Tryen-treat-y，"saidTiktoktoOzma。"Ifhewillnotcomeatyourre-quest，thentheNomeKingmaylist-entoyourplead-ing。"
　　Ozmalookedaroundherproudly。
　　"DoyouwishyourrulertopleadwiththiswickedNomeKing？"sheasked。"ShallOzmaofOzhumbleherselftoacreaturewholivesinanundergroundkingdom？"
　　"No！"theyallshouted，withbigvoices;andtheScarecrowadded：
　　"Ifhewillnotcome，wewilldighimoutofhishole，likeafox，andconquerhisstubbornness。Butoursweetlittlerulermustalwaysmaintainherdignity，justasImaintainmine。"
　　"I’mnotafraidtopleadwithhim，"saidDorothy。"I’monlyalittlegirlfromKansas，andwe’vegotmoredignityathomethanweknowwhattodowith。I’LLcalltheNomeKing。"
　　"Do，"saidtheHungryTiger;"andifhemakeshashofyouI’llwillinglyeatyouforbreakfasttomorrowmorning。"
　　SoDorothysteppedforwardandsaid：
　　"PLEASEMr。NomeKing，comehereandseeus。"
　　TheNomesstartedtolaughagain;butalowgrowlcamefromthemountain，andinaflashtheyhadallvanishedfromsightandweresilent。
　　Thenadoorintherockopened，andavoicecried：
　　"Enter！"
　　"Isn’titatrick？"askedtheTinWoodman。
　　"Nevermind，"repliedOzma。"WecameheretorescuethepoorQueenofEvandhertenchildren，andwemustrunsomeriskstodoso。"
　　"TheNomeKingishon-estandgoodna-tured，"saidTiktok。"Youcantrusthimtodowhatisright。"
　　SoOzmaledtheway，handinhandwithDorothy，andtheypassedthroughthearcheddoorwayofrockandenteredalongpassagewhichwaslightedbyjewelssetinthewallsandhavinglampsbehindthem。
　　Therewasnoonetoescortthem，ortoshowthemtheway，butallthepartypressedthroughthepassageuntiltheycametoaround，domedcavernthatwasgrandlyfurnished。
　　Inthecenterofthisroomwasathronecarvedoutofasolidboulderofrock，rudeandruggedinshapebutglitteringwithgreatrubiesanddiamondsandemeraldsoneverypartofitssurface。AnduponthethronesattheNomeKing。
　　ThisimportantmonarchoftheUndergroundWorldwasalittlefatmanclothedingray-browngarmentsthatweretheexactcoloroftherockthroneinwhichhewasseated。Hisbushyhairandflowingbeardwerealsocoloredliketherocks，andsowashisface。Heworenocrownofanysort，andhisonlyornamentwasabroad，jewel-studdedbeltthatencircledhisfatlittlebody。Asforhisfeatures，theyseemedkindlyandgoodhumored，andhiseyeswereturnedmerrilyuponhisvisitorsasOzmaandDorothystoodbeforehimwiththeirfollowersrangedincloseorderbehindthem。
　　"Why，helooksjustlikeSantaClaus——onlyheisn’tthesamecolor！"
　　whisperedDorothytoherfriend;buttheNomeKingheardthespeech，anditmadehimlaughaloud。
　　"’HehadaredfaceandaroundlittlebellyThatshookwhenhelaughedlikeabowlfullofjelly！’"
　　quoththemonarch，inapleasantvoice;andtheycouldallseethathereallydidshakelikejellywhenhelaughed。
　　BothOzmaandDorothyweremuchrelievedtofindtheNomeKingsojolly，andaminutelaterhewavedhisrighthandandthegirlseachfoundacushionedstoolatherside。
　　"Sitdown，mydears，"saidtheKing，"andtellmewhyyouhavecomeallthiswaytoseeme，andwhatIcandotomakeyouhappy。"
　　WhiletheyseatedthemselvestheNomeKingpickedupapipe，andtakingaglowingredcoaloutofhispocketheplaceditinthebowlofthepipeandbeganpuffingoutcloudsofsmokethatcurledinringsabovehishead。DorothythoughtthismadethelittlemonarchlookmorelikeSantaClausthanever;butOzmanowbeganspeaking，andeveryonelistenedintentlytoherwords。
　　"YourMajesty，"saidshe，"IamtheruleroftheLandofOz，andI
　　havecomeheretoaskyoutoreleasethegoodQueenofEvandhertenchildren，whomyouhaveenchantedandholdasyourprisoners。"
　　"Oh，no;youaremistakenaboutthat，"repliedtheKing。"Theyarenotmyprisoners，butmyslaves，whomIpurchasedfromtheKingofEv。"
　　"Butthatwaswrong，"saidOzma。
　　"AccordingtothelawsofEv，thekingcandonowrong，"answeredthemonarch，eyingaringofsmokehehadjustblownfromhismouth;"sothathehadaperfectrighttosellhisfamilytomeinexchangeforalonglife。"
　　"Youcheatedhim，though，"declaredDorothy;"fortheKingofEvdidnothavealonglife。Hejumpedintotheseaandwasdrowned。"
　　"Thatwasnotmyfault，"saidtheNomeKing，crossinghislegsandsmilingcontentedly。"Igavehimthelonglife，allright;buthedestroyedit。"
　　"Thenhowcoulditbealonglife？"askedDorothy。
　　"Easilyenough，"wasthereply。"Nowsuppose，mydear，thatIgaveyouaprettydollinexchangeforalockofyourhair，andthatafteryouhadreceivedthedollyousmasheditintopiecesanddestroyedit。
　　CouldyousaythatIhadnotgivenyouaprettydoll？"
　　"No，"answeredDorothy。
　　"Andcouldyou，infairness，askmetoreturntoyouthelockofhair，justbecauseyouhadsmashedthedoll？"
　　"No，"saidDorothy，again。
　　"Ofcoursenot，"theNomeKingreturned。"NorwillIgiveuptheQueenandherchildrenbecausetheKingofEvdestroyedhislonglifebyjumpingintothesea。TheybelongtomeandIshallkeepthem。"
　　"Butyouaretreatingthemcruelly，"saidOzma，whowasmuchdistressedbytheKing’srefusal。
　　"Inwhatway？"heasked。
　　"Bymakingthemyourslaves，"saidshe。
　　"Cruelty，"remarkedthemonarch，puffingoutwreathesofsmokeandwatchingthemfloatintotheair，"isathingIcan’tabide。So，asslavesmustworkhard，andtheQueenofEvandherchildrenweredelicateandtender，Itransformedthemallintoarticlesofornamentandbric-a-bracandscatteredthemaroundthevariousroomsofmypalace。Insteadofbeingobligedtolabor，theymerelydecoratemyapartments，andIreallythinkIhavetreatedthemwithgreatkindness。"
　　"Butwhatadreadfulfateistheirs！"exclaimedOzma，earnestly。"AndtheKingdomofEvisingreatneedofitsroyalfamilytogovernit。
　　Ifyouwillliberatethem，andrestorethemtotheirproperforms，I
　　willgiveyoutenornamentstoreplaceeachoneyoulose。"
　　TheNomeKinglookedgrave。
　　"SupposeIrefuse？"heasked。
　　"Then，"saidOzma，firmly，"Iamherewithmyfriendsandmyarmytoconqueryourkingdomandobligeyoutoobeymywishes。"
　　TheNomeKinglaugheduntilhechoked;andhechokeduntilhecoughed;
　　andhecougheduntilhisfaceturnedfromgrayish-browntobrightred。
　　Andthenhewipedhiseyeswitharock-coloredhandkerchiefandgrewgraveagain。
　　"Youareasbraveasyouarepretty，mydear，"hesaidtoOzma。"Butyouhavelittleideaoftheextentofthetaskyouhaveundertaken。
　　Comewithmeforamoment。"
　　HearoseandtookOzma’shand，leadinghertoalittledooratonesideoftheroom。Thisheopenedandtheysteppedoutuponabalcony，fromwhencetheyobtainedawonderfulviewoftheUndergroundWorld。
　　Avastcaveextendedformilesandmilesunderthemountain，andineverydirectionwerefurnacesandforgesglowingbrightlyandNomeshammeringuponpreciousmetalsorpolishinggleamingjewels。Allaroundthewallsofthecavewerethousandsofdoorsofsilverandgold，builtintothesolidrock，andtheseextendedinrowsfarawayintothedistance，asfarasOzma’seyescouldfollowthem。
　　WhilethelittlemaidfromOzgazedwonderinglyuponthisscenetheNomeKingutteredashrillwhistle，andatonceallthesilverandgolddoorsflewopenandsolidranksofNomesoldiersmarchedoutfromeveryone。Sogreatweretheirnumbersthattheyquicklyfilledtheimmenseundergroundcavernandforcedthebusyworkmentoabandontheirtasks。
　　Althoughthistremendousarmyconsistedofrock-coloredNomes，allsquatandfat，theywereclothedinglitteringarmorofpolishedsteel，inlaidwithbeautifulgems。Uponhisbroweachworeabrilliantelectriclight，andtheyboresharpspearsandswordsandbattle-axesofsolidbronze。Itwasevidenttheywereperfectlytrained，fortheystoodinstraightrows，rankafterrank，withtheirweaponshelderectandtrue，asifawaitingbutthewordofcommandtolevelthemupontheirfoes。
　　"This，"saidtheNomeKing，"isbutasmallpartofmyarmy。NoruleruponEarthhaseverdaredtofightme，andnorulereverwill，forI
　　amtoopowerfultooppose。"
　　Hewhistledagain，andatoncethemartialarrayfiledthroughthesilverandgolddoorwaysanddisappeared，afterwhichtheworkmenagainresumedtheirlaborsatthefurnaces。
　　Then，sadanddiscouraged，OzmaofOzturnedtoherfriends，andtheNomeKingcalmlyreseatedhimselfonhisrockthrone。
　　"Itwouldbefoolishforustofight，"thegirlsaidtotheTinWoodman。"ForourbraveTwenty-Sevenwouldbequicklydestroyed。I’msureIdonotknowhowtoactinthisemergency。
　　"AsktheKingwherehiskitchenis，"suggestedtheTiger。"I’mhungryasabear。"
　　"ImightpounceupontheKingandtearhiminpieces，"remarkedtheCowardlyLion。
　　"Tryit，"saidthemonarch，lightinghispipewithanotherhotcoalwhichhetookfromhispocket。
　　TheLioncrouchedlowandtriedtospringupontheNomeKing;buthehoppedonlyalittlewayintotheairandcamedownagaininthesameplace，notbeingabletoapproachthethronebyevenaninch。
　　"Itseemstome，"saidtheScarecrow，thoughtfully，"thatourbestplanistowheedlehisMajestyintogivinguphisslaves，sinceheistoogreatamagiciantooppose。"
　　"Thisisthemostsensiblethinganyofyouhavesuggested，"declaredtheNomeKing。"Itisfollytothreatenme，butI’msokind-heartedthatIcannotstandcoaxingorwheedling。Ifyoureallywishtoaccomplishanythingbyyourjourney，mydearOzma，youmustcoaxme。"
　　"Verywell，"saidOzma，morecheerfully。"Letusbefriends，andtalkthisoverinafriendlymanner。"
　　"Tobesure，"agreedtheKing，hiseyestwinklingmerrily。
　　"Iamveryanxious，"shecontinued，"toliberatetheQueenofEvandherchildrenwhoarenowornamentsandbric-a-bracinyourMajesty’spalace，andtorestorethemtotheirpeople。Tellme，sir，howthismaybeaccomplished。"
　　Thekingremainedthoughtfulforamoment，afterwhichheasked：
　　"Areyouwillingtotakeafewchancesandrisksyourself，inordertosetfreethepeopleofEv？"
　　"Yes，indeed！"answeredOzma，eagerly。
　　"Then，"saidtheNomeKing，"Iwillmakeyouthisoffer：Youshallgoaloneandunattendedintomypalaceandexaminecarefullyallthattheroomscontain。Thenyoushallhavepermissiontotouchelevendifferentobjects，pronouncingatthetimetheword’Ev，’andifanyoneofthem，ormorethanone，provestobethetransformationoftheQueenofEvoranyofhertenchildren，thentheywillinstantlyberestoredtotheirtrueformsandmayleavemypalaceandmykingdominyourcompany，withoutanyobjectionwhatever。Itispossibleforyou，inthisway，tofreetheentireeleven;butifyoudonotguessalltheobjectscorrectly，andsomeoftheslavesremaintransformed，theneachoneofyourfriendsandfollowersmay，inturn，enterthepalaceandhavethesameprivilegesIgrantyou。"
　　"Oh，thankyou！thankyouforthiskindoffer！"saidOzma，eagerly。
　　"Imakebutonecondition，"addedtheNomeKing，hiseyestwinkling。
　　"Whatisit？"sheenquired。
　　"IfnoneoftheelevenobjectsyoutouchprovestobethetransformationofanyoftheroyalfamilyofEv，then，insteadoffreeingthem，youwillyourselfbecomeenchanted，andtransformedintoanarticleofbric-a-bracoranornament。Thisisonlyfairandjust，andistheriskyoudeclaredyouwerewillingtotake。"
　　12。TheElevenGuessesHearingthisconditionimposedbytheNomeKing，Ozmabecamesilentandthoughtful，andallherfriendslookedatheruneasily。
　　"Don’tyoudoit！"exclaimedDorothy。"Ifyouguesswrong，youwillbeenslavedyourself。"
　　"ButIshallhaveelevenguesses，"answeredOzma。"SurelyIoughttoguessoneobjectinelevencorrectly;and，ifIdo，Ishallrescueoneoftheroyalfamilyandbesafemyself。Thentherestofyoumayattemptit，andsoonweshallfreeallthosewhoareenslaved。"
　　"Whatifwefail？"enquiredtheScarecrow。"I’dlookniceasapieceofbric-a-brac，wouldn’tI？"
　　"Wemustnotfail！"criedOzma，courageously。"Havingcomeallthisdistancetofreethesepoorpeople，itwouldbeweakandcowardlyinustoabandontheadventure。ThereforeIwillaccepttheNomeKing’soffer，andgoatonceintotheroyalpalace。"
　　"Comealong，then，mydear，"saidtheKing，climbingdownfromhisthronewithsomedifficulty，becausehewassofat;"I’llshowyoutheway。"
　　Heapproachedawallofthecaveandwavedhishand。Instantlyanopeningappeared，throughwhichOzma，afterasmilingfarewelltoherfriends，boldlypassed。
　　Shefoundherselfinasplendidhallthatwasmorebeautifulandgrandthananythingshehadeverbeheld。Theceilingswerecomposedofgreatarchesthatrosefaraboveherhead，andallthewallsandfloorswereofpolishedmarbleexquisitelytintedinmanycolors。
　　Thickvelvetcarpetswereonthefloorandheavysilkendraperiescoveredthearchesleadingtothevariousroomsofthepalace。Thefurniturewasmadeofrareoldwoodsrichlycarvedandcoveredwithdelicatesatins，andtheentirepalacewaslightedbyamysteriousrosyglowthatseemedtocomefromnoparticularplacebutfloodedeachapartmentwithitssoftandpleasingradiance。
　　Ozmapassedfromoneroomtoanother，greatlydelightedbyallshesaw。Thelovelypalacehadnootheroccupant，fortheNomeKinghadleftherattheentrance，whichclosedbehindher，andinallthemagnificentroomsthereappearedtobenootherperson。
　　Uponthemantels，andonmanyshelvesandbracketsandtables，wereclusteredornamentsofeverydescription，seeminglymadeoutofallsortsofmetals，glass，china，stonesandmarbles。Therewerevases，andfiguresofmenandanimals，andgravenplattersandbowls，andmosaicsofpreciousgems，andmanyotherthings。Pictures，too，wereonthewalls，andtheundergroundpalacewasquiteamuseumofrareandcuriousandcostlyobjects。
　　AfterherfirsthastyexaminationoftheroomsOzmabegantowonderwhichofallthenumerousornamentstheycontainedwerethetransformationsoftheroyalfamilyofEv。Therewasnothingtoguideher，foreverythingseemedwithoutasparkoflife。Soshemustguessblindly;andforthefirsttimethegirlcametorealizehowdangerouswashertask，andhowlikelyshewastoloseherownfreedominstrivingtofreeothersfromthebondageoftheNomeKing。Nowonderthecunningmonarchlaughedgoodnaturedlywithhisvisitors，whenheknewhoweasilytheymightbeentrapped。
　　ButOzma，havingundertakentheventure，wouldnotabandonit。Shelookedatasilvercandelabrathathadtenbranches，andthought：
　　"ThismaybetheQueenofEvandhertenchildren。"Soshetoucheditandutteredaloudtheword"Ev，"astheNomeKinghadinstructedhertodowhensheguessed。Butthecandelabraremainedasitwasbefore。
　　Thenshewanderedintoanotherroomandtouchedachinalamb，thinkingitmightbeoneofthechildrenshesought。Butagainshewasunsuccessful。Threeguesses;fourguesses;five，six，seven，eight，nineandtenshemade，andstillnotoneofthemwasright！
　　Thegirlshiveredalittleandgrewpaleevenundertherosylight;
　　fornowbutoneguessremained，andherownfatedependedupontheresult。
　　Sheresolvednottobehasty，andstrolledthroughalltheroomsoncemore，gazingearnestlyuponthevariousornamentsandtryingtodecidewhichshewouldtouch。Finally，indespair，shedecidedtoleaveitentirelytochance。Shefacedthedoorwayofaroom，shuthereyestightly，andthen，thrustingasidetheheavydraperies，sheadvancedblindlywithherrightarmoutstretchedbeforeher。
　　Slowly，softlyshecreptforwarduntilherhandcameincontactwithanobjectuponasmallroundtable。Shedidnotknowwhatitwas，butinalowvoiceshepronouncedtheword"Ev。"
　　Theroomswerequiteemptyoflifeafterthat。TheNomeKinghadgainedanewornament。Forupontheedgeofthetablerestedaprettygrasshopper，thatseemedtohavebeenformedfromasingleemerald。
　　ItwasallthatremainedofOzmaofOz。
　　InthethroneroomjustbeyondthepalacetheNomeKingsuddenlylookedupandsmiled。
　　"Next！"hesaid，inhispleasantvoice。
　　Dorothy，theScarecrow，andtheTinWoodman，whohadbeensittinginanxioussilence，eachgaveastartofdismayandstaredintooneanother’seyes。
　　"Hasshefailed？"askedTiktok。
　　"Soitseems，"answeredthelittlemonarch，cheerfully。"Butthatisnoreasononeofyoushouldnotsucceed。Thenextmayhavetwelveguesses，insteadofeleven，fortherearenowtwelvepersonstransformedintoornaments。Well，well！Whichofyougoesnext？"
　　"I’llgo，"saidDorothy。
　　"Notso，"repliedtheTinWoodman。"AscommanderofOzma’sarmy，itismyprivilegetofollowherandattemptherrescue。"
　　"Awayyougo，then，"saidtheScarecrow。"Butbecareful，oldfriend。"
　　"Iwill，"promisedtheTinWoodman;andthenhefollowedtheNomeKingtotheentrancetothepalaceandtherockclosedbehindhim。
　　13。TheNomeKingLaughsInamomenttheKingreturnedtohisthroneandrelightedhispipe，andtherestofthelittlebandofadventurerssettledthemselvesforanotherlongwait。TheyweregreatlydisheartenedbythefailureoftheirgirlRuler，andtheknowledgethatshewasnowanornamentintheNomeKing’spalace——adreadful，creepyplaceinspiteofallitsmagnificence。Withouttheirlittleleadertheydidnotknowwhattodonext，andeachone，downtothetremblingprivateofthearmy，begantofearhewouldsoonbemoreornamentalthanuseful。
　　SuddenlytheNomeKingbeganlaughing。
　　"Ha，ha，ha！He，he，he！Ho，ho，ho！"
　　"What’shappened？"askedtheScarecrow。
　　"Why，yourfriend，theTinWoodman，hasbecomethefunniestthingyoucanimagine，"repliedtheKing，wipingthetearsofmerrimentfromhiseyes。"Noonewouldeverbelievehecouldmakesuchanamusingornament。Next！"
　　Theygazedateachotherwithsinkinghearts。Oneofthegeneralsbegantoweepdolefully。
　　"Whatareyoucryingfor？"askedtheScarecrow，indignantatsuchadisplayofweakness。
　　"Heowedmesixweeksbackpay，"saidthegeneral，"andIhatetolosehim。"
　　"Thenyoushallgoandfindhim，"declaredtheScarecrow。
　　"Me！"criedthegeneral，greatlyalarmed。
　　"Certainly。Itisyourdutytofollowyourcommander。March！"
　　"Iwon’t，"saidthegeneral。"I’dliketo，ofcourse;butIjustsimplyWON’T。"
　　TheScarecrowlookedenquiringlyattheNomeKing。
　　"Nevermind，"saidthejollymonarch。"Ifhedoesn’tcaretoenterthepalaceandmakehisguessesI’llthrowhimintooneofmyfieryfurnaces。"
　　"I’llgo！——ofcourseI’mgoing，"yelledthegeneral，asquickasscat。
　　"Whereistheentrance——whereisit？Letmegoatonce！"
　　SotheNomeKingescortedhimintothepalace，andagainreturnedtoawaittheresult。Whatthegeneraldid，noonecantell;butitwasnotlongbeforetheKingcalledforthenextvictim，andacolonelwasforcedtotryhisfortune。
　　Thus，oneafteranother，allofthetwenty-sixofficersfiledintothepalaceandmadetheirguesses——andbecameornaments。
　　MeantimetheKingorderedrefreshmentstobeservedtothosewaiting，andathiscommandarudelyshapedNomeentered，bearingatray。ThisNomewasnotunliketheothersthatDorothyhadseen，butheworeaheavygoldchainaroundhisnecktoshowthathewastheChiefStewardoftheNomeKing，andheassumedanairofmuchimportance，andeventoldhismajestynottoeattoomuchcakelateatnight，orhewouldbeill。
　　Dorothy，however，washungry，andshewasnotafraidofbeingill;sosheateseveralcakesandfoundthemgood，andalsoshedrankacupofexcellentcoffeemadeofarichlyflavoredclay，brownedinthefurnacesandthengroundfine，andfounditmostrefreshingandnotatallmuddy。
　　Ofallthepartywhichhadstarteduponthisadventure，thelittleKansasgirlwasnowleftalonewiththeScarecrow，Tiktok，andtheprivateforcounsellorsandcompanions。OfcoursetheCowardlyLionandtheHungryTigerwerestillthere，butthey，havingalsoeatensomeofthecakes，hadgonetosleepatonesideofthecave，whileupontheothersidestoodtheSawhorse，motionlessandsilent，asbecameamerethingofwood。Billinahadquietlywalkedaroundandpickedupthecrumbsofcakewhichhadbeenscattered，andnow，asitwaslongafterbed-time，shetriedtofindsomedarkplaceinwhichtogotosleep。
　　PresentlythehenespiedahollowunderneaththeKing’srockythrone，andcreptintoitunnoticed。Shecouldstillhearthechatteringofthosearoundher，butitwasalmostdarkunderneaththethrone，sothatsoonshehadfallenfastasleep。
　　"Next！"calledtheKing，andtheprivate，whoseturnitwastoenterthefatalpalace，shookhandswithDorothyandtheScarecrowandbadethemasorrowfulgood-bye，andpassedthroughtherockyportal。
　　Theywaitedalongtime，fortheprivatewasinnohurrytobecomeanornamentandmadehisguessesveryslowly。TheNomeKing，whoseemedtoknow，bysomemagicalpower，allthattookplaceinhisbeautifulroomsofhispalace，grewimpatientfinallyanddeclaredhewouldsitupnolonger。
　　"Iloveornaments，"saidhe，"butIcanwaituntiltomorrowtogetmoreofthem;so，assoonasthatstupidprivateistransformed，wewillallgotobedandleavethejobtobefinishedinthemorning。"
　　"Isitsoverylate？"askedDorothy。
　　"Why，itisaftermidnight，"saidtheKing，"andthatstrikesmeasbeinglateenough。Thereisneithernightnordayinmykingdom，becauseitisundertheearth’ssurface，wherethesundoesnotshine。
　　Butwehavetosleep，justthesameastheup-stairspeopledo，andformypartI’mgoingtobedinafewminutes。"
　　Indeed，itwasnotlongafterthisthattheprivatemadehislastguess。Ofcourseheguessedwrongly，andofcourseheatoncebecameanornament。SotheKingwasgreatlypleased，andclappedhishandstosummonhisChiefSteward。
　　"Showthesegueststosomeofthesleepingapartments，"hecommanded，"andbequickaboutit，too，forI’mdreadfullysleepymyself。"
　　"You’venobusinesstositupsolate，"repliedtheSteward，gruffly。
　　"You’llbeascrossasagriffintomorrowmorning。"
　　HisMajestymadenoanswertothisremark，andtheChiefStewardledDorothythroughanotherdoorwayintoalonghall，fromwhichseveralplainbutcomfortablesleepingroomsopened。Thelittlegirlwasgiventhefirstroom，andtheScarecrowandTiktokthenext——althoughtheyneverslept——andtheLionandtheTigerthethird。TheSawhorsehobbledaftertheStewardintoafourthroom，tostandstifflyinthecenterofituntilmorning。EachnightwasratheraboretotheScarecrow，TiktokandtheSawhorse;buttheyhadlearnedfromexperiencetopassthetimepatientlyandquietly，sincealltheirfriendswhoweremadeoffleshhadtosleepanddidnotliketobedisturbed。
　　WhentheChiefStewardhadleftthemalonetheScarecrowremarked，sadly：
　　"Iamingreatsorrowoverthelossofmyoldcomrade，theTinWoodman。Wehavehadmanydangerousadventurestogether，andescapedthemall，andnowitgrievesmetoknowhehasbecomeanornament，andislosttomeforever。"
　　"Hewasal-waysanor-na-menttoso-ci-e-ty，"saidTiktok。
　　"True;butnowtheNomeKinglaughsathim，andcallshimthefunniestornamentinallthepalace。Itwillhurtmypoorfriend’spridetobelaughedat，"continuedtheScarecrow，sadly。
　　"Wewillmakerath-erab-surdor-na-ments，our-selves，to-mor-row，"
　　observedthemachine，inhismonotonousvoice。
　　JustthenDorothyranintotheirroom，inastateofgreatanxiety，crying：
　　"Where’sBillina？HaveyouseenBillina？Isshehere？"
　　"No，"answeredtheScarecrow。
　　"Thenwhathasbecomeofher？"askedthegirl。
　　"Why，Ithoughtshewaswithyou，"saidtheScarecrow。"YetIdonotrememberseeingtheyellowhensinceshepickedupthecrumbsofcake。"
　　"WemusthaveleftherintheroomwheretheKing’sthroneis，"
　　decidedDorothy，andatoncesheturnedandrandownthehalltothedoorthroughwhichtheyhadentered。Butitwasfastclosedandlockedontheotherside，andtheheavyslabofrockprovedtobesothickthatnosoundcouldpassthroughit。SoDorothywasforcedtoreturntoherchamber。
　　TheCowardlyLionstuckhisheadintoherroomtotrytoconsolethegirlforthelossofherfeatheredfriend。
　　"Theyellowheniswellabletotakecareofherself，"saidhe;"sodon’tworryabouther，buttrytogetallthesleepyoucan。Ithasbeenalongandwearyday，andyouneedrest。"
　　"I’llprob’lygetlotsofresttomorrow，whenIbecomeanorn’ment，"
　　saidDorothy，sleepily。Butshelaydownuponhercouch，nevertheless，andinspiteofallherworrieswassooninthelandofdreams。
　　14。DorothyTriestobeBraveMeantimetheChiefStewardhadreturnedtothethroneroom，wherehesaidtotheKing：
　　"Youareafooltowastesomuchtimeuponthesepeople。"
　　"What！"criedhisMajesty，insoenragedavoicethatitawokeBillina，whowasasleepunderhisthrone。"Howdareyoucallmeafool？"
　　"BecauseIliketospeakthetruth，"saidtheSteward。"Whydidn’tyouenchantthemallatonce，insteadofallowingthemtogoonebyoneintothepalaceandguesswhichornamentsaretheQueenofEvandherchildren？"
　　"Why，youstupidrascal，itismorefunthisway，"returnedtheKing，"anditservestokeepmeamusedforalongtime。"
　　"Butsupposesomeofthemhappentoguessaright，"persistedtheSteward;
　　"thenyouwouldloseyouroldornamentsandthesenewones，too。"
　　"Thereisnochanceoftheirguessingaright，"repliedthemonarch，withalaugh。"HowcouldtheyknowthattheQueenofEvandherfamilyareallornamentsofaroyalpurplecolor？"
　　"Buttherearenootherpurpleornamentsinthepalace，"saidtheSteward。