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