"Comein，"calledOz，andtheWoodmanenteredandsaid，"Ihavecomeformyheart。"
"Verywell，"answeredthelittleman。"ButIshallhavetocutaholeinyourbreast，soIcanputyourheartintherightplace。
Ihopeitwon’thurtyou。"
"Oh，no，"answeredtheWoodman。"Ishallnotfeelitatall。"
SoOzbroughtapairoftinsmith’sshearsandcutasmall，squareholeintheleftsideoftheTinWoodman’sbreast。
Then，goingtoachestofdrawers，hetookoutaprettyheart，madeentirelyofsilkandstuffedwithsawdust。
"Isn’titabeauty？"heasked。
"Itis，indeed！"repliedtheWoodman，whowasgreatlypleased。
"Butisitakindheart？"
"Oh，very！"answeredOz。HeputtheheartintheWoodman’sbreastandthenreplacedthesquareoftin，solderingitneatlytogetherwhereithadbeencut。
"There，"saidhe;"nowyouhaveaheartthatanymanmightbeproudof。I’msorryIhadtoputapatchonyourbreast，butitreallycouldn’tbehelped。"
"Nevermindthepatch，"exclaimedthehappyWoodman。"Iamverygratefultoyou，andshallneverforgetyourkindness。"
"Don’tspeakofit，"repliedOz。
ThentheTinWoodmanwentbacktohisfriends，whowishedhimeveryjoyonaccountofhisgoodfortune。
TheLionnowwalkedtotheThroneRoomandknockedatthedoor。
"Comein，"saidOz。
"Ihavecomeformycourage，"announcedtheLion，enteringtheroom。
"Verywell，"answeredthelittleman;"Iwillgetitforyou。"
Hewenttoacupboardandreachinguptoahighshelftookdownasquaregreenbottle，thecontentsofwhichhepouredintoagreen-golddish，beautifullycarved。PlacingthisbeforetheCowardlyLion，whosniffedatitasifhedidnotlikeit，theWizardsaid：
"Drink。"
"Whatisit？"askedtheLion。
"Well，"answeredOz，"ifitwereinsideofyou，itwouldbecourage。
Youknow，ofcourse，thatcourageisalwaysinsideone;sothatthisreallycannotbecalledcourageuntilyouhaveswallowedit。ThereforeIadviseyoutodrinkitassoonaspossible。"
TheLionhesitatednolonger，butdranktillthedishwasempty。
"Howdoyoufeelnow？"askedOz。
"Fullofcourage，"repliedtheLion，whowentjoyfullybacktohisfriendstotellthemofhisgoodfortune。
Oz，lefttohimself，smiledtothinkofhissuccessingivingtheScarecrowandtheTinWoodmanandtheLionexactlywhattheythoughttheywanted。"HowcanIhelpbeingahumbug，"hesaid，"whenallthesepeoplemakemedothingsthateverybodyknowscan’tbedone？ItwaseasytomaketheScarecrowandtheLionandtheWoodmanhappy，becausetheyimaginedIcoulddoanything。
ButitwilltakemorethanimaginationtocarryDorothybacktoKansas，andI’msureIdon’tknowhowitcanbedone。"
17。HowtheBalloonWasLaunchedForthreedaysDorothyheardnothingfromOz。Theseweresaddaysforthelittlegirl，althoughherfriendswereallquitehappyandcontented。TheScarecrowtoldthemtherewerewonderfulthoughtsinhishead;buthewouldnotsaywhattheywerebecauseheknewnoonecouldunderstandthembuthimself。WhentheTinWoodmanwalkedabouthefelthisheartrattlingaroundinhisbreast;andhetoldDorothyhehaddiscoveredittobeakinderandmoretenderheartthantheonehehadownedwhenhewasmadeofflesh。TheLiondeclaredhewasafraidofnothingonearth，andwouldgladlyfaceanarmyoradozenofthefierceKalidahs。
ThuseachofthelittlepartywassatisfiedexceptDorothy，wholongedmorethanevertogetbacktoKansas。
Onthefourthday，tohergreatjoy，Ozsentforher，andwhensheenteredtheThroneRoomhegreetedherpleasantly：
"Sitdown，mydear;IthinkIhavefoundthewaytogetyououtofthiscountry。"
"AndbacktoKansas？"sheaskedeagerly。
"Well，I’mnotsureaboutKansas，"saidOz，"forIhaven’tthefaintestnotionwhichwayitlies。Butthefirstthingtodoistocrossthedesert，andthenitshouldbeeasytofindyourwayhome。"
"HowcanIcrossthedesert？"sheinquired。
"Well，I’lltellyouwhatIthink，"saidthelittleman。
"Yousee，whenIcametothiscountryitwasinaballoon。Youalsocamethroughtheair，beingcarriedbyacyclone。SoIbelievethebestwaytogetacrossthedesertwillbethroughtheair。
Now，itisquitebeyondmypowerstomakeacyclone;butI’vebeenthinkingthematterover，andIbelieveIcanmakeaballoon。"
"How？"askedDorothy。
"Aballoon，"saidOz，"ismadeofsilk，whichiscoatedwithgluetokeepthegasinit。IhaveplentyofsilkinthePalace，soitwillbenotroubletomaketheballoon。Butinallthiscountrythereisnogastofilltheballoonwith，tomakeitfloat。"
"Ifitwon’tfloat，"remarkedDorothy，"itwillbeofnousetous。"
"True，"answeredOz。"Butthereisanotherwaytomakeitfloat，whichistofillitwithhotair。Hotairisn’tasgoodasgas，foriftheairshouldgetcoldtheballoonwouldcomedowninthedesert，andweshouldbelost。"
"We！"exclaimedthegirl。"Areyougoingwithme？"
"Yes，ofcourse，"repliedOz。"Iamtiredofbeingsuchahumbug。
IfIshouldgooutofthisPalacemypeoplewouldsoondiscoverIamnotaWizard，andthentheywouldbevexedwithmeforhavingdeceivedthem。
SoIhavetostayshutupintheseroomsallday，anditgetstiresome。
I’dmuchrathergobacktoKansaswithyouandbeinacircusagain。"
"Ishallbegladtohaveyourcompany，"saidDorothy。
"Thankyou，"heanswered。"Now，ifyouwillhelpmesewthesilktogether，wewillbegintoworkonourballoon。"
SoDorothytookaneedleandthread，andasfastasOzcutthestripsofsilkintopropershapethegirlsewedthemneatlytogether。
Firsttherewasastripoflightgreensilk，thenastripofdarkgreenandthenastripofemeraldgreen;forOzhadafancytomaketheballoonindifferentshadesofthecoloraboutthem。Ittookthreedaystosewallthestripstogether，butwhenitwasfinishedtheyhadabigbagofgreensilkmorethantwentyfeetlong。
ThenOzpainteditontheinsidewithacoatofthinglue，tomakeitairtight，afterwhichheannouncedthattheballoonwasready。
"Butwemusthaveabaskettoridein，"hesaid。Sohesentthesoldierwiththegreenwhiskersforabigclothesbasket，whichhefastenedwithmanyropestothebottomoftheballoon。
Whenitwasallready，OzsentwordtohispeoplethathewasgoingtomakeavisittoagreatbrotherWizardwholivedintheclouds。
Thenewsspreadrapidlythroughoutthecityandeveryonecametoseethewonderfulsight。
OzorderedtheballooncarriedoutinfrontofthePalace，andthepeoplegazeduponitwithmuchcuriosity。TheTinWoodmanhadchoppedabigpileofwood，andnowhemadeafireofit，andOzheldthebottomoftheballoonoverthefiresothatthehotairthatarosefromitwouldbecaughtinthesilkenbag。
Graduallytheballoonswelledoutandroseintotheair，untilfinallythebasketjusttouchedtheground。
ThenOzgotintothebasketandsaidtoallthepeopleinaloudvoice：
"Iamnowgoingawaytomakeavisit。WhileIamgonetheScarecrowwillruleoveryou。Icommandyoutoobeyhimasyouwouldme。"
Theballoonwasbythistimetugginghardattheropethatheldittotheground，fortheairwithinitwashot，andthismadeitsomuchlighterinweightthantheairwithoutthatitpulledhardtoriseintothesky。
"Come，Dorothy！"criedtheWizard。"Hurryup，ortheballoonwillflyaway。"
"Ican’tfindTotoanywhere，"repliedDorothy，whodidnotwishtoleaveherlittledogbehind。Totohadrunintothecrowdtobarkatakitten，andDorothyatlastfoundhim。Shepickedhimupandrantowardstheballoon。
Shewaswithinafewstepsofit，andOzwasholdingouthishandstohelpherintothebasket，when，crack！wenttheropes，andtheballoonroseintotheairwithouther。
"Comeback！"shescreamed。"Iwanttogo，too！"
"Ican’tcomeback，mydear，"calledOzfromthebasket。
"Good-bye！"
"Good-bye！"shoutedeveryone，andalleyeswereturnedupwardtowheretheWizardwasridinginthebasket，risingeverymomentfartherandfartherintothesky。
AndthatwasthelastanyofthemeversawofOz，theWonderfulWizard，thoughhemayhavereachedOmahasafely，andbetherenow，forallweknow。Butthepeoplerememberedhimlovingly，andsaidtooneanother：
"Ozwasalwaysourfriend。WhenhewasherehebuiltforusthisbeautifulEmeraldCity，andnowheisgonehehaslefttheWiseScarecrowtoruleoverus。"
Still，formanydaystheygrievedoverthelossoftheWonderfulWizard，andwouldnotbecomforted。
18。AwaytotheSouthDorothyweptbitterlyatthepassingofherhopetogethometoKansasagain;butwhenshethoughtitallovershewasgladshehadnotgoneupinaballoon。AndshealsofeltsorryatlosingOz，andsodidhercompanions。
TheTinWoodmancametoherandsaid：
"TrulyIshouldbeungratefulifIfailedtomournforthemanwhogavememylovelyheart。IshouldliketocryalittlebecauseOzisgone，ifyouwillkindlywipeawaymytears，sothatIshallnotrust。"
"Withpleasure，"sheanswered，andbroughtatowelatonce。
ThentheTinWoodmanweptforseveralminutes，andshewatchedthetearscarefullyandwipedthemawaywiththetowel。Whenhehadfinished，hethankedherkindlyandoiledhimselfthoroughlywithhisjeweledoil-can，toguardagainstmishap。
TheScarecrowwasnowtheruleroftheEmeraldCity，andalthoughhewasnotaWizardthepeoplewereproudofhim。
"For，"theysaid，"thereisnotanothercityinalltheworldthatisruledbyastuffedman。"And，sofarastheyknew，theywerequiteright。
ThemorningaftertheballoonhadgoneupwithOz，thefourtravelersmetintheThroneRoomandtalkedmattersover。
TheScarecrowsatinthebigthroneandtheothersstoodrespectfullybeforehim。
"Wearenotsounlucky，"saidthenewruler，"forthisPalaceandtheEmeraldCitybelongtous，andwecandojustasweplease。
WhenIrememberthatashorttimeagoIwasuponapoleinafarmer’scornfield，andthatnowIamtherulerofthisbeautifulCity，Iamquitesatisfiedwithmylot。"
"Ialso，"saidtheTinWoodman，"amwell-pleasedwithmynewheart;
and，really，thatwastheonlythingIwishedinalltheworld。"
"Formypart，IamcontentinknowingIamasbraveasanybeastthateverlived，ifnotbraver，"saidtheLionmodestly。
"IfDorothywouldonlybecontentedtoliveintheEmeraldCity，"
continuedtheScarecrow，"wemightallbehappytogether。"
"ButIdon’twanttolivehere，"criedDorothy。"IwanttogotoKansas，andlivewithAuntEmandUncleHenry。"
"Well，then，whatcanbedone？"inquiredtheWoodman。
TheScarecrowdecidedtothink，andhethoughtsohardthatthepinsandneedlesbegantostickoutofhisbrains。Finallyhesaid：
"WhynotcalltheWingedMonkeys，andaskthemtocarryyouoverthedesert？"
"Ineverthoughtofthat！"saidDorothyjoyfully。"It’sjustthething。I’llgoatoncefortheGoldenCap。"
WhenshebroughtitintotheThroneRoomshespokethemagicwords，andsoonthebandofWingedMonkeysflewinthroughtheopenwindowandstoodbesideher。
"Thisisthesecondtimeyouhavecalledus，"saidtheMonkeyKing，bowingbeforethelittlegirl。"Whatdoyouwish？"
"IwantyoutoflywithmetoKansas，"saidDorothy。
ButtheMonkeyKingshookhishead。
"Thatcannotbedone，"hesaid。"Webelongtothiscountryalone，andcannotleaveit。TherehasneverbeenaWingedMonkeyinKansasyet，andIsupposethereneverwillbe，fortheydon’tbelongthere。Weshallbegladtoserveyouinanywayinourpower，butwecannotcrossthedesert。
Good-bye。"
Andwithanotherbow，theMonkeyKingspreadhiswingsandflewawaythroughthewindow，followedbyallhisband。
Dorothywasreadytocrywithdisappointment。"IhavewastedthecharmoftheGoldenCaptonopurpose，"shesaid，"fortheWingedMonkeyscannothelpme。"
"Itiscertainlytoobad！"saidthetender-heartedWoodman。
TheScarecrowwasthinkingagain，andhisheadbulgedoutsohorriblythatDorothyfeareditwouldburst。
"Letuscallinthesoldierwiththegreenwhiskers，"hesaid，"andaskhisadvice。"
SothesoldierwassummonedandenteredtheThroneRoomtimidly，forwhileOzwasaliveheneverwasallowedtocomefartherthanthedoor。
"Thislittlegirl，"saidtheScarecrowtothesoldier，"wishestocrossthedesert。Howcanshedoso？"
"Icannottell，"answeredthesoldier，"fornobodyhasevercrossedthedesert，unlessitisOzhimself。"
"Istherenoonewhocanhelpme？"askedDorothyearnestly。
"Glindamight，"hesuggested。
"WhoisGlinda？"inquiredtheScarecrow。
"TheWitchoftheSouth。SheisthemostpowerfulofalltheWitches，andrulesovertheQuadlings。Besides，hercastlestandsontheedgeofthedesert，soshemayknowawaytocrossit。"
"GlindaisaGoodWitch，isn’tshe？"askedthechild。
"TheQuadlingsthinksheisgood，"saidthesoldier，"andsheiskindtoeveryone。IhaveheardthatGlindaisabeautifulwoman，whoknowshowtokeepyounginspiteofthemanyyearsshehaslived。"
"HowcanIgettohercastle？"askedDorothy。
"TheroadisstraighttotheSouth，"heanswered，"butitissaidtobefullofdangerstotravelers。Therearewildbeastsinthewoods，andaraceofqueermenwhodonotlikestrangerstocrosstheircountry。ForthisreasonnoneoftheQuadlingsevercometotheEmeraldCity。"
ThesoldierthenleftthemandtheScarecrowsaid：
"Itseems，inspiteofdangers，thatthebestthingDorothycandoistotraveltotheLandoftheSouthandaskGlindatohelpher。For，ofcourse，ifDorothystayshereshewillnevergetbacktoKansas。"
"Youmusthavebeenthinkingagain，"remarkedtheTinWoodman。
"Ihave，"saidtheScarecrow。
"IshallgowithDorothy，"declaredtheLion，"forIamtiredofyourcityandlongforthewoodsandthecountryagain。
Iamreallyawildbeast，youknow。Besides，Dorothywillneedsomeonetoprotecther。"
"Thatistrue，"agreedtheWoodman。"Myaxemaybeofservicetoher;soIalsowillgowithhertotheLandoftheSouth。"
"Whenshallwestart？"askedtheScarecrow。
"Areyougoing？"theyasked，insurprise。
"Certainly。Ifitwasn’tforDorothyIshouldneverhavehadbrains。
SheliftedmefromthepoleinthecornfieldandbroughtmetotheEmeraldCity。Somygoodluckisallduetoher，andIshallneverleaveheruntilshestartsbacktoKansasforgoodandall。"
"Thankyou，"saidDorothygratefully。"Youareallverykindtome。ButIshouldliketostartassoonaspossible。"
"Weshallgotomorrowmorning，"returnedtheScarecrow。"Sonowletusallgetready，foritwillbealongjourney。"
19。AttackedbytheFightingTreesThenextmorningDorothykissedtheprettygreengirlgood-bye，andtheyallshookhandswiththesoldierwiththegreenwhiskers，whohadwalkedwiththemasfarasthegate。WhentheGuardianoftheGatesawthemagainhewonderedgreatlythattheycouldleavethebeautifulCitytogetintonewtrouble。Butheatonceunlockedtheirspectacles，whichheputbackintothegreenbox，andgavethemmanygoodwishestocarrywiththem。
"Youarenowourruler，"hesaidtotheScarecrow;
"soyoumustcomebacktousassoonaspossible。"
"IcertainlyshallifIamable，"theScarecrowreplied;
"butImusthelpDorothytogethome，first。"
AsDorothybadethegood-naturedGuardianalastfarewellshesaid：
"IhavebeenverykindlytreatedinyourlovelyCity，andeveryonehasbeengoodtome。IcannottellyouhowgratefulIam。"
"Don’ttry，mydear，"heanswered。"Weshouldliketokeepyouwithus，butifitisyourwishtoreturntoKansas，Ihopeyouwillfindaway。"Hethenopenedthegateoftheouterwall，andtheywalkedforthandstartedupontheirjourney。
ThesunshonebrightlyasourfriendsturnedtheirfacestowardtheLandoftheSouth。Theywereallinthebestofspirits，andlaughedandchattedtogether。Dorothywasoncemorefilledwiththehopeofgettinghome，andtheScarecrowandtheTinWoodmanweregladtobeofusetoher。AsfortheLion，hesniffedthefreshairwithdelightandwhiskedhistailfromsidetosideinpurejoyatbeinginthecountryagain，whileTotoranaroundthemandchasedthemothsandbutterflies，barkingmerrilyallthetime。
"Citylifedoesnotagreewithmeatall，"remarkedtheLion，astheywalkedalongatabriskpace。"IhavelostmuchfleshsinceIlivedthere，andnowIamanxiousforachancetoshowtheotherbeastshowcourageousIhavegrown。"
TheynowturnedandtookalastlookattheEmeraldCity。
Alltheycouldseewasamassoftowersandsteeplesbehindthegreenwalls，andhighupaboveeverythingthespiresanddomeofthePalaceofOz。
"OzwasnotsuchabadWizard，afterall，"saidtheTinWoodman，ashefelthisheartrattlingaroundinhisbreast。
"Heknewhowtogivemebrains，andverygoodbrains，too，"
saidtheScarecrow。
"IfOzhadtakenadoseofthesamecouragehegaveme，"
addedtheLion，"hewouldhavebeenabraveman。"
Dorothysaidnothing。Ozhadnotkeptthepromisehemadeher，buthehaddonehisbest，sosheforgavehim。Ashesaid，hewasagoodman，evenifhewasabadWizard。
Thefirstday’sjourneywasthroughthegreenfieldsandbrightflowersthatstretchedabouttheEmeraldCityoneveryside。
Theysleptthatnightonthegrass，withnothingbutthestarsoverthem;andtheyrestedverywellindeed。
Inthemorningtheytraveledonuntiltheycametoathickwood。
Therewasnowayofgoingaroundit，foritseemedtoextendtotherightandleftasfarastheycouldsee;and，besides，theydidnotdarechangethedirectionoftheirjourneyforfearofgettinglost。
Sotheylookedfortheplacewhereitwouldbeeasiesttogetintotheforest。
TheScarecrow，whowasinthelead，finallydiscoveredabigtreewithsuchwide-spreadingbranchesthattherewasroomforthepartytopassunderneath。Sohewalkedforwardtothetree，butjustashecameunderthefirstbranchestheybentdownandtwinedaroundhim，andthenextminutehewasraisedfromthegroundandflungheadlongamonghisfellowtravelers。
ThisdidnothurttheScarecrow，butitsurprisedhim，andhelookedratherdizzywhenDorothypickedhimup。
"Hereisanotherspacebetweenthetrees，"calledtheLion。
"Letmetryitfirst，"saidtheScarecrow，"foritdoesn’thurtmetogetthrownabout。"Hewalkeduptoanothertree，ashespoke，butitsbranchesimmediatelyseizedhimandtossedhimbackagain。
"Thisisstrange，"exclaimedDorothy。"Whatshallwedo？"
"Thetreesseemtohavemadeuptheirmindstofightus，andstopourjourney，"remarkedtheLion。
"IbelieveIwilltryitmyself，"saidtheWoodman，andshoulderinghisaxe，hemarcheduptothefirsttreethathadhandledtheScarecrowsoroughly。WhenabigbranchbentdowntoseizehimtheWoodmanchoppedatitsofiercelythathecutitintwo。
Atoncethetreebeganshakingallitsbranchesasifinpain，andtheTinWoodmanpassedsafelyunderit。
"Comeon！"heshoutedtotheothers。"Bequick！"Theyallranforwardandpassedunderthetreewithoutinjury，exceptToto，whowascaughtbyasmallbranchandshakenuntilhehowled。
ButtheWoodmanpromptlychoppedoffthebranchandsetthelittledogfree。
Theothertreesoftheforestdidnothingtokeepthemback，sotheymadeuptheirmindsthatonlythefirstrowoftreescouldbenddowntheirbranches，andthatprobablythesewerethepolicemenoftheforest，andgiventhiswonderfulpowerinordertokeepstrangersoutofit。
Thefourtravelerswalkedwitheasethroughthetreesuntiltheycametothefartheredgeofthewood。Then，totheirsurprise，theyfoundbeforethemahighwallwhichseemedtobemadeofwhitechina。
Itwassmooth，likethesurfaceofadish，andhigherthantheirheads。
"Whatshallwedonow？"askedDorothy。
"Iwillmakealadder，"saidtheTinWoodman，"forwecertainlymustclimboverthewall。"
20。TheDaintyChinaCountryWhiletheWoodmanwasmakingaladderfromwoodwhichhefoundintheforestDorothylaydownandslept，forshewastiredbythelongwalk。TheLionalsocurledhimselfuptosleepandTotolaybesidehim。
TheScarecrowwatchedtheWoodmanwhileheworked，andsaidtohim：
"Icannotthinkwhythiswallishere，norwhatitismadeof。"
"Restyourbrainsanddonotworryaboutthewall，"repliedtheWoodman。
"Whenwehaveclimbedoverit，weshallknowwhatisontheotherside。"
Afteratimetheladderwasfinished。Itlookedclumsy，buttheTinWoodmanwassureitwasstrongandwouldanswertheirpurpose。
TheScarecrowwakedDorothyandtheLionandToto，andtoldthemthattheladderwasready。TheScarecrowclimbeduptheladderfirst，buthewassoawkwardthatDorothyhadtofollowclosebehindandkeephimfromfallingoff。WhenhegothisheadoverthetopofthewalltheScarecrowsaid，"Oh，my！"
"Goon，"exclaimedDorothy。
SotheScarecrowclimbedfartherupandsatdownonthetopofthewall，andDorothyputherheadoverandcried，"Oh，my！"justastheScarecrowhaddone。
ThenTotocameup，andimmediatelybegantobark，butDorothymadehimbestill。
TheLionclimbedtheladdernext，andtheTinWoodmancamelast;butbothofthemcried，"Oh，my！"assoonastheylookedoverthewall。Whentheywereallsittinginarowonthetopofthewall，theylookeddownandsawastrangesight。
Beforethemwasagreatstretchofcountryhavingafloorassmoothandshiningandwhiteasthebottomofabigplatter。
Scatteredaroundweremanyhousesmadeentirelyofchinaandpaintedinthebrightestcolors。Thesehouseswerequitesmall，thebiggestofthemreachingonlyashighasDorothy’swaist。
Therewerealsoprettylittlebarns，withchinafencesaroundthem;
andmanycowsandsheepandhorsesandpigsandchickens，allmadeofchina，werestandingaboutingroups。
Butthestrangestofallwerethepeoplewholivedinthisqueercountry。Thereweremilkmaidsandshepherdesses，withbrightlycoloredbodicesandgoldenspotsallovertheirgowns;
andprincesseswithmostgorgeousfrocksofsilverandgoldandpurple;andshepherdsdressedinkneebreecheswithpinkandyellowandbluestripesdownthem，andgoldenbucklesontheirshoes;andprinceswithjeweledcrownsupontheirheads，wearingerminerobesandsatindoublets;andfunnyclownsinruffledgowns，withroundredspotsupontheircheeksandtall，pointedcaps。
And，strangestofall，thesepeoplewereallmadeofchina，eventotheirclothes，andweresosmallthatthetallestofthemwasnohigherthanDorothy’sknee。
Noonedidsomuchaslookatthetravelersatfirst，exceptonelittlepurplechinadogwithanextra-largehead，whichcametothewallandbarkedattheminatinyvoice，afterwardsrunningawayagain。
"Howshallwegetdown？"askedDorothy。
Theyfoundtheladdersoheavytheycouldnotpullitup，sotheScarecrowfelloffthewallandtheothersjumpeddownuponhimsothatthehardfloorwouldnothurttheirfeet。Ofcoursetheytookpainsnottolightonhisheadandgetthepinsintheirfeet。
WhenallweresafelydowntheypickeduptheScarecrow，whosebodywasquiteflattenedout，andpattedhisstrawintoshapeagain。
"Wemustcrossthisstrangeplaceinordertogettotheotherside，"
saidDorothy，"foritwouldbeunwiseforustogoanyotherwayexceptdueSouth。"
Theybeganwalkingthroughthecountryofthechinapeople，andthefirstthingtheycametowasachinamilkmaidmilkingachinacow。Astheydrewnear，thecowsuddenlygaveakickandkickedoverthestool，thepail，andeventhemilkmaidherself，andallfellonthechinagroundwithagreatclatter。
Dorothywasshockedtoseethatthecowhadbrokenherlegoff，andthatthepailwaslyinginseveralsmallpieces，whilethepoormilkmaidhadanickinherleftelbow。
"There！"criedthemilkmaidangrily。"Seewhatyouhavedone！
Mycowhasbrokenherleg，andImusttakehertothemender’sshopandhaveitgluedonagain。Whatdoyoumeanbycominghereandfrighteningmycow？"
"I’mverysorry，"returnedDorothy。"Pleaseforgiveus。"
Buttheprettymilkmaidwasmuchtoovexedtomakeanyanswer。
Shepickedupthelegsulkilyandledhercowaway，thepooranimallimpingonthreelegs。Assheleftthemthemilkmaidcastmanyreproachfulglancesoverhershoulderattheclumsystrangers，holdinghernickedelbowclosetoherside。
Dorothywasquitegrievedatthismishap。
"Wemustbeverycarefulhere，"saidthekind-heartedWoodman，"orwemayhurttheseprettylittlepeoplesotheywillnevergetoverit。"
AlittlefartheronDorothymetamostbeautifullydressedyoungPrincess，whostoppedshortasshesawthestrangersandstartedtorunaway。
DorothywantedtoseemoreofthePrincess，sosheranafterher。
Butthechinagirlcriedout：
"Don’tchaseme！Don’tchaseme！"
ShehadsuchafrightenedlittlevoicethatDorothystoppedandsaid，"Whynot？"
"Because，"answeredthePrincess，alsostopping，asafedistanceaway，"ifIrunImayfalldownandbreakmyself。"
"Butcouldyounotbemended？"askedthegirl。
"Oh，yes;butoneisneversoprettyafterbeingmended，youknow，"
repliedthePrincess。
"Isupposenot，"saidDorothy。
"NowthereisMr。Joker，oneofourclowns，"continuedthechinalady，"whoisalwaystryingtostanduponhishead。Hehasbrokenhimselfsooftenthatheismendedinahundredplaces，anddoesn’tlookatallpretty。Herehecomesnow，soyoucanseeforyourself。"
Indeed，ajollylittleclowncamewalkingtowardthem，andDorothycouldseethatinspiteofhisprettyclothesofredandyellowandgreenhewascompletelycoveredwithcracks，runningeverywhichwayandshowingplainlythathehadbeenmendedinmanyplaces。
TheClownputhishandsinhispockets，andafterpuffingouthischeeksandnoddinghisheadatthemsaucily，hesaid：
"Myladyfair，WhydoyoustareAtpooroldMr。Joker？
You’requiteasstiffAndprimasifYou’deatenupapoker！"
"Bequiet，sir！"saidthePrincess。"Can’tyouseethesearestrangers，andshouldbetreatedwithrespect？"
"Well，that’srespect，Iexpect，"declaredtheClown，andimmediatelystooduponhishead。
"Don’tmindMr。Joker，"saidthePrincesstoDorothy。"Heisconsiderablycrackedinhishead，andthatmakeshimfoolish。"
"Oh，Idon’tmindhimabit，"saidDorothy。"Butyouaresobeautiful，"shecontinued，"thatIamsureIcouldloveyoudearly。
Won’tyouletmecarryyoubacktoKansas，andstandyouonAuntEm’smantel？Icouldcarryyouinmybasket。"
"Thatwouldmakemeveryunhappy，"answeredthechinaPrincess。
"Yousee，hereinourcountrywelivecontentedly，andcantalkandmovearoundasweplease。Butwheneveranyofusaretakenawayourjointsatoncestiffen，andwecanonlystandstraightandlookpretty。
Ofcoursethatisallthatisexpectedofuswhenweareonmantelsandcabinetsanddrawing-roomtables，butourlivesaremuchpleasanterhereinourowncountry。"
"Iwouldnotmakeyouunhappyforalltheworld！"exclaimedDorothy。
"SoI’lljustsaygood-bye。"
"Good-bye，"repliedthePrincess。
Theywalkedcarefullythroughthechinacountry。Thelittleanimalsandallthepeoplescamperedoutoftheirway，fearingthestrangerswouldbreakthem，andafteranhourorsothetravelersreachedtheothersideofthecountryandcametoanotherchinawall。
Itwasnotsohighasthefirst，however，andbystandingupontheLion’sbacktheyallmanagedtoscrambletothetop。ThentheLiongatheredhislegsunderhimandjumpedonthewall;butjustashejumped，heupsetachinachurchwithhistailandsmasheditalltopieces。
"Thatwastoobad，"saidDorothy，"butreallyIthinkwewereluckyinnotdoingtheselittlepeoplemoreharmthanbreakingacow’slegandachurch。Theyareallsobrittle！"
"Theyare，indeed，"saidtheScarecrow，"andIamthankfulI
ammadeofstrawandcannotbeeasilydamaged。ThereareworsethingsintheworldthanbeingaScarecrow。"
21。TheLionBecomestheKingofBeastsAfterclimbingdownfromthechinawallthetravelersfoundthemselvesinadisagreeablecountry，fullofbogsandmarshesandcoveredwithtall，rankgrass。Itwasdifficulttowalkwithoutfallingintomuddyholes，forthegrasswassothickthatithidthemfromsight。However，bycarefullypickingtheirway，theygotsafelyalonguntiltheyreachedsolidground。Butherethecountryseemedwilderthanever，andafteralongandtiresomewalkthroughtheunderbrushtheyenteredanotherforest，wherethetreeswerebiggerandolderthananytheyhadeverseen。
"Thisforestisperfectlydelightful，"declaredtheLion，lookingaroundhimwithjoy。"NeverhaveIseenamorebeautifulplace。"
"Itseemsgloomy，"saidtheScarecrow。
"Notabitofit，"answeredtheLion。"Ishouldliketolivehereallmylife。Seehowsoftthedriedleavesareunderyourfeetandhowrichandgreenthemossisthatclingstotheseoldtrees。Surelynowildbeastcouldwishapleasanterhome。"
"Perhapstherearewildbeastsintheforestnow，"saidDorothy。
"Isupposethereare，"returnedtheLion，"butIdonotseeanyofthemabout。"
Theywalkedthroughtheforestuntilitbecametoodarktogoanyfarther。DorothyandTotoandtheLionlaydowntosleep，whiletheWoodmanandtheScarecrowkeptwatchoverthemasusual。
Whenmorningcame，theystartedagain。Beforetheyhadgonefartheyheardalowrumble，asofthegrowlingofmanywildanimals。
Totowhimperedalittle，butnoneoftheotherswasfrightened，andtheykeptalongthewell-troddenpathuntiltheycametoanopeninginthewood，inwhichweregatheredhundredsofbeastsofeveryvariety。Thereweretigersandelephantsandbearsandwolvesandfoxesandalltheothersinthenaturalhistory，andforamomentDorothywasafraid。ButtheLionexplainedthattheanimalswereholdingameeting，andhejudgedbytheirsnarlingandgrowlingthattheywereingreattrouble。
Ashespokeseveralofthebeastscaughtsightofhim，andatoncethegreatassemblagehushedasifbymagic。ThebiggestofthetigerscameuptotheLionandbowed，saying：
"Welcome，OKingofBeasts！Youhavecomeingoodtimetofightourenemyandbringpeacetoalltheanimalsoftheforestoncemore。"
"Whatisyourtrouble？"askedtheLionquietly。
"Weareallthreatened，"answeredthetiger，"byafierceenemywhichhaslatelycomeintothisforest。Itisamosttremendousmonster，likeagreatspider，withabodyasbigasanelephantandlegsaslongasatreetrunk。Ithaseightoftheselonglegs，andasthemonstercrawlsthroughtheforestheseizesananimalwithaleganddragsittohismouth，whereheeatsitasaspiderdoesafly。Notoneofusissafewhilethisfiercecreatureisalive，andwehadcalledameetingtodecidehowtotakecareofourselveswhenyoucameamongus。"
TheLionthoughtforamoment。
"Arethereanyotherlionsinthisforest？"heasked。
"No;thereweresome，butthemonsterhaseatenthemall。And，besides，theywerenoneofthemnearlysolargeandbraveasyou。"
"IfIputanendtoyourenemy，willyoubowdowntomeandobeymeasKingoftheForest？"inquiredtheLion。
"Wewilldothatgladly，"returnedthetiger;andalltheotherbeastsroaredwithamightyroar："Wewill！"
"Whereisthisgreatspiderofyoursnow？"askedtheLion。
"Yonder，amongtheoaktrees，"saidthetiger，pointingwithhisforefoot。
"Takegoodcareofthesefriendsofmine，"saidtheLion，"andIwillgoatoncetofightthemonster。"
Hebadehiscomradesgood-byeandmarchedproudlyawaytodobattlewiththeenemy。
ThegreatspiderwaslyingasleepwhentheLionfoundhim，anditlookedsouglythatitsfoeturneduphisnoseindisgust。
Itslegswerequiteaslongasthetigerhadsaid，anditsbodycoveredwithcoarseblackhair。Ithadagreatmouth，witharowofsharpteethafootlong;butitsheadwasjoinedtothepudgybodybyaneckasslenderasawasp’swaist。ThisgavetheLionahintofthebestwaytoattackthecreature，andasheknewitwaseasiertofightitasleepthanawake，hegaveagreatspringandlandeddirectlyuponthemonster’sback。Then，withoneblowofhisheavypaw，allarmedwithsharpclaws，heknockedthespider’sheadfromitsbody。Jumpingdown，hewatchedituntilthelonglegsstoppedwiggling，whenheknewitwasquitedead。
TheLionwentbacktotheopeningwherethebeastsoftheforestwerewaitingforhimandsaidproudly：
"Youneedfearyourenemynolonger。"
ThenthebeastsboweddowntotheLionastheirKing，andhepromisedtocomebackandruleoverthemassoonasDorothywassafelyonherwaytoKansas。
22。TheCountryoftheQuadlingsThefourtravelerspassedthroughtherestoftheforestinsafety，andwhentheycameoutfromitsgloomsawbeforethemasteephill，coveredfromtoptobottomwithgreatpiecesofrock。
"Thatwillbeahardclimb，"saidtheScarecrow，"butwemustgetoverthehill，nevertheless。"
Soheledthewayandtheothersfollowed。Theyhadnearlyreachedthefirstrockwhentheyheardaroughvoicecryout，"Keepback！"
"Whoareyou？"askedtheScarecrow。
Thenaheadshoweditselfovertherockandthesamevoicesaid，"Thishillbelongstous，andwedon’tallowanyonetocrossit。"
"Butwemustcrossit，"saidtheScarecrow。"We’regoingtothecountryoftheQuadlings。"
"Butyoushallnot！"repliedthevoice，andtheresteppedfrombehindtherockthestrangestmanthetravelershadeverseen。
Hewasquiteshortandstoutandhadabighead，whichwasflatatthetopandsupportedbyathickneckfullofwrinkles。
Buthehadnoarmsatall，and，seeingthis，theScarecrowdidnotfearthatsohelplessacreaturecouldpreventthemfromclimbingthehill。Sohesaid，"I’msorrynottodoasyouwish，butwemustpassoveryourhillwhetheryoulikeitornot，"andhewalkedboldlyforward。
Asquickaslightningtheman’sheadshotforwardandhisneckstretchedoutuntilthetopofthehead，whereitwasflat，strucktheScarecrowinthemiddleandsenthimtumbling，overandover，downthehill。Almostasquicklyasitcametheheadwentbacktothebody，andthemanlaughedharshlyashesaid，"Itisn’taseasyasyouthink！"
Achorusofboisterouslaughtercamefromtheotherrocks，andDorothysawhundredsofthearmlessHammer-Headsuponthehillside，onebehindeveryrock。
TheLionbecamequiteangryatthelaughtercausedbytheScarecrow’smishap，andgivingaloudroarthatechoedlikethunder，hedashedupthehill。
Againaheadshotswiftlyout，andthegreatLionwentrollingdownthehillasifhehadbeenstruckbyacannonball。
DorothyrandownandhelpedtheScarecrowtohisfeet，andtheLioncameuptoher，feelingratherbruisedandsore，andsaid，"Itisuselesstofightpeoplewithshootingheads;noonecanwithstandthem。"
"Whatcanwedo，then？"sheasked。
"CalltheWingedMonkeys，"suggestedtheTinWoodman。"Youhavestilltherighttocommandthemoncemore。"
"Verywell，"sheanswered，andputtingontheGoldenCapsheutteredthemagicwords。TheMonkeyswereaspromptasever，andinafewmomentstheentirebandstoodbeforeher。
"Whatareyourcommands？"inquiredtheKingoftheMonkeys，bowinglow。
"CarryusoverthehilltothecountryoftheQuadlings，"
answeredthegirl。
"Itshallbedone，"saidtheKing，andatoncetheWingedMonkeyscaughtthefourtravelersandTotoupintheirarmsandflewawaywiththem。
AstheypassedoverthehilltheHammer-Headsyelledwithvexation，andshottheirheadshighintheair，buttheycouldnotreachtheWingedMonkeys，whichcarriedDorothyandhercomradessafelyoverthehillandsetthemdowninthebeautifulcountryoftheQuadlings。
"Thisisthelasttimeyoucansummonus，"saidtheleadertoDorothy;"sogood-byeandgoodlucktoyou。"
"Good-bye，andthankyouverymuch，"returnedthegirl;andtheMonkeysroseintotheairandwereoutofsightinatwinkling。
ThecountryoftheQuadlingsseemedrichandhappy。Therewasfielduponfieldofripeninggrain，withwell-pavedroadsrunningbetween，andprettyripplingbrookswithstrongbridgesacrossthem。
Thefencesandhousesandbridgeswereallpaintedbrightred，justastheyhadbeenpaintedyellowinthecountryoftheWinkiesandblueinthecountryoftheMunchkins。TheQuadlingsthemselves，whowereshortandfatandlookedchubbyandgood-natured，weredressedallinred，whichshowedbrightagainstthegreengrassandtheyellowinggrain。
TheMonkeyshadsetthemdownnearafarmhouse，andthefourtravelerswalkeduptoitandknockedatthedoor。Itwasopenedbythefarmer’swife，andwhenDorothyaskedforsomethingtoeatthewomangavethemallagooddinner，withthreekindsofcakeandfourkindsofcookies，andabowlofmilkforToto。
"HowfarisittotheCastleofGlinda？"askedthechild。
"Itisnotagreatway，"answeredthefarmer’swife。
"TaketheroadtotheSouthandyouwillsoonreachit。
Thankingthegoodwoman，theystartedafreshandwalkedbythefieldsandacrosstheprettybridgesuntiltheysawbeforethemaverybeautifulCastle。Beforethegateswerethreeyounggirls，dressedinhandsomereduniformstrimmedwithgoldbraid;andasDorothyapproached，oneofthemsaidtoher：
"WhyhaveyoucometotheSouthCountry？"
"ToseetheGoodWitchwhoruleshere，"sheanswered。
"Willyoutakemetoher？"
"Letmehaveyourname，andIwillaskGlindaifshewillreceiveyou。"Theytoldwhotheywere，andthegirlsoldierwentintotheCastle。AfterafewmomentsshecamebacktosaythatDorothyandtheothersweretobeadmittedatonce。
23。GlindaTheGoodWitchGrantsDorothy’sWishBeforetheywenttoseeGlinda，however，theyweretakentoaroomoftheCastle，whereDorothywashedherfaceandcombedherhair，andtheLionshookthedustoutofhismane，andtheScarecrowpattedhimselfintohisbestshape，andtheWoodmanpolishedhistinandoiledhisjoints。
WhentheywereallquitepresentabletheyfollowedthesoldiergirlintoabigroomwheretheWitchGlindasatuponathroneofrubies。
Shewasbothbeautifulandyoungtotheireyes。Herhairwasarichredincolorandfellinflowingringletsoverhershoulders。
Herdresswaspurewhitebuthereyeswereblue，andtheylookedkindlyuponthelittlegirl。
"WhatcanIdoforyou，mychild？"sheasked。
DorothytoldtheWitchallherstory：howthecyclonehadbroughthertotheLandofOz，howshehadfoundhercompanions，andofthewonderfuladventurestheyhadmetwith。
"Mygreatestwishnow，"sheadded，"istogetbacktoKansas，forAuntEmwillsurelythinksomethingdreadfulhashappenedtome，andthatwillmakeherputonmourning;andunlessthecropsarebetterthisyearthantheywerelast，IamsureUncleHenrycannotaffordit。"
Glindaleanedforwardandkissedthesweet，upturnedfaceofthelovinglittlegirl。
"Blessyourdearheart，"shesaid，"IamsureIcantellyouofawaytogetbacktoKansas。"Thensheadded，"But，ifIdo，youmustgivemetheGoldenCap。"
"Willingly！"exclaimedDorothy;"indeed，itisofnousetomenow，andwhenyouhaveityoucancommandtheWingedMonkeysthreetimes。"
"AndIthinkIshallneedtheirservicejustthosethreetimes，"
answeredGlinda，smiling。
DorothythengavehertheGoldenCap，andtheWitchsaidtotheScarecrow，"WhatwillyoudowhenDorothyhasleftus？"
"IwillreturntotheEmeraldCity，"hereplied，"forOzhasmademeitsrulerandthepeoplelikeme。TheonlythingthatworriesmeishowtocrossthehilloftheHammer-Heads。"
"BymeansoftheGoldenCapIshallcommandtheWingedMonkeystocarryyoutothegatesoftheEmeraldCity，"saidGlinda，"foritwouldbeashametodeprivethepeopleofsowonderfularuler。"
"AmIreallywonderful？"askedtheScarecrow。
"Youareunusual，"repliedGlinda。
TurningtotheTinWoodman，sheasked，"WhatwillbecomeofyouwhenDorothyleavesthiscountry？"
Heleanedonhisaxeandthoughtamoment。Thenhesaid，"TheWinkieswereverykindtome，andwantedmetoruleoverthemaftertheWickedWitchdied。IamfondoftheWinkies，andifI
couldgetbackagaintotheCountryoftheWest，Ishouldlikenothingbetterthantoruleoverthemforever。"
"MysecondcommandtotheWingedMonkeys，"saidGlinda"willbethattheycarryyousafelytothelandoftheWinkies。YourbrainmaynotbesolargetolookatasthoseoftheScarecrow，butyouarereallybrighterthanheis——whenyouarewellpolished——
andIamsureyouwillruletheWinkieswiselyandwell。"
ThentheWitchlookedatthebig，shaggyLionandasked，"WhenDorothyhasreturnedtoherownhome，whatwillbecomeofyou？"
"OverthehilloftheHammer-Heads，"heanswered，"liesagrandoldforest，andallthebeaststhatlivetherehavemademetheirKing。IfIcouldonlygetbacktothisforest，Iwouldpassmylifeveryhappilythere。"
"MythirdcommandtotheWingedMonkeys，"saidGlinda，"shallbetocarryyoutoyourforest。Then，havingusedupthepowersoftheGoldenCap，IshallgiveittotheKingoftheMonkeys，thatheandhisbandmaythereafterbefreeforevermore。"
TheScarecrowandtheTinWoodmanandtheLionnowthankedtheGoodWitchearnestlyforherkindness;andDorothyexclaimed：
"Youarecertainlyasgoodasyouarebeautiful！ButyouhavenotyettoldmehowtogetbacktoKansas。"
"YourSilverShoeswillcarryyouoverthedesert，"repliedGlinda。
"IfyouhadknowntheirpoweryoucouldhavegonebacktoyourAuntEmtheveryfirstdayyoucametothiscountry。"
"ButthenIshouldnothavehadmywonderfulbrains！"criedtheScarecrow。
"Imighthavepassedmywholelifeinthefarmer’scornfield。"
"AndIshouldnothavehadmylovelyheart，"saidtheTinWoodman。
"Imighthavestoodandrustedintheforesttilltheendoftheworld。"
"AndIshouldhavelivedacowardforever，"declaredtheLion，"andnobeastinalltheforestwouldhavehadagoodwordtosaytome。"
"Thisisalltrue，"saidDorothy，"andIamgladIwasofusetothesegoodfriends。Butnowthateachofthemhashadwhathemostdesired，andeachishappyinhavingakingdomtorulebesides，IthinkIshouldliketogobacktoKansas。"
"TheSilverShoes，"saidtheGoodWitch，"havewonderfulpowers。
Andoneofthemostcuriousthingsaboutthemisthattheycancarryyoutoanyplaceintheworldinthreesteps，andeachstepwillbemadeinthewinkofaneye。Allyouhavetodoistoknocktheheelstogetherthreetimesandcommandtheshoestocarryyouwhereveryouwishtogo。"
"Ifthatisso，"saidthechildjoyfully，"IwillaskthemtocarrymebacktoKansasatonce。"
ShethrewherarmsaroundtheLion’sneckandkissedhim，pattinghisbigheadtenderly。ThenshekissedtheTinWoodman，whowasweepinginawaymostdangeroustohisjoints。Butshehuggedthesoft，stuffedbodyoftheScarecrowinherarmsinsteadofkissinghispaintedface，andfoundshewascryingherselfatthissorrowfulpartingfromherlovingcomrades。
GlindatheGoodsteppeddownfromherrubythronetogivethelittlegirlagood-byekiss，andDorothythankedherforallthekindnessshehadshowntoherfriendsandherself。
DorothynowtookTotoupsolemnlyinherarms，andhavingsaidonelastgood-byesheclappedtheheelsofhershoestogetherthreetimes，saying：
"TakemehometoAuntEm！"
Instantlyshewaswhirlingthroughtheair，soswiftlythatallshecouldseeorfeelwasthewindwhistlingpastherears。
TheSilverShoestookbutthreesteps，andthenshestoppedsosuddenlythatsherolledoveruponthegrassseveraltimesbeforesheknewwhereshewas。
Atlength，however，shesatupandlookedabouther。
"Goodgracious！"shecried。
ForshewassittingonthebroadKansasprairie，andjustbeforeherwasthenewfarmhouseUncleHenrybuiltafterthecyclonehadcarriedawaytheoldone。UncleHenrywasmilkingthecowsinthebarnyard，andTotohadjumpedoutofherarmsandwasrunningtowardthebarn，barkingfuriously。
Dorothystoodupandfoundshewasinherstocking-feet。
FortheSilverShoeshadfallenoffinherflightthroughtheair，andwerelostforeverinthedesert。
24。HomeAgainAuntEmhadjustcomeoutofthehousetowaterthecabbageswhenshelookedupandsawDorothyrunningtowardher。
"Mydarlingchild！"shecried，foldingthelittlegirlinherarmsandcoveringherfacewithkisses。"Whereintheworlddidyoucomefrom？"
"FromtheLandofOz，"saidDorothygravely。"AndhereisToto，too。Andoh，AuntEm！I’msogladtobeathomeagain！"