"Hush, Eureka ! " warned the Wizard

"Don't be foolish," advised the Tin Woodman, "or sorry "

"The piglet that belonged Princess wore an emerald collar," said Eureka, loudly enough for all to hear

"So it did ! " exclaimed Ozma " the one the Wizard "

" not; he had nine , altogether," declared Eureka; "and say very stingy of him not to let me eat just few But now foolish trial is ended, tell you what really became of your pet piglet "

everyone Throne Room suddenly became quiet, kitten continued, in calm, mocking tone of voice:

" confess that I intended to eat the little pig breakfast; so I crept room where kept while the Princess was dressing and hid myself under chair When Ozma went away she closed the door and left her pet table At once I jumped up and told the piglet not fuss, for inside of me in half second; but no one can teach creatures reasonable Instead of keeping still, so eat him comfortably, he trembled so with fear that he fell off the table into big vase that was standing floor The vase had neck, and spread out top like bowl At first the piglet stuck neck vase and get him, after all, but he wriggled himself through and fell down deep bottom part--and I suppose he's there yet "

All were astonished confession, and Ozma at once sent an officer to her room to fetch the vase When he returned the Princess looked down the narrow neck big ornament and discovered her lost piglet, just as Eureka had said

no way the creature out without breaking the vase, so the Tin Woodman smashed it axe and set the little prisoner free

Then the crowd cheered lustily and Dorothy hugged the kitten in her arms and told her how delighted she was that she was innocent

"But why didn't you tell us at first ? " she asked

"It spoiled the fun," replied the kitten, yawning

Ozma gave the Wizard back the piglet he had so kindly allowed Nick Chopper to substitute lost one, and then she carried her own apartments palace where she lived And now, the trial being over, the good citizens Emerald City scattered homes, well content day's amusement

20 Zeb Returns Ranch

Eureka was much surprised herself in disgrace; but she was, fact that she eaten the piglet folks of Oz knew the kitten had tried to commit the crime, only an accident had prevented her from ; therefore even the Hungry Tiger preferred not to associate with her Eureka was forbidden to wander around the palace and to stay in confinement in Dorothy's room; so she began to beg her mistress to send her to some other place where enjoy herself better

Dorothy was herself anxious home, so she promised Eureka not stay Land of Oz much longer

The next evening trial the little girl begged Ozma to allow her to look enchanted picture, Princess readily consented She took the child to her room and said: "Make your wish, dear, picture will show the scene to behold "

Then Dorothy found, aid enchanted picture, that Uncle Henry had returned farm in Kansas, and she also saw that both he and Aunt Em were dressed in mourning, because they thought their little niece killed earthquake

"Really," said the girl, anxiously, " get back poss'ble to my own folks "

Zeb also wanted his home, and although find anyone morning for him, the sight of Hugson's Ranch picture made him long back there

" fine country, and I like all the people that live ," Dorothy "But the fact is, Jim and I don't seem to fit into fairyland, old horse begging me home again the race So, find way to fix it, we'll be much obliged "

"Ozma can , easily," replied Dorothy "Tomorrow morning I'll go to Kansas and go to Californy "

That last evening was so delightful boy will never forget it as long as he lives They were all together (except Eureka) pretty rooms Princess, Wizard did some new tricks, Scarecrow told stories, Tin Woodman sang love song in sonorous, metallic voice, and everybody laughed and had Then Dorothy wound up Tik-tok and he danced jig to amuse the company, after which the Yellow Hen related some of her adventures Nome King Land of Ev

The Princess served delicious refreshments who were habit of eating, and when Dorothy's bed time arrived the company separated after exchanging many friendly sentiments

Next morning they all assembled final parting, and officials and courtiers came to look impressive ceremonies

Dorothy held Eureka in her arms and bade her friends fond good-bye

" come again, ," said the little Wizard; and she promised if she found it possible

"But Uncle Henry and Aunt Em need me to help them," she added, "so 't ever be very long away farm in Kansas "

Ozma wore the Magic Belt; and, when she had kissed Dorothy farewell and had made her wish, the little girl and her kitten disappeared in twinkling

"Where is she ? " asked Zeb, rather bewildered suddenness of it

"Greeting her uncle and aunt in Kansas, ," returned Ozma, with smile

Then Zeb brought out Jim, all harnessed buggy, and took his seat

"I'm much obliged for all your kindness," said the boy, "and very grateful for saving my life and sending me home again after all the good times I've had loveliest country ; but not being fairies Jim and we where we belong-- 's ranch Good-bye, everybody ! "

start and rubbed his eyes Jim was trotting along the well-known road, shaking his ears and whisking his tail with contented motion Just ahead were the gates of Hugson's Ranch, and Uncle Hugson now came out and stood with uplifted arms and wide open mouth, staring in amazement

"Goodness gracious ! It's Zeb--and Jim, too ! " he exclaimed "Where been, my lad ? "

"Why, , Uncle," answered Zeb, with laugh