Ozma, the beautiful girl Ruler Fairyland of Oz, was real fairy, and so sweet and gentle in caring for her people that she was greatly beloved all She lived most magnificent palace most magnificent city , but that prevent her from being the friend most humble person in her dominions mount her Wooden Sawhorse, and ride out to farm house and sit kitchen good wife farmer while she did her family baking; or play children and give them rides on her famous wooden steed; or stop in forest to charcoal burner and ask if happy or desired anything him more content; or teach young girls how to sew and plan pretty dresses, or enter the shops where the jewelers and craftsmen were busy and watch them at their work, giving to each and all cheering word or sunny smile

And then Ozma would sit in her jeweled throne, with her chosen courtiers all about her, and listen patiently to any complaint brought to her by her subjects, striving to accord equal justice to all Knowing she was fair in her decisions, the Oz people never murmured at her judgments, but agreed, if Ozma decided against them, she was right wrong

When Dorothy and Trot and Betsy Bobbin and Ozma were together, one would think they were all about of an age, fairy Ruler no older and no more "grown up" other three laugh and romp in regular girlish fashion, yet an air of quiet dignity about Ozma, even in her merriest moods, that, in manner, distinguished her others The three girls loved her devotedly, but they were never able to quite forget that Ozma Royal Ruler wonderful Fairyland of Oz, and by birth belonged to powerful race

Ozma's palace stood center of delightful and extensive garden, where splendid trees and flowering shrubs and statuary and fountains abounded One could walk for hours fascinating park something interesting at every step In one place was an aquarium, where strange and beautiful fish swam; at another spot all the birds air gathered daily to great feast which Ozma's servants provided , and were so fearless of harm that alight upon one's shoulders and eat from one's hand also the Fountain Water of Oblivion, but dangerous to drink water, because it made one forget everything he had ever before known, even own name, and therefore Ozma had placed sign of warning fountain But there were also fountains that were delightfully perfumed, and fountains of delicious nectar, cool and richly flavored, where all were welcome to refresh themselves

Around the palace grounds was great wall, thickly encrusted with glittering emeralds, but the gates stood open and no one was forbidden entrance On holidays the people Emerald City often took their children the wonders of Ozma's gardens, and even entered the Royal Palace, felt so inclined, for they knew and their Ruler were friends, Ozma delighted them pleasure

When all considered, surprised people Land of Oz, as Ozma's most intimate friends and her royal courtiers, were eager to celebrate her birthday, and made preparations festival weeks in advance All the brass bands practiced their nicest tunes, for they were to march numerous processions made Winkie Country, the Gillikin Country, the Munchkin Country Quadling Country, as Emerald City Not all the people could go to congratulate their Ruler, but all could celebrate her birthday, in or another, however far distant from her palace Every home and building Land of Oz was decorated with banners and bunting, and there were games, and plays, and general for

Ozma's custom on her birthday grand feast palace, all her closest friends were invited queerly assorted company, indeed, for more quaint and unusual characters in Oz than in all the rest world, and Ozma was more interested in unusual people than in ordinary ones--just and I are

especial birthday lovely girl Ruler, long table was set royal Banquet Hall palace, at which were place-cards invited guests, and at one end great room was smaller table, not so high, for Ozma's animal friends, whom she never forgot, and other end was big table where all birthday gifts were arranged

guests arrived, they placed their gifts table and then found their places banquet table And, guests were all placed, the animals entered in solemn procession and were placed at their table by Jellia Jamb Then, while an orchestra hidden by bank of roses and ferns played march composed occasion, the Royal Ozma entered the Banquet Hall, attended by her Maids of Honor, and took her seat head table

She was greeted by cheer from all the assembled company, the animals adding their roars and growls and barks and mewing and cackling to swell the glad tumult, and then all seated themselves at their tables

At Ozma's right sat the famous Scarecrow of Oz, whose straw-stuffed body was not beautiful, but whose happy nature and shrewd wit had made him general favorite left Ruler was placed the Tin Woodman, whose metal body brightly polished event The Tin Woodman Emperor Winkie Country and important persons in Oz

Next Scarecrow, Dorothy was seated, and next to her was Tik-Tok, the Clockwork Man, who wound up as tightly as his clockwork would permit, so he wouldn't interrupt the festivities by running down Then came Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, Dorothy's own relations, two kindly old people who had cozy home Emerald City and were very happy and contented there Then Betsy Bobbin was seated, and next to her the droll and delightful Shaggy Man, who was favorite wherever he went

other side table, opposite the Tin Woodman was placed Trot, and next to her, Cap'n Bill Then was seated Button-Bright and Ojo the Lucky, and Dr Pipt good wife Margalot, astonishing Frogman, who had come Yip country present at Ozma's birthday feast

foot table, facing Ozma, was seated the queenly Glinda, the good Sorceress of Oz, for really the place of honor next head table where Ozma herself sat On Glinda's right Little Wizard of Oz, who owed to Glinda all magical arts Then came Jinjur, pretty girl farmer of whom Ozma and Dorothy were quite fond The adjoining seat was occupied Tin Soldier, and next to him was Professor H M Wogglebug, T E , Royal Athletic College

On Glinda's left was placed the jolly Patchwork Girl, who was little afraid Sorceress and so was likely to behave herself pretty well The Shaggy Man's brother was beside the Patchwork Girl, and then came that interesting personage, Jack Pumpkinhead, who had grown splendid big pumpkin for new head worn on Ozma's birthday, and had carved face that was even jollier in expression one he had last worn New heads unusual with Jack, pumpkins keep long, and seeds--which served him as brains--began soft and mushy, he realized his head would soon spoil, and so he procured new one great field of pumpkins--grown by him he need never lack head

noticed company at Ozma's banquet table was somewhat mixed, but invited was tried and trusted friend girl Ruler, and their presence made her quite happy

No sooner had Ozma seated herself, with her back birthday table, than she noticed that all present were eyeing with curiosity and pleasure something behind her, gorgeous Magic Flower was blooming gloriously mammoth blossoms that quickly succeeded one another plant were beautiful to view and filled the entire room with their delicate fragrance Ozma wanted to look, too, what all were staring at, but she controlled her curiosity because not proper that she should yet view her birthday gifts

So the sweet and lovely Ruler devoted herself to her guests, several of whom, such Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, the Patchwork Girl, Tik-Tok, Jack Pumpkinhead Tin Soldier, never ate anything but sat very politely in their places and tried to entertain those guests who did eat

And, animal table, another interesting group, consisting Cowardly Lion, the Hungry Tiger, Toto--Dorothy's little shaggy black dog--Hank the Mule, the Pink Kitten, the Wooden Sawhorse, the Yellow Hen, Glass Cat All had good appetites except the Sawhorse Glass Cat, and each was given plentiful supply food it liked best

Finally, banquet was nearly over ice-cream was served, four servants entered bearing huge cake, all frosted and decorated with candy flowers Around the edge cake was row of lighted candles, and center were raised candy letters that spelled the words:

OZMA'S Birthday Cake from Dorothy Wizard

"Oh, how beautiful ! " cried Ozma, greatly delighted, and Dorothy said eagerly: "Now cut the cake, Ozma, and each of us will eat piece ice-cream "

Jellia Jamb brought large golden knife with jeweled handle, and Ozma stood up in her place and attempted to cut the cake But frosting center broke under the pressure knife there leaped cake tiny monkey three inches high, and followed by another and another, until twelve monkeys stood tablecloth and bowed low to Ozma

"Congratulations to our gracious Ruler ! " they exclaimed in chorus, and then they began dance, so droll and amusing that all the company roared with laughter and even Ozma joined merriment But dance the monkeys performed some wonderful acrobatic feats, and then they ran hollow cake and took out some band instruments of burnished gold--cornets, horns, drums, like--and forming into procession the monkeys marched up and down the table playing jolly tune ease of skilled musicians

Dorothy was delighted success of her "Surprise Cake," and monkeys had finished their performance, the banquet came to an end

Now time for Ozma her other presents, so Glinda the Good rose and, taking the girl Ruler by her hand, led her table where all her gifts were placed in magnificent array The Magic Flower attracted her attention first, and Trot had her the whole story adventures in getting it The little girl forget due credit Glass Cat little Wizard, but really Cap'n Bill who had bravely carried the golden flower-pot away enchanted Isle