232 had fitted ring to each finger padded gloves, and not being content display he added one more to each thumb As he carefully chose those rings set with sparkling stones, such as rubies, amethysts and sapphires, the Scarecrow's hands now presented most brilliant appearance

"This nest picnic for Queen Jinjur," said he, musingly "for as nearly as make out she and her girls conquered me merely to rob my city emeralds "

The Tin Woodman was content diamond necklace and refused to accept any additional decorations; but Tip secured fine gold watch, attached to heavy fob, and placed it pocket with much pride He also pinned several jeweled brooches to Jack Pumpkinhead's red waistcoat, and attached lorgnette, of fine chain, neck Saw- Horse

"It's very pretty," said the creature, regarding the lorgnette approvingly; "but it for ? "

could answer that question, however; so the Saw-Horse decided some rare decoration and became very fond of it

That party slighted, they ended by placing several large seal rings points Gump's antlers, although that odd

233 personage seemed by no means gratified attention

Darkness soon fell upon them, and Tip Woggle-Bug went to sleep while the others sat down to wait patiently day

Next morning they had cause to congratulate themselves useful condition Gump; for with daylight great flock of Jackdaws approached to engage in one more battle possession nest

But our adventurers wait assault They tumbled cushioned seats sofas as quickly as possible, and Tip gave the word Gump to start

At once it rose air, the great wings flopping strongly and with regular motions, and in they were nest chattering Jackdaws took possession without any attempt at pursuit

The Thing flew due North, going same direction from whence it had come , that Scarecrow's opinion, others agreed Scarecrow best judge of direction After passing over several cities and villages the Gump carried them high above broad plain where houses became more and more scattered until they

234 disappeared altogether Next came the wide, sandy desert separating the rest world Land of Oz, and before noon they saw the dome-shaped houses that proved they were once more borders native land

"But the houses and fences are blue," said the Tin Woodman, " indicates land Munchkins, and therefore long distance from Glinda the Good "

"What shall ? " asked the boy, turning guide

"I don't know" replied the Scarecrow, frankly " were Emerald City then move directly southward, and so reach our destination But we dare not go Emerald City, Gump is probably carrying us further wrong direction with every flop wings "

"Then the Woggle-Bug must swallow another pill," said Tip, decidedly, "and wish us headed right direction "

" ," returned the Highly Magnified one; "I'm willing "

But Scarecrow searched pocket pepper-box containing the two silver Wishing Pills, not found Filled with anxiety, the voyagers hunted throughout every inch

235 Thing precious box; but it had disappeared entirely

And still the Gump flew onward, carrying them they knew not where

" left the pepper-box Jackdaws' nest," said the Scarecrow,

" great misfortune," the Tin Woodman declared "But no worse off than before we discovered the Wishing Pills "

" better off," replied Tip " one pill we used has enabled us to escape horrible nest "

"Yet the loss other two is serious, and I deserve good scolding carelessness," the Scarecrow rejoined, penitently "For an unusual party accidents are liable to happen any moment, and even now approaching new danger "

No one dared contradict this, and dismal silence ensued

The Gump flew steadily on

Suddenly Tip uttered an exclamation of surprise " reached the South Country," he cried, "for below us everything is red ! "

Immediately they all leaned over the backs sofas to look -- all except Jack, who was too careful

236 pumpkin head to risk its slipping off his neck Sure enough; the red houses and fences and trees indicated they were domain of Glinda the Good; and presently, glided rapidly on, the Tin Woodman recognized the roads and buildings they passed, and altered slightly the flight of

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237 the Gump reach the palace celebrated Sorceress

"Good ! " cried the Scarecrow, delightedly " need the lost Wishing Pills now, for arrived at our destination "

Gradually the Thing sank lower and nearer ground until it came to rest beautiful gardens of Glinda, settling upon velvety green lawn close by fountain which sent sprays of flashing gems, instead of water, high air, whence they fell with soft, tinkling sound carved marble basin placed to receive them

Everything was very gorgeous in Glinda's gardens, and while our voyagers gazed about with admiring eyes company of soldiers silently appeared and surrounded them But these soldiers great Sorceress were entirely different from those of Jinjur's Army of Revolt, although they were likewise girls For Glinda's soldiers wore neat uniforms and bore swords and spears; marched with skill and precision that proved them well trained arts of war

The Captain commanding this troop -- Glinda's private Body Guard - - recognized the Scarecrow Tin Woodman at once, and greeted them with respectful salutations

238

"Good day ! " said the Scarecrow, gallantly removing his hat, while the Woodman gave soldierly salute; " come to request an audience with your fair Ruler "

"Glinda is now within her palace, awaiting you," returned the Captain; "for she saw you coming long arrived "

" strange ! " said Tip, wondering

"Not at all," answered the Scarecrow, "for Glinda the Good is mighty Sorceress, and nothing that goes on Land of Oz escapes her notice I suppose she knows why we came do ourselves "

"Then the use coming ? " asked Jack, stupidly

" Pumpkinhead ! " retorted the Scarecrow "But, Sorceress expects us, not keep her waiting "

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239

So they all clambered sofas and followed the Captain toward the palace -- even the Saw-Horse taking his place queer procession

Upon her throne of finely wrought gold sat Glinda, and scarcely repress smile as her peculiar visitors entered and bowed before her Both the Scarecrow Tin Woodman she knew and liked; but the awkward Pumpkinhead and Highly Magnified Woggle-Bug were creatures she had never seen before, seemed even more curious others As Saw-Horse, he looked nothing more than an animated chunk of wood; and he bowed so stiffly that his head bumped against the floor, causing ripple of laughter soldiers, Glinda frankly joined

"I beg to announce to your glorious highness," began the Scarecrow, in solemn voice, "that my Emerald City overrun by crowd of impudent girls with knitting-needles, enslaved all the men, robbed the streets and public buildings of all their emerald jewels, and usurped my throne "

" it," said Glinda

"They also threatened to destroy me, as all the good friends and allies ," continued the Scarecrow "and had we not managed

240 to escape their clutches our days would long since have ended "

" it," repeated Glinda

"Therefore come to beg your assistance," resumed the Scarecrow, "for I believe always glad to succor the unfortunate and oppressed "

" true," replied the Sorceress, slowly "But the Emerald City is now ruled by General Jinjur, who has caused herself proclaimed Queen What right have I to oppose her ? "

"Why, she stole the throne from me," said the Scarecrow

"And how came you to possess the throne ? " asked Glinda

"I got it Wizard of Oz, and choice people," returned the Scarecrow, uneasy at such questioning

"And where did the Wizard get it ? " she continued gravely

" told it from Pastoria, the former King," said the Scarecrow, becoming confused under the intent look Sorceress

"Then," declared Glinda, "the throne Emerald City belongs neither nor to Jinjur, but Pastoria from whom the Wizard usurped it "

" true," acknowledged the Scarecrow,

241 humbly; "but Pastoria is now dead and gone, and some one must rule place "

"Pastoria had daughter, the rightful heir throne Emerald City Did that ? " questioned the Sorceress

"No," replied the Scarecrow "But girl still lives stand in her way satisfy me Jinjur turned out, as an impostor, regain the throne myself , it isn't much fun King, especially if one has good brains known for that fitted to occupy far more exalted position But where girl who owns the throne, and her name ? "

"Her name is Ozma," answered Glinda "But where in vain to discover Wizard of Oz, when he stole the throne from Ozma's father, hid the girl in some secret place; and of magical trick not familiar he also managed her being discovered -- even by so experienced Sorceress as myself "

" strange," interrupted the Woggle-Bug, pompously " informed Wonderful Wizard of Oz was nothing more than humbug ! "

242

"Nonsense ! " exclaimed the Scarecrow, much provoked speech "Didn't he wonderful set of brains ? "

"There's no humbug heart," announced the Tin Woodman, glaring indignantly Woggle-Bug

"Perhaps misinformed," stammered the Insect, shrinking back; "I never knew the Wizard personally "