"I've married man who owns nine cows," said Jinjur to Ozma, "and now happy and contented and willing to lead quiet life and mind my own business "

"Where is your husband ? " asked Ozma

" house, nursing black eye," replied Jinjur, calmly "The foolish man would insist upon milking the red cow when him to milk the white one; but know better , "

Then the party moved on again, and after crossing broad river on ferry and passing many fine farm houses that were dome shaped and painted pretty green color, they came in sight of large building that was covered with flags and bunting

"I don't remember that building," said Dorothy " it ? "

" College of Art and Athletic Perfection," replied Ozma "I had it built quite recently, Woggle-Bug is its president It keeps him busy, young men who attend the college are no worse off than they were before , country are number of youths like to work, college is an excellent place "

And now they came in sight Emerald City, people flocked out to greet their lovely ruler There were several bands and many officers and officials realm, and crowd of citizens in their holiday attire

Thus the beautiful Ozma was escorted by brilliant procession to her royal city, and so great cheering that she was obliged to constantly bow right and left to acknowledge the greetings of her subjects

That evening grand reception royal palace, attended most important persons of Oz, and Jack Pumpkinhead, who was little overripe but still active, read an address congratulating Ozma of Oz success of her generous mission to rescue the royal family of neighboring kingdom

Then magnificent gold medals set with precious stones were presented to each twenty-six officers; Tin Woodman was given new axe studded with diamonds; Scarecrow received silver jar of complexion powder Dorothy was presented with pretty coronet and made Princess of Oz, and Tiktok received two bracelets set with eight rows of very clear and sparkling emeralds

Afterward they sat down to splendid feast, and Ozma put Dorothy at her right and Billina at her left, where the hen sat upon golden roost and ate from jeweled platter Then were placed the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman and Tiktok, with baskets of lovely flowers before them, because require food The twenty-six officers were lower end table, Lion Tiger also had seats, and were served on golden platters, that held half bushel at

The wealthiest and most important citizens Emerald City were proud to wait upon these famous adventurers, were assisted by sprightly little maid named Jellia Jamb, whom the Scarecrow pinched upon her rosy cheeks and seemed

During the feast Ozma grew thoughtful, and suddenly she asked:

"Where private ? "

"Oh, sweeping out the barracks," replied generals, who was busy eating leg of turkey "But ordered him dish of bread and molasses to eat when his work is done "

"Let him be sent for," said the girl ruler

While they waited command obeyed, she enquired:

"Have we privates armies ? "

"Oh, yes," replied the Tin Woodman, "I believe three, altogether "

The private now entered, saluting his officers royal Ozma very respectfully

" , my man ? " asked the girl

"Omby Amby," answered the private

"Then, Omby Amby," said she, "I promote you Captain General of all the armies kingdom, and especially Commander Body Guard royal palace "

" very expensive to hold offices," said the private, hesitating " no money uniforms "

"You shall be supplied royal treasury," said Ozma

Then the private was given seat table, where the other officers welcomed him cordially, feasting and merriment were resumed

Suddenly Jellia Jamb exclaimed:

" nothing more to eat ! The Hungry Tiger has consumed everything ! "

"But the worst of it," declared the Tiger, mournfully "Somewhere or somehow, I've actually lost my appetite ! "

21 Dorothy's Magic Belt

Dorothy passed several very happy weeks Land of Oz guest royal Ozma, who delighted and interest the little Kansas girl Many new acquaintances were formed and many old ones renewed, and wherever she went Dorothy found herself among friends

One day, however, as she sat in Ozma's private room, she noticed hanging wall picture which constantly changed in appearance, at showing meadow and at another time forest, lake or village

"How curious ! " she exclaimed, after watching the shifting scenes for

"Yes," said Ozma, " really wonderful invention in magic If any part world or any person living, only express the wish and shown picture "

"May I use it ? " asked Dorothy, eagerly

" , my dear "

"Then I'd like the old Kansas farm, and Aunt Em," said the girl

Instantly the well remembered farmhouse appeared picture, and Aunt Em seen quite plainly She was engaged in washing dishes kitchen window and seemed quite well and contented The hired men teams were harvest fields behind the house, corn and wheat seemed child in prime condition side porch Dorothy's pet dog, Toto, was lying fast asleep sun, and to her surprise old Speckles was running around with brood of twelve new chickens trailing after her

"Everything seems all right at home," said Dorothy, with sigh of relief "Now I wonder what Uncle Henry is doing "

The scene picture at once shifted to Australia, where, in pleasant room in Sydney, Uncle Henry was seated in an easy chair, solemnly smoking his briar pipe He looked sad and lonely, hair was now quite white hands and face thin and wasted

"Oh ! " cried Dorothy, in an anxious voice, "I'm sure Uncle Henry isn't getting any better, and it's because worried about me Ozma, dear, go to him at once ! "

"How ? " asked Ozma

"I don't know," replied Dorothy; "but go to Glinda the Good I'm sure she will help me, and advise me how to Uncle Henry "

Ozma readily agreed plan and caused the Sawhorse harnessed to pretty green and pink phaeton, two girls rode away to visit the famous sorceress

Glinda received them graciously, and listened to Dorothy's story with attention

" the magic belt, ," said the little girl "If I buckled it around my waist and commanded it me to Uncle Henry, wouldn't it ? "

" so," replied Glinda, with smile

"And then," continued Dorothy, "if I ever wanted back here again, the belt would bring me "

" wrong," said the sorceress "The belt has magical powers only while in some fairy country, such Land of Oz, or the Land of Ev Indeed, my little friend, were you to wear it and wish yourself in Australia, with your uncle, the wish would doubtless be fulfilled, because it in fairyland But find the magic belt around you arrived at your destination "

"What would become of it ? " asked the girl

"It lost, as were your silver shoes visited Oz before, and no one would ever see it again It seems too bad to destroy the use magic belt way, doesn't it ? "

"Then," said Dorothy, after moment's thought, " give the magic belt to Ozma, for use it in her own country And wish me transported to Uncle Henry without losing the belt "

" wise plan," replied Glinda

So they rode back Emerald City, and way arranged that every Saturday morning Ozma would look at Dorothy in her magic picture, wherever the little girl might chance And, if she saw Dorothy make certain signal, then Ozma would know little Kansas girl wanted to revisit the Land of Oz, and Nome King's magic belt would wish that she might instantly return

This having been agreed upon, Dorothy bade good-bye to all her friends Tiktok wanted to Australia; too, but Dorothy knew machine man would never do for servant in civilized country, chances were that his machinery wouldn't work at all So she left him in Ozma's care

Billina, contrary, preferred the Land of Oz to country, and refused to accompany Dorothy

"The bugs and ants that here are the finest flavored ," declared the yellow hen, "and plenty So here end my days; and say, Dorothy, my dear, that very foolish back into that stupid, humdrum world again "

"Uncle Henry needs me," said Dorothy, simply; and except Billina thought right that she should go

All Dorothy's friends Land of Oz--both old and new--gathered in group in front palace to bid her sorrowful good-bye and to wish her long life and happiness After much hand shaking, Dorothy kissed Ozma once more, and then handed her the Nome King's magic belt, saying:

"Now, dear Princess, when I wave my handkerchief, please wish me with Uncle Henry I'm aw'fly sorry to leave you-- Scarecrow-- Tin Woodman-- Cowardly Lion--and Tiktok--and--and everybody--but want my Uncle Henry ! So good-bye, all of you "

Then the little girl stood on big emeralds which decorated the courtyard, and after looking once again at each of her friends, waved her handkerchief

"No," said Dorothy, "I wasn't drowned at all And I've come to nurse you and take care of you, Uncle Henry, and promise well poss'ble "

Uncle Henry smiled and cuddled his little niece close lap

"I'm better already, my darling," said he