That story interested the Shaggy Man , others, who had often heard it before The dinner being now concluded, they all went to Ozma's drawing-room, where they passed pleasant evening before it came time to retire

Chapter Eighteen

Ojo is Forgiven

The next morning the Soldier Green Whiskers went prison and took Ojo away royal palace, where summoned to appear girl Ruler for judgment Again the soldier put boy the jeweled handcuffs and white prisoner's robe peaked top and holes eyes Ojo was so ashamed, both disgrace fault he had committed, that glad covered up , people him or know who He followed the Soldier Green Whiskers very willingly, anxious that his fate decided

The inhabitants Emerald City were polite people and never jeered unfortunate; but since they had seen prisoner cast many curious looks toward the boy and hurried away royal palace present during the trial

When Ojo was escorted great Throne Room palace hundreds of people assembled there magnificent emerald throne, which sparkled with countless jewels, sat Ozma of Oz in her Robe of State, embroidered with emeralds and pearls On her right, but little lower, was Dorothy, and on her left the Scarecrow Still lower, but nearly in front of Ozma, sat the wonderful Wizard of Oz and on small table beside him golden vase from Dorothy's room, into which Scraps had dropped the stolen clover

At Ozma's feet crouched two enormous beasts, each the largest and most powerful kind Although these beasts were quite free, no one present was alarmed ; Cowardly Lion Hungry Tiger were well known and respected Emerald City always guarded the Ruler when she held high court Throne Room still another beast present, but Dorothy held in her arms, for her constant companion, the little dog Toto Toto knew the Cowardly Lion Hungry Tiger and often played and romped , for they were good friends

Seated on ivory chairs before Ozma, with clear space throne, were nobility Emerald City, lords and ladies in beautiful costumes, and officials kingdom royal uniforms of Oz Behind these courtiers were others of less importance, filling the great hall very doors

same moment Soldier Green Whiskers arrived with Ojo, the Shaggy Man entered from side door, escorting the Patchwork Girl, the Woozy Glass Cat All these came vacant space throne and stood facing the Ruler

"Hullo, Ojo," said Scraps; "how ? "

"All right," he replied; but the scene awed the boy voice trembled little with fear Nothing could awe the Patchwork Girl, and although the Woozy was somewhat uneasy splendid surroundings the Glass Cat was delighted sumptuousness court impressiveness occasion--pretty big words but quite expressive

At sign from Ozma the soldier removed Ojo's white robe boy stood girl who was to decide his punishment at glance how lovely and sweet she was, heart gave bound of joy, for he hoped be merciful

Ozma sat looking prisoner Then she said gently:

" Laws of Oz forbids anyone to pick six-leaved clover accused of having broken this Law, even after you warned not "

Ojo hung his head and while he hesitated how to reply the Patchwork Girl stepped forward and spoke for him

"All this fuss is about nothing at all," she said, facing Ozma unabashed " 't prove he picked the six-leaved clover, so you've no right to accuse him of it Search him, like, but you won't find the clover; look basket and you'll find it's not there He hasn't got it, so I demand that you set this poor Munchkin boy free "

The people of Oz listened defiance in amazement and wondered queer Patchwork Girl who dared talk so boldly Ruler But Ozma sat silent and motionless and it little Wizard who answered Scraps

"So the clover hasn't been picked, eh ? " " it has the boy hid it basket, and then gave the basket I also think you dropped the clover vase, which stood in Princess Dorothy's room, hoping rid of it so it prove the boy guilty You're stranger here, Miss Patches, and so you don't know that nothing hidden powerful Ruler's Magic Picture--nor watchful eyes humble Wizard of Oz Look, all of you ! " words he waved his hands toward the vase table, which Scraps now noticed first time

mouth vase plant sprouted, slowly growing before their eyes until it became beautiful bush, and topmost branch appeared the six-leaved clover which Ojo had unfortunately picked

The Patchwork Girl looked clover and said: "Oh, so you've found it ; prove he picked it, "

Ozma turned to Ojo

"Did you pick the six-leaved clover ? " she asked

"Yes," he replied " against the Law, but to save Unc Nunkie and afraid if I asked your consent to pick it refuse me "

"What caused you that ? " asked the Ruler

"Why, it seemed foolish law, unjust and unreasonable Even now no harm in picking six-leaved clover And I--I seen the Emerald City, then, nor you, and girl make such silly Law likely to help anyone in trouble "

Ozma regarded him musingly, her chin resting upon her hand; but she was not angry contrary she smiled little at her thoughts and then grew sober again

"I suppose laws seem foolish people understand them," she said; "but no law is ever made without some purpose, purpose is usually to protect all the people and guard their welfare stranger, explain this Law which seems so foolish there were many Witches and Magicians Land of Oz, and things they often used in making their magic charms and transformations was six-leaved clover These Witches and Magicians caused trouble among my people, often using their powers for evil rather than good, that I decided to forbid anyone to practice magic or sorcery except Glinda the Good and her assistant, the Wizard of Oz, both of whom trust to use their arts only to benefit my people and them happier Since I issued that Law the Land of Oz far more peaceful and quiet; but I learned that Witches and Magicians were still practicing magic sly and using the six-leaved clovers their potions and charms Therefore another Law forbidding anyone from plucking six-leaved clover or from gathering other plants and herbs which the Witches boil in their kettles to work magic with That has almost put an end to wicked sorcery land, so the Law was not foolish one, but wise and just; and, in any event, wrong to disobey Law "

Ojo knew she was right and felt greatly mortified to realize he had acted and spoken so ridiculously But he raised his head and looked Ozma face, saying:

" sorry acted wrongly and broken your Law it to save Unc Nunkie, and thought I found out But guilty act and whatever punishment I deserve suffer willingly "

Ozma smiled more brightly, then, and nodded graciously

" forgiven," she said "For, although committed serious fault, now penitent and punished enough Soldier, release Ojo the Lucky and--"

"I beg your pardon; I'm Ojo the Unlucky," said the boy

" moment lucky," said she "Release him, Soldier, and let him go free "

The people were Ozma's decree and murmured their approval royal audience was now over, they began to leave the Throne Room and soon there were none remaining except Ojo friends and Ozma and her favorites

The girl Ruler now asked Ojo to sit down and tell her all his story, which , beginning he had left his home forest and ending arrival Emerald City arrest Ozma listened attentively and was thoughtful for some moments boy had finished speaking Then she said: