This work consumed , but when completed they again started upon their journey, Button-Bright carrying the boots and hat, Trot the bundle of clothes, and Cap'n Bill the head The Scarecrow, having regained his composure and being now in good humor, despite his recent mishaps, beguiled their way with stories Land of Oz

not until the next morning, however, found straw to restuff the Scarecrow That evening they came same little house they had slept in before, only now magically transferred to new place The same bountiful supper as before was found smoking hot table same cosy beds were ready to sleep in

They rose early and after breakfast went out of doors, and there, lying just beside the house, was heap of clean, crisp straw Ozma had noticed the Scarecrow's accident in her Magic Picture and had notified the Wizard the straw, for she knew the adventurers likely straw country through which they were now traveling

They lost no time in stuffing the Scarecrow anew, and greatly delighted at being able to walk around again and to assume the leadership little party

"Really," said Trot, " you're better than you were before, are fresh and sweet all through and rustle beautifully move "

" , my dear," he replied gratefully "I always feel like new man when I'm freshly stuffed No one likes musty, , and even good straw spoiled by age "

" water that spoiled you, the last time," remarked Button-Bright, "which proves that bathing is as bad as too little But, after all, Scarecrow, water as dangerous as fire "

"All things are good in moderation," declared the Scarecrow "But now, hurry on, or reach Glinda's palace by nightfall "

Chapter Twenty-Four

The Royal Reception

At about four o'clock same day the Red Wagon drew up entrance to Glinda's palace and Dorothy and Betsy jumped out Ozma's Red Wagon was almost chariot, being inlaid with rubies and pearls, and drawn by Ozma's favorite steed, the wooden Sawhorse

"Shall I unharness you," asked Dorothy, "so come in and visit ? "

"No," replied the Sawhorse "I'll just stand here and think Take your time Thinking doesn't seem to bore me at all "

" of ? " inquired Betsy

" acorn that grew the tree I "

So they left the wooden animal and went in Glinda, who welcomed the little girls in her most cordial manner

" you were way," said the good Sorceress were seated in her library, "for I learned from my Record Book that you intended to meet Trot and Button- Bright on their arrival here "

" strange little girl named Trot ? " asked Dorothy

"Yes; and her companion, the old sailor, is named Cap'n Bill like them , for just the kind of people to enjoy and appreciate our fairyland and , at present, to return again outside world "

"Well, there's room enough here , I'm sure," said Dorothy "Betsy and I are already eager to welcome Trot keep us busy for year, , showing her all the wonderful things in Oz "

Glinda smiled

" lived here many years," said she, "and seen all the wonders of Oz yet "

Meantime the travelers were drawing near palace, and first caught sight towers Trot realized far more grand and imposing than King's castle in Jinxland The nearer they came, the more beautiful the palace appeared, and when finally the Scarecrow led them up the great marble steps, even Button-Bright was filled with awe

"I don't see any soldiers to guard the place," said the little girl

" no need to guard Glinda's palace," replied the Scarecrow " no wicked people in Oz, that of, and even if there were any, Glinda's magic powerful enough to protect her "

Button-Bright was now standing top steps entrance, and he suddenly exclaimed:

"Why, there's the Sawhorse Red Wagon ! Hip, hooray ! " and next moment rushing down to throw his arms around the neck wooden horse, which good- naturedly permitted this familiarity when it recognized boy an old friend

Button-Bright's shout heard inside the palace, so now Dorothy and Betsy came running out to embrace their beloved friend, the Scarecrow, and to welcome Trot and Cap'n Bill Land of Oz

"We've been watching you , in Ozma's Magic Picture," said Dorothy, "and Ozma has sent us to invite you to her own palace Em'rald City I don't know realize how lucky that invitation, but you'll understand it better after you've seen the royal palace Em'rald City "

Glinda now appeared in person to lead all the party into her Azure Reception Room Trot was little afraid stately Sorceress, but gained courage by holding fast hands of Betsy and Dorothy Cap'n Bill had no one to help him feel at ease, so the old sailor sat stiffly edge chair and said:

"Yes, ma'am," or "No, ma'am," when spoken to, and was greatly embarrassed by splendor

The Scarecrow had lived in palaces that quite at home, and he chatted to Glinda Oz girls in merry, light-hearted way all about his adventures in Jinxland, and Great Waterfall, and journey hither -- most his hearers knew already -- and then he asked Dorothy and Betsy what had happened Emerald City since he had left there

They all passed the evening night at Glinda's palace, Sorceress was so gracious to Cap'n Bill old man by degrees regained his self-possession and began to enjoy himself Trot had already come conclusion that in Dorothy and Betsy she had found two delightful comrades, and Button-Bright was just at home here as he fields of Jinxland or when buried popcorn snow Land of Mo

The next morning they arose bright and early and after breakfast bade good-bye kind Sorceress, whom Trot and Cap'n Bill thanked earnestly for sending the Scarecrow to Jinxland to rescue them Then they all climbed Red Wagon

room for all broad seats, and when all had taken their places -- Dorothy, Trot and Betsy rear seat and Cap'n Bill, Button-Bright Scarecrow in front -- they called "Gid-dap ! " Sawhorse wooden steed moved briskly away, pulling the Red Wagon with ease

now strangers began to perceive the real beauties Land of Oz, for they were passing through more thickly settled part country population grew more dense drew nearer Emerald City Everyone they met had cheery word or smile Scarecrow, Dorothy and Betsy Bobbin, and remembered Button-Bright and welcomed him back country

happy party, indeed, that journeyed Red Wagon Emerald City, and Trot already began to Ozma would permit her and Cap'n Bill to live always Land of Oz

reached the great city they were more amazed than ever, both concourse of people in their quaint and picturesque costumes, and splendor city itself But the magnificence Royal Palace quite took their breath away, until Ozma received them in her own pretty apartment and by her charming manners and assuring smiles made them feel they were no longer strangers

Trot was given lovely little room next of Dorothy, while Cap'n Bill had the cosiest sort of room next to Trot's and overlooking the gardens evening Ozma gave grand banquet and reception in honor new arrivals While Trot had read of people she then met, Cap'n Bill was less familiar and unusual characters introduced to him that evening caused the old sailor to open his eyes wide in astonishment

He had thought the live Scarecrow about as curious as anyone , but now he met the Tin Woodman, who was all made of tin, even heart, and carried gleaming axe over his shoulder wherever he went Then Jack Pumpkinhead, whose head was real pumpkin face carved upon it; and Professor Wogglebug, who had the shape of an enormous bug but was dressed in neat fitting garments The Professor was an interesting talker and had very polite manners, but his face was so comical made Cap'n Bill smile to look at it great friend of Dorothy and Ozma seemed machine man called Tik-Tok, who ran down during the evening and had wound up again by someone before move or speak

reception appeared the Shaggy Man brother, both very popular in Oz, as Dorothy's Uncle Henry and Aunt Em, two happy old people who lived in pretty cottage near the palace

But what perhaps seemed most surprising to both Trot and Cap'n Bill number of peculiar animals admitted into Ozma's parlors, where they conducted themselves quite properly but were able as anyone

the Cowardly Lion, an immense beast with beautiful mane; Hungry Tiger, who smiled continually; and Eureka the Pink Kitten, who lay curled upon cushion and had rather supercilious manners; wooden Sawhorse; and nine tiny piglets that belonged Wizard; and mule named Hank, who belonged to Betsy Bobbin fuzzy little terrier dog, named Toto, lay at Dorothy's feet but seldom took part conversation, although he listened to every word that was said But the most wonderful of all to Trot was square beast with winning smile, that squatted in corner room and wagged his square head at everyone in quite jolly way Betsy told Trot unique beast was called the Woozy, and no other like him in all the world

Cap'n Bill and Trot had both looked around expectantly Wizard of Oz, but the evening was far advanced famous little man entered the room But he went strangers at once and said:

" you, but you don't know me; so let's get acquainted "

And get acquainted, in very short time, and evening was over Trot felt that she knew every person and animal present reception, and were all her good friends

Suddenly they looked around for Button-Bright, but nowhere found

"Dear me ! " cried Trot "He's lost again "

"Never mind, my dear," said Ozma, with her charming smile, "no one can go far astray Land of Oz, and if Button-Bright isn't lost occasionally, he isn't happy "

The Wonderful Oz Books by L Frank Baum

THE WIZARD OF OZ
THE LAND OF OZ
OZMA OF OZ
DOROTHY WIZARD IN OZ
THE ROAD TO OZ
THE EMERALD CITY OF OZ
THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ
TIK-TOK OF OZ
THE SCARECROW OF OZ
RINKITINK IN OZ
THE LOST PRINCESS OF OZ
THE TIN WOODMAN OF OZ
THE MAGIC OF OZ
GLINDA OF OZ