After great deal of hard work, Lion was heavy, they managed him up truck Then the Queen hurriedly gave her people the order to start, for she feared mice stayed poppies too long they also would fall asleep

At first the little creatures, many though they were, could hardly stir the heavily loaded truck; but the Woodman Scarecrow both pushed from behind, got along better Soon they rolled the Lion poppy bed green fields, where breathe the sweet, fresh air again, instead poisonous scent flowers

Dorothy came to meet them and thanked the little mice warmly for saving her companion from death She had grown so fond big Lion she was glad he rescued

Then the mice were unharnessed truck and scampered away grass homes The Queen Mice last to leave

"If ever us again," she said, "come out field and call, and hear you and come to your assistance Good-bye ! "

"Good-bye ! " they all answered, and away the Queen ran, while Dorothy held Toto tightly lest run after her and frighten her

they sat down beside the Lion until awaken; Scarecrow brought Dorothy some fruit from tree near by, which she ate for her dinner

10 The Guardian Gate

Cowardly Lion awakened, for he had lain poppies long while, breathing in their deadly fragrance; but when open his eyes and roll off the truck himself still alive

"I ran as fast as ," , sitting down and yawning, "but the flowers were too strong How did you get me out ? "

Then they told him field mice, and how they had generously saved him from death; Cowardly Lion laughed, and said:

" always thought myself very big and terrible; yet such little things as flowers came near to killing me, and such small animals as mice have saved my life How strange it all is ! But, comrades, what shall now ? "

" journey on until the road of yellow brick again," said Dorothy, "and then keep on Emerald City "

So, the Lion being fully refreshed, and feeling quite himself again, they all started journey, greatly enjoying the walk soft, fresh grass; and not long reached the road of yellow brick and turned again toward the Emerald City where the Great Oz dwelt

The road was smooth and well paved, now, country about was beautiful, so travelers rejoiced in leaving the forest far behind, and with it the many dangers they had met in its gloomy shades Once more see fences built beside the road; but these were painted green, and came to small house, farmer evidently lived, that also was painted green They passed by several houses during the afternoon, and sometimes people came doors and looked at them as like to ask questions; but no one came near them nor spoke because great Lion, they were afraid The people were all dressed in clothing of lovely emerald-green color and wore peaked hats like those Munchkins

"This the Land of Oz," said Dorothy, "and surely getting near the Emerald City "

"Yes," answered the Scarecrow "Everything is green here, while country Munchkins blue favorite color But the people as friendly Munchkins, and I'm afraid unable place the night "

" like something to eat besides fruit," said the girl, "and I'm sure Toto is nearly starved stop next house and talk people "

So, came to good-sized farmhouse, Dorothy walked boldly door and knocked

woman opened it just far enough to look out, and said, "What , child, and why great Lion ? "

" the night , allow us," answered Dorothy; " Lion is my friend and comrade, and hurt you world "

"Is he tame ? " asked the woman, opening the door little wider

"Oh, yes," said the girl, "and great coward, too more afraid of you than of him "

"Well," said the woman, after thinking it over and taking another peep Lion, "if case come in, some supper and place to sleep "

So they all entered the house, where there were, besides the woman, two children and man The man had hurt his leg, and was lying couch in corner They seemed greatly surprised so strange company, and while the woman was busy laying the table the man asked:

"Where all going ? "

" Emerald City," said Dorothy, " the Great Oz "

"Oh, indeed ! " exclaimed the man " sure that Oz will see you ? "

" ? " she replied

"Why, said that he never lets anyone come into his presence Emerald City , and beautiful and wonderful place; but never been permitted the Great Oz, nor do of any living person who has seen him "

"Does he never go out ? " asked the Scarecrow

"Never He sits day after day great Throne Room Palace, and even those who wait upon him him "

" he like ? " asked the girl

" hard ," said the man thoughtfully " , Oz is Great Wizard, and can take on any form he wishes some say he looks like bird; and some say he looks like an elephant; and some say he looks like cat To others he appears as beautiful fairy, or brownie, or in form that pleases him But who the real Oz is, when own form, no living person can tell "

" very strange," said Dorothy, "but try, in some way, him, or made our journey for nothing "

"Why wish the terrible Oz ? " asked the man

" him some brains," said the Scarecrow eagerly

"Oh, Oz could easily enough," declared the man "He has more brains than "

"And him heart," said the Tin Woodman

" trouble him," continued the man, "for Oz has large collection of hearts, of all sizes and shapes "

"And him courage," said the Cowardly Lion

"Oz keeps great pot of courage Throne Room," said the man, "which he has covered with golden plate, it from running over some "

"And him to send me back to Kansas," said Dorothy

"Where is Kansas ? " asked the man, with surprise

"I don't know," replied Dorothy sorrowfully, "but my home, and I'm sure it's somewhere "

"Very likely Well, Oz can do anything; so I suppose Kansas But first get him, and hard task; Great Wizard like anyone, and he usually has his own way But what ? " he continued, speaking to Toto Toto only wagged his tail; for, strange , speak

The woman now called that supper was ready, so they gathered around the table and Dorothy ate some delicious porridge and dish of scrambled eggs and plate of nice white bread, and enjoyed her meal The Lion ate porridge, but care , saying it from oats and oats were food for horses, not for lions The Scarecrow Tin Woodman ate nothing at all Toto ate little of everything, and was glad good supper again

The woman now gave Dorothy bed to sleep in, and Toto lay down beside her, while the Lion guarded the door of her room so she disturbed The Scarecrow Tin Woodman stood up in corner and kept quiet all night, although sleep

The next morning, sun was up, they started on their way, and soon saw beautiful green glow sky just before them

" be the Emerald City," said Dorothy

walked on, the green glow became brighter and brighter, and it seemed that at last they were nearing the end travels Yet afternoon came great wall that surrounded the City high and thick and of bright green color

In front , and end road of yellow brick, was big gate, all studded with emeralds that glittered so sun that even the painted eyes Scarecrow were dazzled by their brilliancy