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Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..cf59b90 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #55806 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/55806) diff --git a/old/55806-h.zip b/old/55806-h.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 1df4a39..0000000 --- a/old/55806-h.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/55806-h/55806-h.htm b/old/55806-h/55806-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 179d290..0000000 --- a/old/55806-h/55806-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5464 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" - "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> - <head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=us-ascii" /> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> - <title> - The Project Gutenberg eBook of Ozoplaning With The Wizard of Oz, by Ruth Plumly Thompson. - </title> - - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" /> - - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -h2 -{ - text-align: center; - font-weight: normal; - line-height: 1.5; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -.ph4 { text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; } -.ph3 { text-align: right; text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; } -.ph3 { font-size: medium; margin: .83em auto; } -.ph4 { font-size: medium; margin: 1.12em auto; } - -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%; } - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - -div.titlepage { - text-align: center; - page-break-before: always; - page-break-after: always; -} - -div.titlepage p { - text-align: center; - text-indent: 0em; - font-weight: bold; - line-height: 1.5; - margin-top: 3em; -} - - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - - .tdl {text-align: left;} - .tdr {text-align: right;} - .tdc {text-align: center;} - -.blockquot { - margin-left: 5%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - - -/* Images */ - -.image-center -{ - text-align: center; - margin: 1em auto; -} - - -/* Poetry */ - -.poetry .stanza -{ - margin: 1em auto; -} - -.poetry .verse -{ - padding-left: 3em; -} - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Ozoplaning with the Wizard of Oz, by -Ruth Plumly Thompson and L. Frank Baum - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: Ozoplaning with the Wizard of Oz - -Author: Ruth Plumly Thompson - L. Frank Baum - -Illustrator: John R. Neil - -Release Date: October 24, 2017 [EBook #55806] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OZOPLANING WITH THE WIZARD OF OZ *** - - - - -Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/cover.jpg" width="235" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus1.jpg" width="377" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus2.jpg" width="235" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="titlepage"> - -<h1>OZOPLANING WITH -THE WIZARD OF OZ</h1> - -<p><i>By</i><br/> -RUTH PLUMLY THOMPSON<br/> -Founded on and continuing the Famous Oz Stories</p> - -<p><i>By</i><br/> -L. FRANK BAUM<br/> -"Royal Historian of Oz"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus3.jpg" width="50" height="24" alt=""/> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><i>Illustrated by</i><br/> -JOHN R. NEILL</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus4.jpg" width="201" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>OZOPLANING WITH THE WIZARD OF OZ<br/> -Copyright 1939<br/> -By<br/> -<span class="smcap">Reilly & Lee</span><br/> -Printed in the U. S. A.</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus5.jpg" width="350" height="164" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p><i>Dear Boys and Girls:</i></p> - - -<p>I often have wondered about the Strat, have not you? Bet a bushel of -peanuts you have! Well, while we've been wondering the Wizard of Oz -has been inventing an Ozoplane to go Strato-sphering! Oh, there's some -pretty high sky-riding in this adventure, I can tell you! And with Dot, -Jellia Jam, the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Woodman along, you can -imagine the thrills and excitement. And the Soldier with Green Whiskers -hopes you'll give him credit for the part <i>he</i> played in the affair!</p> - -<p>You know—it's grand to get together over a book once a year and have a -good laugh, isn't it? I'd like to know what makes you laugh loudest and -longest.... I think I laughed most at the Cowardly Lion!</p> - - -<p class="ph4">Yours for fun—now, and OZ always!</p> -<p class="ph3">RUTH PLUMLY THOMPSON</p> -<p>54 S. Farragut Terrace,<br/> -West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania</p> - - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus6.jpg" width="350" height="170" alt=""/> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p class="ph4">This book is dedicated to</p> - -<p class="ph4">JOHN R. NEILL</p> - -<p class="ph4">Whose drawings have added much to<br/> -the merriment and gaiety of all my<br/> -IMAGI-NATIONS!</p> - -<p class="ph4">So—</p> - -<p class="ph4">From the "Royal Historian of Oz,"<br/> -To its "Imperial Illustrator—"<br/> -Bows, cheers and heartfelt appreciation!</p> - -<p class="ph4">RUTH PLUMLY THOMPSON</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus7.jpg" width="500" height="307" alt=""/> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTERS</h2> - -<table> - -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_1">CHAPTER 1</a></td><td>At Home with the Wizard of Oz</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_2">CHAPTER 2</a></td><td>The Wizard's Spy Glass</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_3">CHAPTER 3</a></td><td>Latest Invention of the Wizard of Oz</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_4">CHAPTER 4</a></td><td>First Flight of the Oztober</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_5">CHAPTER 5</a></td><td>The Spikers</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_6">CHAPTER 6</a></td><td>Strut of the Strat</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_7">CHAPTER 7</a></td><td>A Most Reluctant Starina</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_8">CHAPTER 8</a></td><td>Strut of the Strat Sets Off for Oz</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_9">CHAPTER 9</a></td><td>Jellia in a Frightful Jam</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_10">CHAPTER 10</a></td><td>The Wizard in Stratovania!</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_11">CHAPTER 11</a></td><td>King, King-Double King!</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_12">CHAPTER 12</a></td><td>The Flight to Oz</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_13">CHAPTER 13</a></td><td>The King of the Kudgers</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_14">CHAPTER 14</a></td><td>Azarine the Red</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_15">CHAPTER 15</a></td><td>In the Red Castle</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_16">CHAPTER 16</a></td><td>Escape from Red Top</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_17">CHAPTER 17</a></td><td>The Wizard Gets to Work</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_18">CHAPTER 18</a></td><td>Strut of the Strat Arrives in Oz!</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_19">CHAPTER 19</a></td><td>The Travellers Return!</td></tr> -<tr><td><a href="#CHAPTER_20">CHAPTER 20</a></td><td>Azarine Is Restored to Red Top</td></tr> - -</table> - - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus8.jpg" width="500" height="173" alt=""/> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus9.jpg" width="500" height="363" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus11.jpg" width="474" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_1" id="CHAPTER_1">CHAPTER 1</a><br/> -<small>At Home with the Wizard of Oz</small></h2> - -<p>In his big brightly lighted laboratory back of the throne room, the -Wizard of Oz paced impatiently forth and back, his hands clasped -tightly behind him. Every minute or two he would glance at the clock or -dart over to peer out to the already darkening garden.</p> - -<p>"Are you sure you told them all, Jellia? Are you sure you told them -tonight?" he asked, turning to the pretty little serving maid who was -setting a table near the fire, for the fall evening was quite cool and -frosty.</p> - -<p>"Four—five—six—seven—." Jellia, counting places, nodded her head -firmly to answer the Wizard's question, then stepped back to regard her -handiwork with complete satisfaction. "Oh, doesn't that tiny house in -the center look too cute and cunningish? Real smoke coming out of the -chimney, too. How ever did you manage it, Wiz? And having those silver -slippers at each place for nuts and candies is just, plain beautiful."</p> - -<p>"Do you really think so?" The little Wizard positively blushed with -pleasure. "Well, ye see, Jellia, this party is to celebrate Dorothy's -first trip to the Emerald City. That is an exact model of the house -in which she blew from Kansas to Oz in a cyclone, the house that fell -on the wicked witch of the West and destroyed her—all but her silver -slippers. Remember?"</p> - -<p>"Ho, everybody remembers that," said Jellia with a toss of her head -that set all her green cap ribbons fluttering. "If I live to be a -million, I'll never forget the day she came to this castle with the -Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman. Not if I live to be -a million! Will I light the candles now, Wiz dear, or wait until they -arrive?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, wait till they arrive, by all means. But see here," the Wizard -taking a last look at the party table was plainly distressed. "You've -only seven places, Jellia, and there are eight of us. My idea was to -have everyone immediately associated with Dorothy's first visit, and -that would be, one—Dorothy herself; two—myself; three—yourself; -four—the Cowardly Lion; five—the Scarecrow; six—the Tin Woodman; -seven—the Soldier with Green Whiskers, and eight—the Guardian of the -Gate. Quick, my dear! Another plate for the Guardian of the Gate."</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus12.jpg" width="500" height="341" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>"He's not coming," announced Jellia primly. "He says he has not -deserted his post for forty years and does not intend to desert it now. -But if you'll send his refreshments to the Guard House, he'll take it -very kindly. I've already fixed him a basket," said Jellia, smoothing -her apron.</p> - -<p>"Good old Guardy!" The Wizard absently brushed back the hair he no -longer had, then, hearing voices and steps in the corridor, bounced -over to open the door while Jellia tripped joyously about, lighting -the candles set everywhere in the big work shop. Candle and fire -light are much cozier for parties, and it all looked so cheery and -gay that Dorothy, who was first, stopped short in the doorway with an -exclamation of delight.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus13.jpg" width="493" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>"Oh, Wizard! How beautiful! Oh, how I do wish Ozma could see it all!"</p> - -<p>"Tut tut!" chuckled the Wizard, leading her into the room. "Ozma is -having a fine time in Glinda's palace, by now. To tell the truth, -Dorothy, this party is just for YOU and to remind us all of the old Oz -days when—"</p> - -<p>"—You were nothing but a humbug," snorted the Scarecrow, laughing so -hard he had to lean against the door jam.</p> - -<p>"Don't forget he gave you your famous brains, friend." The Tin Woodman -spoke reprovingly, for Nick Chopper did not like anyone's feelings to -be hurt, even in fun. "And don't forget he gave me my splendid heart!"</p> - -<p>"And me, my grade A, double distilled, instant acting courage," purred -the Cowardly Lion. Moving over to the fire, the big beast stretched -himself luxuriously on the hearth rug.</p> - -<p>"And don't forget our little Wiz was once Supreme Ruler of Oz!" boomed -the Soldier with Green Whiskers. Marching three times round the party -table the thin, immensely tall soldier brought up with a smart salute -before their embarrassed little host.</p> - -<p>"Three cheers for the Wizard of Oz!" cried Jellia Jam. Seizing a -silver bell with an emerald clapper, she rang it so hard the Cowardly -Lion's mane blew straight back and even the candles flickered.</p> - -<p>"Thank you! Thank you very much!" The Wizard bowed and rubbed his ear -which still tingled from the cheers and bell ringing. "But where is -Toto, Dorothy? I thought of course you'd bring your little dog."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Toto's with Ozma," explained Dorothy, drawn in spite of herself -to the brightly decorated party table. "You know how he dotes on -travelling, so Ozma took him along for company."</p> - -<p>"Then of course he cannot be here?" sighed the Wizard regretfully. "Now -Jellia, off with that cap and apron. Tonight you are my guest and not a -maid in waiting to Ozma or anyone else. Besides, I've asked Fredjon to -serve the supper. Dorothy, suppose you sit at the head. I'll sit at the -foot and the others may find their own places."</p> - -<p>"My place will always be next to little Dorothy," rumbled the Cowardly -Lion, hoisting himself sleepily to the chair beside the little girl.</p> - -<p>"Mine will be next to the pickles. MM-mmmm! I LOVE pickles," said the -soldier, slipping into the seat next to the lion, while Jellia, with a -purposeful bounce, settled near a plate of green cookies. There was no -doubt where the Tin Woodman and Scarecrow would sit, for at one plate -the Wizard had put a silver box of metal polish and an emerald bottle -containing purest oil. Then, instead of a chair, he had provided a bale -of freshly packed straw for the Scarecrow.</p> - -<p>"Well, well, here we all are!" Rubbing his hands briskly the Wizard -beamed on his guests as Fredjon, wearing his best suit of green and -silver, bustled in with the first course.</p> - -<p>"And isn't it fun to be here?" Dorothy took a long, satisfying sip of -her Ozade. "I'm awfully glad I came back to live in the Land of Oz. -Aren't you, Wizard?"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus14.jpg" width="500" height="340" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>"A country where a body grows no older, where animals talk as easily -as men and where the practice of magic is not only possible but -practical—a country like that has many advantages," admitted the -Wizard, winking at the Cowardly Lion who was drinking his fruit juice -in a refined way from a huge, green aquarium. "I, myself, never have -regretted the years spent in this marvelous fairy land. Sometimes I -hardly can believe I ever did live in Omaha, or travel through the West -with a circus."</p> - -<p>"I know," agreed Dorothy, nodding her head slowly. "Kansas, when I -think of it, seems very far away—as much like a dream, I suppose, as -Oz seems like a dream to boys and girls in Kansas who read Oz history."</p> - -<p>"Oh, why think of Kansas?" Jellia spoke scornfully. "In Kansas you were -only an ordinary little girl, while here you are a Princess and second -in importance to our Ruler, Ozma herself."</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus15.jpg" width="500" height="295" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>"And in Kansas," observed the Scarecrow, as Dorothy rather -self-consciously straightened her crown, "I'll bet you never had as -much fun nor as many adventures as we have here." The Scarecrow, being -well stuffed with straw, never indulged in any refreshments. In fact, -he just came to parties for the conversation, and to be sure of a good -time he tried to do all the talking himself.</p> - -<p>"That's right," said Dorothy thoughtfully, "That cyclone was about the -only thing that ever happened in Kansas."</p> - -<p>"A great blow to you, my dear, but a fortunate thing for Nick and me." -The Scarecrow patted the Tin Woodman affectionately on the funnel he -wore for a hat. "If you had not blown to Oz, I'd probably still be -hanging on a pole in that cornfield and Nick would be rusting away his -life in the greenwood."</p> - -<p>"And in some ways," mused Dorothy, looking dreamily at the model of -her small Kansas house, "in some ways that first adventure always will -seem best. Just imagine how surprised I was to blow all those miles -and find myself in a strange, wonderful country like Oz. The Munchkins -thought I was a sorceress because my house had killed the wicked witch -of the East. Then, the Good Witch of the North told me to put on her -silver shoes and go to the Emerald City to ask the great OZ to send -me home. And on the way I discovered you, and do you remember how -astonished I was when I lifted you down from your pole and found you -really were alive and could talk?"</p> - -<p>The Scarecrow nodded cheerfully.</p> - -<p>"And remember how we travelled on together till we found the Tin -Woodman?" went on Dorothy. "And Nick told us about the witch who had -enchanted his axe so that it chopped off a leg here, and an arm there, -and finally his head and body, too. And after each accident he'd go to -a tinsmith who made him new tin arms and legs and finally even a body -and a head. You didn't mind being Tin at all, did you, Nick? Except -that day you went out to chop wood and left your oil can at home. Then -that storm came up, your joints rusted and you couldn't move, and there -you had been—rusting and helpless for months!"</p> - -<p>"But we hustled back to your hut, fetched the oil can and fixed you up -in fine shape, didn't we, old fellow?" The Scarecrow flung his flimsy -arm around Nick Chopper's shoulder and the Tin Woodman, at the mere -mention of rust, uncorked the emerald bottle and let three drops of oil -slide down his neck.</p> - -<p>"I never shall forget your kindness," he told them earnestly, turning -his head first to look at Dorothy and then at the Scarecrow.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus16.jpg" width="500" height="313" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>"And after that, you came along so the Wizard could give you a new -heart," Dorothy reminded him gaily. "And right afterwards, we met the -Cowardly Lion."</p> - -<p>"And he was more afraid of us than we were of him," teased the -Scarecrow, leaning across the table to give the lion a poke.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I was just a big coward in those days," admitted the lion, -blinking approvingly at the rare roast Fredjon had brought him instead -of the chicken he was serving the others. "Just a great, big coward! Ho -hum!"</p> - -<p>"But not too cowardly to fight for us," said Dorothy, taking quick -little bites of her biscuit, "and to come with us to the Emerald City."</p> - -<p>"Oh, that was because I wanted the Wizard to give me some courage," -roared the lion. "And weren't we surprised when we did reach the -Emerald City to find it all built of green marble, studded with real -emeralds! And remember how the Guardian of the Gate gave us all green -specs, even me, and then led us up to the palace?"</p> - -<p>"You looked awfully funny in those specs!" laughed Dorothy. "I'll never -forget how funny!"</p> - -<p>"But remember, it was I who carried your messages to Oz," put in the -Soldier with Green Whiskers.</p> - -<p>"Of course it was," said Dorothy nodding her head quickly. "You gave -us some splendid advice, Soldier, and Jellia showed us to the grandest -rooms in the castle and loaned me the loveliest dresses to wear."</p> - -<p>"I liked you from the very first!" declared Jellia, choking a bit on -her seventh cooky.</p> - -<p>"But Old Man Wizzy wouldn't give us a thing!" said the Scarecrow, -waving his napkin toward the head of the table. "He told us we'd have -to kill the Witch of the West before he'd send Dorothy home or grant -any of our requests."</p> - -<p>"But, you see—I didn't know any real magic then." The Wizard looked -quite unhappy for he did not like to remember the time before he was a -real Wizard. "And besides, I needed more time."</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus17.jpg" width="500" height="297" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>"Ho ho! You were doing very well for yourself!" chuckled the Scarecrow, -"living in a splendid castle and having the whole country eating out -of your hand. As it happened, we did kill the witch of the West, or at -least Dorothy melted her with a bucket of water and the Winkies were -so tickled they gave us all presents and made Nick their Emperor. So -when we got back at last, you did give me some brand new brains, and -Nick a red plush heart—"</p> - -<p>"And me some real red, true-blue courage," grinned the Cowardly Lion, -wiping his mouth delicately with the tip of his tail.</p> - -<p>"And you made me Ruler of OZ! Ah!—My Majesty the Scarecrow, Hah—those -were the days!" The Scarecrow thumped his pudgy chest and fairly -glowed, at the memory.</p> - -<p>"You would have taken me back to Kansas, too, only your balloon flew -away too fast, didn't it?" Dorothy leaned all the way across the table -to pat the Wizard's arm.</p> - -<p>"But don't forget it was I, who told you to go to the palace of Glinda, -the Good Sorceress of the South," interrupted the Soldier with Green -Whiskers again.</p> - -<p>"So we all went to Glinda's," rumbled the Cowardly Lion, half closing -his eyes. "And Glinda told Dorothy the Witch's silver shoes would carry -her home and—they did!" There was a little silence following the -lion's last sentence, as if all of Dorothy's friends were recalling -their sorrow at that first parting from their cheerful little comrade.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus18.jpg" width="230" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>"But you soon came back," declared the Scarecrow, balancing a fork on -the edge of his tumbler. "And so did our little Wizard."</p> - -<p>"Well, to tell the truth, Omaha seemed rather dull after the Emerald -City," admitted the Wizard, motioning for Fredjon to bring on the -dessert. This caused many admiring "Oh's" and "Ah's" when it arrived, -for it was ice cream moulded into small Tin Woodmen, Scarecrows, Lions -and all the other guests. Then, out of a huge, frosted cake the footman -set down before Dorothy, flew four little witches riding green broom -sticks, straight into the fire.</p> - -<p>"I tell you it takes a real Wizard to perform a trick like that." Nick -Chopper wagged his head solemnly. "You certainly have made progress -since Ozma made you Chief Magician of the Realm."</p> - -<p>"Well—" drawled the Wizard, pushing the pickle dish away from the -Soldier with Green Whiskers who already had eaten twenty-seven and -was looking rather dill. "Magic is like any other science—it takes -practice. Of course, if you are a born fairy like Ozma and the former -rulers of Oz, working spells and charms just comes natural—like -playing the piano by ear. But if you are not a Fairy, you must study -witchcraft and sorcery as I have done with Glinda the Good. It only -has been by continuous study and research that I have managed to -perfect myself in the arts of wizardry."</p> - -<p>"Well, how is wizness lately?" inquired the Scarecrow, wrinkling his -cotton forehead at all the big words.</p> - -<p>"Fine, just fine!" The Wizard assured him brightly. Marching over -to his desk, he returned with a long, tube-like object resembling a -seaman's spy glass. "This is one of my latest inventions," he confessed -modestly. "Here, take a look." Beaming with anticipation, he pressed -the spy glass into Dorothy's hands.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus19.jpg" width="471" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_2" id="CHAPTER_2">CHAPTER 2</a><br/> - -<small>The Wizard's Spy Glass</small></h2> - -<p>With the Wizard's latest invention clapped to one eye and pointed -straight at the Wizard himself, Dorothy peered through the green glass -hardly knowing what to expect. Certainly not what happened, for, -from the other end of the instrument, a composed voice began making -announcements proudly and impressively as a radio speaker.</p> - -<p>"You are now looking at Oscar Zoroaster Phadrig Isaac Norman Henkle -Emmanuel Ambroise Diggs," it informed them crisply. "Calls himself Oz -after the first letters of his first two names, as his other initials -spell Pinhead. Born in Omaha, Diggs ran away as a young man to join -a circus where he made balloon ascensions to amuse the crowds, his -balloon bearing his initials O. Z.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus20.jpg" width="500" height="259" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>"One day in a storm, Oscar's balloon was carried to our wonderful Land -of Oz. At that time, the rightful King of the Country and his son had -been destroyed by Mombi the Witch, who also had enchanted and hidden -away Ozma, the little Granddaughter of this unfortunate monarch. -And four witches had divided the country between them. When the -balloon bearing the name OZ on its side sailed out of the clouds, the -inhabitants instantly hailed the traveller from America as their ruler, -supposing him to be another member of the famous fairy family of Oz. -Unable to return to America, Oz accepted the people's decision with -good grace and ruled the realm for many years. Under his wise direction -the people built this castle and the famous city of Emeralds; and the -four witches, thinking Oz more powerful than they, did not question his -rule or authority.</p> - -<p>"Later, when little Dorothy from Kansas arrived in Oz, the Wizard -decided to return with her to the United States, leaving the Scarecrow -to rule in his place. The Scarecrow was deposed by Jinjur and her Army -of Girls. Jinjur, in turn was conquered by Glinda, the Good Witch of -the South, who also forced Mombi to disenchant Ozma, the young and -rightful girl ruler of the realm. Ozma has ruled over Oz ever since. -Not long after Ozma was restored to her throne, the Wizard returned -to Oz and our clever girl ruler made him Chief Magician of the realm. -In this ancient and honorable capacity he has served ever since, -<span class="smcap">period—stop—drop or point elsewhere!</span>" These last words were -uttered so rudely, Dorothy almost did drop the spy glass.</p> - -<p>"My! MY GOODNESS!" gasped the little girl.</p> - -<p>"It always says that, when it has told all it knows. You see, it is a -'tell-all-escope.'" explained the Wizard, reaching out for his spy -glass with an embarrassed cough.</p> - -<p>"And it certainly tells ALL, all right!" roared the Scarecrow, pushing -back his chair. "Congratulations, my dear Mr. Diggs!"</p> - -<p>"Look out! Be careful! Don't you point that thing at me! <i>Please</i> -don't!" The big lion simply cowered in his chair, and no wonder he felt -nervous. There had been some pretty savage incidents in that old lion's -life before he met Dorothy and came to live in the Emerald City as a -civilized citizen of Oz. And the thought of the tell-all-escope telling -all it knew about him made the Cowardly Lion positively shudder. But -the others were so busy examining the Wizard's spy glass, they did not -even notice the lion's terrific agitation.</p> - -<p>"You know, a thing like that would be of great value to a traveller," -remarked Nick Chopper, tapping the tell-all-escope thoughtfully with -his tin fingers.</p> - -<p>"That's just what I figured," grinned the Wizard, thrusting the -instrument into his pocket. "And, speaking of travelling, I have -something else to show you!"</p> - -<p>Clapping on his high hat, Ozma's Chief Magician hastened over to the -door that opened on the garden, signalling for the others to come -along.</p> - -<p>Having had experience with inventors before, Dorothy and Jellia -snatched up coats, Dorothy, her own, and Jellia, one of the Wizard's. -Then, followed by the rest of the party, they stepped out into the -sparkling, starlit evening. The Soldier with Green Whiskers, who had -stopped to eat the last pickle in the dish and stuff an extra piece of -cake in his pocket, came last of all. At each step he gave a little -groan, for—all by himself—the soldier had eaten enough for a whole -army. But then, he was a whole army; he was every single man, private, -corporal, captain, major, colonel and general in the entire fighting -force of Oz.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus21.jpg" width="500" height="309" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>Anxious to exhibit his latest treasure, the Wizard walked rapidly -along, leading the little party across the park, through the Emerald -City, out of the Gates and into the thick woodland beyond.</p> - -<p>"Where <i>do</i> you suppose he is taking us?" shivered Jellia, thinking -longingly of the cozy fire back in the laboratory.</p> - -<p>"No knowing," giggled the Scarecrow. "But a-hunting we shall go! -A-hunting we shall go! Ta-Ta-Ta-Ta-Ta-Ta-Ta-TAH!" Blowing an imaginary -horn, the Scarecrow pretended to gallop and fell flat on his face, his -legs never being what you really could call reliable.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus22.jpg" width="500" height="294" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>"Sh—hh!" whispered the Wizard, looking back warningly as the Tin -Woodman jerked the straw man to his feet. "What I am about to show you -has been seen by no one in Oz except my faithful assistants! So please -be more quiet!"</p> - -<p>"You mean it's a secret?" whispered Dorothy, skipping forward to catch -up with the Wizard and linking her arm through his.</p> - -<p>"Two secrets!" confided Ozma's Chief Magician mysteriously. Pushing -impatiently through the last fringe of trees, the group stepped into a -moonlit clearing.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus23.jpg" width="469" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_3" id="CHAPTER_3">CHAPTER 3</a><br/> - -<small>Latest Invention of the Wizard of Oz</small></h2> - -<p>"Ooooooh! A conservatory!" murmured Jellia, blinking at the shining -glass structure that occupied the entire treeless space.</p> - -<p>"A barn, if you ask me!" guessed the Scarecrow. "But why build it of -glass, Mr. Wiz?"</p> - -<p>"Because glass is the latest and lightest building material known. But -this is no barn, as you'll soon discover." Handing his flashlight to -Dorothy, the Wizard slid back the vast doors, switched on the lights -and stood back, his hands in his pockets, as the little group in -silence and astonishment viewed the two shining planes housed as snugly -as giant butterflys in a glass cocoon.</p> - -<p>"Airplanes!" exclaimed Dorothy, when she found her voice at last.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus24.jpg" width="500" height="315" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>"No, Ozoplanes," corrected the Wizard, trying to keep the excitement -out of his voice. "Somewhat like the planes in America, but more -powerful, for remember, my dear, I had not only the scientific -knowledge of aeronautics available to mortals, but the scientific -knowledge of magic to help me as well!"</p> - -<p>"Well!" echoed the Tin Woodman, gazing approvingly at the Wizard's -planes, which, except for their silver wings, might have been huge, -silver-and-glass torpedoes.</p> - -<p>"Not for the army, I hope," exclaimed the Soldier, clutching his -whiskers nervously. Being the entire army himself, and quite -old-fashioned and set in his ways, the Soldier felt sure he never could -pilot these gleaming airplanes.</p> - -<p>"Oh, No! No! NO!" The Wizard frowned at the mere thought of war. "These -are pleasure planes for travelling and exploring the unknown regions -of the upper air. As soon as Ozma returns from the South, I plan to -present them both to our illustrious young Ruler and arrange for her to -make the first triumphant flight."</p> - -<p>"But there are two," said Dorothy a little wistfully. She had hoped to -make the first flight with the Wizard, herself.</p> - -<p>"Of course, of course!" he answered in a matter-of-fact way. "Most -experimental flights fail because they depend on <i>one</i> ship. We shall -have two!"</p> - -<p>"We?" Dorothy brightened up considerably at the Wizard's plural.</p> - -<p>"Yes, we," repeated the Wizard, turning round to smile at the little -girl. "Counting Ozma and those of us here, there will be eight -passengers—four for each plane."</p> - -<p>"Now please don't bother about me!" begged the Cowardly Lion, his tail -dragging on the ground at the very thought of flying. "I'd not think of -troubling you. Besides, I'm much too heavy for flying."</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus25.jpg" width="448" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>"Not at all, not at all," the Wizard reassured him with a wink. "I -have made exact calculations about weight, old fellow, and you and the -Scarecrow balance each other nicely. So don't worry about that."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I'm not worrying about <i>that</i>!" rumbled the lion, rearing up on -his hind legs to read the names outlined in emeralds on the luminous -sides of the Wizard's ships.</p> - -<p>"Ozpril and Oztober!" The lion spoke in a slightly trembling roar. -"Mmmn! Mmmnnnnmn! Kerumph!"</p> - -<p>"Why, those are beautiful names," exclaimed Dorothy, tilting back her -head to spell them out for herself.</p> - -<p>"I thought they were rather neat," said the Wizard complacently. -"Suitable too, one to rise and one to fall!" Expressively he lifted an -arm and let it fall limply to his side.</p> - -<p>"To—to fall?" quavered the lion, dropping to all fours.</p> - -<p>"Oh, just in a figurative way, of course." The Wizard shrugged his -shoulders. "You will observe," he went on enthusiastically, "that these -planes need no runway or special track to take off. They really are -balloonaplanes. Note those round packets on the top of the fusilage." -The lion blinked rapidly, for he had no idea that fusilage meant -the body of the plane, but the others nodded quite knowingly. "Well -those," declared the inventor proudly "are my own, patented, balloon -attachments. At the touch of a button, the wings are depressed and the -balloon inflated with a magic gas, lighter than helium, that carries -the ship as high and as far as desired. Then the balloon can be -deflated and the Ozoplane can continue under its own power. But you -will readily see how my ship, with its balloon attachment, has twice -the altitude possibilities of an ordinary airplane. Hah! We shall fly -<i>higher</i> than higher!" boasted the little Wizard, happily.</p> - -<p>"Oh, quite!" agreed the Tin Woodman, mounting the ladder of the -Oztober, the Soldier with Green Whiskers pressing nervously at his -heels.</p> - -<p>"But how will you move them out of here?" inquired the Scarecrow, -taking off his hat and scratching his cotton head.</p> - -<p>"Oh, as to that—" The Wizard pulled a switch just behind him, -whereupon the top of the glass airdrome lifted, like the lid of an -enormous jewel box.</p> - -<p>"Hmmmmn! I see!" The Scarecrow slapped his knee and grinned with -appreciation. "Off with the roof! Up with the planes!"</p> - -<p>"Exactly!" Seizing the Straw Man's arm, the Wizard urged him toward -the ladder of the Ozpril, Dorothy skipping cheerfully behind them. -After Dorothy plodded the Cowardly Lion, talking to himself in anxious -whispers and growls.</p> - -<p>"Be sure not to touch anything over there," called the Wizard, as Nick -and the Soldier with Green Whiskers disappeared into the cabin of the -other plane.</p> - -<p>"I'll keep an eye on them," promised Jellia, tripping up the ladder as -lightly as a feather. "Don't give us a thought, Wiz, dear."</p> - -<p>"Jellia's so funny!" laughed Dorothy.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus26.jpg" width="500" height="314" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>"Sensible, too," added the Wizard, helping the little girl over the -high door sill and into the plane. While he and the Scarecrow went -forward to examine the steering gear, Dorothy looked delightedly 'round -the snug little cabin. There were four seats upholstered in pale, green -leather, along one side. The whole top was of thick glass, through -which she could distinctly see the moon and stars winking down at -her. The side walls of the Ozpril were of a silvery grey, with all -trimmings in green. At the back was a small dinette, with chairs and -table locked to the floors as they are on sea-going vessels. A cabinet -full of china, a wall full of charts, a book case full of books and a -tiny kitchen and dressing room, completed the equipment.</p> - -<p>"It's just as cozy as a little house," sighed Dorothy contentedly, as -the Cowardly Lion, having glanced round in a discouraged way, seated -himself in one of the green chairs and pressed his nose against the -round window pane. "Won't we have fun, Liony, when we really get off?"</p> - -<p>"<i>Getting off</i> will be the best fun of all," sniffed the lion, glancing -briefly at the door. The Lion, as you probably have guessed, felt no -enthusiasm for the trip. Once, much against his will, he had been -carried to an island in the sky, and that experience had been more than -enough. In his own mind he already had decided not to accompany the -Wizard on his proposed flight. Yessir, when the party assembled for the -trip he would just turn up missing and manage to stay behind. Immensely -relieved by this secret decision, he ambled forward.</p> - -<p>"You will notice," the Wizard was pointing out briskly, "that I have -done away with all controls and levers. On this board are all the -buttons necessary to operate the ship."</p> - -<p>"Looks like an organ," observed Dorothy, squinting at the bright array -of buttons set in the top of the table within easy reach of the first -seat. "Must you play all those stops and starters to guide the plane?"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus27.jpg" width="500" height="290" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>"Not quite all," smiled the Wizard, "but if we wished to start, I'd -first press this green button to depress the wings and inflate our -balloon. Next, I'd push the button marked 'up' and, if I decided to go -North, this 'North' button, as well. Then I'd use the wheel to hold her -steady, and if I preferred to go up in a gradual way, I'd push this -button marked 'zig.'"</p> - -<p>"And I suppose if you saw something interesting, or wished to dodge -a mountain, you'd 'zag,'" suggested the Scarecrow, indicating the -"zag" button with his pudgy finger. "Or you could 'spin,' 'spiral' or -'level-off'—"</p> - -<p>"Stop! Stop!" panted the Cowardly Lion, clapping his paw to one eye, -"all this up-zig and down-zig makes me positively giddy!"</p> - -<p>"It does seem a little complicated," said Dorothy, looking dubiously at -the Wizard's button-board.</p> - -<p>"Why, it's perfectly simple!" the Wizard assured her brightly. "All you -have to do is touch the right buttons at the right time!"</p> - -<p>"But—"</p> - -<p>The Scarecrow, who had been about to ask another question, whirled -round on one heel, and flopped on his back in the aisle. The Cowardly -Lion skidded rapidly past, to wedge under the little dining table -while Dorothy and the Wizard clung to the steering board to keep from -falling. For—a terrific roar like the tearing of a gigantic sheet -had made the Ozpril tremble like a leaf. There came a sudden flash of -silver smoke, and the gradual dying away of all sound. Then—a complete -and ominous silence.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus28.jpg" width="265" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>"WHAT? WHAT!!! Why, it's <i>gone</i>!" shouted the Wizard, racing over -to the door and staring amazedly at the empty space occupied a moment -before by the Oztober. Then he glanced up into the starlit expanse of -sky.</p> - -<p>"Gone?" Creeping on hands and knees, the Scarecrow peered out to see -for himself. "Why, what right have they to go off like that?" he -demanded, pulling himself up by the door jam. "April comes before -October and goes before October, too. Fall before spring—why, that's -ridiculous! The Ozpril should have led off!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, what will become of them?" cried Dorothy in distress, clasping her -hands anxiously. "I'm sure it was a dreadful mistake."</p> - -<p>"Mistake!" moaned the Wizard, pushing back his high hat. "Worse than -that, Dorothy! Why, everything is ruined! Here they've gone off -before I even had a chance to <i>show</i> the plane to Ozma. They have no -directions, no supplies; they'll crash, smash or wreck themselves. I -intended to teach Nick Chopper to navigate the plane before we started!"</p> - -<p>"But can't we stop them? Can't we go after them?" exclaimed Dorothy, -clutching the Wizard's coat tails.</p> - -<p>"Go after them?—Yes! that's the idea, go after them! Of course!" -panted the Wizard, falling over the Cowardly Lion who was making a -stream-lion for the door.</p> - -<p>"I was just going back for my over-shoes," wheezed the lion, slinking -rather guiltily into his seat at the Wizard's reproachful glance.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus29.jpg" width="500" height="328" alt=""/> -</div> - - -<p>"Stay where you are!" the Wizard directed sharply. "Now then, -steady—everybody steady! Shut that door, Scarecrow, we are about to -ascend." The Wizard bent over the steering board to touch the green -button that would inflate the Ozpril's balloon. "But I never expected -to go without my black bag of magic, an extra vest, or even my bottle -of hair tonic."</p> - -<p>"Haven't you any magic at all?" called Dorothy, as the Ozpril began to -vibrate and tremble from the rush of gas into its balloon.</p> - -<p>"A little, a little," confessed the Wizard, pressing the buttons marked -"Up" and "South". "Here, Dorothy, take the tell-all-escope and see if -you can catch a glimpse of the Oztober when we are aloft." Grasping the -wheel, the Wizard settled grimly into the pilot's seat. Dorothy had -just time to clutch the tell-all-escope before the Ozpril rose straight -into the air. Lifted and borne by its buoyant gas bag, the graceful -ship pointed toward the stars.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus30.jpg" width="486" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_4" id="CHAPTER_4">CHAPTER 4</a><br/> - -<small>First Flight of the Oztober</small></h2> - -<p>Now the start of the Oztober had been nothing like the orderly take-off -of the Ozpril. The first hint Jellia had of their departure was when a -china coffee pot from the open china closet into which she was looking -with great interest, hit her a sharp clip on the chin. Next moment she -was rolling round on the floor of the cabin, dodging all the rest of -the green dishes.</p> - -<p>"Oh! Oh! Dishes awful!" choked poor Jellia Jam, not even realizing she -was making a pun.</p> - -<p>"Stop!" yelled the Tin Woodman, turning a complete somersault and -coming down on his funnel with one leg hooked through the luggage rack. -"Stop! Who did that?"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus31.jpg" width="478" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Pickles!" moaned a faint voice from the forward end of the cabin, "Oh, -those pickles!" And that was probably as correct an answer as any to -Nick's indignant question. Even upside down as he was, and subject to -the fierce rocketing of the plane, the Tin Woodman could see a tall, -green figure sprawled across the navigator's table. As he had bent -over to examine the Oztober's steering apparatus, the Soldier with -Green Whiskers had been taken with a violent cramp from the twenty-nine -pickles he had eaten at the party. Falling heavily on the board he had -pushed down ten of the Wizard's bright colored buttons. Following the -directions of all ten, one after the other, the Oztober had exploded -into the air and now, whistling and whirling like a comet bound for -Mars, was charging into the Heavens.</p> - -<p>Jellia Jam was too bruised and shaken to do anything but cling to -the side of one of the seats. The Soldier, after his head had been -whacked down three times on the board had lapsed into complete and -utter silence. Only Nick managed to preserve a semblance of his usual -calm and composure. Though severely dented by the plane's take-off, -the Tin Woodman, being of metal, felt no pain. Nor was he subject -to the giddiness that assailed ordinary flesh and bone bodies under -such trying conditions. Even standing on his head did not greatly -inconvenience him, and after the first dreadful shock, he began to -perceive a certain order and rhythm in their flight. This was not -strange.</p> - -<p>The Soldier's fall had pressed down the button to inflate the Oztober's -balloon, the "Up" and the "South" buttons, the "fast," "spin," -"spiral," "zig," "zag," "slow" and "circle" buttons as well. So first, -the Oztober would shoot up, then it would go into a fast spin, and -spiral. The zigs and zags were a little less terrible, and on one of -the slow circles, the Tin Woodman managed to extricate his foot from -the luggage rack. Clattering full length in the aisle, he lay still, -till the next slow circle. Then, leaping to his feet, he rushed forward -and pulled the soldier off the steering board. He had just time to prop -the unconscious army into the third chair, and fall into the pilot's -seat himself, when the Oztober went into another fast spin and spiral. -This rather upset Nick.</p> - -<p>He had taken a hasty look at the navigator's table when he entered -the ship and then, more interested in the metal of which the plane -was constructed, had gone tapping about, testing it with his tin -knuckles—intending to return to the steering gear later. He naturally -had supposed that when he pulled the soldier off the board the plane -would slow down or change its course. But nothing of the kind happened. -All the buttons the soldier had fallen on stayed down. Grasping the -wheel, Nick was relieved to find he could steady the Oztober a bit in -this way. Holding to it with one hand, he tried to pull out the "spin" -and "spiral" buttons with the other. But even his strong tin fingers -could not budge them. Next, he glanced frantically over the board for -a "stop" or a "down" button, but the "down" button when he found it, -filled him with apprehension. If they shot down at the speed they were -hurling upward, the plane most certainly would be wrecked. No, decided -Nick, drawing his fingers hastily back from the "down" button—they -were much safer in the air until he learned a little more about flying, -and he'd just have to hang on till he discovered how the Ozoplane -worked.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus32.jpg" width="500" height="316" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>Grasping the wheel resignedly in both hands, he glanced back to see how -Jellia was faring. Jellia was sitting dizzily in the middle of the -aisle. But she was so encouraged to see Nick actually at the wheel, -that she made her way to him and hung firmly to the arm of his chair. -Just then, the Oztober whirled into its twentieth spin and spiral, and -Jellia—dislodged from the chair—caught at the steering table to save -herself from falling.</p> - -<p>"Oh, now you've done it!" gasped Nick, as the Oztober gave a wicked -lurch. "Oh, now—" His voice trailed off into a hoarse squeak, for, as -abruptly as it had started, the plane stopped, and, held aloft by its -still buoyant balloon, swung easily to and fro in the faint wind that -stirred above the clouds. "Say! how did you <i>do</i> it?" Letting go the -wheel, the Tin Woodman seized Jellia by the shoulders.</p> - -<p>"What?" panted Jellia. "What did I do?"</p> - -<p>"Why, you saved the ship. You stopped her. See, all the buttons are up -again!" Removing Jellia's clutching fingers gently from the table top, -Nick discovered a flat bar on the under side of the board. As soon as -Jellia pressed the bar, all the buttons had popped back to their normal -position. "So THAT'S it!" exclaimed Nick, rubbing his tin forehead -anxiously. "Each time you want to change the course, you press this bar -and then begin all over again."</p> - -<p>"But now we're sinking," groaned Jellia. And sinking herself, into the -seat back of Nick, she stared at him with round, desperate eyes.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus33.jpg" width="500" height="311" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Sinking, are we? Well, I'll soon put a stop to <i>that</i>!" Pouncing on -the green button to inflate the Oztober's gas bag, Nick pressed it -quickly, for of course, as soon as Jellia had touched the bar, the -buttons all had sprung up and the magic gas had begun to seep out of -the plane's balloon attachment. As it again filled and became taut, the -slow downward drift of the ship ceased, and again it hung motionless -between a cloud and a star. "Now!" breathed the Tin Woodman eyeing the -button board with grim purpose and determination, "Now we can take our -time and start off right."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Nick! Must we go through all that again?" Jellia began to cry -softly, drying her eyes on the sash of her party dress. "Oh, Nick, I -never thought flying would be like this. Please can't we just stay as -we are?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly not," said the Tin Woodman briskly. "Hanging 'round the sky -is dangerous. We might be hit by a shooting star or even by a meteor. -Now, just trust yourself to me, my dear Jellia. Remember I am the -Emperor of the East!" Nick smote his tin chest a resounding blow. "And -after ruling the Winkies all these years, I surely can handle one small -plane!"</p> - -<p>Reassuring himself, if not Jellia, the Tin Woodman searched the array -of buttons for one marked "slow." After he had found it, he slowly -began to map his course. He would continue to fly up, for a time. Next -he would take a horizontal direction until he grew more accustomed to -piloting the Ozoplane. Then, as night passed and the sun rose, he would -zig and zag slowly downward and make a safe landing near the Emerald -City.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus34.jpg" width="258" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>The Soldier with Green Whiskers had regained consciousness, only to -fall at once into a heavy slumber. His snores blended nicely with -Jellia's sobs, as Nick Chopper pushed the "up," the "South" and the -"slow" buttons. Braced for a new shock, Jellia grasped the arms of her -seat. But this time the Oztober soared gently and gracefully aloft, -the motion of the plane so smooth and pleasant, Ozma's little Maid in -Waiting soon forgot all her fears. Relaxing against the soft green -cushions, she, too, fell asleep. This left only Nick awake and alert. -But if the Wizard had searched all over Oz, he could not have found -a better pilot than the Tin Woodman. Being practically tireless and -requiring neither food nor rest, he could keep his place at the wheel -for days if necessary. Delighted at the way the Oztober responded -to his clever manipulation of the wheel and buttons, he flew up and -up and on and on, scarcely realizing the distance he was putting -between himself and Oz. Glancing out the round window beside him, Nick -viewed the starry expanse of the upper air with growing interest and -enthusiasm. Sometimes he was almost tempted to waken Jellia to point -out the splendid cloud mountains and cities they were passing. As he -swept along, the sky turned from deep blue to grey and was now suffused -with the rainbow tints of early morning. Switching off the lights, the -Tin Woodman slightly changed his course.</p> - -<p>"I really need a lot more practice before I go back or try to make a -safe landing," he observed softly to himself. "It never would do to -crack up a valuable ship like this." But the truth of the matter was, -the Tin Woodman did not wish to turn back. And after all—who was to -insist? The Soldier and Jellia still slept on, and far ahead, between a -bank of fog and an arch of platinum sun rays, loomed a long, lavender -crescent. Nick even fancied he could see people moving about its -glittering surface.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus35.jpg" width="500" height="345" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"A new world!" gloated the Tin Woodman, setting his funnel at a more -daring angle. If this were so, he would be its discoverer. Not only -that, but he could claim it for Ozma and win for himself as much honor -and renown as Samuel Salt, the Royal Explorer of Oz. "Even if it's not -inhabited, it would be a good place to practice landing," reflected -Nick happily. So again he pressed the black bar, touched the button to -deflate the Oztober's balloon and raise the wings. For now he wished -to fly horizontally, and the wings would be faster than the gas bag. -Next, touching the "straight-on" and "faster" buttons, and twirling the -wheel expertly, he headed the ship straight for the tip of the lavender -island.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus36.jpg" width="478" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_5" id="CHAPTER_5">CHAPTER 5</a><br/> - -<small>The Spikers</small></h2> - -<p>Nick waited until he was well over the crescent before he attempted to -land. As he flew along he planned exactly how he would go about it and -everything worked out as planned, except for one thing. The "slow," -the "zig" and the "down" buttons brought the Oztober within a foot of -the glittering air Isle, but the "stop" button functioned a bit late. -Instead of stopping on the surface, the plane dropped clear through -with a crash like the smashing of a thousand thin tumblers. Peering up -through a spray of splinters, the Tin Woodman found he had knocked a -jagged hole in the Crescent.</p> - -<p>"Attention! Shoulder arms! Company, fall in!" yelled the Soldier with -Green Whiskers. Jolted completely awake, he sprang up in the aisle, -aiming his gun at the ceiling.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus37.jpg" width="500" height="331" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Yes? Yes! Coming, your Majesty!" Jellia, mistaking the musical crash -for the ringing of Ozma's morning bell, rolled sleepily out of her seat -and started down the aisle after the Soldier.</p> - -<p>"Now, now—don't be alarmed," remarked Nick Chopper. "I was just trying -to land."</p> - -<p>"Land? Where is it? Quick! Let me out of here!" panted Jellia Jam, -remembering all in a rush where she was, and the dreadful experiences -of the night before.</p> - -<p>"I see no land," said the Soldier pressing his nose against one of the -windows.</p> - -<p>"Well, it certainly looked like land!" The Tin Woodman spoke in a -slightly exasperated voice. The Oztober, still quivering from its -impact with the island, was hanging motionless about ten feet below the -Crescent. "Can't tell about these Sky Countries till you try them."</p> - -<p>"I'll bet it's nothing but a cake of ice," shivered Jellia, hugging -herself to keep warm. "Being of tin, I don't suppose you'd notice it -was freezing! I wonder if that stove lights?"</p> - -<p>"Ice?" meditated Nick, as Jellia hurried toward the back of the cabin. -"Why, I do believe you are right, my dear. In the upper stratas the air -does become colder. We probably cracked through a frozen cloud!"</p> - -<p>Jellia, turning all the switches on the stove, paid little attention to -Nick's scientific discourse. She was too busy warming herself over the -glowing burners.</p> - -<p>"If we just had something to cook," sighed the little Oz maid, staring -wistfully into the cupboard beside the stove. But the shelves were -perfectly empty. Reflecting that the Wizard had not had time to stock -up for the flight, Jellia, who was an orderly little soul, began -picking up the china that had broken when it fell from the cabinet the -night before. Rather pompously, the Soldier with Green Whiskers began -to help her.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus38.jpg" width="500" height="323" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Will someone kindly explain what we are doing, flying around in this -dangerous and haphazard manner?" he inquired loftily. "I understood -we were to wait for Ozma's return before we made a trial flight! And -really, you know, I'm needed at home to guard the castle."</p> - -<p>"Oh, indeed!" sniffed Jellia. "And who do you suppose started us off, -Mr. Whiskers. Nobody but yourself. A fine pickle you put us in when -you fell on that steering board."</p> - -<p>"I?" The Soldier straightened up, aghast.</p> - -<p>"Yes, YOU!" declared Jellia. "You and your pickles." Sweeping the rest -of the broken plates into her skirt, she marched to the end of the -cabin and dumped them into the big basket beside the water cooler. -"Goodness knows whether we shall ever get back," she sighed, sinking -despondently into the last seat and staring out the window.</p> - -<p>"But we're backing now," muttered the Soldier. This was quite true, -for Nick, to avoid hitting the crescent of ice again, was maneuvering -the plane from beneath; then, feeling it might be dangerous to go any -higher, he began slowly and cautiously to descend. Neither he nor -Jellia paid any more attention to the Soldier with Green Whiskers, who -glanced uncomfortably from one to the other. After a little silence he -remarked in a hollow voice: "I shall consider myself under arrest. I -shall walk guard for two hours without a pause for rest or rations!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, don't be a goose!" giggled Jellia. "You'll probably go without -rations because there aren't any. But what good will walking guard do?"</p> - -<p>"As Commander-in-Chief, I have sentenced myself to walk guard. As -a first class Private in the Army of Oz, I shall carry out this -sentence," insisted the Soldier. "Discipline must be maintained!" -Hoisting his old fashioned blunder-buss to his shoulder, he began -tramping stiffly up and down the short aisle of the cabin.</p> - -<p>Born in a small Munchkin village to a family named Battles who had -promptly christened him Wantowin, he had applied as soon as he was -grown for a position in the army of Oz. The Wizard, then Supreme Ruler -of the Kingdom, impressed by the Soldier's height and long green -whiskers, had immediately hired him. Later he had been promoted by Ozma -to fill the position of the entire staff and army of Oz. Wantowin had -never been much of a fighter, but as war in Oz is practically outlawed, -and victories usually won by magic, he had got on very well. At his -tenth about-face, Wantowin suddenly recalled the piece of cake he had -stuffed into his pocket the night before, and generously offered it to -Jellia.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Wanny, how wonderful!" To the famished girl, the cake tasted -even better than it had at the Wizard's party. Breaking it in half, -she tried to force the soldier to eat a piece, but raising his hand -sternly, Wantowin continued his self-imposed sentence. Seeing argument -was useless, Jellia ate her own share and put the other half in the -cupboard for the soldier's supper.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus39.jpg" width="500" height="321" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>The plane still was slanting smoothly downward. After oiling all of -Nick's joints and thinking how fortunate it was they had brought along -the oil can, Jellia began marching up and down behind the Soldier, -examining the pictures and charts on the wall as she went along. -The cake and a long drink of water from the cooler had done much to -restore her courage and cheerfulness, and an occasional glance out -the window was both pleasant and reassuring. The Oztober was dropping -through fluffs and puffs of creamy cloud. "Just like whipped cream on -strawberries—if we had any strawberries!" mused Jellia, withdrawing -her gaze reluctantly from the window and resuming her march. "Oh, Nick, -here are some directions!" she cried suddenly, stopping before a finely -printed notice beside the water cooler.</p> - -<p>"Directions?" The Tin Woodman looked round rather annoyed. He felt he -had almost mastered the mechanism of the Ozoplane and did not care -to start a new system. But the directions that Jellia read off had -nothing to do with the navigation of the plane. They were rules for -the behavior of passengers in the strat. "The air in this cabin has -been magically treated," stated the notice. "So long as the windows and -doors are closed, riders may safely pass through the highest stratas. -On debarking, however, it would be well to don my patent protective air -helmets, see chest beneath second seat, or to take one, for each mile -up, of my elutherated altitude pills, from the recess in the table leg."</p> - -<p>Jellia, whose bump of curiosity was larger than most, lost no time -hunting for the helmets. Dragging the chest from beneath the second -seat and paying no attention to the marching soldier, who stepped over -her each time he passed, she impatiently lifted the lid. The four -helmets in the chest were of some pliant, glassy material resembling -cellophane. They belted in at the waist and after holding one up for -Nick's inspection, Jellia put them back and returned the chest to its -place.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus40.jpg" width="500" height="325" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Now <i>which</i> leg of <i>which</i> table?" pondered the little Maid in -Waiting, her mind turning to the altitude pills.</p> - -<p>"Oh, what does it matter?" grinned the Tin Woodman as Jellia crawled -under the navigator's table and began tapping its legs one after the -other. "You'll soon be on solid earth and won't need altitude pills." -Nick had made up his mind to bring the Oztober down to a landing -wherever they happened to be. But Jellia scarcely heard him for at -that moment she had discovered a small hook on one of the front legs of -the table. Pulling it down, she disclosed a tall, triangular bottle in -the hollow center. The pills were triangular too, and of every color in -the rainbow.</p> - -<p>"Take one after each mile," read Jellia, uncorking the bottle and -taking a good sniff. The pills smelled as good as they looked and she -was about to sample one, when the Soldier with Green Whiskers gave a -hoarse scream and such a leap that his head hit the ceiling.</p> - -<p>"<i>Now</i> what's the matter?" demanded Nick Chopper, turning around -stiffly, while Jellia hastily corked the bottle, shoved it back into -the tableleg and crawled into the aisle.</p> - -<p>"NICK!" shrieked poor Jellia. "What is it? What are they? Oh, Ozma! Oh, -Wizard! Oh, help! HELP!"</p> - -<p>And well might Jellia scream, for swarming round the tail of the -Oztober came a perfect horde of iridescent monsters. In shape each -resembled an octopus, but instead of arms, they had long, horny spikes -and spines. Pressing close to the plane they ogled at the shivering -passengers as if they were fish in some strange aquarium. Then, -evidently angered at what they saw, they began hurling and banging -themselves against the sides of the Oztober till it sounded like -the rattle of machine guns. At this juncture, I am sorry to report, -Wantowin Battles, after sounding a shrill retreat on the bugle attached -to his belt, rushed into the dressing room and wrapped himself in the -shower curtain.</p> - -<p>Nick Chopper, who already loved the Wizard's ship as if it were his -own, shuddered as each spike struck the shining metal. Then, deciding -that flight was the better part of valor, he hastily changed course, -zooming up and up, faster and faster and FASTER! For perhaps a thousand -feet the goggle-eyed monsters pursued them, but at last, the air grew -too thin and rare for the spikers and one by one they fell away. Their -horrid squeals and screeches still came faintly to the three voyagers, -and Jellia ran quickly to the back window to stare down after them.</p> - -<p>"Why, I never knew there were wild animals in the air," stuttered -Jellia, blinking her eyes rapidly.</p> - -<p>"Now, I wouldn't exactly call them wild animals," said Nick -argumentatively, twisting his neck from side to side to be sure he was -not rusting.</p> - -<p>"Well, they certainly weren't birds!" declared Jellia indignantly. "And -how did they fly without wings? Come on out, Soldier, they're gone."</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus41.jpg" width="264" height="349" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Ah, so we have won?" Jauntily the Soldier stepped out of the dressing -room and resumed his marching. "Give me credit for sounding the -retreat, comrades," he observed cheerfully. Jellia sniffed, and Nick -Chopper said nothing.</p> - -<p>"What are we going to do now?" inquired the little Oz Maid, going over -to stand by the wheel. "How can we ever fly down with those awful -creatures below?"</p> - -<p>"We'll just travel horizontally till we are out of their area," Nick -told her, complacently. "But for a while, anyway, we'll go up. After -all, one has to go up to come down, you know. And when we do come -down—" Nick gave a satisfied little nod, "it will be in a safe spot -and far from those spiky airimals."</p> - -<p>"So that's what they are! But how did you know?" Jellia looked -admiringly at the Tin Woodman.</p> - -<p>"Oh, it just came to me," admitted Nick, with a modest cough. "Beasts -of the air must have names, I suppose. Make a note of those monsters, -will you Wantowin?"</p> - -<p>"I'm writing them up in my little green book now," mumbled the Soldier, -who was, in fact, scribbling away hastily as he tramped up and down. -"I've made a sketch of one, too."</p> - -<p>"Good!—although I didn't suppose you'd looked at them long enough -for that!" said Nick, a bit sarcastically. He glanced hastily at the -page the soldier held before his nose. Then, deciding they had flown -high enough, he pointed the Oztober toward the east and after an hour's -leisurely flying, again began a slow and cautious descent.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus42.jpg" width="500" height="334" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"I do wonder where we'll land?" mused Jellia, trying to pierce with her -bright eyes the bank of fog that lay beneath.</p> - -<p>"Somewhere in the Quadling Country, I should judge," answered Nick, -twirling the wheel deftly to the right. "And when we do—" At that -instant, the Soldier with Green Whiskers let out another panicky -squawk.</p> - -<p>"Climb! Climb!" he panted, running up and down the aisle so fast he -almost ran himself down on the about-faces. "We're ambushed, comrades! -Fire in the fog! Land on the stern!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, tin cups and canyons!" rasped Nick Chopper, losing his temper at -last. "If this keeps up, how are we ever to get down? Hammer and tong -it! Something's always getting in the way. WILL you stop that silly -marching?" he yelled, snatching at the Soldier's sleeve as he raced by.</p> - -<p>"HALT!" quavered Wantowin. Instantly obeying his own command, he stood -trembling beside the navigator's table as Nick peered desperately down -through the fog.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus43.jpg" width="474" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_6" id="CHAPTER_6">CHAPTER 6</a><br/> - -<small>Strut of the Strat</small></h2> - -<p>"What is it, Hippenscop?" Strutoovious the Seventh looked up -impatiently as his first and fastest messenger came to a panting halt -under the Imperial Canopy. Instead of answering, Hippenscop, his -chest heaving and his eyes bulging, made a wordless gesture over his -shoulder. Then, catching his foot in the royal boot-scraper, he fell -violently up the steps of the dais. This was not unusual, for anyone -who falls in Stratovania, falls up instead of down. Rather relieved to -find himself before the throne at last, Hippenscop scrambled to his -feet. Sucking in his breath he announced hoarsely:</p> - -<p>"I beg to report a strange and sonorbious monster falling through the -fog over Half Moon Lake."</p> - -<p>"Are you sure it is not a Zoomer?" Throwing down the morning star which -he had been reading, Strutoovious stared coldly at the messenger.</p> - -<p>"Ho, no! Ho, NO!" Hippenscop shook his head positively. "It has wings -and a tail, your Strajesty. Wings, a tail and seven eyes! But HARK!!" -The menacing whirr and sputter following the messenger's speech made -even the Ruler of all the Stratovanians leap off his throne. Striding -rapidly after the terrified servitor, Strut, followed by half the -inhabitants of his irradiant Tip-toposphere, reached the shores of Half -Moon Lake.</p> - -<p>"Skydragon!" he announced, after a brief glance at the gleaming shape -drifting down through the fog. "Quick Hippen! Summon the Royal Blowmen! -Back, stand back, you witless woffs! Do you wish to be crushed and -eaten? Yon monster will alight on the North shore any moonite now!" At -Strut's loud warning, half of his subjects took to their heels while -the rest scurried round to the South side of the lake, every head -turned up toward the mysterious dragon.</p> - -<p>Only, of course, it was not a dragon. It was the silver-bodied -Oztober—inside of which the agitation was almost as great as the alarm -of the Airlanders below.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus44.jpg" width="494" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"How long have we? How long'll it be before we land?" gulped Jellia. -Remembering the Wizard's instructions, she jerked out the box of air -helmets and next made a dive under the navigator's table. "Here, take -one—two—three. Oh, how many shall we take?" groaned the little Oz -Maid, holding up the bottle of altitude pills. "'One, after each mile -up,' but how many miles have we come?"</p> - -<p>"One hundred and one thousand, eight hundred and sixty-seven feet!" -mumbled the Soldier with Green Whiskers, reading the figures from a -shining metal hypsometer clamped to the navigator's table. "All we have -to do is figure how many feet in a mile."</p> - -<p>"Fifty-two hundred and some," puffed Nick, working away desperately -at his wheel and buttons to bring the Oztober down without crashing. -"Oh, take twenty!" he directed sharply, as Jellia and the Soldier stood -regarding him with open mouths. It was no time, as Jellia later told -Ozma, to be doing long divisions. With trembling fingers she counted -out twenty pills for the Soldier with Green Whiskers. Then, popping -twenty into her own mouth and crunching them desperately between her -teeth, she handed the bottle to Nick Chopper.</p> - -<p>"No, No! None for me!" The Tin Woodman waved the bottle impatiently -aside. "High altitude won't injure my metal, but keep this oil can -handy, Jellia, and whatever happens, don't let me rust!" Choking on -the pills which were dry and rather bitter, Jellia nodded earnestly. -Tucking the oil can into the little bag that hung from her wrist, she -began nervously dragging on her air helmet. Wantowin Battles already -had adjusted his, and swallowed his pills. Now, peering out one of the -round windows, he trembled so violently all his weapons rattled and -clanked to the dismal tune of his fright.</p> - -<p>"Th—thousands of them!" quavered the Soldier. "What kind of place is -this, anyway! It's so bright it hurts my eyes. Oh, I just know there'll -be fighting! Look, I'd far better stay in the cabin, as someone must -guard the plane!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus45.jpg" width="500" height="342" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"But not YOU!" Nick Chopper spoke with great firmness. Then, spinning -the wheel rapidly and gauging to a nicety the distance between the ship -and the sparkling airosphere, he touched the "down" and "stop" buttons -simultaneously. Coasting down the last little hill of wind, the Oztober -came to a gentle and complete stop on the shore of a rainbow-hued body -of water.</p> - -<p>"Now, now! Take your time," cautioned the Tin Woodman, as Jellia -started impulsively toward the door. Pulling off one of the cushion -covers Nick began polishing himself vigorously. As the discoverer of -this new and astonishing airland, he wished to make a good impression. -From what he had seen, it was a country well worth claiming for Ozma -of Oz. "Here, let me go first," he said, tossing aside the cushion -cover. "Keep close to me, Jellia, and Soldier—under no circumstances -are you to retreat unless I give the signal. Great Tinhoppers, what was -<i>that</i>?" A long wail rather like the squall of a cat suddenly had rent -the quiet air of the cabin.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus46.jpg" width="500" height="325" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Stowaway!" cried Jellia, as another unmistakable meough followed the -first. "Sounds like Dorothy's cat." But it was not Eureka that Jellia -pulled from behind the second seat cushion. It was a small, black -kit-bag. The green eyes turned off and on like electric lights, and the -tail curved over the back to form a handle. Round its neck hung a green -placard:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p>"<i>This Kit-Bag of Magic to be used</i><br /> -<i>Only in cases of extreme emergency.</i><br /> -<i>To open pull the tail.—WIZ.</i>"</p> -</div> - -<p>"Well, Geewhiz—is this an emergency?" Jellia held the bag out, -nervously.</p> - -<p>"Er—YES!" declared Nick Chopper after a second glance out of the -window. "Bring it along! And remember—you have nothing to fear! I, the -Emperor of all the Winkies, am with you. With kind words and courteous -gestures we will win the friendship and allegiance of these strange -airlanders for Ozma of Oz."</p> - -<p>Jellia knew Nick's red plush heart, given him by the Wizard, was the -kindest in all Oz. Nevertheless she took a firmer hold on the kit -bag, and only after assuring herself that Wantowin had his saber and -blunder-buss did she follow the Tin Woodman down the Oztober's ladder.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus47.jpg" width="262" height="349" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>There was a complete and astonished silence as the three Ozians stepped -from the plane. And it must be confessed, Jellia and the Soldier in -their transparent helmets, and the Tin Woodman without a helmet, -were strange enough to startle any airbody. So it's no wonder the -Stratovanians were as amazed at the appearance of the travellers, as -the travellers were amazed at the Stratovanians. Separated only by -the waters of Half Moon Lake, they confronted each other with growing -alarm. Strut, who had expected this dragon to roar, spurt flames and -then rush forward to attack them, hardly knew what to do when these -three curious beings stepped from the monster's interior. Noting with -alarm that his Blowmen had not yet arrived, he determined to hold the -invaders in conversation, if possible.</p> - -<p>So, with his head and chest high, and walking with the queer, strutting -gait that characterized all of the dwellers in Stratovania, he advanced -slowly around the edge of Half Moon Lake. A few paces behind strutted -the rest of his retainers. Just as slowly, Nick Chopper and his two -companions advanced to meet them.</p> - -<p>The Airlanders were a head taller than even the Tin Woodman. Their hair -grew straight up on end, sparkling and crackling with electricity in -a really terrifying manner. Their eyes were star shaped and shaded by -long, silver lashes, the noses and mouths were straight and firm, the -foreheads transparent. Some shone as from a hidden sun, while across -the brows of others tiny black clouds chased one another in rapid -succession. Watching their foreheads would be a good way, decided -Jellia Jam, to find out whether they were pleased or angry. Strut -and his subjects wore belted tunics of some iridescent, rainbow-hued -material, and silver sandals laced to the knee.</p> - -<p>From the ears of the men hung huge, crescent pendants, while from those -of the women, star earrings danced and dangled. Each Stratovanian -carried a tall staff, tipped with wings. Beyond, Jellia saw a country -of such dazzling beauty—she was almost afraid to breathe lest it -vanish before her eyes. The trees were tall and numerous, with -gleaming, prism-shaped trunks and a mass of cloud-like foliage. Some -bore fruit that actually seemed to be illuminated—oranges, pears, -and peaches glowing like decorated electric light bulbs! Moon and -star flowers grew in great profusion, and in the distance, caves and -grottoes of purest crystal scintillated in the high noon sun. So far -as Jellia could see, there were no houses or castles, but there were -hundreds of gay canopies held up by crystal poles. Jellia was just -standing on tip-toe to glimpse the furnishings of the nearest Canopy -when Nick Chopper, feeling the time had come to speak, raised his tin -arm and called out imperiously:</p> - -<p>"I, Emperor of the East and the Winkies, hereby claim this new and -beautiful airosphere for Ozma of Oz, and bid you, its illustrious -inhabitants, pledge to her your allegiance! At the same time, I bestow -upon all of you Upper Airians, free citizenship in the glorious Land of -Oz!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus48.jpg" width="499" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>At this bold speech Strut stopped and stood as if rooted to the spot. -Not only was he dumbfounded to discover he could understand the -language of these curious beings, but if what he heard were correct, -they actually were claiming his Kingdom for their own.</p> - -<p>"Well, how was that?" whispered Nick, looking down sideways at Jellia.</p> - -<p>"Terrible! Terrible!" moaned the little Oz Maid. "Oh, my! We'd better -look out!" Catching hold of Wantowin's hand, for he already showed -signs of retreating, she looked anxiously at the approaching Airman. -Black clouds were simply racing across his imperial brow; his eyes -flashed red and blue lights and his hair positively crackled with -indignation and fury.</p> - -<p>"Oh, my—I do hope you are feeling well?" ventured Jellia, as Strut -took an enormous stride toward them. "If you have a headache or -anything, we could easily come back tomorrow."</p> - -<p>"Stand where you are!" sneered Strut. Looking over his shoulder he -made sure his twenty, tall Blowmen had arrived and were pushing their -way through the crowd. "Stand where you are or I'll have you blown to -atoms!"</p> - -<p>"Now, now, let us not come to blows!" begged Nick Chopper. "We have -much to learn from you and you from us, and I assure you we have come -in the spirit of highest friendship!"</p> - -<p>"Humph! So that's what it is—a friend ship! Looks like a dragon to -me!" Folding his arms, Strut scowled past the three travellers to where -the Oztober rested like some giant butterfly on the shore of Half Moon -Lake. Then, making a secret signal to the Blowmen who had lined up -before him, he shouted fiercely, "I am Strut of the Strat and Supreme -Ruler of all the Upper Areas. In daring to claim Stratovania for your -foolish countrywoman, you indeed aim high and will go, I promise you, -still higher! Three blasts and a toot, men!" As Strut issued this cruel -command, his twenty, stern-looking warriors lifted their curved horns -and puffed out their cheeks for a tremendous blow.</p> - -<p>Jellia Jam, feeling that if they ever needed help it was right here and -now, frantically sought with her one free hand to open the Wizard's -Kit-Bag. As she fumbled with the curved handle, Strut raised his long -arm.</p> - -<p>"Wait!" he cried tensely. "Not yet!" Lowering their horns and exhaling -their breaths in loud whistles, the Blowmen stared at him in surprise. -Strut had been examining the strangers from Oz more attentively. Now -he strode over to Jellia, jerked off her helmet and ran his hand -slowly over her smooth brown hair. Jellia, expecting to faint or -expire without the helmet, let out a piteous groan. But the altitude -pills were evidently powerful enough to protect her, and feeling no -ill effects, she glanced up timidly at the towering Stratovanian. Dark -clouds no longer flitted across his brow. Indeed, he looked almost -pleasant. "Ve-ry pret-ty!" he mused, stroking Jellia's hair softly. -"Not wiry or stand-uppish like ours. Hippenscop! Summon her Majesty -the Queen. She'll be delighted with this beautiful little creature! -But—it is my intention to blow away these other insolent invaders from -Oz—keeping only this smooth-haired lassie for our Starina."</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus49.jpg" width="500" height="321" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Oh, No! Oh, NO!" begged Jellia, pulling back with all her strength.</p> - -<p>"Stop! You can't have Jellia," yelled Nick Chopper, flinging out his -arms.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus50.jpg" width="464" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Ready—aim—fire!" quavered the Soldier with Green Whiskers. And -pointing his ancient gun at Strut, he valiantly pulled the trigger. But -Wantowin's aim was very bad. The twenty marbles with which the gun was -loaded, zipped harmlessly past the Airman's ears, stinging quite a few -of his subjects and frightening at least fifty into full flight. Strut -himself was not impressed. Giving Nick a push that sent him sprawling, -and the Soldier a shove, he drew Jellia firmly away from her friends.</p> - -<p>Terrified as she was, the little Oz Maid could not help a small thrill -of satisfaction to have been chosen by a monarch as High and Mighty as -Strut of the Strat, to be Starina to him and his Queen.</p> - -<p>"As for you two," said Strut to Nick and the Soldier, "blowing up is -quite painless, I assure you, and if you ever do come down you'll -doubtless have many interesting things to tell."</p> - -<p>The Blowmen placed a guard around Nick and the Soldier, and stepped -back to their posts. Nick Chopper and Wantowin, stunned by the -swiftness of events, stared sadly at their little Jellia as the -Blowmen for a second time raised their horns. But Strut, intent on his -Warriors, had dropped Jellia's hand. Quick as a flash she pulled the -kit-bag's tail and pulled out the first object her fingers closed on. -It was a small green trumpet. Without stopping to think or reason, -Jellia placed it to her lips and blew three frantic toots.</p> - -<p>Instantly a light green vapor flowed from the mouth of the horn, -spreading like a fast-moving cloud over the entire assemblage—a light -green vapor accompanied by three musical notes.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus51.jpg" width="493" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_7" id="CHAPTER_7">CHAPTER 7</a><br/> - -<small>A Most Reluctant Starina</small></h2> - -<p>As the last note died away in a sweet, reluctant echo, Strut's Blowmen -threw down their horns. With wild shouts and cheers they began to -embrace as if each were the other's long lost brother. The behavior of -the rest of the Stratovanians was equally puzzling. They sang, they -whistled, they laughed and stamped their feet from sheer gaiety. Strut, -hurrying over to Nick Chopper, shook him heartily by the hand.</p> - -<p>"Say, Hay-Hurray! How ARE you?" he demanded exuberantly. "How are you -and all of your aunts, uncles and infant nieces?"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus52.jpg" width="500" height="314" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Wha—what's that?" sputtered Nick Chopper completely taken aback -by this sudden show of friendliness. Kabebe the Queen, tears of joy -streaming down her moon-shaped face, seized the hands of the Soldier -with Green Whiskers and was dancing him 'round and 'round. Unnoticed -in the general hubbub and hilarity, Jellia managed to steal another -glance at the green trumpet. Printed in white letters on the handle was -this surprising sentence: "<i>This trumpet contains cheer gas.</i>" Cheer -Gas! With a tremulous sigh, for the last few moments had been a great -strain, Jellia slipped the Wizard's instrument back into the kit bag -and zipped it shut. Strangely enough the gas had not affected any of -the people from Oz. In fact Jellia had never felt less like cheering in -her whole life.</p> - -<p>"This way! Ray, Ray, hur<i>ray</i>!" shouted Strut, who now had Nick by one -arm and the Soldier by the other. "Quickly! Go and prepare the Guest -Canopies, Queen Kabebe! These travellers are doubtless weary, and need -rest and refreshment. Have you any preference as to canopies?" he -inquired, leaning down to look in Nick Chopper's face.</p> - -<p>"Do you have any <i>tin</i> canopies?" asked Nick hoarsely. He was still -dazed by Strut's unaccountable change of manner. "I always feel safer -under a tin roof. It is such a beautiful and dependable metal."</p> - -<p>"Tin? Oh, Ha-Ha-HA!" Strut blinked his star eyes rapidly. "I'm afraid -we have no tin, but any other kind, my dear—"</p> - -<p>"Nick Chopper, Tin Woodman of Oz," put in Jellia, who felt it was high -time they were properly introduced. "And there—" She hastily indicated -the Soldier with Green Whiskers—"There is Wantowin Battles, the Grand -Army of Oz!" At Jellia's introduction, Wantowin dropped Strut's arm to -shake hands.</p> - -<p>"And who are you, my lively little Skylark?" he questioned.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus53.jpg" width="258" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Oh, I'm just Jellia Jam, Ozma's Chief Maid in Waiting," Jellia said as -she trotted uneasily along at his side. The rest of the Stratovanians, -still cheering and singing, but in a more subdued way, came streaming -after them. Rather anxiously Jellia wondered how long the effects of -the cheer gas would last, and how soon Strut would remember about -blowing Nick and the Soldier away again. It seemed unlikely that she -would have another chance to open the kit bag without detection. The -Queen, who had not been as cheered by the gas as the others, seemed -somewhat unfriendly as she walked along behind her Royal Husband. Every -few minutes, in fact, she would lean forward and give Jellia a spiteful -pinch. Jellia bore this rude treatment with extreme patience, making -no complaint or out-cry and merely walking a little faster to keep -out of the creature's way. Jellia wanted to see all she could of this -wonderful, sparkling airland so she could tell Ozma and Dorothy all -about it when she returned to Oz.</p> - -<p>The Soldier with Green Whiskers had fallen back to a place beside Queen -Kabebe and was gazing about him with contemptuous snorts. Any country -that was not green like the land surrounding the Emerald City, held no -interest for him. Noticing that Jellia was faring quite well without -her helmet, and finding his rather stuffy, he took it off and slung it -over one shoulder. As he did so he caught the Queen in the very act -of pinching Jellia. Disgusted by such conduct, he sternly took her -arm, and each time Kabebe pinched Jellia, the Soldier would slap her -fingers. After the fifth slap the Queen peered at him with astonished -admiration, for on this whole Tip-toposphere there was no man bold -enough to strike a member of the reigning family. Soon, Kabebe was so -fascinated by Wantowin's flowing green whiskers she forgot all about -pinching Jellia. By this time the strange and still faintly cheering -procession had reached Strut's Royal Canopy. Waving away his giggling -Blowmen, Strut lifted Jellia to one of the splendid Star Thrones.</p> - -<p>To Kabebe King Strut spoke impatiently. "Don't you remember you were to -see about the Guest Canopies?" Kabebe dared not object but looked quite -displeased. "Just tell Bittsywittle to bring us a tray of air-ades and -a wind pudding," ordered Strut, giving the Queen a jovial shove to help -her on her way. "You'd like an air-ade wouldn't you, little lady?" -Poor Jellia shook her head no and then quickly changed it to yes. The -furnishings of the Royal Pavilion were so rich and dazzling and the -Star Throne so high and grand that she felt completely bewildered. As -Kabebe shuffled away, Jellia smiled nervously at Nick and the Soldier. -At Strut's invitation they had seated themselves cross legged on bright -blue air cushions, and looked as uncomfortable as they felt.</p> - -<p>"Well, what do you think of Stratovania by now?" inquired Strut, -settling back complacently. "I believe you will all enjoy high life as -much as we do, once you are used to it."</p> - -<p>Nick Chopper was on the point of saying they had no intention of -getting used to it, or of staying one single moment longer than was -positively necessary, when he caught Jellia's worried expression and -muttered instead. "Beautiful—very beautiful."</p> - -<p>"But where are the houses?" asked the Soldier with Green Whiskers, -bluntly. "These tent tops are all right for a war, or for field sports, -but I should think you'd find them rather chilly for all year 'round -living."</p> - -<p>"Stratovania," explained Strut as he crossed his long legs, "is -never chilly. It is surrounded by a rim of warm air that keeps the -temperature just as you find it today. No wind, no rain, no storms of -any kind," he concluded, proudly.</p> - -<p>"And it's all so bright and shiny," sighed Jellia Jam, blinking down -at the floor of the pavilion which was an inlay of sparkling glass, -and then off to the countless bright canopies that dotted the airscape -beyond. The surface of Strut's curious Skyland was of gleaming crystal, -sometimes smooth as ice, sometimes rough and rocky, but always flashing -with the brilliance of diamonds. "Everything sparkles so," finished -Jellia, rather wishing she had brought her dark glasses.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus54.jpg" width="500" height="325" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"That's because Stratovania is formed of solid air," smiled Strut, -tapping one of the iridescent posts that supported the silken canopy -over their heads. "And I am its High and Mighty Sovereign, ruler of the -Spikers who inhabit the strata below, and of the Zoomers who inhabit -the strata above, and of all the other spheres and half-spheres in -this particular area. Strut of the Strat! Consider THAT, Little One, -and be proud that you have been chosen to be our Starina!"</p> - -<p>"But Jellia can't stay here!" cried the Soldier with Green Whiskers, -springing indignantly to his feet. "Jellia's—"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus55.jpg" width="500" height="324" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Tut! Tut! Now do not excite yourself! Here comes Bittsywittle and -we'll all have a glass of liquid air." As Strut leaned forward to speak -to his small, electric-haired page, Jellia shook her head sharply at -Nick and the Soldier, for both seemed on the point of dragging her off -the throne.</p> - -<p>"Wait!" Jellia formed the word soundlessly, and with puzzled frowns her -two friends sank back on their air cushions, accepting rather glumly -the sparkling goblets of air-ade from the light-footed servitor. With -the air-ade Bittsywittle passed heaping saucers of wind pudding, a -fluffy, cloud-like confection that made Jellia's mouth positively water.</p> - -<p>"You will find the diet here light, but nourishing," Strut informed -them blandly. "Our atmosphere is so rare and exhilarating, we need -little but sun and star light to keep us going. But now, friends, I -propose a toast to Jellia, our new Starina!" As Nick and Wantowin -rose unwillingly to their feet, for the whole affair struck them as -perfectly preposterous, Strut lifted his glass and downed his air-ade. -Then the Soldier rather sulkily drank his. Nick, who never partook -of food or drink of any kind, set his goblet on a small tabouret and -stared sadly at Jellia Jam. The Tin Woodman feared she was seriously -considering Strut's proposal. Jellia surmised what Nick was thinking, -but as there was no way of explaining that she was just trying to gain -time till they could find some way to escape, she smiled wanly back at -him and swallowed her own air-ade.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus56.jpg" width="293" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>Suddenly Jellia felt herself rising into the air. Before she could -utter a sound, her head was pressed tightly against the top of the -canopy. Then, dizzily, she began to float 'round and 'round like a -pretty balloon just let off its string.</p> - -<p>"Ho, Ho!" roared Strut. "Our air-ade has made you light-headed, m'lass! -But wait—I'll fetch you down!" He tapped the winged staff he held in -his right hand sharply on the floor. Instantly it spread its wings, -carrying him up beside Jellia. Grasping her hand he drew her down to -the throne.</p> - -<p>"There," he chuckled, handing her a heavy glass globe to hold, "that -will weigh you down!" Reflecting that one of these winged sticks might -be a handy thing to have, Jellia clutched the glass globe. Still weak -and giddy from her flight, she could not bring herself to touch the -wind pudding Bittsywittle had placed on the arm of the throne. The -Soldier with Green Whiskers, on account of his heavy weapons and boots, -had not gone so high as Jellia, but even he, instead of sitting on his -air cushion, was now seated on nothing—three feet above Nick Chopper's -head. He looked extremely unhappy, as indeed he was.</p> - -<p>"Don't worry," grinned Strut, who seemed highly amused by the whole -affair, "you'll come down presently." He tapped his winged staff on the -head as he spoke, and the staff immediately folded its wings. "Tell -me," he urged, turning to Nick Chopper who was looking anxiously from -the Soldier to Jellia. "Do you come from below or be-high?"</p> - -<p>"Be-oth," answered the Tin Woodman, too confused by this time to know -what he was saying. "Taking off from the Emerald City of Oz, we first -flew up, then over, then up and next down!"</p> - -<p>"Hmm—mmmn, OZ?" Two very black clouds floated across Strut's -transparent brow. "I seem to remember your mentioning Oz before! I seem -to remember—" Strut's voice was no longer pleasant, and watching his -brow growing blacker and blacker, Jellia frantically sought to open the -Wizard's kit bag. Unless she could release some more of the cheer gas, -almost anything might happen.</p> - -<p>Out of the third point of his left star eye, Strut saw what she was -doing. "Don't fidget, my dear," he snapped crossly. "It is unbecoming -for our new Starina of Stratovania to fidget, or to unpack her own bag. -Here—" Taking the kit bag from her he tossed it carelessly beneath his -throne. Jellia's heart sank. She hoped Nick would say no more about -claiming Stratovania for Ozma. But the Tin Woodman, already launched -upon a glowing description of their famous Fairy Land, was working up -to that very point.</p> - -<p>"One hundred and one thousand, eight hundred and sixty-seven feet below -this airosphere," began Nick, taking a long breath, "lies the great, -grand and incomparable Fairyland of Oz. Oblong in shape, it is divided -into four triangular Kingdoms. The Northern and Purple Land of the -Gillikens is ruled by Jo King; the Blue, Western Land of the Munchkins, -by his Majesty King Cheeriobed; the Eastern, Yellow Land of the Winkies -is governed by myself; the Southern Red Land of the Quadlings, by -Glinda the Good Sorceress.</p> - -<p>"But all of us are subject to the benign rule of Ozma, the young Fairy -Ruler of the whole Kingdom. Her capitol, the Emerald City, in the exact -center of Oz, is one of the most beautiful cities out of the world! -Surrounding Oz and protecting it from invasions is a deadly desert, and -in Ozma's possession are more jewels and treasure than you doubtless -have seen in the whole of your air existence."</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus57.jpg" width="500" height="342" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Humph!" growled Strut, looking fiercer than ever. But paying no -heed to the ominous storm clouds forming on his brow, Nick loftily -proceeded. "Not only is Ozma possessed of more jewels than any other -sovereign known, but in her castle are magic appliances that make her -the most powerful of rulers. For instance, Ozma has a magic belt -with which she can transport anyone anywhere. On her wall hangs a -magic picture in which she can see what is happening to her friends -or foes—right while it is happening. In her safe is a magic fan to -blow away her enemies, and so many other strange instruments of magic, -I have not time to describe them. Among her advisors is the famous -Wizard of Oz, who spends all his time studying magic and perfecting -new inventions. The Ozoplane in which we made this perilous flight is -his latest masterpiece. And now that you know a bit more of Ozma and -her famous country, I am sure you will be delighted to become a part -of our happy realm and acknowledge Ozma as the Supreme Sovereign of -Stratovania."</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus58.jpg" width="500" height="336" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"What?" screamed Strut, bounding off his throne and furiously -confronting the Tin Woodman. "How DARE you suggest such a thing? This -is the second time you have done so! Why should I, Strut of the Strat, -acknowledge this miserable earthlander as my supreme anything? I am a -thousand times richer and more important than any Belowlander below. -Oz! OZ! Indeed!"</p> - -<p>As Nick backed off in some alarm, Strut shook his long staff over the -Tin Woodman's head. "Why, you can't even pronounce the name of your -own country!" he sneered. "It is not Oz, as you say it, but OHS—the -zone of Ohs, to be more correct. And if Ohs is in the zone of Ohs it is -Ozone, which means AIR—and that makes it belong to ME! So I, Strut of -the Strat, hereby do claim OZONIA for myself and my people, and you, my -fine Mr. Funnel Top, shall take me there!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus59.jpg" width="478" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_8" id="CHAPTER_8">CHAPTER 8</a><br/> - -<small>Strut of the Strat Sets Off for Oz</small></h2> - -<p>"Don't you do it! Don't you do it!" Plumping down on his air cushion, -for the effects of the air-ade had worn off at last, the Soldier with -Green Whiskers wildly sounded retreat on his green bugle. Jellia, -knowing he would run as fast as he could and perhaps wreck the Ozoplane -before she and Nick could reach it, jumped off her throne and seized -him by the coat tails. As she did so, Strut gave the glass gong beside -him a resounding whack. Before any of the three travellers could take -another step, the twenty Blowmen tramped back into the Royal Pavilion. -The cheer engendered by the cheer gas had entirely evaporated by now, -and they looked very grim indeed. At a signal from Strut, one seized -Nick, a second the Soldier. A third was taking hold of Jellia, when -Strut sternly waved him aside.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus60.jpg" width="500" height="289" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"No No! Not that one! She is our new Starina!" he told the Blowman -roughly. "Now you are to stay right here, Jellia, my dear, and help -rule over Stratovania while I descend to Ohs and take possession of -that rich and prosperous country. And, sooner than soon, I will return, -bringing you the magic treasure and jewels and the crown and scepter of -this Ohsma!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, but you mustn't!" wailed Jellia, clasping her hands desperately. -"Ozma is a <i>real</i> Princess and much more beautiful than I!"</p> - -<p>"In that case, I shall bring Ohsma back and make her a Starina also!" -promised Strut.</p> - -<p>"Now Hippenscop," he directed, shaking his finger at the odd-looking -page, "you and Junnenrump are to obey Jellia in everything. I'll leave -three Blowmen here to protect our Starina. The others, and all of my -able-bodied fighters, shall fly with me to Ohs."</p> - -<p>"The Ozoplane holds only four!" cried Jellia, looking desperately over -at Nick who was struggling angrily to free himself from the Blowmen. -But they had his arms pinioned behind his back, and the poor Tin -Woodman was unable to help himself.</p> - -<p>"Oh, that's all right!" answered Strut, "I and this Tin Emperor will -ride in the Friend-ship, and the others will follow on their flying -sticks and soon I will return with all the treasures of Ohs!" As the -Blowmen started away, shoving Nick and the Soldier ahead of them, -Jellia felt so frightened and alone that she burst into tears.</p> - -<p>"Oh, please, please—couldn't you leave the Soldier to keep me -company?" she sobbed, wiping her streaming eyes on her sash.</p> - -<p>"Of course, if you wish!" Motioning to the Blowmen, they picked up -Wantowin as if he had been a sack of potatoes, and tossed him roughly -back into the Royal Pavilion. He landed with a clatter at Jellia's feet.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus61.jpg" width="500" height="329" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"But see here! I am not sure I can find the way back to Oz!" protested -Nick Chopper as Strut fell into step at his side. "I happened upon this -airosphere by the merest chance, and have no idea in which direction Oz -now lies."</p> - -<p>"Just the same—I think you will take me there!" Strut grinned -wickedly, tapping Nick on the shoulder with his staff. He already had -sent Junnenrump to summon the army, and, glancing over his shoulder, -Nick saw a thousand young airmen strutting along behind them. As they -came to the shores of Half Moon Lake, Hippenscop came panting and -gasping into view.</p> - -<p>"Her Skyness the new Starina, bade me give you this," he puffed, -handing the Tin Woodman the small oil can the Wizard had given him at -the party. Nick had forgotten all about his oil can and without it he -was likely to rust and become perfectly helpless. Taking it thankfully -from the messenger, he hung it on a hook beneath his arm and headed -reluctantly for the Oztober. Nick had no intention of flying Strut to -the Emerald City. Even if he had to wreck the plane, he would find some -way to keep the greedy airman and his legions from conquering Oz. Then -he would return and rescue Jellia and the soldier.</p> - -<p>But, without a word to Strut, for argument at this point would have -been useless, he mounted the ladder, walked through the cozy cabin and -seated himself in the pilot's chair. Strut paused on the top rung of -the ladder before he entered.</p> - -<p>"Follow us closely, men," he commanded gruffly, "no matter how far -or fast we fly." Strut's young warriors raised their flying staffs -to show that they understood, and with a few final directions, the -Stratovanian stepped over the sill, slammed the door of the Oztober -and walked rapidly forward, examining everything with lively interest.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus62.jpg" width="469" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"So this dragon-body really flys?" he said, bending curiously over the -navigator's table. "Ho, what's this? I thought you told me you had -no way of finding the route back?" Nick Chopper, much more surprised -than Strut, picked up the tidy map that lay on top of the buttons. -It certainly had not been there when he left the plane, but here it -was now, showing the complete course they had taken since leaving the -Emerald City. Concluding this was some of the Wizard's magic, Nick -examined the map attentively. Each turn up or down, each mile east or -west, was charted accurately.</p> - -<p>"All you have to do is follow this in reverse," exclaimed Strut. -Unaccustomed as he was to flying except by staff, he was nevertheless -sharp enough to realize the value of a good map when he saw one. "And -remember now—no tricks!" he warned, sternly. "Land me safely in Ohs -and you will be suitably rewarded. But land me anywhere else and you -will be completely obliterated!"</p> - -<p>Nick said nothing. Weary of Strut's threats and boasts, the Woodman -touched the button to inflate the Oztober's balloon, and the "up," -"south" and "fast" buttons. In the whirr and splutter of their -take-off, the Airlander's further remarks and directions were -completely drowned out.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus63.jpg" width="480" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_9" id="CHAPTER_9">CHAPTER 9</a><br/> - -<small>Jellia in a Frightful Jam</small></h2> - -<p>For a long time after the departure of the Tin Woodman and of Strut -and his legions, Jellia sat forlornly on the Star Throne, trying to -stem the tears that coursed slowly down her cheeks. To be stranded on -this high and dangerous airosphere was bad enough, but the thought of -Strut flying off to destroy Ozma and steal all her treasures was more -frightening still.</p> - -<p>"What on airth shall we do?" questioned Jellia with a rueful smile, of -the Soldier with Green Whiskers who was tramping morosely up and down -the pavilion. Halting in his march, Wantowin shook his head dubiously.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus64.jpg" width="469" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"That I cannot say!" he murmured, taking off his cap and staring -gloomily inside. "I have no standing in this country at all! But you, -Jellia, are a Starina. Therefore you must decide what is to be done. -And whatever your Majesty's orders may be, I will carry them out to the -letter. To the <i>letter</i>!" declared Wantowin, standing up very straight -and tall.</p> - -<p>"Oh, bother 'my Majesty!'" scolded Jellia. "You know perfectly well I -didn't <i>ask</i> to be a Starina of this terrible place!"</p> - -<p>"It is not what you want but what you are, that counts!" insisted the -Soldier, stubbornly. "And there's no getting round it, Jellia, you -<i>are</i> a Starina! So while you are deciding what is to be done, I'll -just do a bit of reconnoitering. It might be well to know the lay of -the air!"</p> - -<p>"Wait!" cried Jellia as Wantowin started smartly down the steps. -"Whatever you do, Wanny—don't run!" she implored earnestly. "You -might easily run off the edge and then where'd you be? So do please be -careful, and if anything frightens you run straight back here! Do you -promise?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing ever frightens me!" said the Soldier in an offended voice. -Marching sternly down the steps he was off at a double-quick, without -even a glance over his shoulder. Feeling more alone than ever, Jellia -sighed and folded her hands in her lap. But Wantowin's words, foolish -as they were, had done her good. After all she was a Starina, for -the time being anyway. So, straightening her crown, and drying her -tears, Jellia tried to think how she should act under such bewildering -circumstances. How would Ozma act, for instance, if she were sitting -on the throne of this singular airtry? Even thinking of the gentle and -dignified little Girl Ruler of Oz, steadied Jellia. Holding her head -very high, she stepped down from the dais and began pacing slowly -up and down the pavilion, switching her green skirts in such a regal -manner that the two messengers who had returned quietly to their posts, -stared at her with new interest and admiration.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus65.jpg" width="500" height="345" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Is there anything we might bring your Strajesty?" asked Junnenrump, -bowing from the waist and clicking his heels smartly together. At his -question Jellia paused and eyed the two, speculatively.</p> - -<p>"Why, yes," she decided after a moment's thought. "You, Junnenrump, may -send some one to amuse me, and you, Hippenscop, may bring me two of -those winged staffs. It is neither safe nor proper for a Starina and -her Army to be without them!"</p> - -<p>"But, your Skyness!" Hippenscop leaped into the air and spun round -and round in an agony of embarrassment. "There are no extra staffs!" -he blurted, finally coming to a stop before her. The little fellow -looked so distressed, Jellia was on the point of letting him off. Then, -remembering just in time that she was bound to be obeyed, she raised -her arm.</p> - -<p>"Go!" she commanded haughtily. "And do not return without two winged -staffs!" Junnenrump already had started, and at Jellia's stern command -Hippenscop backed dejectedly down the steps, his eyes bulging with -dismay and consternation.</p> - -<p>"If Wanny and I had flying sticks, we'd at least be as well off as -the rest of these Airlanders," reasoned Jellia, resuming her walk. -"But what funny names," she mused, as the messengers disappeared in -two different directions and at two different speeds. "They make me -think of—" here Jellia took a little run and jump, following it with -a skip and a hop. "I suppose" she continued, talking conversationally -to herself, "that is what their names really mean, everything is so -mixed up here." Regaining her throne in one long slide, Jellia brought -up with a slight start. This, she decided, was no way for a Starina -to act. Smoothing down her dress, she walked sedately to Strut's -throne and reached underneath. The real reason she had got rid of the -messengers, of course, was so she could recover the kit-bag and have a -chance to examine its contents without being observed. The cheer gas -had saved them on one occasion, and perhaps there was magic powerful -enough to enable her and the Soldier to escape from the airosphere -before Strut returned. The bag was still there and snatching it up -in her arms, Jellia climbed back on the throne. But just as she was -about to zip it open, Junnenrump bounded up the steps of the pavilion, -dragging a lean old Skylander by the hand.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus66.jpg" width="500" height="310" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"His Majesty's Piper!" announced Junnenrump, giving the Piper a shove -forward and seating himself expectantly on the messenger's bench. -Jellia was annoyed to have Junnenrump return so soon. But since she -had sent for someone to amuse her, she could not very well object. -So, resting her chin in her hand she looked curiously at the royal -Piper. The old Skylander was tremendously tall and thin. His tunic was -short and plaited, and under his arms he carried a pair of enormous -bag pipes. Jellia never had cared for bag pipes, but on an airosphere -she supposed wind instruments such as this naturally would be popular. -The Piper, however, did not immediately play on his pipes. Instead he -struck a few light and pleasant chords on the top buttons of his tunic.</p> - -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Shall I do a buck and wing, or a little Skyland fling?</div> -<div class="verse">Shall I sing a little sing, for you, Dear?"</div> -</div></div> - -<p>bawled the Piper cheerfully. He looked so funny that Jellia burst out -laughing. Thus encouraged, the Piper proceeded to sing, punctuating his -song with extraordinary leaps and toe tappings.</p> - -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"When we Skylanders feel low, we just</div> -<div class="verse"> Dance the stratispho;</div> -<div class="verse">Step it high, kick and fly, toss the</div> -<div class="verse"> Partner up ski-high. High HO!</div> -</div></div> - -<p>"Would you care to try it?" he asked politely, holding out his hand to -Jellia.</p> - -<p>"No, No! Not today!" gasped the Oz maid, backing as far as the star -throne would allow. "But I've really enjoyed watching you very much, -and your singing is lovely," she added, generously.</p> - -<p>"Ah, but wait until you hear me play," puffed the Piper. Raising his -pipes he blew forth such a hurricane of whistles, squeals and fierce -thunderings that poor Jellia clapped both hands to her ears. "Tell him -to go away," she screamed above the awful din, wildly motioning to -Junnenrump who was tapping his foot in time to the pipes and looking -highly diverted. "Tell him to come back tomorrow." The fierce music -of the bag pipes had brought airlanders running from every direction. -Crowding round the pavilion they waved and bowed to the new Starina. -Realizing she never would have any privacy under the Imperial Canopy, -Jellia slipped off her throne. The messenger had the Piper by the -tunic tails and was easing him gently down the steps. Jellia waited -till they reached the bottom, then, as all the airlanders began to run -after the still furiously pumping piper, Jellia started in the opposite -direction. Surely somewhere, she thought, clutching the kit-bag close -to her, somewhere she could find a quiet corner or cave or clump of -bushes where she could examine the contents of the Wizard's bag without -interruption.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus67.jpg" width="487" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>So anxious was Jellia to be by herself, she broke into a run. Failing -to notice a crystal bar stretched across the path, she tripped and fell -violently <i>up</i> a tune tree. Falling down is bad enough, but falling up -is worse still. Jellia not only had barked her shins on the crystal -bar, but had bounced into the air so high she lost her breath and -plunged down so abruptly among the top branches of the tune tree that -she was somewhat scratched and shaken. She knew it must be a tune tree -because plump black notes grew in clusters like cherries between the -leaves. Several, dislodged by her fall, broke into gay little arias and -chords. At any other time Jellia would have been quite interested, but -now she was too agitated and upset to care.</p> - -<p>"Such a country—or airtry!" groaned the Oz maid, rubbing her left -ankle and her right knee. "One can't even fall down in their own way!" -Parting the branches the ruffled little girl looked crossly out. It -was quite a long way to the ground, but nevertheless Jellia decided to -climb down. But suddenly it occurred to her that the top of the tune -tree was as good a place as any, to open the kit-bag. Easing herself to -a larger limb, she balanced the bag carefully in her lap and stretched -out her hand to pull the tail. Then a piercing scream and the thump -of a hundred footsteps made her draw it back in a hurry. Parting the -branches of the tree for a second time, she saw Wantowin Battles -running toward her like the wind.</p> - -<p>"Help! Help! Save me!" yelled the Soldier with Green Whiskers. And -he had reason to yell for just two leaps behind him panted Kabebe, -waving an enormous crystal rolling-pin. After the Queen pounded the -three big Blowmen, and after the Blowmen came nearly a hundred men, -women, and children. Before Jellia had time even to guess why they were -chasing the Army, Wantowin tripped over the same crystal bar that had -caused her upfall, and landed with a terrific grunt in the branches -beside her, scattering half and quarter-notes in every direction. The -Airlanders stopped short and watched with breathless interest as the -Soldier disappeared into the thick foliage of the tune tree.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus68.jpg" width="500" height="330" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"What's the matter? What happened?" whispered Jellia reaching out to -steady the soldier who was bouncing wildly up and down on a nearby limb.</p> - -<p>"YOU?" gasped Wantowin, almost losing his balance at the shock of -seeing her. "Oh, Jellia! We must leave at once! At ONCE! As I was -passing the cooking caves, Kabebe rushed out and grabbed me. She has -decided to blow us away most any minute now. She has persuaded the -Airlanders that Strut is lost and never will return. Oh why, WHY, did -we ever fly to this terrible place?"</p> - -<p>"Be quiet!" hissed Jellia, frightened almost out of her wits at this -new turn of affairs. "How can I think with you making all that noise?"</p> - -<p>"Come down! Come down!" bawled Kabebe. "Come down before I shake you -down!" Grasping the trunk of the tune tree she gave it a playful shake.</p> - -<p>Rolling his eyes up, the Soldier glanced desperately at Jellia, and -Jellia, as desperately, glanced back.</p> - -<p>"You might as well go down," she whispered resignedly, as the Queen -gave the tree a tremendous shake that nearly dislodged them both.</p> - -<p>"Not without you," shivered Wantowin, hugging his branch for dear life.</p> - -<p>"Oh, well—let's get it over with," said Jellia despairingly. "Blowing -away may not be so bad, and I'd rather do anything than stay up here." -Tucking the kit-bag under one arm, Jellia swung herself down by the -other and dropped lightly to the ground.</p> - -<p>"What is the meaning of this outrageous behavior?" she demanded, as -Wantowin dropped fearfully beside her. "His Majesty shall hear of this, -I promise you!"</p> - -<p>Kabebe, astonished to see Jellia as well as the Soldier with Green -Whiskers drop out of the tree, took a hasty step backward. Jellia -quickly followed up her advantage. "I'm amazed!" she said sternly. -"I thought you knew that I was to help you rule while King Strut is -away!" At this bold speech, Wantowin looked at Jellia in round-eyed -admiration. Though her cheeks were scratched and her crown slightly -askew, the little Waiting Maid looked every inch a ruler's helper, if -not a ruler. Even the Blowmen began to shift uneasily from one foot -to the other, their mouths falling open at Jellia's indignation. But -Kabebe raised both arms and fairly screeched at the little Oz Maid.</p> - -<p>"How dare you speak to me like that?" she shrieked. "King Strut is lost -and never will return! I am Queen here—and I don't need your help! -Blowmen! Seize this impudent pair, march them to the edge of the cliffs -and blow them away." The crowd of Stratovanians looked uncertainly from -Kabebe to Jellia.</p> - -<p>"His Highness left you here to <i>protect</i> me!" Jellia reminded them -sternly. But even as she spoke, she knew they had decided to obey -Kabebe. She was flashing her star eyes so threateningly, and waving her -winged stick so close to their heads, that the Blowmen were afraid to -defy her.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus69.jpg" width="500" height="349" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Come along, now," grumbled the first Blowman, taking Jellia roughly by -the arm. "You've made enough trouble here!"</p> - -<p>The other two Blowmen seized the trembling Soldier and began marching -sternly toward the edge of Strut's Skyland. Jellia pulled back with -all her strength, as also did Wantowin, but, hustled along by the huge -Skylanders, they could do little to help themselves. Relentlessly, with -the jeering citizens of Stratovania running along after them, the -unfortunate Oz pair was dragged on.</p> - -<p>"Just wait till your Master hears about this," sobbed Jellia, as the -Blowmen shoved them as near to the edge of the cliffs as they dared -go themselves. Then they stepped back to lift their horns. Jellia had -managed to retain her hold on the Wizard's kit-bag, but even so she -felt that their last moment had come.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus70.jpg" width="500" height="327" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>Jellia gave a final sad little wave to the Soldier, who really was -quite brave now that his doom had arrived. The Blowmen pointed their -horns straight at them, but before they even could inflate their -cheeks, a fierce roar and splutter from the clouds caused every head -to turn upwards.</p> - -<p>"The ship—the ship! The flying ship!" cried the First Blowman, letting -his horn fall disregarded to the ground.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus71.jpg" width="498" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"It's Strut!" screamed the Stratovanians, treading on one another's -toes in their sudden frenzy to be out of sight of their Master when he -landed.</p> - -<p>"'Tis the Master himself!" cried the first Blowman, yanking Jellia and -the Soldier back from the edge of the Skyland. Pulling Kabebe along -with them, the Blowmen ran as never before, closely followed by Strut's -scurrying subjects. One moment later there was not a single airbody -in sight. Convinced that their cruel and brilliant ruler had returned, -they ran like rabbits. Some even flew, helping themselves along with -their winged staffs, while Jellia, sinking on a large, crystal boulder, -stared dazedly at the silver-bodied plane dropping rapidly toward them.</p> - -<p>"It can't be the Oztober!" cried Jellia, delightedly. "It couldn't have -come back so soon!"</p> - -<p>"It's <i>not</i>!" cried Wantowin Battles, tossing up his cap and waving his -arms exuberantly. "It's the other one, the Ozpril, and that means—" -In his extreme excitement, the Soldier tripped over a balloon bush and -fell seven feet into the air. "It means the Wizard himself has come to -help us," sputtered Wantowin, blinking rapidly as he landed hard on the -rock beside the young Oz maid. "Three cheers, Jellia! The Wizard of Oz -has saved us!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus72.jpg" width="495" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_10" id="CHAPTER_10">CHAPTER 10</a><br/> - -<small>The Wizard in Stratovania!</small></h2> - -<p>It was indeed the Ozpril, just as the Soldier with Green Whiskers -had said. Even at a distance, Jellia could spell out the name on the -gleaming body and, as the silvery plane came swooping toward them, she -could not repress a shout of joy.</p> - -<p>Too exhausted by the dreadful ordeal she had just been through to run -to meet the ship, she jerked off her scarf and waved it wildly over her -head.</p> - -<p>About ten feet from the crystal boulder on which she had been sitting, -the Ozpril came to a gentle and perfect landing. Scarcely had the -whirr and sputter of its engine died away before the door of the -cabin burst open and down climbed the little Wizard of Oz, followed -by Dorothy and the Scarecrow. The Cowardly Lion, last of all, had -difficulty fitting his paws on the rungs and, after a trembling -descent, rolled over on his back, his four feet straight up in the air. -The trip had not agreed with the Cowardly Lion at all. Weak and dizzy, -he made no attempt to rise.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus73.jpg" width="483" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Here you are at last!" cried the Wizard happily, rushing over to -Jellia and seizing both of her hands. "So THIS is where you've been! -Well I must say it's a fine place. Why it's beautiful, beautiful!" -Swinging round so he could look in all directions, the Wizard -positively glowed with interest and enthusiasm.</p> - -<p>"What's so beautiful about it?" growled the lion without turning over. -"Is there any grass? Are there any trees? Is there anything to eat?" -Dorothy, on the point of embracing Jellia, gave a little scream, for -the Tell-all-escope, which she had picked up just before leaving the -plane, was making terse announcements. At this point it happened to be -pointed at Jellia. Clearing its throat it remarked in a superior way: -"You are now looking at Miss Jellia Jam, formerly of Oz, at present new -Starina of the Strat, by edict of Strutoovious the Seventh. Miss Jellia -Jam, Starina of Stratovania! Period! Stop, drop or point elsewhere!"</p> - -<p>"Why, <i>Jellia</i>!" gasped Dorothy, letting the Tell-all-escope fall with -a crash, "are you, really? Oh my! I don't suppose you'll <i>ever</i> want to -return to Oz, now. Why, you must be having a wonderful time!"</p> - -<p>"Humph!" sniffed Jellia, with a slightly wan smile. "If being pinched, -chased and nearly blown to atoms is having a wonderful time, then I -guess I've been having it all right!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus74.jpg" width="273" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Tell me," requested the Scarecrow, who had been walking in a slow -circle around Jellia. "Does one prostrate oneself before a Starina, -or does one merely kiss her hand?"</p> - -<p>"Neither," laughed Jellia. Jumping up she gave the Scarecrow such a hug -he was out of shape for hours. "But quick!—Let's all hop in the Ozpril -and fly away before something terrible happens."</p> - -<p>"Fly away?" cried the Wizard, shoving back his high hat. "But, my -<i>dear</i>—we've only just come! I've been flying all night and need a -little rest and refreshment before we start off again. Besides, I would -like to see more of this interesting airland and its people, and add to -my data on the Strata."</p> - -<p>"That's what Nick thought," observed Jellia, putting both hands on her -hips. "And look what happened to him!"</p> - -<p>"What <i>did</i> happen to him?" demanded the Wizard, realizing for the -first time that Nick was not among those present.</p> - -<p>"You tell him," sighed Jellia to the Soldier. Sinking back on the -boulder she held her aching head in both hands. All eyes turned toward -the Soldier with Green Whiskers who opened and closed his mouth several -times without saying a word. The Wizard, now thoroughly alarmed, began -shaking him on one side and the Scarecrow on the other, until finally -Wantowin took a tremendous swallow and gave them the whole story.</p> - -<p>When the narrator reached the part where Strut had ordered Nick and him -blown away, the Scarecrow hurried over to the balloon bush and began -picking the almost ripe balloons as fast as his clumsy cotton fingers -would permit. Not till he had about twenty did he even pause. So light -and flimsy was the straw man that the bunch of balloons on their long -stems kept jerking him into the air. After each jerk he would give a -little grunt of satisfaction.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus75.jpg" width="500" height="332" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"These are just to keep me aloft—in case of accidents," he explained -hastily to Dorothy who was watching him intently.</p> - -<p>"But what of us?" asked the little girl, looking anxiously toward the -Canopied City which, at present, seemed absolutely deserted.</p> - -<p>"You say that this wretched Strut, after naming Jellia Starina, forced -Nick to fly him to Oz?" exclaimed the Wizard, grasping Wantowin Battles -by both arms and gazing into his face.</p> - -<p>"Not only that," Wantowin told him hoarsely, "but he's taken his -Blowmen and a thousand fighting men to conquer the country! He intends -to bring back Ozma's crown, scepter, jewels and all the treasures in -our castle!" finished the Soldier, dolefully.</p> - -<p>"Oh, can't we do something Wizard?" cried Jellia determinedly. "I -simply won't be Starina! I won't! I WON'T!"</p> - -<p>"Just the same—you make a very pretty one," murmured the Scarecrow, -patting the little Oz Maid consolingly on the shoulder. "But of course, -we cannot allow this bounding airlander to take Oz!"</p> - -<p>"If Nick had not 'taken possession' of Stratovania for Ozma, he'd never -have thought of it," groaned Jellia. Rising stiffly, she picked up the -kit-bag from the crystal rock beside her.</p> - -<p>"Ah—so you still have my magic kitty!" In spite of his anxiety the -Wizard smiled.</p> - -<p>"Indeed I have," said Jellia firmly. "It saved us from being blown -away. I used some of your cheer gas, Wiz, but I didn't have time to try -out any of the other magic. Here, you'd better take it now and do let's -be starting. No telling when Kabebe and those three Blowmen will be -coming back."</p> - -<p>"Forward march! Forward march!" Wantowin Battles started off all by -himself for the Ozpril. "Hurry, hurry!" he called over his shoulder. -"If those fearful people return they'll surely make trouble!" yelled -the Soldier, his voice growing more emphatic.</p> - -<p>"Well, it's certainly a mix-up," said Dorothy, moving closer to the -Wizard.</p> - -<p>"What do these people look like, Jellia?" she asked curiously. "Really -I'd enjoy seeing a few."</p> - -<p>"They look like nothing you ever have imagined!" Jellia told her with -a slight shudder. "Goochers! Here come some now! And oh—it's those -Blowmen—and all the others! Look, Wizard! Could we reach the Ozpril -before they reach us?"</p> - -<p>"Let's not try," decided the Wizard, as the Blowmen broke into a run. -"Even if we made the plane, they might blow us to bits before I could -get her started. Let's stay here and reason with them till I find -something in this bag to help us."</p> - -<p>"Oh, woe is we! Oh, woe is we!" gulped the Scarecrow, taking little -runs and leaps into the air, hopeful that his balloons would lift him -out of the danger zone as the threatening company drew closer. The -Queen was marching grimly ahead of her subjects. In some way, decided -Jellia, she had discovered Strut had not been in the silver plane. As -the Wizard opened his kit bag the little Oz Maid rushed over to the -Cowardly Lion.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus76.jpg" width="466" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Get up!" directed Jellia, giving him a desperate prod with her toe. -"Get up! We need your growl—and LISTEN!" she begged, as the big beast -rolled over and blinked sleepily at the approaching airlanders. "Do -everything I tell you or we are lost, LOST!"</p> - -<p>Dorothy concluded Jellia had been quite right about the inhabitants -of Stratovania. They certainly were like no one she ever had seen, and -she could not help admiring the bold way Jellia stepped out to meet her -dangerous adversary.</p> - -<p>"Just what are you doing here?" demanded Jellia, folding her arms and -tilting up her chin. "Did I not order you to leave us strictly alone? -Blowmen, take this Kabebe woman away!"</p> - -<p>"Kabebe's our Queen," muttered one of the Blowmen, scowling at Jellia. -"At least," he corrected, glancing at his comrades, "she is our Queen -until Strut returns."</p> - -<p>"What makes you think Strut has NOT returned!" questioned Jellia, -grandly. "Do you not recognize your Master!" With a regal wave, -Jellia pointed to the Cowardly Lion. "Do you not believe that this is -Strut—changed to this great beast by Ozma of Oz? But he is as powerful -and able as ever, to rule this Kingdom! Strut!" Imperiously Jellia -appealed to the Cowardly Lion. "Am I the Starina of Stratovania?"</p> - -<p>The poor lion was as startled at Jellia's question as the -Stratovanians. From sheer shock, he rose on his hind legs and let out a -perfectly awful roar—which was perhaps as convincing an answer as he -could have given.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus77.jpg" width="265" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"There! You see?" Jellia shrugged her shoulders as Queen Kabebe and the -Blowmen turned white as ghosts and began to move away.</p> - -<p>"It does sound like the Master," stuttered the Blowman, as the Cowardly -Lion followed up his roar with a reverberating growl.</p> - -<p>"What are your Majesty's wishes?" inquired Jellia, inclining her head -graciously toward the trembling lion.</p> - -<p>"Take that woman away, and have our supper prepared and served at once -in the Royal Pavilion!" directed the lion in his most commanding roar!</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus78.jpg" width="487" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_11" id="CHAPTER_11">CHAPTER 11</a><br/> - -<small>King, King-Double King!</small></h2> - -<p>The effect of the Cowardly Lion's speech was astonishing, indeed. The -Stratovanians behind the Queen turned and ran for their lives. They -started backing away so fast they fell up at every step, so that their -progress was curious enough to watch. There were few animals on the -airosphere and certainly none that talked. Thoroughly convinced that -the Cowardly Lion was Strut and Strut was the lion, his terrified -subjects fled in all directions.</p> - -<p>"Whew!" exclaimed the Wizard, snatching out his green handkerchief and -mopping his moist forehead. "That was quick thinking, my dear. Good -acting, too," he puffed, leaning down to give the lion an approving pat.</p> - -<p>"Oh, wasn't he WONDERFUL?" Jellia hugged the lion so energetically he -fairly gasped for breath.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus79.jpg" width="500" height="319" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Not so hard for ME to play King," he wheezed when he managed to escape -from Jellia's embrace. "After all—I AM King of the Forest!"</p> - -<p>"Well, however that may be, Jellia is certainly Starina of the Strat!" -declared the Scarecrow. "I'm beginning to think Strut was right in -choosing her! You've been wasting your talents in Oz, my dear, and you -surely have earned a crown today!"</p> - -<p>"But I don't want a crown!" asserted Jellia with spirit. Nevertheless -she was quite pleased at such high praise. "Now, look! Since the -Cowardly Lion ordered supper in the Royal Pavilion, perhaps we'd better -go. It will be as good a place as any to rest while we plan our next -move."</p> - -<p>"Hi, there—is everything all right?" Wantowin Battles, who had hidden -himself behind a crystal rock at the Blowmens' approach, now peered out -nervously.</p> - -<p>"For the present," called the Wizard, waving his kerchief, "for the -present. Come along, Soldier, we're going to have supper in the Royal -Pavilion!"</p> - -<p>"Not I," said the Soldier, falling in step with the Scarecrow. "Count -me out of that!"</p> - -<p>"I'm sure I'll not be able to eat a bite," sighed Dorothy, picking up -the tell-all-escope. "How can you even think of supper with those awful -airmen flying to the Emerald City. Oh, why don't we go after them now?"</p> - -<p>"Because I do not believe Nick will take them to the Emerald City," -said Jellia, straightening her crown. "He'll lose them somehow and then -come back here for Wanny and me."</p> - -<p>"My own deduction, exactly," agreed the Wizard walking briskly along -beside Jellia. "But wherever Nick is, we'll find him—same as we have -found you."</p> - -<p>"How did you find us?" asked Jellia, stopping short and staring up into -the Wizard's face. "I've been wondering about that."</p> - -<p>"Well, you see," explained the little magician impressively. "On the -Ozpril there is a magnetic compass that shows the exact course taken -by the Oztober, provided both planes are in flight. By following the -compass, I followed your exact route. The delay in our arrival was -caused by the difference in speed!"</p> - -<p>"Why, then you saw the very same things we did," cried Jellia, nodding -distantly to several airlanders who were bowing to the ground as the -little procession passed.</p> - -<p>"The very same," said the Wizard. Then, as a little afterthought—"By -the way, what did you see?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, nothing much but clouds, fog, an icecloud, and some flying -airimals with spikes," Jellia told him briefly, as she started up the -long steps to the Royal Pavilion.</p> - -<p>"The same with us," said the Wizard, taking out a little book and -squinting hastily at the precisely written entries, "'Clouds, fogs, -spiked monsters,' AH!" He closed the book with a little exclamation of -admiration. "So this is the seat of Government?"</p> - -<p>"I must say I prefer a castle," observed the Scarecrow, jumping up the -steps three at a time. "Still, all these columns are very pretty. Very -pretty indeed!"</p> - -<p>"Is my throne comfortable?" inquired the Cowardly Lion with a lordly -sniff.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus80.jpg" width="422" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"That's right," giggled Jellia, "you <i>will</i> have to sit on the -throne—that is, if Wanny doesn't mind?" The little maid turned -mischievously to the Soldier with Green Whiskers. "After all you are a -kind of King, too!"</p> - -<p>"Not on your life!" declared Wantowin violently. "I wouldn't trade one -button on my uniform for all the jewels in Strut's crown, nor one -blade of Oz grass for all the rocks in Stratovania!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus81.jpg" width="500" height="234" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Bravo! Bravo!" applauded the Scarecrow. Having tied his balloons to -one of the pillars, he was bouncing up and down on a blue air cushion. -"Try one," he invited, shoving a couple toward the Wizard. Instead of -one, the Wizard put three of the air cushions together and stretched -out at full length.</p> - -<p>"You can't imagine how tired a fellow grows after sixteen hours of -flying," he murmured drowsily. "Hah, hoh, HUM! I hope you girls will -excuse me if I take a little nap?"</p> - -<p>"I wouldn't mind a nap myself," yawned Dorothy. Though she had dozed -part of the night before, she felt extremely sleepy. Without much -urging from Jellia, she curled up on a couch at the back of the -pavilion and was asleep almost before her head touched the pillows.</p> - -<p>"Best thing in the world for them," grinned the Scarecrow, as Jellia -looked rather nervously from one sleeper to the other. "We'll probably -have to fly all night—if we get away from here at all! The Wiz needs a -good rest before he does any more piloting."</p> - -<p>"Yes," agreed Jellia with a sigh, "I suppose he does. But I hope the -lion's not going to sleep, too?" Climbing to her throne, Jellia gave -him a good poke in the ribs. The lion, who was leaning back against the -cushions with both eyes closed, shook his head.</p> - -<p>"I never sleep on an empty stomach," he declared firmly. "Besides, a -lion can go for days—if necessary—without rest or refreshment."</p> - -<p>"Didn't you have anything to eat, at all?" inquired Jellia. Being -terribly hungry herself, she could sympathize with the hungry beast.</p> - -<p>"Oh," answered the lion without opening his eyes, "we did have a few -square meal tablets the Wizard happened to have in his pocket. But, -while they fill you up, they don't seem to satisfy."</p> - -<p>"Same with the food here," said Jellia.</p> - -<p>"Food!" The Cowardly Lion's nose began to twitch with eagerness. "Where -is any?"</p> - -<p>"If I am not mistaken, supper is approaching now!" announced the -Scarecrow, peering out through the side draperies of the Canopy. "Is -this one of your many servants, my dear?"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus82.jpg" width="455" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Oh, I suppose so," said Jellia, as Bittsywittle trudged up the crystal -steps balancing a huge tray on his head. He had been warned of the -change in Strut, but the sight of the huge monster on the throne -unnerved the little fellow and he began to tremble so violently, the -dishes on the tray danced a regular jig.</p> - -<p>"Just put the tray on the table," directed Jellia, patiently. "And -don't jump, Bittsywittle! Strut won't bite you."</p> - -<p>"How do you know I won't?" roared the Cowardly Lion, opening his eyes -so wide Bittsywittle set down the tray and scuttled off like a hare. -Without much enthusiasm, Jellia noted Kabebe had sent them six saucers -of wind pudding and six glasses of air-ade.</p> - -<p>"Don't touch it!" warned the Soldier with Green Whiskers, as the lion -slithered off the throne and ambled to the table. "It will make you -feel very funny."</p> - -<p>"Well, I'd rather feel funny than sad," said the lion, sniffing the -pudding delicately, "and I'd rather feel funny than starve. Aren't you -having any, Jellia?"</p> - -<p>"No, thank you!" Jellia shook her head sharply and exchanged a quiet -wink with Wantowin. But the Cowardly Lion did not notice the wink. Or -at least, he pretended not to and hurriedly lapped up all six saucers.</p> - -<p>"Why, it's delicious!" he murmured rapturously, "Deli—"</p> - -<p>"Hey, where you going?" The Scarecrow had been watching him enviously, -for the pink pudding looked so good he almost wished he found it -necessary to eat. But now he spun round in alarm, for without any -warning at all, the lion had swelled and puffed up like a carnival -balloon and gone wafting upward to soar in dizzy circles over their -heads.</p> - -<p>"Oh, he's just putting on airs because he's King," teased Jellia, -wishing Dorothy were awake to enjoy the fun.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus83.jpg" width="500" height="322" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"But he might easily float off," worried the Scarecrow, pursuing the -luckless lion with outstretched arms. "Wait—I'll save you!" he puffed, -and snatching the cord from a long bell pull, he leaped on Strut's -throne. After several unsuccessful attempts he managed to lasso the -lion and tie him fast to the arm of the throne. "How do you feel?" he -called solicitously, for the lion, with closed eyes and a desperate -expression, was paddling his legs like a drowning dog.</p> - -<p>"Oh, take it easy!" advised Jellia, relenting a little, "You'll float -around all by yourself and come down presently, as light as a feather. -I know 'cause I've tried it. Hello—here's Hippenscop! Now I wonder -what he wants? Oh! My goodness! He's actually brought me two of those -flying sticks!"</p> - -<p>"Flying sticks?" exclaimed the Scarecrow, sliding off Strut's throne. -"You don't tell me?" The messenger, by this time had reached the top -step of the Pavilion. After a fearful look at the people from Oz, he -advanced timidly toward Jellia.</p> - -<p>"I have brought the flying sticks, your Majesty!" explained Hippenscop, -holding them out with great pride and satisfaction. "I stole them from -two sleeping watchmen, and managed to bring them here without Kabebe -seeing me."</p> - -<p>"KABEBE?" said Jellia, with an uncomfortable start. "Why, where is -Kabebe?"</p> - -<p>"In Star Park," whispered the Messenger, hoarsely. "She's got all the -people worked up and excited! They're coming here presently to blow you -away!"</p> - -<p>"What?" gasped Jellia in an exasperated voice, "Again? Why she knows -Strut will never allow that."</p> - -<p>"But Kabebe says HE isn't Strut!" said the messenger with an apologetic -bow toward the Cowardly Lion, who, paying no attention to the -conversation, was floating in distracted circles above the throne. -"Now Junnenrump and I believe your Majesty, and consider you the best -and prettiest Starina Stratovania ever had! But no one else does, so -first they are going to blow away the Friend Ship and then they are -coming here to blow <i>you</i> all away! So—while I do not presume to give -orders—if I were in your Majesty's place, I'd fly, this very instant -and while there still is time!"</p> - -<p>"The boy is right," declared the Soldier, grabbing up his blunder-buss. -"Company! Fall in! Forward march!"</p> - -<p>"Wake up! Wake up!" cried the Scarecrow, pummeling the Wizard with both -hands. "The Airlanders are destroying our Ozoplane!" While Jellia, -really touched by the messenger's loyalty, gave him one of her emerald -rings, Wantowin Battles lifted Dorothy off the sofa and set her hastily -on her feet.</p> - -<p>"Forward! Forward!" he urged, pushing her ahead of him. "Kabebe's -coming to blow us away!" Dorothy—blinking her eyes after a look at -the Cowardly Lion floating over the throne—concluded she still was -dreaming. But the Soldier kept shaking her till she finally realized -she was awake and in danger.</p> - -<p>"This way!" cried Jellia, as the Wizard bounced off his cushions. -"This way! The thing for us to do is to run to the other side of the -airosphere. Then, while those villains are blowing the Ozpril away, we -can be reaching the edge—and—"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus84.jpg" width="490" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"And WHAT?" queried Dorothy, looking at Jellia with round, scared eyes. -Jellia, for reasons of her own, did not answer. The Scarecrow already -had retrieved his balloons. Now he pressed the cord, still attached to -the Cowardly Lion, into Wantowin's hand.</p> - -<p>"You must pull him along with you," directed the Scarecrow, earnestly. -"I am too light. And DO let's be starting!" The angry buzz of the crowd -on its way to Half Moon Lake, already could be heard. So, without -stopping to plan or reason, the travellers from Oz slipped through -the back curtains of the Royal Pavilion and began running as fast as -they could toward the other side of Strut's curious air realm. The -Wizard, grasping his kit bag in one hand and Dorothy by the other, went -first. Next came Jellia, carrying the two flying sticks; the Scarecrow -clutched his bunch of balloons. Last of all ran Wantowin, dragging the -growling and disgusted lion after him through the air. Fortunately -Stratovania is long and narrow. In less time than they had dared hope, -the little cavalcade came to the edge. Forbidding cliffs stretched -along the whole coast and the moist, blue air seemed actually to be -breaking in great waves against the rocks. As they all gazed unhappily -outward, a terrific "BOOM" made them all shudder.</p> - -<p>"Well—there goes the Ozpril," mourned Jellia, patting the Wizard -compassionately on the shoulder. The Wizard, looking very angry and -grim, nodded his head. "Come on," puffed Jellia stepping closer to the -cliffs, "unless we want to go up with the ship we've got to jump! And -really—it's not so bad as it sounds! I've seen the airlanders fly with -these winged staffs, and these two will have to do for us all."</p> - -<p>"How do they work?" asked Dorothy in a faint voice.</p> - -<p>"Why, you tap them once on the ground to start, and once on the handle -to stop," explained Jellia breathlessly! "Now, suppose Dot and I and -the Scarecrow ride one, and Wiz and the Soldier, the other. And for -cake's sake—don't let go our lion!" added Jellia.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus85.jpg" width="500" height="331" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"But suppose he deflates and pulls us all down with his weight," -groaned the Soldier. "Why can't he float along by himself?"</p> - -<p>"Because I'm not going to have it!" said Jellia determinedly. "You must -hold on to him and risk whatever happens! And if anything does happen, -the Wizard will think of something!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus86.jpg" width="266" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"I <i>have</i> thought of something!" said the Wizard, composedly. "But -first we must do as Jellia says. HARK! Isn't that Kabebe calling you?" -As a matter of fact, it was. The Stratovanians, after witnessing the -blow-off of the Ozpril, had rushed back to the Royal Pavilion. Furious -at the disappearance of their victims, they now were rushing toward the -crystal cliffs, the screams of Kabebe rising above all the rest.</p> - -<p>"What do we do—ride 'em like broomsticks?" jabbered the Scarecrow, as -Jellia with shaking hands held out one of the sticks to the Wizard.</p> - -<p>"A good idea!" approved the little magician, watching with deep -interest as the wings on the tip of the staff opened and spread. "Come -along, Soldier, or the mob will get you yet!" With wildly beating -hearts, Dorothy and Jellia watched the Wizard and the Soldier mount -the flying stick and boldly leap from the cliff's edge. The Cowardly -Lion let out a terrified howl as he was dragged after them, but Jellia, -Dorothy and the Scarecrow, without further hesitation, mounted their -own staff and hurled themselves into space, just as the Queen and her -cohorts came panting into view.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus87.jpg" width="484" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_12" id="CHAPTER_12">CHAPTER 12</a><br/> - -<small>The Flight to Oz</small></h2> - -<p>Keeping the flying sticks in a more or less level position so they -would not slip off, and at the same time pointing them downward, -required no little skill. The Wizard, being used to magic appliances, -mastered his in double quick time. But Jellia, who sat in front on the -other staff soared up for seventy feet and across for fifty before she -learned the trick of flying it. During the first twenty minutes of -their flight, not a word was spoken. Each had enough to do to hold on, -and the Cowardly Lion, hurtling through the air beside the Soldier -with Green Whiskers, looked the picture of despair and discouragement. -A dozen times Dorothy, after a glance downward, gave herself up for -lost. But gradually the strangeness of their situation wore off. -Passing out of the moist, clammy strata just below Strut's Kingdom -into a dryer and less clouded area, the spirits of the little band of -adventurers rose. The wings of each flying staff, though not large, -were powerful as airplane propellers, and they flapped as rhythmically -as the wings of a bird.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus88.jpg" width="500" height="342" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Not exactly like riding in an Ozoplane!" called the Wizard, waving -cheerfully to Jellia! "Still—it's better than falling, eh?" Jellia, -who had maneuvered her staff to a position close to his, nodded -emphatically.</p> - -<p>"What worries me, is—the—altitude!" she called back presently. -"Somewhere or other we lost our air helmets. Will the effects of those -altitude pills wear off before we're out of the strat?"</p> - -<p>"No, we'll be all right," promised the Wizard. "My altitude pills -condition one for the upper areas for several days at a time!"</p> - -<p>"Oh! Then everything's splendid!" sighed Jellia, pushing back her curly -locks and smiling at Dorothy.</p> - -<p>"Unless we meet a meteor, and then our flight will soon be o'er," -quavered the Scarecrow, waving his arm in a doleful circle.</p> - -<p>"Now, now, don't anticipate!" advised the Wizard, guiding the staff -with one hand and opening his kit bag with the other. For several -moments he had been anxiously regarding the Cowardly Lion. The buoyancy -resulting from the wind pudding was at last subsiding, and the swelled -and bloated appearance of the unfortunate beast was fast disappearing. -At almost any time now, the lion would become a dead weight. His -poundage—added to the Wizard's and the Soldier's—would be too much -for the flying staff and they all would plunge like plummets to the -earth. Feeling hurriedly around in the kit-bag, the Wizard pulled out -a small, black bottle. Uncorking it with his teeth, he turned it upside -down and held it out at arm's length until not a drop of its oily -contents remained.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus89.jpg" width="500" height="326" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Now, don't be alarmed at a sudden bump!" he warned, as his companions -watched him with surprise and curiosity! "Whatever happens—hold on to -your staff!" Scarcely had the Wizard issued his warning when the air -directly beneath them froze into a solid block of blue ice on which -they landed with a series of bumps, and began sliding around in great -confusion. "Nothing to worry about! Nothing to worry about!" panted the -Wizard, keeping a firm hold on his flying stick and at the same time -managing to extract a large envelope from the kit-bag. "Hold on to -that stick, Jellia, and keep it down!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus90.jpg" width="500" height="337" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>The Cowardly Lion, completely deflated by his smack against the -ice, was sprawled flat as an animal skin in the center of the berg. -Dismounting from his own staff, the Wizard scurried perilously round -the edges of the rapidly falling block of ice scattering seeds from his -envelope with a lavish hand. Instantly, or so it seemed to Dorothy, a -thick green hedge sprang up, enclosing them snugly inside.</p> - -<p>"To keep us from tumbling off," explained the Wizard, sliding anxiously -after Wantowin Battles, who was galloping round and round on his flying -stick like a child on a merry-go-round. "Whoa, whoa!" cried Ozma's -chief magician, grabbing the Soldier's coat-tails. "We need these -sticks to act as brakes to stop our fall!" Unseating the Soldier, the -Wizard lifted the flying stick and stuck it through the top branches -of the hedge. Bidding the others dismount from their staff, he thrust -it through the hedge on the opposite side. The wings of both staffs -kept up their steady beating and, as the Wizard had predicted, acted as -strong brakes on the plunging cake of ice.</p> - -<p>"I was afraid we'd lose the lion," explained the Wizard as the little -company of adventurers gathered breathlessly round him.</p> - -<p>"I'd just as lief be lost as frozen!" Sneezing plaintively, the lion -pulled himself to his feet and slid over to the hedge, bracing his back -against its stouter branches.</p> - -<p>"It won't be long before we strike solid earth now, old fellow," the -Wizard observed brightly.</p> - -<p>"Strike the earth!" roared the lion. "Well, good-bye, friends! I'll say -it now—before I'm squashed and scattered to the four points of the -compass!"</p> - -<p>"Never mind, you'll make a lovely splatter!" teased the Scarecrow. -"Better stamp your feet, girls, to keep from freezing!"</p> - -<p>"Here, stand on my coat," offered the Wizard, gallantly. "Not YOU!" -Indignantly he pushed the Soldier with Green Whiskers aside. "You can -stand on your own coat!"</p> - -<p>"But it's against regulations for a soldier to appear without his -jacket," shivered Wantowin, piteously. "The manual of arms says—"</p> - -<p>"How about the manual of feet?" snorted the Scarecrow, thankful he was -stuffed with cotton and incapable of feeling the cold. "Say, Wiz, I -guess this is about the oddest flying trip a band of explorers ever -had?"</p> - -<p>"Did those magic drops freeze the air into ice?" called Dorothy. "And -how'd you grow the hedge so fast?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, the drops froze the air," the Wizard bawled back, for the -rush of air as they shot downward made it difficult to hold polite -conversation, "And I just happened to have some of my instant sprouting -saplings in that kit-bag."</p> - -<p>To keep up their spirits they continued to shout back and forth as -they fell. "I don't suppose we'll <i>ever</i> catch up with Strut and Nick -Chopper now," screamed Jellia, hooking her arms securely through the -hedge.</p> - -<p>"Why not?" cried the Wizard. "As soon as we land, we can fly these -flying sticks straight to the Emerald City, and be there before the -Oztober arrives. Remember now, the first one up after we hit the earth -is to snatch a winged staff."</p> - -<p>"And how do you suppose we will be able to rise, after striking the -earth at one hundred and forty miles an hour?" roared the lion, a -trifle sarcastically.</p> - -<p>"Well, it won't hurt <i>me</i>!" boasted the Scarecrow, holding to his hat -with both hands. He had lost the balloons long ago. "And I promise to -pick up the rest of you as soon as possible. Is—there—anything in -that kit-bag for breaks, sprains and bruises, Wiz?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, hold your tongue!" snapped Jellia, trying to peer over the hedge. -"We're not going to crash at all! We'll probably get stuck on a steeple -or tower!"</p> - -<p>"How'd Nick manage with his flying?" shrieked the Wizard, who was -anxious to change the subject. The less said about their landing the -better. Of course, they could take to the flying sticks and abandon the -Cowardly Lion, but that did not seem exactly sporting. So he resolutely -put the thought of it out of his mind.</p> - -<p>"Grand, just grand!" answered Jellia, making a megaphone of her hands. -"Nick had the Oztober going smoothly as a swallow."</p> - -<p>"That's good!" boomed the Wizard, beating his arms against his breast -to keep warm. "Maybe he'll get the best of Strut yet and bring the -Oztober safely down. I'd certainly like to have one ship left to -present to Ozma!"</p> - -<p>"How long'll it be before we do get down?" called Dorothy, as the -Wizard paused for breath. "Seems to me we're falling faster. FASTER AND -FASTER!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus91.jpg" width="500" height="292" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Any minute now," predicted the Wizard, popping his head over the top -of the hedge. "Oh! It's going to be all right!" he shouted joyfully. -"We're coming down right in the middle of a great big—"</p> - -<p>SPLASH!!!</p> - -<p>Before the Wizard could finish his sentence, the block of ice struck -the smooth surface of a large, mountain lake, and went completely -under. As it came bobbing to the top, its drenched and shivering -passengers looked at one another with mingled dismay and relief. -Dorothy, picking up the Wizard's coat, handed it back and then -went slipping and sliding over to help the Scarecrow, who was too -water-soaked and sodden even to move.</p> - -<p>"Wring me out! Hang me up to dry, somebody!" gurgled the straw man -dismally.</p> - -<p>"Grrr—rah!" The Cowardly Lion, outraged at the cold plunge after all -the other shocks and indignities of the day, jumped over the hedge and -began to swim grimly for the shore. The Soldier with Green Whiskers, -better at carrying out orders than the others, already was pulling -one of the flying sticks from the hedge. As it came loose he took a -brief glance over the top, gave an agonized shriek and fell backward, -stepping all over the Wizard who was just behind him.</p> - -<p>"An army!" shivered Wantowin, clutching his dripping -beard—"Thou—sands of them!"</p> - -<p>"It is an army, too!" echoed Jellia, who had parted the hedge to have a -look for herself.</p> - -<p>"What do they look like?" demanded the Wizard, shoving past the soldier -and grabbing the winged staff which was on the point of flying off by -itself.</p> - -<p>"Like trouble!" said Jellia, reaching for Dorothy's hand. "They have -long bows and pointed red beards and—my goodyness—their beards are -pointed straight at us!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus92.jpg" width="500" height="319" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Bearded Bowmen, eh?" grunted the Wizard. "Well, that doesn't prove -they're unfriendly." The Wizard stuck his head over the hedge, barely -avoiding the arrow that sped past his ear.</p> - -<p>"I suppose you'd call THAT friendly," sniffed Jellia, flopping on her -stomach and pulling Dorothy down with her. The Wizard had no time to -answer, for Wantowin Battles had one of the winged staffs and was -preparing to ride by himself.</p> - -<p>"Drop it! Drop it at once!" commanded the Wizard sharply. "How dare -you fly off without us? Why it's plain desertion, that's what!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus93.jpg" width="500" height="302" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"I was just going to do a bit of reconnoitering," mumbled the Soldier, -looking terrible abashed and then diving to a place beside Jellia as -three more arrows came hissing over the hedge. Quickly recovering the -staff, the wet little Wizard crouched down.</p> - -<p>"Now girls!" he directed, panting from the exertion of holding down -both sticks. "When I give the signal, you and the Scarecrow mount one -staff, and Wantowin and I will mount the other, and fly high over the -enemy lines!"</p> - -<p>"The higher the better," said Jellia, as a perfect shower of arrows -whizzed over their heads.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus94.jpg" width="479" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_13" id="CHAPTER_13">CHAPTER 13</a><br/> - -<small>The King of the Kudgers</small></h2> - -<p>The Wizard's plan worked very well, at first. He and the Soldier -astride one stick, Dorothy and Jellia, holding the poor, sodden -Scarecrow between them on the other, shot high into the air, across -the lake and over the amazed ranks of Bowmen drawn up on the bank. -Before the Red Beards had recovered from their surprise, the travellers -were winging strongly toward the turretted red castle that crowned the -mountain top. The Cowardly Lion, to escape the flying arrows, had swum -under water. Now, scrambling up the bank, he neatly skirted the enemy -and ran swiftly beneath the two, flying staffs.</p> - -<p>"As soon as we're safely past this castle, we'll descend, rest, dry -our clothes and then proceed to the Emerald City," called the Wizard, -turning to wave encouragingly at the two girls.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus95.jpg" width="500" height="264" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>But at that moment a dreadful thing happened. Sprawled on a huge camp -chair on the sloping terrace before the castle, its huge, red-bearded -owner suddenly sighted the flying sticks and their riders. Seizing -the long bow that lay beside him on the grass, he sent two arrows -speeding upward, one right after the other. Each arrow found its mark -and splintered a flying stick. With spine-shattering suddenness the -travellers crashed to earth. Dorothy, describing it to Ozma later, -explained that although she never had been in a battle, she knew -exactly how a warrior felt when his horse was shot from under him. -Except, of course, that a horseman would not have had so far to fall. -The Scarecrow, tumbling off first, softened the bump for both girls. -The Wizard and Soldier plunged headlong into a red-pepper bush. While -not seriously injured, they were grievously scratched and shaken. But -the worst was not the blow to their pride and persons, the worst was to -see the upper and winged halves of their precious sticks flying away -without them.</p> - -<p>"Oh! Oh!" groaned the Wizard, leaping out of the pepper bush and -running for an anguished yard or two after the vanishing staffs. "This -is awful, AWFUL! Come back! Come down!" he implored, realizing even as -he shouted that the sticks could neither hear nor obey.</p> - -<p>"Noo then, whew are yew?" The startled Red Beard hoisted himself out of -his camp chair. "W—itches riding on br—hoom sticks? Noo then, call -off yewer dog!" The Cowardly Lion, noting the mischief already done by -the Red King's bow, had seized it in his teeth and backed rapidly into -the bushes. The Wizard, reluctantly withdrawing his gaze from the sky, -now stamped over to the astonished owner of the castle.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus96.jpg" width="500" height="343" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Just see what you've done," he cried angrily. "Destroyed the only -winged staffs in Oz. We flew them all the way from the Strat and now, -how are we to reach the Emerald City in time to stop the airlanders? -Don't you realize—but how could you?" In sudden discouragement the -Wizard broke off and stared despondently around the rugged mountain -top. "I must tell you," he began again in a hoarse and desperate voice, -"that Ozma and the Emerald City are in great danger. Strut of the -Strat and a host of his flying Stratovanians are descending to conquer -Oz and carry off Ozma's treasure. If we fail to warn her the city is -lost—doomed—I tell you! Since you have shattered our flying sticks -you must quickly supply us with some other means of travel. We must -reach the capital before morning!"</p> - -<p>"MUST!" roared the Bearded Bowman. "Are yew shouting 'must' at ME?"</p> - -<p>"Be careful!" cried Dorothy. For the Wizard, in his earnestness, had -stepped closer and closer to the red King. But her cry was too late. -Without any warning, the King's pointed beard, rising with his wrath, -pointed straight out and struck the valiant Wizard to the earth. For -a whole minute he lay perfectly still, staring up at this curious -phenomenon. Though he had seen many a beard in his day, he had never -been knocked down by one before.</p> - -<p>"Whew are yew?" demanded the burly mountain monarch again. "How dare -yew fly over my castle and swim in my lake without permission?" -Stroking his beard which gradually resumed a vertical position on his -chest, he stared from one to the other of the adventurers. "No use to -run," he sneered as Wantowin Battles began to back toward the bushes. -"My bowmen will be here any moment now! But WHEW are YEW?"</p> - -<p>"Wheww!" groaned Jellia, propping the bedraggled Scarecrow against a -rock. "A body'd hardly know, after such a welcome. Whew are yew, -yewerself, yew old Redbeard!"</p> - -<p>"I?" roared the Bowman, taken completely by surprise. "Why, don't yew -know? I am Bustabo, King of the Kudgers and Red Top Mountain."</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus97.jpg" width="499" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"I don't believe it," said the Wizard, leaping agilely to his feet and -shaking his fist under Bustabo's long nose. "A <i>real</i> King would not -treat travellers as you have done, shoot away valuable flying sticks -and keep two lovely girls standing out here in the wind."</p> - -<p>"How dew yew know what a King would dew?" demanded Bustabo, puckering -his forehead in an uneasy frown.</p> - -<p>"Because," stated the Wizard, folding his arms disdainfully, "I -personally know all the most important rulers in Oz, and none of them -would behave as you have done. If you are a King, act like a King!"</p> - -<p>"Whew are yew?" repeated the Ruler of Red Top, walking around the -little group with hands clasped behind his back.</p> - -<p>"Oh, for Oz sake—tell him!" snarled the Cowardly Lion, poking his head -out of the bushes. "If he asks that question again I might eat him up, -pointed beard and all!"</p> - -<p>"Well, this is the Wizard of Oz," explained Dorothy, as the Lion -stalked grimly out of the bushes, "Chief Magician for Ozma of Oz. -This—" Dorothy, with a wave of her hand, indicated the trembling -soldier, "This is Wantowin Battles, the Grand Army of Oz. Beside him -is our famous, live Scarecrow. I am Princess Dorothy of Oz and this is -Jellia Jam, First Lady in Waiting to Ozma. Coming toward you is the -Cowardly Lion of Oz."</p> - -<p>"He doesn't look very cowardly to me," muttered Bustabo, putting the -camp chair between himself and the approaching beast.</p> - -<p>"Oh, but I am cowardly," growled the lion growlishly, "and when I'm -frightened I never know what I'll do. I might even chew up the King of -this Mountain! Whoever heard of a King pointing his beard at harmless -travellers! Whoever heard of a King with a beard as hard and red as -yours, anyway! It's hard as iron from the looks of it."</p> - -<p>"Harder!" agreed the King, evidently considering the lion's remark a -compliment. "All we Kudgers have red beards—not of soft hair like -his—" The Red King gazed contemplatively at the Soldier with Green -Whiskers, "but of hard hair like mine. I don't suppose yew've ever -seen a beard like this before. The point's sharp as a dagger, too," he -warned, as the lion sprang a pace closer.</p> - -<p>"Oh, I'm sure it is," said Dorothy nervously. "And it's dreadfully -handsome, too. But could your Majesty please let us dry out in your -castle and then could you show us the quickest route to the Emerald -City? If you don't," finished Dorothy, clasping her hands anxiously, -"the ruler of this whole country of Oz may be captured and carried to -the Strat."</p> - -<p>"What do I care about the Ruler of Oz?" sniffed Bustabo, scratching his -head in a most unkingly manner. "Ozma never does anything for me! Even -if she were conquered I'd still have my Mountain. Why should I help yew -or her or them?" His scornful wave included the whole little group. -"What can yew dew for me?" he asked sullenly. "Can yew sing?" His dull -eye brightened momentarily as it rested inquiringly on Dorothy.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus98.jpg" width="424" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Well, a little," confessed Dorothy, smoothing down her damp dress. -Clearing her throat and fixing her eye on the top of a red pine, she -started in rather a choked voice:</p> - -<div class="poetry"> - <div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">"Oh, Bright and gay is the Land of Oz</div> -<div class="verse">We love its lakes and hills becoz—"</div> -</div></div> - -<p>"There, there! That will dew!" Bustabo snapped his fingers impatiently, -and taking out a little book scribbled hastily: "Can't sing."</p> - -<p>"Can yew dance?" he demanded, addressing himself to Jellia. "We are -short of good dancers on this mountain." Jellia by this time was in -such a state of cold and temper, she stamped her foot and turned her -back on the unmannerly monarch. "Can't dance," wrote Bustabo under the -first entry.</p> - -<p>"Well, then—what <i>dew</i> yew dew?" he asked, turning in exasperation to -the Wizard.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus99.jpg" width="483" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"I?" said the Wizard, twirling his water-soaked topper, "I, am a -Wizard. Naturally I supposed a King like yourself would have everything -he desired. But if that is not the case, tell me what you wish and -perhaps I can help you. Only be quick!" he added earnestly, "for we -have no time to lose."</p> - -<p>"Sooo, yew really are a Wizard!" Bustabo's expression became almost -agreeable. "Well, then," he drew himself up pompously. "The Princess -whom I wish to wed has unaccountably disappeared. Find and return her -to this castle, and I will speed yew and yewer friends to the Emerald -City by the safest and swiftest route!"</p> - -<p>"But that would take too much time," objected the Wizard, rubbing his -chin anxiously. "Who is this Princess? Why has she gone? What is her -name and what does she look like?"</p> - -<p>"If yew were a real Wizard yew would know all these things without my -telling yew," answered Bustabo, looking suspiciously at Ozma's Chief -Magician. "I'll tell you this much, though. The Princess whom I would -marry is called Azarine, the Red. Not three days ago she was in this -castle, but on the morning of our wedding day she ran off into the -forest, and though all my Bowmen have been searching ever since, not a -trace of her have they found!"</p> - -<p>"Humph, the girl showed very good sense, if you ask me," sniffed the -Cowardly Lion, shaking his mane, "What did you do? Point your beard at -her? Come on, Wiz! Let's go. We're just wasting time here."</p> - -<p>"Aha, but yew cannot leave! Look behind yew!" Bustabo, with an enormous -laugh, pointed over his shoulder. Silently as Indians the Bearded -Bowmen had crept up and entirely surrounded the little company on the -green. Standing in a circle with bows raised and beards pointed, they -fairly dared anyone to take a step. "Soo, then, it's all settled!" The -Red King clapped the Wizard heartily on the back. "Don't think I have -not heard of yewer skill, Mister Weezard. Even here on Red Top we've -heard rumors of the wonderful Weezard of Oz. Now all yew have to dew -is walk into that forest, find the Princess and bring her back to me. -Meanwhile, I shall treat these others as my guests. They shall rest and -warm themselves and have all they wish to eat. If by morning yew have -failed to return, I shall regretfully be forced to throw them off the -mountain. If yew dew return, yew will find that Bustabo will keep his -word and bargain."</p> - -<p>The Wizard hardly knew what to say.</p> - -<p>"If he knows so much, why does he not help himself?" demanded one of -the Red Beards, stepping insolently out of the circle. "People who -can fly through the air on icebergs and sticks do not need help from -ordinary folk like us. Why doesn't he fly to the Emerald City if he's -so smart? I'll tell you why—because he's not the Wizard of Oz! He's a -fraud, that's what!"</p> - -<p>"If he's a fraud then you're a rascal!" cried Jellia Jam, remembering -suddenly that she recently had been a Starina. "Your Princess is as -good as found, Mister King! Isn't that so, Wizard?" Meeting Jellia's -firm gaze, the Wizard nodded quickly.</p> - -<p>"This young Oz maid is right, your Majesty! Before the sun rises -Azarine will return to this castle!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus100.jpg" width="500" height="325" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Yes—and now bid your vassals lead us into the castle!" ordered Jellia -sharply. "Bring us soup, meat, bread, vegetables, salad and plenty of -fruit and cake!"</p> - -<p>Bustabo, after a long look both at Jellia and the Wizard, motioned for -the Bowmen to lead the visitors into the castle. The Cowardly Lion -trailed suspiciously along in the rear, keeping a sharp watch to see -that no beards were pointed at his friends. The Wizard accompanied -them part way, conversing in earnest whispers with Jellia and Dorothy. -Wantowin Battles supported the dripping and still helpless Scarecrow, -and each tried not to show the anxiety he felt when the Wizard finally -turned to leave them.</p> - -<p>"Goodbye, all!" he said, lifting his dripping hat. "Goodbye, -Jellia—<i>here is your bag</i>!" Tapping the kit-bag significantly, he -pressed it into Jellia's cold hands. Then, without a word to Bustabo or -his Henchmen, he strode resolutely toward the dark forest that covered -the sides and more than half of the top of the mountain. Relenting a -little, the Red King sent a Bowman running after him with a basket of -provisions. Taking the basket with a brief nod of thanks, the Wizard -waved again to his friends and marched straight into the gloomy and -forbidding woods.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus101.jpg" width="487" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_14" id="CHAPTER_14">CHAPTER 14</a><br/> - -<small>Azarine the Red</small></h2> - -<p>The late afternoon shadows made the forest seem even gloomier. The -little Wizard, trudging along under the rustling red trees, hands -thrust deep into his pockets, never had felt more depressed or -unhappy. He had hated to leave his friends with a Monarch as cruel and -untrustworthy as Bustabo. Still, he had the utmost confidence in Jellia -Jam. The Young Oz Miss doubtless had some plan in her clever little -head and had chosen this way for him to escape, meaning to follow with -the others at the first opportunity. Anyway, he reflected, dropping -down on a heap of fallen leaves and resting his back against a tree, -they had the kit-bag to help them, if worst came to worst. Perhaps if -he concentrated and thought very hard, he could recall the powerful -incantation for locating missing persons and articles.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus102.jpg" width="500" height="328" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>But a Wizard without his books and equipment, is almost as helpless -as a doctor without his pills and medicine bag. Try as he would, the -Wizard could not remember the proper combination of words to bring -back the missing Princess. His short nap in Stratovania had rested him -a little, but he still was dreadfully weary from his gruelling flight -and the recent shocks and mischances. The loss of the Ozpril had been -the worst blow of all and now his tired brain simply refused to work. -So, sitting sadly under the tree, he munched the sandwiches from the -basket, drank from the bottle of cold tea and wished fervently for a -fire to warm himself, for his clothes were still damp and clammy from -the dive in Bustabo's lake. It comforted him a little to know that the -others were drying out and enjoying a good supper in the castle. But -it was no comfort at all to realize that Strut and his legions were -winging their way toward the Emerald City—the city <i>he</i> had built and -lived in so long it seemed more like home than any place he had known -in America.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus103.jpg" width="265" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>The Wizard crammed the rest of the sandwiches into the basket and -started recklessly through the forest, tripping over tough vines and -rocks, bumping into trees and peering desperately about for traces of -a Princess, or for any sign that might tell him in which direction -the Emerald City lay. From the slant of the ground he knew he was -travelling down the mountain, and the deep, red foliage told him he was -somewhere in the Quadling country of Oz. But with night coming on and -the shadows growing deeper and darker, he probably would lose his -way entirely and never get out of the forest at all. He felt uneasy at -leaving his comrades behind in the Red King's Castle. Was it better to -try to save Ozma and the Emerald City, or to stay in this forest and -help Dorothy and Jellia and the devoted friends who had embarked on -this unexpected adventure with him?</p> - -<p>Stopping short, the Wizard pressed both hands to his forehead in an -effort to make up his mind. Night already had overtaken him and it -was now so dark, it was impossible to see more than a foot or so in -any direction. Occasional roars, the snapping of twigs and the gleam -of yellow eyes from the thicket, caused him no little anxiety. At an -especially savage roar, he suddenly stopped worrying about Ozma and the -others and began to do considerable worrying about himself.</p> - -<p>How humbling for a Wizard to be devoured by a hungry beast. Backing -softly away from the approaching monster, he began looking sharply -about for a hollow tree, a cave or even a clump of bushes where he -might conceal himself. On the tip of his tongue and ready for instant -use was the magic word which would render him invisible. Fortunately -he did remember that. But the Wizard never wasted words, magic or -otherwise. Resolving to wait till the last possible moment, he -continued to back rapidly and cautiously. Then, unexpectedly from -behind him came another distraction—the clear ringing of a silver -bell. At the same time the gloom was pierced by a dancing ray of -light. Swinging round, the Wizard flung up both arms and not knowing -whether to dash into the teeth of the monster in front of him, or risk -the lowered horns of the huge beast behind him, the startled magician -uttered the word that rendered him invisible.</p> - -<p>"Brr—rah!" raged the burly, bear-like creature, rearing up on his hind -legs. "Where is that pesky man-creature? I saw him a moment ago, but -now, though I still catch his scent, he has hidden from me. And why -must you, Shagomar, come horning in to spoil my supper? Why cannot you -mind your own business, Br-rrah!"</p> - -<p>"I am minding my own business," roared the creature addressed as -Shagomar. "AWAY—you Entomophagus monster! Haven't I told you time -and again to keep away from the cave of the Princess? The very next -bug-bear that comes prowling 'round shall have a taste of my antlers! -Get on with you now, and after this—leave harmless travellers alone!"</p> - -<p>The great red stag made a short rush at the ugly beast blocking his -path. Large as a Grizzly, half insect and half bear, it held its -ground uncertainly for a moment, then shuffled off into the darkness, -grunting angrily.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus104.jpg" width="500" height="329" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>The Wizard, who had jumped hastily from between the two beasts, had -listened to the stag's words with lively interest and astonishment. -Huge and sandy, with antlers of tremendous breadth, the huge creature -now stood quiet as a statue. From one antler prong hung a flashing -silver lantern. From another dangled the bell which had so startled the -Wizard.</p> - -<p>"Well, friend! Are you still there?" whispered the Stag, softly. -Instead of answering, the Wizard uttered the word that would make him -visible. "Come with me!" directed the Stag, showing neither surprise -nor curiosity at the Wizard's sudden reappearance. "You will be safer -with us in the cave. Surely you are a stranger on Red Top or you would -know it is dangerous to wander in this forest at night."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I don't mind danger," said the Wizard, striding sturdily beside -the Stag. "I am used to danger—and I must reach the Emerald City -before morning! Ozma and her whole capitol are threatened by a band -of ruthless Airlanders, and unless I can give them some warning, the -Emerald City certainly will be captured by Strut of the Strat. I am -Ozma's Chief Magician, fallen by great misfortune into this forest."</p> - -<p>"I thought you might be a Wizard," murmured Shagomar, pausing to nibble -at a few tender leaves. "And you say the Ruler of the whole Land of Oz -is in danger? Hah, well—we all have our troubles." Exhaling his breath -noisily, Shagomar looked off between the trees with a troubled frown. -"I cannot direct you to the Emerald City, but I'm sure the Princess can -help you."</p> - -<p>"What Princess do you mean?" asked the Wizard, curious to hear what -Shagomar would say.</p> - -<p>"Azarine!" whispered the Stag, looking around carefully to see that no -one was listening. "Azarine the Red—Ruler of Red Top Mountain!"</p> - -<p>"But I thought Bustabo was ruler of the mountain! I just came from his -castle!" sputtered the Wizard. "He certainly told me he was King of the -Kudgers."</p> - -<p>"King of the Kudgers—pfui!" The stag shook his head as if a bee -were in his ear, while his bell played a regular roundelay. "Bustabo -was, till a week ago, Chief Bowman in Her Majesty's Guard. Using his -position and his men to help him, he has wickedly seized Azarine's -throne, insisting that Azarine permit him to be the King of all the -Kudgers. When our little Princess refused, she was locked up in the -tower. But, with the assistance of a faithful servant, she managed to -escape, and has been hiding in this forest ever since. I, being an old -and trusted friend, have been looking out for her and will protect her -with horn and hoof until her own loyal subjects unseat this miserable -imposter!"</p> - -<p>"Whew—so that's the way it is?" The Wizard thrust his hands more -deeply into his pockets. "Well, that settles <i>that</i>! I won't do it—no -matter what happens!"</p> - -<p>"Won't do what?" questioned the Stag, looking down sideways at the -little man.</p> - -<p>"Oh—nothing!" Kicking at a stone, the Wizard walked along in a -depressed silence. Surely no one ever had been in a worse dilemma. If -he managed by a trick or by force to carry Azarine back to the Red -Castle, Dorothy and his friends would be released instantly and all -of them speeded on their way to the Capitol. If he did not return -the Princess to the castle, his brave and faithful companions would -be flung off the mountain, Strut would conquer the Emerald City and -everything would be lost. LOST!</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus105.jpg" width="500" height="307" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>But when, a few minutes later, the Stag pushed through a cluster of -bushes that concealed the entrance to the cave, and the Wizard stepped -into the presence of Azarine herself, he knew he never would force her -surrender to the infamous Bustabo.</p> - -<p>Seated pensively on a rough boulder beside a small fire was the -prettiest little Princess the Wizard had almost ever seen. Her hair, -long and red as Glinda's, fell in satiny waves to her feet. She wore a -little mesh cap of pearls and a white satin, Princess dress. A long, -red velvet cloak hung loosely from her shoulders. Not exactly the -costume for a cave, but vastly becoming. Azarine's pale and flower-like -face was sweet and gentle and, when she saw the wet and weary traveller -with Shagomar, she jumped up to welcome him as graciously as though she -still were mistress of her castle.</p> - -<p>"Why, it's the Wizard of Oz!" she cried joyfully, after a second look -at the guest. "Oh, we <i>all</i> know the Wizard of Oz! I have a picture of -you right over the grand piano in my castle. Wherever did you find him, -Shaggy dear? Has he come all this way to help us?"</p> - -<p>"It will be a great pleasure and privilege, if I may," said the Wizard, -sitting on a rock opposite the Princess and placing his high hat -between his knees. "Just now, I happen to be in as much trouble as your -Highness. But perhaps—" the Wizard looked thoughtfully at the Stag -standing motionless at the entrance of the cave—"can Shagomar run?"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus106.jpg" width="268" height="349" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Oh, yes! Terribly fast!" Azarine assured him, eagerly. "Faster than -eagles can fly, than water can fall down the mountain, faster than any -creature on Red Top. Shaggy can do anything!" Jumping up, the Princess -ran over to lean her head against the Red Stag's shoulder. "He goes to -the village each day and returns with food. He has brought me blankets -for my bed, pillows for my head, and has kept away the fierce Bug-bears -and all other wild beasts that roam the Red Wood. I don't know what I -should have done without him!" The Princess added softly, "Shaggy's -such a dear!"</p> - -<p>"You're both dears!" agreed the Wizard.</p> - -<p>"Are we?" Azarine twinkled her eyes at the Wizard, "But Shaggy's the -biggest, and we've always been friends, haven't we?" The Stag, looking -down at Azarine with his bright, steadfast eyes, nodded so vigorously -that the bell on his antlers rang a veritable medley, and the rays from -the silver lantern danced into every corner of the dreary cavern.</p> - -<p>"Well then," the Wizard rubbed his hands briskly together, "Shaggy -shall carry us straight to the Palace of Glinda, the Good Sorceress of -the South. As Red Top Mountain is in the Quadling Country, her palace -must be somewhere quite near."</p> - -<p>"Oh, it is! It is!" beamed Azarine. "I've often seen her lights, from -the towers on Red Top. It's just a mile or two from the base of this -mountain. I never have seen Glinda, but I have heard she is very good -and a Powerful Sorceress. Do you think she can force Bustabo to give me -back my castle and my Kingdom?"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus107.jpg" width="500" height="299" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"I know it!" declared the Wizard, picking up his hat and clapping it on -the back of his head. "But before we start for Glinda's, I must go back -and rescue my friends from that thieving Red Beard."</p> - -<p>Marching forth and back before the fire, the Wizard related all -that had happened since he and his party had started off in the two -Ozoplanes. Hearing the strange tale, Azarine almost forgot her own -troubles. When the Wizard told how Bustabo had broken the winged staffs -on which they hoped to ride to the Emerald City, and of the wicked -bargain he had driven, the little Princess generously offered to return -to the Red Castle so that Ozma and Oz might be saved. But the Wizard -would not hear of such a thing. "No!" he decided—"Shaggy and I will go -back and manage, somehow, to release my comrades from the castle. Then, -we all can start for Glinda's together."</p> - -<p>"Wait," whistled the Stag, who had been listening to the Wizard's story -with distended eyes and nostrils. "Wait, first I will fetch Dear Deer."</p> - -<p>"Who in Oz, is Dear Deer?" inquired the Wizard, as Shagomar melted like -a shadow through the dark opening of the cavern.</p> - -<p>"His wife," explained Azarine with an excited skip. "And that will be -just splendid, for Dear Deer shall carry all of your friends, and we -can ride Shaggy!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus108.jpg" width="482" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_15" id="CHAPTER_15">CHAPTER 15</a><br/> - -<small>In the Red Castle</small></h2> - -<p>And now let us peek into the doings of Jellia, Dorothy and the others, -after they mournfully watched the Wizard stalk off into the forest.</p> - -<p>With Bowmen ahead of them and Bowmen closely following, the prisoners -marched slowly into the castle. Afraid not to hurry on account of the -sharp-pointed beards of the Guards, the little party progressed almost -at a run.</p> - -<p>Hurrying them through the beautiful throne room and other cheerful -apartments on the first floor, the Bowmen lead them to a covered stone -stairway curving up from the back courtyard. Up, up, and up, tramped -the Bowmen, and up, up, and up trudged the weary travellers. It seemed -to Dorothy they had climbed a thousand steps before they reached the -top. Both girls were frightened, but holding their backs straight and -their chins high, they stepped haughtily along without even a glance at -their red-bearded captors. Unlocking an iron door at the head of the -stair, the Guards gruffly ushered them into a round, stone-walled room -at the very top of the tower. Relocking the door just as gruffly, they -took their departure.</p> - -<p>"Thank gooseness, there's a fire!" shivered Jellia, running across -the room to hold out her hands to the crackling blaze. "As soon as -we're warm and dry we can decide what to do. Pull up a couple of those -benches, Wantowin, and for cake's sake, don't look so glum! Nobody's -been hurt yet!"</p> - -<p>"Ah—but what of the morning?" The Soldier with Green Whiskers wagged -his head, dismally. "That rogue of a Red Beard will pitch us off this -mountain quick as <i>that</i>!" Wantowin snapped his cold fingers. "One toss -from this tower and we're done!" groaned the Army, turning away from -one of the barred windows with a positive shudder. Glancing out the -window nearest her, Dorothy saw that the tower had been built at the -very edge of the mountain. Jagged rocks far below, and long-dead trees -jutting out from the sides of the sheer precipice, made it even more -formidable.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus109.jpg" width="500" height="320" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"I'm going to sleep," mumbled the lion, settling himself near the fire. -"What I don't see, won't make me feel more cowardly."</p> - -<p>"How true," thought Dorothy. Backing away from the window and -resolutely keeping her mind off the precipice, she began to help Jellia -drape the Scarecrow over a bench close to the fire.</p> - -<p>"Not too close, girls," begged the Straw Man nervously. "Fire's almost -as bad for me as water. One little spark and—pouff! Nothing but a -bonfire of your old friend and comrade!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus110.jpg" width="500" height="315" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>At this point a sharp tap on the door made them all jump, but it was -only a servant carrying a large tray. At least, Bustabo was keeping -his promise about supper. The servant was round and jolly. He looked -sympathetically at the little company, but evidently was afraid to -speak to them. Placing his tray on a table in the center of the room, -he bowed stiffly and withdrew, locking the door carefully behind him.</p> - -<p>"Not bad," said Jellia, lifting cover after cover from the silver -serving dishes. "Not bad at all! Give us a hand, Wanny, and we'll pull -the table over to the fire. My gooseness, this is almost as good as a -party!"</p> - -<p>Seating herself next to Dorothy who already was busy, Jellia bit -rapturously into a crisp roll. "Mmm—mmm! This is the first food I've -tasted since we left the Emerald City. Draw up, Liony! This roast lamb -will make you forget that wind pudding. You may have <i>all</i> the roast, -and we'll manage with the vegetables, the soup, salad and dessert!"</p> - -<p>Dusk was falling and the tower room was hardly cheerful, but sitting -on their hard benches close to the fire, the prisoners dined almost as -well as though they had been in the Emerald City. Now that his hunger -was satisfied, even the Soldier with Green Whiskers began to look less -desperate. The Scarecrow, now completely dry though a little wrinkled, -was his old, witty self again.</p> - -<p>As it grew darker, Jellia lit the rusty lantern on the stone mantel, -and Wantowin placed another log on the fire. There was a heap of -blankets on one of the benches. No other beds being visible, the -girls spread several on the hearth. Resting their backs comfortably -against the sleeping lion, they conversed in low and guarded whispers. -Wantowin, considering it his duty to stand guard, dragged a bench -across the doorway. Wrapping himself up in a blanket, he was soon -snoring louder than the Cowardly Lion. The servant had removed the -tray, and sounds from below had long since ceased. They knew it must be -way past midnight, but Dorothy and Jellia were unable to relax.</p> - -<p>"I wonder how the Wizard's getting along!" mused Dorothy, pulling the -blanket a little closer. "It must be awfully dark in that forest."</p> - -<p>"Oh, Wiz'll be all rights—depend on that!" Jellia spoke with a -heartiness she was far from feeling. "He'll have that Princess here -before sun-up. If he doesn't, we'll just light out and find him!"</p> - -<p>"Light out?" inquired the Scarecrow, drawing back still further from -the fire. "How do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," echoed Dorothy, moving closer to Jellia as a board creaked -somewhere below. "How do you mean?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I don't just know," admitted Jellia, frankly. "But there might be -something in this kit-bag to help! Let's have a look, anyway." Dragging -it from under a bench where she had stowed it on their arrival, Jellia -zipped it open and began feeling inside, curiously. "I never have had -a chance to examine it properly," Jellia said. "But that cheer gas -certainly came in handy, and the freezing fluid and sapling seeds were -pretty neat, too! My, whatever are these, now?" Folded neatly on the -very top were four suits of blue pajamas, with hoods and feet attached -like those in an infant's sleeping garment.</p> - -<p>Holding one near to the blaze so she could read the pink placard on -the pocket, Jellia gave a little gasp. "Oh, listen!" she whispered, -catching Dorothy's sleeve. "It says:</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>'<i>These falling-out suits have not been tested, but I believe they -will work and prove safe and practical in case of accident.—WIZ.</i>'"</p></div> - -<p>"I suppose the Wizard meant them for his Ozoplane passengers to -use, instead of parachutes," decided Dorothy, fingering one rather -doubtfully. "Well, I should hate to be the <i>first</i> to try one!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I don't know," Jellia, her head on one side, pensively considered -the blue pajamas. "I think they're real cute. I think—HARK! What was -that?" Dropping the pajamas, she clutched Dorothy as the unmistakable -tread of a heavy boot came stamping up the stair.</p> - -<p>"Bustabo!" shivered Dorothy. "Oh—he's not going to wait till morning! -He's coming for us now! Oh, Jellia, JELLIA—what shall we DO?" -Dorothy's voice, rising almost to a shriek, roused the Cowardly Lion. -Cocking one ear and arriving at exactly the same conclusion as the -little girl, the lion sprang over to waken the Soldier with Green -Whiskers. The Scarecrow already was hurrying from window to window, -trying the bars with his flimsy, cotton fingers. At the window nearest -the fireplace he gave a joyful little grunt, for some former prisoner -had managed to saw through three of the iron bars. As the Scarecrow -pushed, they moved creakily outward.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus111.jpg" width="499" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Quick! Come help me!" urged the Scarecrow, dragging the terrified -and only half-awake Soldier to the window. "On with those parachute -suits, girls! We'll jump before we're tossed out!" Dorothy and Jellia -exchanged desperate glances and then—as the steps on the stair thumped -louder and nearer—each grabbed a falling-out suit and zipped herself -tidily inside.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus112.jpg" width="500" height="338" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Here!" panted Jellia, down on her hands and knees beside the Cowardly -Lion, "you can put your front feet in anyway—and <i>anything</i> will be -better than <i>nothing</i>, when you fall!" To her relief and surprise, she -discovered that the pajamas would stretch! Even the lion could wear -them without too much discomfort. Except for a cramp in his tail which -was coiled tightly on his back, the lion fitted into his pajamas -nicely.</p> - -<p>As the Soldier with Green Whiskers was trembling too violently to help -himself or anyone else, Jellia jerked and pushed him into one of the -falling-out suits. Then, picking up the Wizard's kit-bag and looking -solemnly back at her anxious comrades, Jellia climbed to the window -sill. "I'll go first," she announced, closing her eyes so she would not -see the rocks below, and her mouth, to keep her teeth from chattering.</p> - -<p>"No! Let me! I insist on going first," cried the Scarecrow, springing -nimbly up beside Jellia. "Falling does not hurt me at all."</p> - -<p>"Oh, hurry! Hurry!" begged Dorothy, glancing fearfully over her -shoulder. The footsteps were now so loud and near, she expected the -door to burst right open and Bustabo's red face to appear.</p> - -<p>"Goodbye! I'm off!" Before the Scarecrow could stop her, Jellia was -off, indeed! Clutching the kit-bag to her bosom, she squeezed through -the opening between the bars and dove headlong into space! Next, the -Scarecrow, with a sad little wave to Dorothy, dropped out of sight. -"Help me push this so-called Soldier out!" puffed Dorothy, as the -Cowardly Lion signalled for her to go next. "If we leave him till -last—he'll never jump at all!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus113.jpg" width="276" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Halt! About face! Help! Mama! Papa! Help! Help! HELP!" wailed Wantowin -Battles. But Dorothy relentlessly forced him to the sill and through -the opening. As his wildly thrashing legs disappeared over the edge, -whoever was coming up the stairs, broke into a run. Thump, thump, -THUMPETY-THUMP! Trembling in every muscle, Dorothy climbed to the sill. -Spreading both arms, she launched herself into the air.</p> - -<p>She heard the grunt of the Cowardly Lion as he forced his way through -the opening. Then the fierce rush of wind past her ears as she pitched -downward, drowned out all other sounds. At first she was sure the -Wizard's falling-out suits were failures, for the lion plunged past -her, falling like a plummet. She, too, was whirling downward so -fast she felt sure she would be crushed on the rocks below. Closing -her eyes, she tried to resign herself to whatever was coming. Then, -suddenly, the pajamas filled with air, ballooning out till she floated -lightly as a feather. The question now was—would she <i>ever</i> come down?</p> - -<p>There was no moon, and in the faint starlight she could make out three -other, bulky shapes spinning through the air just beneath her. By -kicking her legs and flapping her arms, Dorothy managed to miss several -jutting rocks and tree limbs. As she floated lower, the suit began -gradually to deflate, finally letting her down as softly as could be, -on a strip of sand at the base of the mountain. A little distance away -she could see Jellia, already stepping out of her falling-out suit, -and the Cowardly Lion, waiting impatiently for someone to help him out -of his. Wantowin Battles, very brave now that the danger was past, -already had stripped off his flying suit and was shaking and patting -the Scarecrow into shape, for the poor straw man had been completely -flattened out by his fall.</p> - -<p>"Well, how did you like it?" called Jellia, hurrying over to help the -lion untangle himself. "After the first swoop, it wasn't bad at all. -Really, I quite enjoyed it!"</p> - -<p>"<i>Enjoyed</i> it!" choked the Lion, looking indignantly from Dorothy -to Jellia. "I'll never set foot in a plane again as long as I live. -Brrrrah! Ever since we left the Emerald City we've been falling—flying -and blowing about like yesterday's papers. Now that I'm on solid ground -at last, I intend to stay there! The rest of you may do as you please, -but I shall walk home if it takes a year!"</p> - -<p>"I don't blame you," said Jellia, patting the lion soothingly on the -nose. "But we can't start without the Wizard. We'll have to hide here -till morning and then try to find him."</p> - -<p>"Let him find us," growled the Lion, lashing his tail experimentally -to see whether there was any wag left in it after the shameful way it -had been cramped in the suit, "The whole trip was his idea—not mine!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, hush," warned Dorothy. "Someone will hear you! Ooooh! Someone -has!" And sure enough, the faint tinkle of a bell come mysteriously -through the gloom.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus115.jpg" width="500" height="338" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Mercy, do you suppose those Red Beards have started after us already?" -cried Jellia looking around for the kit-bag. "But how could they have -come down the mountain as fast as we fell?"</p> - -<p>"They couldn't," whispered the Scarecrow, picking up the bag and -handing it to Jellia. "But don't worry, my dears! It's probably a -herd of goats or cattle. These mountaineers often put bells on their -animals. Just keep still and don't move and they won't notice us at -all." Flattening themselves against the rocks at the foot of the -mountain, the five adventurers waited tensely. But when a huge, shaggy -shape loomed out of the darkness and came charging straight toward -them, all five screamed and started to slither sideways.</p> - -<p>"Wait! Don't run! Don't be frightened!" begged an agitated voice. -"Don't you know me? It's I! It's <i>me</i>! THE WIZARD!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus116.jpg" width="496" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_16" id="CHAPTER_16">CHAPTER 16</a><br/> - -<small>Escape from Red Top</small></h2> - -<p>As the great stag came to a sliding halt, the rays from his silver -lantern cast a wavering light over the little group crouched against -the rocks.</p> - -<p>"Hello! How ever did you escape from the castle?" demanded Ozma's -little Magician, sliding recklessly off the high back of his steed and -embracing them jubilantly. "We were just coming to help you. Girls, -Scarecrow, Soldier, Lion—may I present Azarine, the real Princess of -this Mountain, and Shagomar and Dear Deer, her friends!"</p> - -<p>Dorothy and Jellia were so stunned by the unexpected appearance of the -Wizard, they were able only to manage a couple of breathless bows. And -indeed, the lovely picture Azarine made, seated demurely on the huge, -red stag, was enough to render anyone speechless. Shaggy himself was -breath-taking, too. Not only the lantern and bell hung from his antlers -now, but perched unconcernedly on the tallest prong, was a lovely, -white pigeon with a key in his bill.</p> - -<p>"This pigeon was going to fly up to the tower with the key to the -door," explained the Wizard, as his five comrades continued to gaze -at him in stupefied silence. "Fortunately Azarine, who was imprisoned -there before you, had an extra key. She said Bustabo would lock you up -in the tower!" exclaimed the Wizard with a nod at the Princess. "But -since you already are out and down, we'll not need the key. Tell me, -how did you manage to escape? What did you do? Break down the door?"</p> - -<p>"No—we just stepped out the window," the Scarecrow told him with a -nonchalant wave upward.</p> - -<p>"You mean, you jumped all this distance?" gasped Azarine leaning -forward to peer between Shaggy's branching antlers, while Dear Deer -trotted closer to nudge Dorothy with her soft, moist nose.</p> - -<p>"Well—sort of," explained Jellia, putting an arm around the Cowardly -Lion, who still was looking extremely sulky. "But first we put on those -falling-out suits, Wiz, and you'll be glad to know they really worked."</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus117.jpg" width="494" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Splendid! <i>Splendid!</i>" beamed the Wizard, with a satisfied shake of -his head. "You know—I'd completely forgotten them, but I felt sure -you'd find some useful magic in the kit. Did Bustabo keep his promises?"</p> - -<p>"Well, he locked us up in the tower, and he gave us a pretty good -supper," answered Dorothy. "But we didn't like being prisoners, and -we didn't feel safe in that castle. Then, a little while ago when we -heard him thumping up the stair—we just decided to leave! And so—we -left!"</p> - -<p>"So we see! So we see!" The Wizard grinned appreciatively, delighted -by the spirit of the two girls. "But perhaps we'd better be off! No -knowing when Bustabo and his Bowmen will be coming to look for you. -Shagomar and Dear Deer have kindly agreed to carry us to the castle of -Glinda the Good. Once there—with Glinda's magic to help me, I'll find -some way to deal with Strut, and to force Bustabo to give up Azarine's -throne.</p> - -<p>"Now suppose you two girls and the Scarecrow mount Dear Deer, and the -Soldier and I will ride with the Princess." Dear Deer, at the Wizard's -words, moved over to a flat rock. Without any trouble at all, Jellia -and Dorothy climbed to places on her back. Then the Scarecrow vaulted -up behind, clasping his arms 'round Jellia to keep from slipping off. -When Wantowin and the Wizard had mounted behind Azarine, the two Deer -swung away from the mountain. With the Cowardly Lion loping easily -between, they ran swiftly toward the Southlands.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus118.jpg" width="269" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>Their gait was so smooth it seemed to Jellia they were flying like -figures in a dream through the shadowy forest, with only the twinkle -of the silver lantern to light their way. As they raced along Azarine -again told the story of Bustabo's treachery and how Shagomar had -brought the Wizard to her hidden cave. Then the two girls amused the -little Princess with the story of their experiences in the Strat. They -told her all about their life at home in the Emerald City, and of the -curious celebrities who lived in the palace with Ozma. Azarine already -was charmed with the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion, and kept leaning -down to have a better look at the tawny beast trotting so unconcernedly -between the two deer.</p> - -<p>"I tell you," she proposed generously. "I tell you—if Strut destroys -the Emerald City—you all can come back and live with me. That is—if -Glinda and the Wizard can make Bustabo give my castle and Kingdom back?"</p> - -<p>"But I do hope we'll find some way to stop Strut! How long will it take -him to reach the capitol?" Dorothy called across to the Wizard.</p> - -<p>"Well, it took us a night, and half a day to fly to Stratovania," -calculated the little Magician, wrinkling his forehead. "So I'm afraid -if Strut and the Tin Woodman left yesterday, they'll be in the Emerald -City tomorrow. That is—today."</p> - -<p>"And it's almost morning now," shivered Jellia, glancing off toward the -East where the sky already showed the first streaks of lavender and -rose.</p> - -<p>"Now, don't you worry," begged the Wizard, holding fast to his high -hat, "As soon as we reach Glinda's castle and I have some proper magic -to work with, I'll find a way to make both Strut and Bustabo behave. -The few trifles in this kit-bag are a help, but not nearly powerful -enough for rascals like those. Look, girls, isn't that Glinda's castle -now?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, it is! It is!" cried Dorothy, clasping Dear Deer around the neck -she was so relieved and happy. And the silver trimmed towers and spires -of Glinda's lovely, red castle, shimmering through the early morning -mists, were enough to make anyone happy. Flashing through the beautiful -gardens and parks, leaping hedges and flower beds as lightly as -swallows, the stag and his mate brought the little band of adventurers -to the very door of the castle.</p> - -<p>"Goodbye, now," breathed the stag, as the Wizard and Soldier slipped -off his back and the Wizard lifted Azarine down. "Take care of my -little Princess!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus119.jpg" width="264" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Oh, don't go!" cried Dorothy, for Dear Deer seemed on the point of -vanishing, too. "Do stay and see how it all turns out. Later on, -wouldn't you like to go to the Emerald City and meet the famous -animals who live in the capitol?" Shagomar looked questioningly at -Dear Deer, and as his pretty little wife seemed interested, he allowed -himself to be persuaded.</p> - -<p>"We'll wait in the garden," he whistled softly. "Houses and castles are -too stuffy and shut in for Deer people. If you need me, Princess, just -ring the silver bell." Lowering his head so the Princess could slip the -bell from his antlers, the stag stood looking at her solemnly.</p> - -<p>"I will," promised Azarine, waving her little red handkerchief as the -two deer sprang away. They actually seemed to float off above the -flowers, so lightly and easily did they run.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus120.jpg" width="491" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_17" id="CHAPTER_17">CHAPTER 17</a><br/> - -<small>The Wizard Gets to Work</small></h2> - -<p>"Please announce us to your Mistress at once!" directed the Wizard to -the sleepy little castle-maid who presently came, in answer to his loud -knock.</p> - -<p>"But Her Highness and Princess Ozma are not here!" stuttered the maid, -her eyes popping at sight of visitors so early in the morning. "They -left yesterday to visit Prince Tatters and Grampa in Ragbad!"</p> - -<p>"Ha, well," the Wizard turned to the others with a little shrug. "Looks -as if I shall have to manage alone. A fortunate thing Ozma did not -start back to the Emerald City. At least <i>she</i> will not fall into -Strut's hands. Here, HERE! Don't shut the door!" The Wizard quickly -pushed past the little serving maid. "Glinda will wish us to make -ourselves comfortable in her absence. Now then, Miss—Miss—?"</p> - -<p>"Greta," mumbled the girl, looking bashfully at her feet.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus121.jpg" width="500" height="328" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Oho—a Greta to greet, eh?" chuckled the Scarecrow, taking off his -hat and bowing to the ground. "Well, now, my dear Miss Greta, will you -kindly show these young ladies to suitable apartments, and tell the -cook to prepare breakfast for six."</p> - -<p>"Make it twelve!" growled the Cowardly Lion, with a little bounce -toward the maid. "I could eat six all by myself!"</p> - -<p>"Yes Sirs! Yes <i>Sirs</i>!" quavered Greta, running off so fast she lost -one of her red slippers.</p> - -<p>"Never mind," laughed Dorothy. "Jellia and I know this castle as well -as our own. We'll show Azarine about and have time for a short nap -before breakfast." The hundred pretty girls who acted as Glinda's -Maids in Waiting were still asleep. In fact no one was stirring in -the castle except a few servants. Waving briskly to the girls as they -started up the marble stairway, the Wizard went striding toward the red -study where the Sorceress kept all her books on witchcraft, her magic -potions, her phials and appliances.</p> - -<p>The exquisite palace of Glinda, over which Azarine was exclaiming at -every step, was an old story to the Cowardly Lion. Throwing himself -down on a huge bearskin, he soon was in a doze and making up the sleep -he had lost on the two, previous nights. Wantowin Battles had at once -gone off to waken an old Soldier Crony of his who drilled Glinda's Girl -Guard, and the Scarecrow, about to follow the Wizard into the study, -paused to look at the great record book.</p> - -<p>This book, fastened with golden chains to a marble table in the -reception room of the castle, records each event as it happens, in the -Land of Oz. When Glinda goes on a journey, she usually locks the Record -book and takes the key with her. But this time, she had neglected to do -so, and sentences were popping up, row after row on the open pages. As -he bent over to peruse the latest entry, the Scarecrow's painted blue -eyes almost popped from his cotton head.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus122.jpg" width="500" height="339" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Fierce Airlanders from the Upper Strat are descending on the Emerald -City of Oz," read the Straw Man, nearly losing his balance. "If -measures of defense are not taken at once, the capitol will fall under -the fierce attack of the invaders!"</p> - -<p>"Wiz! YO, WIZ!" yelled the Scarecrow, taking a furious slide into the -study. "Hurry! HURRY! For the love of Oz, hurry—or Strut will blow -Ozma's castle into the Strat! The Record Book says so!" he panted, -grabbing the Wizard's arm to steady himself. The Wizard, working over -the delicate apparatus on a long table, looked up with an anxious frown.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus123.jpg" width="500" height="327" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Now, now, you must be a little patient," he told the Scarecrow, -earnestly. "I'm hurrying just as fast as ever I can."</p> - -<p>"But what do you propose to do?" demanded the Scarecrow, puckering -his forehead into almost forty deep wrinkles. "Can't you whiz these -Stratovanians away, or send them back where they came from?"</p> - -<p>"Not without Ozma's magic belt," sighed the Wizard. "And you know -perfectly well that the belt is back in the Emerald safe in the castle!"</p> - -<p>"Then can't you transport the safe here?" asked the Scarecrow, playing -a frantic little tune on the edge of the table.</p> - -<p>"Just what I'm trying to do!" admitted the Wizard, turning a lever here -and a wheel there. "But this triple-edged, zentomatic transporter of -Glinda's does not seem to be working as it should. I'll probably be -able to fix it in a little while, but meantime—I tell you what you can -do. Post yourself beside that record book and the minute it announces -Strut's arrival in the Emerald City, rush straight back here to me!"</p> - -<p>Before he had finished his sentence the Scarecrow was gone, and for the -next two hours the faithful Straw Man, without once lifting his eyes, -bent over the great book of records, reading with tense interest and -lively apprehension of the progress of the Oztober and the Airlanders -toward the Capitol of Oz.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus124.jpg" width="483" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_18" id="CHAPTER_18">CHAPTER 18</a><br/> - -<small>Strut of the Strat Arrives in Oz!</small></h2> - -<p>For several hours after leaving Stratovania, Nick followed the Wizard's -map implicitly. With Strut leaning over the back of his seat, eyes -glued to both map and board, there was nothing else he could do. If he -deviated from the course so much as a hair's breadth, the Airlander -would tap him on his tin head with his staff. The Tin Woodman had not -expected Strut to be so clever about navigating and as time passed, he -grew less and less hopeful of outwitting the wily Airman.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus125.jpg" width="500" height="324" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>If he increased the speed of the Oztober in an effort to outdistance -Strut's flying warriors, they also increased their speed. Try as he -would it seemed quite impossible to lose them. But Nick Chopper did -not despair. He was counting on the night to help him. Never tiring or -needing sleep, he would have the advantage of Strut, then. As soon as -the Airlander relaxed in his seat, the Tin Woodman meant to fall upon -him, hurl him from a window, put all the plane's lights out and speed -off in the dark so swiftly the Stratovanians would be unable to follow. -That failing, he depended on the difference in altitude to subdue the -enemy. Perhaps when they reached the lower areas, Strut and his Airmen -would faint, wilt, and become harmless.</p> - -<p>So, bolstering his spirits with these heartening hopes, Nick bore as -patiently as he could the long afternoon and the unpleasant taunts and -company of his captor. Repassing the ice crescent without meeting any -Spikers, the Tin Woodman zoomed along, not even bothering to answer -Strut's many questions about Oz and its inhabitants.</p> - -<p>Night, when it did come, was especially dark and murky. No moon and -only a few stars dotted the arching Skyway. The darker the better, -rejoiced the Tin Woodman, taking quick little glances over his -shoulder to see whether Strut was falling asleep or showing any signs -of drowsiness. If it were just dark enough, he'd rid himself of -these flying pests in a hurry. But all his plans proved futile. As -the Oztober rushed on and on, and the hours dragged slowly by, Strut -grew even more alert and watchful. His star-shaped eyes twinkled and -glowed with sulphurous lights and he showed no more signs of weariness -than the Tin Woodman himself. The endurance of the Airlander and his -warriors was positively uncanny, and Nick, maneuvering the buttons -and wheel of the plane, grew increasingly discouraged and gloomy. -Flying at this rate they would arrive in the Emerald City early in the -morning, and to think that he was leading this band of savages upon the -defenseless City almost broke Nick Chopper's heart. As it was a red -plush heart, it could not really break, but it fluttered up and down in -his tin bosom like a bird beating against the bars of a cage. To Nick's -suggestion that he rest, Strut gave a contemptuous snort.</p> - -<p>"I'll rest in Ohsma's palace," he sneered maliciously. "D'ye think -I trust you enough to sleep? Ho no! Just attend to your flying, Mr. -Funnel Top, and I'll take care of the rest of this little adventure." -After this, Nick made no further remarks, and morning found the Oztober -sailing high above the Hammerhead Mountains in the Quadling Country of -Oz. All too soon the Tin Woodman made out the glittering green turrets -and spires of the Emerald City itself.</p> - -<p>"Quite a pretty little town," observed Strut condescendingly, as Nick, -his thoughts in a perfect tumult, tried to think of some excuse for not -landing.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus126.jpg" width="268" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Why are you not flying over the castle?" demanded Strut sharply. "It's -the castle I am most anxious to reach. There—you can come down right -inside the walls. My, My! So this is the wonderful Land of OHS. Well, -it owes me its crown jewels and treasure to pay for your insolent -invasion of the Strat. Collecting them should prove pleasant! Very -pleasant indeed!"</p> - -<p>"I wouldn't be too sure of that," snapped Nick, turning his head -stiffly. "I suppose you realize you are in great danger? If Ozma sees -you before you have time to storm the castle, you and your silly flock -of flyers are likely to be turned to crows or sparrows! The chances -are, she HAS seen you," concluded Nick, slanting the Oztober sharply -downward. At Nick's warning, the few clouds flitting across the -Airman's forehead became positively thunderous.</p> - -<p>"Pouf!" he sniffed, snapping his fingers scornfully. "Do you suppose a -mere girl like this Ohsma of Ohs can frighten me? My Blowmen will soon -attend to her and anyone else who stands in our way!"</p> - -<p>"That," shouted Nick, raising his voice above the roar of the -engine,—"remains to be seen!" As a matter of fact, the Oztober and -the swarm of flying Warriors had been sighted almost as soon as they -appeared above the green lands edging the capitol. Long before they -reached the Emerald City itself, terrified messengers had brought word -of the approaching airmen. Ozma being absent, Bettsy and Trot, the two -little mortal girls who lived with Dorothy and the Supreme Ruler in the -Emerald Palace, were in charge.</p> - -<p>After one glance at the flying army, they had called all the -celebrities, servants and courtiers together and bade them flee for -their lives. Then Bettsy, Trot, and the Patchwork Girl, climbed into -the Red Wagon. With the Saw Horse to pull them, they set off at a -gallop to hide in the Blue Forests of the Munchkin Country till the -invasion was over. Tik Tok, the Machine Man, carrying all of Ozma's -loose jewels and valuables, marched rapidly after them. The Medicine -Man rode the Hungry Tiger and the rest of the palace inmates ran -helter-skelter down the yellow brick highway from the Capitol.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus127.jpg" width="500" height="323" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>The inhabitants of the Emerald City itself, never having seen the -Wizard's Ozoplanes and having no way of knowing that Nick Chopper -was inside this one, were almost as afraid of the Oztober as of the -Stratovanians. Pelting into their houses and shops, they bolted windows -and doors and waited in terror-stricken silence for whatever was to -come. Only the Guardian of the Gate stayed bravely at his post, waving -his bunch of keys defiantly as the Ozoplane and the Airlanders swooped -over the castle wall.</p> - -<p>"Ho! No you don't!" cried Strut, as Nick, having brought the plane -to a landing, started to run for the door. "You'll stay with me, as -a hostage!" he rasped, gripping the Tin Woodman's arm. Furious but -helpless in the iron grasp of the Stratovanian, Nick was forced to lead -him into Ozma's beautiful castle.</p> - -<p>Strut's warriors, after fluttering like curious birds from tree to tree -and alighting in chattering groups on the wall, finally furled the -wings of their staffs, formed ranks and marched, singing and shouting, -up the steps after their jubilant leader.</p> - -<p>In vain Nick watched for any signs of weakening among them. The Airmen -seemed as comfortable and carefree in this lower altitude as they had -been on their own airosphere. The Tin Woodman's only consolation was -that he had brought back the Wizard's Ozoplane in as good condition as -when it had started away so unexpectedly. It was also a great relief to -him to find the castle deserted. Not a courtier, servant or celebrity -was in sight—not even the Glass Cat or Dorothy's little kitten Eureka. -Strut and his rude army stamped through the first floor from end to end -without encountering a single soul.</p> - -<p>"Very good," sniffed the Ruler of all the Stratovanians, shooting his -eyes sharply to left and right, "so this powerful fairy Ohsma of Ohs -has run off and left us her castle, and we win the war without blowing -a blow! Ho, Ho! I shall spend my summers in this enchanting palace," -he added, with a malicious wink at the Tin Woodman. "But now," his -grasp on Nick's arm tightened. "Where are these famous, magic treasures -and jewels you were boasting of—this belt and fan and all the other -foolishments and fripperies?"</p> - -<p>"In a safe in Ozma's own apartment," Nick told him, reluctantly. Now -that Strut was in complete possession of the castle, little was to be -gained by concealing the location of the treasures.</p> - -<p>"Take me there at once," he commanded Nick, and—because the thousand -Airlanders were a bit too numerous for comfort—Strut ordered them out -to the garden, bidding them man the walls, guard the gates and all -entrances, and give the alarm should any of the Ozlanders approach. -Then, with lowered head and dragging feet, the Tin Woodman led the -way to Ozma's private sitting room. The safe, sparkling with emeralds -imbedded in metal more valuable than platinum, stood in an alcove -behind a pair of silk curtains. Giving little heed to the elegant -appointments of the apartment itself, Strut knelt before the safe, -fairly panting with impatience and curiosity.</p> - -<p>"How does it open?" he asked, spinning the little knob on the door, -round and round without any results whatsoever.</p> - -<p>"I am sure I cannot say." Resting one elbow on the golden mantel, the -Tin Woodman looked indifferently at the kneeling Airman. "Only Ozma and -our Wizard ever open that safe."</p> - -<p>"Oh, is that so!" Strut straightened up angrily, "We shall see about -that. All I have to do is call one of my Blowmen and BLOW it open."</p> - -<p>"Suit yourself," said Nick, with a shrug of his shoulders. "Only if you -do, the safe probably will blow away—and all the treasures with it!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus128.jpg" width="267" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Then how in the Dix shall I open it?" screamed Strut, giving it a -spiteful kick with his silver-shod toe. Worn out by his long vigil -of the night and the excitement of taking possession of the castle, he -lost his temper completely, and stamped and raged up and down before -Ozma's jewelled strong box. But thump and bang at the door as he -would, it still remained shut. "Ha!" he puffed at last, "I'll call my -Swordsmith! He can hammer it open!" Racing over to the window he yelled -loudly for the Swordsmith to come up.</p> - -<p>But Strut's Swordsmith had no more success than his Master. Kindling -a fire in the grate, he heated a poker red hot and tried to burn a -hole in the door, but the poker did not leave even a scratch on the -glittering surface. "Stop! Stop! You Witless Woff. I'll do it myself," -raged Strut. "I'll blow it open with star powder!"</p> - -<p>"Surely you wouldn't do that," protested Nick, who up to this time had -been watching the effort of the two airmen with quiet amusement. "If -you blow up the safe you might set fire to the castle and destroy all -the treasures you have won."</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus129.jpg" width="266" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Oh, hold your tongue!" advised Strut. Dragging two smouldering logs -from the grate, he shoved them under the safe. Then, unscrewing the end -of his flying stick, he sprinkled a fine, black powder that smelled and -looked like gun powder, over the logs. Lighting a twisted paper, he -stuck it beneath the logs and jumped back, waiting impatiently for the -safe to fly apart.</p> - -<p>Nick Chopper waited not a moment longer. Darting into the dressing room -he hastily filled a pitcher with water. But before he could return, an -ear-splitting explosion rocked the castle and flung him and the pitcher -through the doorway of the sitting room.</p> - -<p>Without stopping to recover his breath, the Tin Woodman jumped up and -hurried across the room. The two airmen, with blackened clothes and -faces, stared dazedly at the spot where the safe had been. <i>Where it -had been</i>—because it was no longer there! Not a sign, emerald or -single splinter of it! There was no hole in the ceiling, so it could -not have blown up; there was no hole in the floor, so it could not have -blown down. The windows were unbroken, the walls, intact. Only the -two logs, smoking sullenly on Ozma's priceless rug, remained of the -Airlander's bonfire—unless we count the expression on Strut's face, -which simply blazed with wrath, bafflement and unadulterated fury.</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus130.jpg" width="484" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_19" id="CHAPTER_19">CHAPTER 19</a><br/> - -<small>The Travellers Return!</small></h2> - -<p>"I told you not to do that," said Nick, running over to Strut and the -Swordsmith. "I warned you! Now see what you've done!"</p> - -<p>"But where is it? Where did it go? Where did it BLOW?" screamed the -Airlander, his electric hair standing more on end than ever and -crackling like summer lightning.</p> - -<p>"Ask Ozma! Ask the Wizard!" suggested Nick, folding his arms and -surveying the two quite calmly. "But if you take my advice, you'll -hustle right out of this castle before the same thing happens to YOU!"</p> - -<p>"Who asked for your advice?" cried Strut, streaking over to the window -to see whether the safe had blown into the garden, though how it could -have done so without knocking a hole in the wall or ceiling, he could -neither imagine nor understand. Drawing aside the curtain he gave a -great gasp. Nick, who had hurried after him, uttered a loud shout of -joy.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus131.jpg" width="500" height="330" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"See! I told you!" cried Nick, and unhooking his oil can the Tin -Woodman let four drops of oil slide down his neck. "I told you!" Strut -made no reply. He just hung on to the curtain as if he were drowning -and the flimsy portiere, a life preserver. "See!" shouted Nick again.</p> - -<p>But it was what Strut <i>didn't</i> see that upset the Airman! What he -<i>didn't</i> see was his entire army of nine hundred and ninety-nine -splendid fighters! The garden below was as empty and quiet as a park -on a rainy Sunday. "Calm yourself, Man! Calm yourself!" advised Nick -as Strut, turning from the window and noting the disappearance of his -Swordsmith, began running in frenzied circles, overturning chairs and -tables and tripping over rugs and foot-stools.</p> - -<p>"Quick," he hissed, making a dive for the Tin Woodman. "Fly me back to -the Strat. At once! At ONCE! Do you hear?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes! I hear you—quite well!" said Nick, eluding Strut easily. -"But I'll never fly you anywhere again! Besides, don't you realize you -cannot fly from magic! You'll have to stay, my good man, and face the -music!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus132.jpg" width="260" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>Nick's words seemed to bring the Airlander to his senses. Remembering, -even in defeat, that he was a powerful King and Ruler, he straightened -up proudly and, with one hand resting on an emerald-topped table, stood -looking tensely from Nick Chopper to the door. He did not have long -to wait, for in less time than it takes to count ten, nine excited -Ozians burst into the Royal Sitting room.</p> - -<p>"Oh, Nick! Are you really safe? Is everything all right?" Jellia Jam -rushed over to the Tin Woodman and took both of his hands in her own.</p> - -<p>"So <i>that's</i> the fellow I was supposed to impersonate!" roared the -Cowardly Lion, thrusting his head between Dorothy and the Soldier, -"Well, Goosengravy, girls—I'm insulted!"</p> - -<p>"And <i>is</i> this really Strut—the high and mighty Stratovanian who has -come to conquer us?" Ozma, who was just behind the Soldier, gazed so -steadily and sorrowfully at the Airman that he uncomfortably averted -his gaze. He was, to tell the truth, astonished at the youth, beauty -and regal manner of the young Fairy. He cast a questioning look at -the others, crowding through the doorway. He already knew the Soldier -with Green Whiskers, but the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, the small, -High-Hatted gentleman talking earnestly to a cheerful little girl, the -little, red-cloaked Princess and the tall, imposing, red-haired Glinda -were all new and bewildering strangers. For the first time since they -had met, Nick felt sorry for his discomfited foe, and as each of the -celebrities approached, he called out the names.</p> - -<p>"Our famous live Scarecrow, His Majesty the Cowardly Lion, Glinda the -Good Sorceress, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Princess Dorothy of Kansas -and the Emerald City and—"</p> - -<p>"Azarine, the Red," finished Dorothy, helping him out. For Nick, -completely at sea, looked inquiringly at the pretty little Princess in -the red cloak. At each introduction Strut bowed stiffly. If he could -have reached his flying stick which he had left standing beside the -mantel, he would have flown out the window—regardless of the fact that -he might never find his way back to the Strat. But as he could not -reach the staff, he stood stonily waiting for whatever was to befall.</p> - -<p>"How'd you find Jellia and the Soldier? What became of the Ozpril? -Where's the Emerald safe?" questioned Nick, leaving Strut's side and -hurrying to seize the little Wizard by both lapels, for he could -restrain his curiosity no longer.</p> - -<p>"Quite a story—quite a story," puffed the Wizard, closing one eye, -"Ask me again some long winter evening." Jerking away from Nick, he ran -off to fetch his black bag of magic, from which he had been separated -far too long.</p> - -<p>"I suppose you are quite anxious to return to your own country," -said Ozma, addressing herself to the Ruler of the Strat as she seated -herself on a small, satin sofa.</p> - -<p>"Not without my army," blustered Strut, defiantly. "It is neither fair -nor honest for one ruler to destroy by magic the fighting forces of -another!"</p> - -<p>"Your army is not destroyed," Ozma told him evenly. "It already is -in Stratovania, transported there by this magic belt." Lightly, the -dark-haired fairy touched the gem-studded girdle she was wearing. -"And—speaking of honesty and fairness," she went on seriously, "did -you think it honest or fair to come here, take possession of my castle, -and try to steal all my treasure and jewels?" Strut had the grace to -blush, and as there was no good answer to Ozma's question, he looked -haughtily over the heads of the company regarding him so accusingly.</p> - -<p>"Well, have you anything to say?" inquired Ozma sternly. "Whether -or not you return to your Kingdom depends entirely upon yourself -and how you treat Kabebe." At mention of his Queen, Strut started, -involuntarily.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus133.jpg" width="266" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"By the way—here's that silly crown you made me wear!" said Jellia, -handing over the star-tipped circlet she had been wearing since her -visit to the Strat. "Remember me to the Piper when you see him and to -Junnenrump and Hippenscop."</p> - -<p>"Are you sure you'd rather not live in the Strat as a Starina, than -stay here with us?" asked Ozma, smiling mischievously, as Jellia backed -away from the frowning airman.</p> - -<p>"Never! Never! NEVER!" cried Jellia, taking a long step backward at -each word. "I've had enough of Kings to last me the rest of my life!"</p> - -<p>A little ripple of laughter followed Jellia's blunt refusal, and taking -pity on the mortified Airlander, Ozma touched her belt and whispered -the magic word that would transport him to his own country.</p> - -<p>"But can you trust him?" worried Nick Chopper, as the Stratovanian -vanished before their eyes. "How do you know he won't blow things up as -soon as he returns?"</p> - -<p>"Because I've removed all power from his Blowmen's horns," Ozma told -him quietly. "He'll be all right, and for the kind of people he -rules—Strut probably is the best sort of ruler they could have."</p> - -<p>"If you ask me," observed the Cowardly Lion, shaking his mane -vigorously, "the worst punishment anyone could have would be to live on -wind pudding and air-ade. Wooof!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, what a shame!" Dorothy ran over to the mantel where the flying -stick had been standing. "The winged staff's gone! I rather had hoped -we could keep it for Hallow'een or New Year's or something!"</p> - -<p>"Haven't you had enough flying?" grinned the Scarecrow, settling on the -green sofa beside Ozma. "By the way, where's the tell-all-escope?"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus134.jpg" width="500" height="313" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Oh, I'm so sorry," Dorothy felt ruefully in the pocket of her coat. "I -must have left it in Strut's Royal Pavilion!"</p> - -<p>"Never mind! I'll bring it back with the magic belt," smiled Ozma, "and -I presume it's all right to bring the safe back, too?" As Glinda nodded -in agreement, the Ruler of Oz touched her belt twice, and with two -thumps—one louder than the other—the safe and tell-all-escope thumped -down on the floor beside the sofa. The tell-all-escope was pointing -directly at Ozma, and it immediately began broadcasting her whole -history. So the little Fairy, with a chuckle of amusement locked it up -in her desk drawer.</p> - -<p>While Ozma had been meting out her gentle justice, Jellia had been -telling Nick all that had happened since he was forced to fly Strut to -Oz. She told him of the arrival of the Ozpril, the escape of the whole -party from the angry Kabebe, their fall to Red Top Mountain, their rude -treatment by Bustabo, their meeting with Azarine and the red Deer, and -their final journey to Glinda's castle.</p> - -<p>Spellbound, Nick learned how the Wizard finally had mastered the -intricacies of Glinda's zentomatic transporter and brought the safe -to her red castle just as Strut was on the point of taking violent -measures. With the safe in his possession, it had been an easy matter -for the Wizard to open it, take out the magic belt and transport both -Glinda and Ozma from Ragbad. After listening to the whole, exciting -story Glinda, Ozma and the Wizard had sent the Stratovanian army back -to the Strat and returned to the Emerald City to deal with Strut, -personally.</p> - -<p>"It's certainly handy to have a Fairy around," sighed Dorothy, slipping -an arm around Ozma's slim waist. "One little wave of Ozma's wand and -we soared right into this castle! Isn't it grand to be home again? Not -that I didn't enjoy the trip," she added hastily, as the Wizard came -briskly into the room with his black bag. "Oh, Ozma! Just wait till you -see the beautiful Ozoplanes our Wizard has built for you!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus135.jpg" width="500" height="342" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"She'll need pretty strong glasses to see the Ozpril," observed the -Wizard, looking rather sadly at the ceiling. "I expect it's hanging to -the tip of a star by this time! And I suppose Strut made hash of the -Oztober!"</p> - -<p>"Hash!" sputtered Nick Chopper, indignantly, "I should say NOT. I've -taken splendid care of your ship, Wiz, and you'll find the Oztober -below in the garden, as bright and beautiful as the night she was -launched!"</p> - -<p>"Hurray for Nick," shouted Jellia, waving the duster she already was -flipping briskly over pictures and books. "He should have a medal, -your Majesty! No one could have flown that Plane better than the Tin -Woodman!"</p> - -<p>"He <i>shall</i> have a medal!" promised Ozma, with a special smile for Nick -Chopper who was one of her special favorites. "And when he needs a -vacation from the Winkies, he can come here and be our official Pilot -answerable only to me and to the Wizard!"</p> - -<p>"And I hereby present your Majesty with my two, splendid Ozoplanes—for -exploring, for pleasure, or for warfare!" announced the little Wizard, -extending both arms, dramatically. "But now you will have to excuse me, -as the Tin Woodman and I are leaving at once!"</p> - -<p>"Leaving!" wailed Jellia, plumping down on a foot stool. "But you've -only just returned!"</p> - -<p>"Can't help it," panted the Wizard, who seemed in a perfect phiz to -be off, "I'll show you the Ozoplanes later, Ozma, but now—Goodbye! -Goodbye, Dorothy! Goodbye Jellia! Take good care of Azarine till I -return!"</p> - -<p>"But look—where are we going?" demanded Nick Chopper, as the Wizard -seized his arm and marched him rapidly toward the door.</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus136.jpg" width="500" height="315" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"To find the Ozpril, of course!" explained the Wizard impatiently, as -if that should have been clear to everybody! "To find the Ozpril and -bring her back to the Emerald City!"</p> - -<p>"But think how high those Blowmen may have blown it?" worried Dorothy. -"They may even have blown it to Bitz!"</p> - -<p>"Then we'll bring back the pieces," declared the Wizard, firmly. "How -about coming along?" With a wink at Jellia Jam, he paused beside the -Lion who was busy licking his front paws.</p> - -<p>"WHAT?" roared the Lion, springing up as if someone had shot him. With -a thoroughly indignant glance at Ozma's little magician, he bolted -through the curtains and was gone.</p> - -<p>"Just <i>not</i> a flyer!" mused the Wizard, shaking his head in amusement. -"Well, Goodbye, Friends! Farewell—all!" With an energetic nod he -stepped through the door, pulling Nick along with him.</p> - -<p>"Couldn't you bring the Ozpril back with your magic belt?" questioned -Dorothy, hurrying over to the window to watch the plane's take off.</p> - -<p>"I suppose so," answered Ozma, thoughtfully. "But they both are so fond -of flying, they'd much rather <i>bring</i> it back, themselves! I'm sure of -it!"</p> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus137.jpg" width="477" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - -<h2><a name="CHAPTER_20" id="CHAPTER_20">CHAPTER 20</a><br/> - -<small>Azarine Is Restored to Red Top</small></h2> - -<p>From the castle window, the whole party cheered wildly as the Ozoplane, -roaring with power, soared over the wall, over the tree tops and up, -up, and up, till it vanished into the cloudless, blue sky.</p> - -<p>"My pie! I do hope Nick doesn't start claiming any more countries," -sighed Jellia, drawing in her head reluctantly. "And for cake's sake -why couldn't they have waited a few days? Of course the Tin Woodman -is never tired, but Wiz certainly needed a rest after all we've been -through!"</p> - -<p>"Never you mind about that!" Glinda patted the kind-hearted little -Jellia on the shoulder. "The Wizard has his black bag along this time, -and in that bag there is a cure for almost everything—even lack of -sleep!"</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus138.jpg" width="500" height="344" alt=""/> -</div> - -<p>"Look!" called Dorothy, pulling Jellia back to the window. "Shaggy -and Dear Deer are running races round the pond and here come all our -servants and celebrities! Hiah, Tik Tok! Hello, Scraps! See, Azarine! -That's the Patch Work Girl! You'll simply love her! We all do! Someone -must have sent word that Strut had been defeated!"</p> - -<p>"I did—I dispatched one of my doves," explained Glinda. "And now, my -dear," the tall and lovely Sorceress motioned significantly to Ozma, -"is it not time to deal with Bustabo, and restore this Little Lady to -her Castle?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, not yet! Please, not yet!" begged Dorothy, as Azarine looked -expectantly from Glinda to Ozma. "We want Azarine to stay here a long -time, don't we, Jellia? Come on Azzy, dear, I'll lend you an old dress -and we'll all go for a ride before lunch! You, on Shaggy—Jellia and I -on Dear Deer—Bettsy and Trot on the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow -on the Hungry Tiger!"</p> - -<p>"It's all right, go ahead," Ozma nodded indulgently as the little -Princess hung back. She did want so much to stay and meet all the -interesting people in the garden, but she felt it her real duty to -return to her subjects, now suffering under the cruel rule and temper -of Bustabo.</p> - -<p>Then:</p> - -<p>"I've already turned Bustabo into a red Squirrel!" Ozma told the -Princess, gravely. "In that form he still can enjoy himself, but do no -harm to others. I've also sent a message saying you will be home in a -few days, and placed Archibald the Archer in charge till you return!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, how did you know Archy is the one I trust most?" marveled -Azarine, her eyes shining with happiness and astonishment. "Bustabo -threw Archy into a dungeon a week ago, because he tried to help me!"</p> - -<p>"Ozma knows everything," confided Dorothy, with an adoring glance -toward the little Ruler of all Oz. "And everything's going to be -lovely! Come on, Azzy! I'll beat you to the fountain in the garden!"</p> - -<p>So now, with her last worry removed, the little Princess of Red Top -skipped off with Dorothy to meet all the exciting celebrities in the -garden. The two deer, alarmed by the strange appearance of some of the -Ozlanders, had hidden themselves in a snow-ball bush. But Azarine soon -coaxed them out and in no time at all, they were chatting like old -friends with the Hungry Tiger and the Saw Horse.</p> - -<p>Jellia stayed in the garden only a short while, for Jellia had other -things to do. The little Oz Maid was determined to have a party to -celebrate their home coming and soon, in deep conference with the -castle chef, she was planning the most gorgeous feast the Green Castle -ever had known.</p> - -<p>It began at noon and lasted till nightfall. Even long after the tall -candles had burned low, the cheery company sat around the royal table -while Dorothy, Jellia and the Scarecrow told and retold their amazing -adventures in the Strat and on Red Top Mountain.</p> - -<p>So delightful did Azarine and the two Deer find life in the capitol, -they stayed on and on. Each evening, the girls and Ozma, and her most -important counselors, would gather in her private sitting room. There, -looking at the magic screen, they followed the progress of Nick and the -Wizard as they flew on and on through the strange Highways and Byways -of the Stratosphere.</p> - -<p>What a story they will have to tell us when they return.... WHAT a -story!</p> - -<div class="image-center"> - <img src="images/illus139.jpg" width="418" height="350" alt=""/> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Ozoplaning with the Wizard of Oz, by -Ruth Plumly Thompson and L. 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Frank Baum - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: Ozoplaning with the Wizard of Oz - -Author: Ruth Plumly Thompson - L. Frank Baum - -Illustrator: John R. Neil - -Release Date: October 24, 2017 [EBook #55806] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OZOPLANING WITH THE WIZARD OF OZ *** - - - - -Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - - - - - - - - - OZOPLANING WITH - THE WIZARD OF OZ - - _By_ - - RUTH PLUMLY THOMPSON - - Founded on and continuing the Famous Oz Stories - - _By_ - - L. FRANK BAUM - - "Royal Historian of Oz" - - _Illustrated by_ - - JOHN R. NEILL - - OZOPLANING WITH THE WIZARD OF OZ - Copyright 1939 - By - REILLY & LEE - Printed in the U. S. A. - - * * * * * - -_Dear Boys and Girls:_ - - -I often have wondered about the Strat, have not you? Bet a bushel of -peanuts you have! Well, while we've been wondering the Wizard of Oz -has been inventing an Ozoplane to go Strato-sphering! Oh, there's some -pretty high sky-riding in this adventure, I can tell you! And with Dot, -Jellia Jam, the Scarecrow, Cowardly Lion and Tin Woodman along, you can -imagine the thrills and excitement. And the Soldier with Green Whiskers -hopes you'll give him credit for the part _he_ played in the affair! - -You know--it's grand to get together over a book once a year and have a -good laugh, isn't it? I'd like to know what makes you laugh loudest and -longest.... I think I laughed most at the Cowardly Lion! - -Yours for fun--now, and OZ always! - -RUTH PLUMLY THOMPSON - -254 S. Farragut Terrace, - -West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - - * * * * * - - This book is dedicated to - - JOHN R. NEILL - - Whose drawings have added much to - the merriment and gaiety of all my - IMAGI-NATIONS! - - So-- - - From the "Royal Historian of Oz," - To its "Imperial Illustrator--" - Bows, cheers and heartfelt appreciation! - - RUTH PLUMLY THOMPSON - - * * * * * - - CHAPTERS - - 1 At Home with the Wizard of Oz - - 2 The Wizard's Spy Glass - - 3 Latest Invention of the Wizard of Oz - - 4 First Flight of the Oztober - - 5 The Spikers - - 6 Strut of the Strat - - 7 A Most Reluctant Starina - - 8 Strut of the Strat Sets Off for Oz - - 9 Jellia in a Frightful Jam - - 10 The Wizard in Stratovania! - - 11 King, King-Double King! - - 12 The Flight to Oz - - 13 The King of the Kudgers - - 14 Azarine the Red - - 15 In the Red Castle - - 16 Escape from Red Top - - 17 The Wizard Gets to Work - - 18 Strut of the Strat Arrives in Oz! - - 19 The Travellers Return! - - 20 Azarine Is Restored to Red Top - - - - -[Illustration: Map of Oz] - - - - -CHAPTER 1 - -At Home with the Wizard of Oz - - -In his big brightly lighted laboratory back of the throne room, the -Wizard of Oz paced impatiently forth and back, his hands clasped -tightly behind him. Every minute or two he would glance at the clock or -dart over to peer out to the already darkening garden. - -"Are you sure you told them all, Jellia? Are you sure you told them -tonight?" he asked, turning to the pretty little serving maid who was -setting a table near the fire, for the fall evening was quite cool and -frosty. - -"Four--five--six--seven--." Jellia, counting places, nodded her head -firmly to answer the Wizard's question, then stepped back to regard her -handiwork with complete satisfaction. "Oh, doesn't that tiny house in -the center look too cute and cunningish? Real smoke coming out of the -chimney, too. How ever did you manage it, Wiz? And having those silver -slippers at each place for nuts and candies is just, plain beautiful." - -"Do you really think so?" The little Wizard positively blushed with -pleasure. "Well, ye see, Jellia, this party is to celebrate Dorothy's -first trip to the Emerald City. That is an exact model of the house -in which she blew from Kansas to Oz in a cyclone, the house that fell -on the wicked witch of the West and destroyed her--all but her silver -slippers. Remember?" - -"Ho, everybody remembers that," said Jellia with a toss of her head -that set all her green cap ribbons fluttering. "If I live to be a -million, I'll never forget the day she came to this castle with the -Cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman. Not if I live to be -a million! Will I light the candles now, Wiz dear, or wait until they -arrive?" - -"Oh, wait till they arrive, by all means. But see here," the Wizard -taking a last look at the party table was plainly distressed. "You've -only seven places, Jellia, and there are eight of us. My idea was to -have everyone immediately associated with Dorothy's first visit, and -that would be, one--Dorothy herself; two--myself; three--yourself; -four--the Cowardly Lion; five--the Scarecrow; six--the Tin Woodman; -seven--the Soldier with Green Whiskers, and eight--the Guardian of the -Gate. Quick, my dear! Another plate for the Guardian of the Gate." - -"He's not coming," announced Jellia primly. "He says he has not -deserted his post for forty years and does not intend to desert it now. -But if you'll send his refreshments to the Guard House, he'll take it -very kindly. I've already fixed him a basket," said Jellia, smoothing -her apron. - -"Good old Guardy!" The Wizard absently brushed back the hair he no -longer had, then, hearing voices and steps in the corridor, bounced -over to open the door while Jellia tripped joyously about, lighting -the candles set everywhere in the big work shop. Candle and fire -light are much cozier for parties, and it all looked so cheery and -gay that Dorothy, who was first, stopped short in the doorway with an -exclamation of delight. - -"Oh, Wizard! How beautiful! Oh, how I do wish Ozma could see it all!" - -"Tut tut!" chuckled the Wizard, leading her into the room. "Ozma is -having a fine time in Glinda's palace, by now. To tell the truth, -Dorothy, this party is just for YOU and to remind us all of the old Oz -days when--" - -"--You were nothing but a humbug," snorted the Scarecrow, laughing so -hard he had to lean against the door jam. - -"Don't forget he gave you your famous brains, friend." The Tin Woodman -spoke reprovingly, for Nick Chopper did not like anyone's feelings to -be hurt, even in fun. "And don't forget he gave me my splendid heart!" - -"And me, my grade A, double distilled, instant acting courage," purred -the Cowardly Lion. Moving over to the fire, the big beast stretched -himself luxuriously on the hearth rug. - -"And don't forget our little Wiz was once Supreme Ruler of Oz!" boomed -the Soldier with Green Whiskers. Marching three times round the party -table the thin, immensely tall soldier brought up with a smart salute -before their embarrassed little host. - -"Three cheers for the Wizard of Oz!" cried Jellia Jam. Seizing a -silver bell with an emerald clapper, she rang it so hard the Cowardly -Lion's mane blew straight back and even the candles flickered. - -"Thank you! Thank you very much!" The Wizard bowed and rubbed his ear -which still tingled from the cheers and bell ringing. "But where is -Toto, Dorothy? I thought of course you'd bring your little dog." - -"Oh, Toto's with Ozma," explained Dorothy, drawn in spite of herself -to the brightly decorated party table. "You know how he dotes on -travelling, so Ozma took him along for company." - -"Then of course he cannot be here?" sighed the Wizard regretfully. "Now -Jellia, off with that cap and apron. Tonight you are my guest and not a -maid in waiting to Ozma or anyone else. Besides, I've asked Fredjon to -serve the supper. Dorothy, suppose you sit at the head. I'll sit at the -foot and the others may find their own places." - -"My place will always be next to little Dorothy," rumbled the Cowardly -Lion, hoisting himself sleepily to the chair beside the little girl. - -"Mine will be next to the pickles. MM-mmmm! I LOVE pickles," said the -soldier, slipping into the seat next to the lion, while Jellia, with a -purposeful bounce, settled near a plate of green cookies. There was no -doubt where the Tin Woodman and Scarecrow would sit, for at one plate -the Wizard had put a silver box of metal polish and an emerald bottle -containing purest oil. Then, instead of a chair, he had provided a bale -of freshly packed straw for the Scarecrow. - -"Well, well, here we all are!" Rubbing his hands briskly the Wizard -beamed on his guests as Fredjon, wearing his best suit of green and -silver, bustled in with the first course. - -"And isn't it fun to be here?" Dorothy took a long, satisfying sip of -her Ozade. "I'm awfully glad I came back to live in the Land of Oz. -Aren't you, Wizard?" - -"A country where a body grows no older, where animals talk as easily -as men and where the practice of magic is not only possible but -practical--a country like that has many advantages," admitted the -Wizard, winking at the Cowardly Lion who was drinking his fruit juice -in a refined way from a huge, green aquarium. "I, myself, never have -regretted the years spent in this marvelous fairy land. Sometimes I -hardly can believe I ever did live in Omaha, or travel through the West -with a circus." - -"I know," agreed Dorothy, nodding her head slowly. "Kansas, when I -think of it, seems very far away--as much like a dream, I suppose, as -Oz seems like a dream to boys and girls in Kansas who read Oz history." - -"Oh, why think of Kansas?" Jellia spoke scornfully. "In Kansas you were -only an ordinary little girl, while here you are a Princess and second -in importance to our Ruler, Ozma herself." - -"And in Kansas," observed the Scarecrow, as Dorothy rather -self-consciously straightened her crown, "I'll bet you never had as -much fun nor as many adventures as we have here." The Scarecrow, being -well stuffed with straw, never indulged in any refreshments. In fact, -he just came to parties for the conversation, and to be sure of a good -time he tried to do all the talking himself. - -"That's right," said Dorothy thoughtfully, "That cyclone was about the -only thing that ever happened in Kansas." - -"A great blow to you, my dear, but a fortunate thing for Nick and me." -The Scarecrow patted the Tin Woodman affectionately on the funnel he -wore for a hat. "If you had not blown to Oz, I'd probably still be -hanging on a pole in that cornfield and Nick would be rusting away his -life in the greenwood." - -"And in some ways," mused Dorothy, looking dreamily at the model of -her small Kansas house, "in some ways that first adventure always will -seem best. Just imagine how surprised I was to blow all those miles -and find myself in a strange, wonderful country like Oz. The Munchkins -thought I was a sorceress because my house had killed the wicked witch -of the East. Then, the Good Witch of the North told me to put on her -silver shoes and go to the Emerald City to ask the great OZ to send -me home. And on the way I discovered you, and do you remember how -astonished I was when I lifted you down from your pole and found you -really were alive and could talk?" - -The Scarecrow nodded cheerfully. - -"And remember how we travelled on together till we found the Tin -Woodman?" went on Dorothy. "And Nick told us about the witch who had -enchanted his axe so that it chopped off a leg here, and an arm there, -and finally his head and body, too. And after each accident he'd go to -a tinsmith who made him new tin arms and legs and finally even a body -and a head. You didn't mind being Tin at all, did you, Nick? Except -that day you went out to chop wood and left your oil can at home. Then -that storm came up, your joints rusted and you couldn't move, and there -you had been--rusting and helpless for months!" - -"But we hustled back to your hut, fetched the oil can and fixed you up -in fine shape, didn't we, old fellow?" The Scarecrow flung his flimsy -arm around Nick Chopper's shoulder and the Tin Woodman, at the mere -mention of rust, uncorked the emerald bottle and let three drops of oil -slide down his neck. - -"I never shall forget your kindness," he told them earnestly, turning -his head first to look at Dorothy and then at the Scarecrow. - -"And after that, you came along so the Wizard could give you a new -heart," Dorothy reminded him gaily. "And right afterwards, we met the -Cowardly Lion." - -"And he was more afraid of us than we were of him," teased the -Scarecrow, leaning across the table to give the lion a poke. - -"Yes, I was just a big coward in those days," admitted the lion, -blinking approvingly at the rare roast Fredjon had brought him instead -of the chicken he was serving the others. "Just a great, big coward! Ho -hum!" - -"But not too cowardly to fight for us," said Dorothy, taking quick -little bites of her biscuit, "and to come with us to the Emerald City." - -"Oh, that was because I wanted the Wizard to give me some courage," -roared the lion. "And weren't we surprised when we did reach the -Emerald City to find it all built of green marble, studded with real -emeralds! And remember how the Guardian of the Gate gave us all green -specs, even me, and then led us up to the palace?" - -"You looked awfully funny in those specs!" laughed Dorothy. "I'll never -forget how funny!" - -"But remember, it was I who carried your messages to Oz," put in the -Soldier with Green Whiskers. - -"Of course it was," said Dorothy nodding her head quickly. "You gave -us some splendid advice, Soldier, and Jellia showed us to the grandest -rooms in the castle and loaned me the loveliest dresses to wear." - -"I liked you from the very first!" declared Jellia, choking a bit on -her seventh cooky. - -"But Old Man Wizzy wouldn't give us a thing!" said the Scarecrow, -waving his napkin toward the head of the table. "He told us we'd have -to kill the Witch of the West before he'd send Dorothy home or grant -any of our requests." - -"But, you see--I didn't know any real magic then." The Wizard looked -quite unhappy for he did not like to remember the time before he was a -real Wizard. "And besides, I needed more time." - -"Ho ho! You were doing very well for yourself!" chuckled the Scarecrow, -"living in a splendid castle and having the whole country eating out -of your hand. As it happened, we did kill the witch of the West, or at -least Dorothy melted her with a bucket of water and the Winkies were -so tickled they gave us all presents and made Nick their Emperor. So -when we got back at last, you did give me some brand new brains, and -Nick a red plush heart--" - -"And me some real red, true-blue courage," grinned the Cowardly Lion, -wiping his mouth delicately with the tip of his tail. - -"And you made me Ruler of OZ! Ah!--My Majesty the Scarecrow, Hah--those -were the days!" The Scarecrow thumped his pudgy chest and fairly -glowed, at the memory. - -"You would have taken me back to Kansas, too, only your balloon flew -away too fast, didn't it?" Dorothy leaned all the way across the table -to pat the Wizard's arm. - -"But don't forget it was I, who told you to go to the palace of Glinda, -the Good Sorceress of the South," interrupted the Soldier with Green -Whiskers again. - -"So we all went to Glinda's," rumbled the Cowardly Lion, half closing -his eyes. "And Glinda told Dorothy the Witch's silver shoes would carry -her home and--they did!" There was a little silence following the -lion's last sentence, as if all of Dorothy's friends were recalling -their sorrow at that first parting from their cheerful little comrade. - -"But you soon came back," declared the Scarecrow, balancing a fork on -the edge of his tumbler. "And so did our little Wizard." - -"Well, to tell the truth, Omaha seemed rather dull after the Emerald -City," admitted the Wizard, motioning for Fredjon to bring on the -dessert. This caused many admiring "Oh's" and "Ah's" when it arrived, -for it was ice cream moulded into small Tin Woodmen, Scarecrows, Lions -and all the other guests. Then, out of a huge, frosted cake the footman -set down before Dorothy, flew four little witches riding green broom -sticks, straight into the fire. - -"I tell you it takes a real Wizard to perform a trick like that." Nick -Chopper wagged his head solemnly. "You certainly have made progress -since Ozma made you Chief Magician of the Realm." - -"Well--" drawled the Wizard, pushing the pickle dish away from the -Soldier with Green Whiskers who already had eaten twenty-seven and -was looking rather dill. "Magic is like any other science--it takes -practice. Of course, if you are a born fairy like Ozma and the former -rulers of Oz, working spells and charms just comes natural--like -playing the piano by ear. But if you are not a Fairy, you must study -witchcraft and sorcery as I have done with Glinda the Good. It only -has been by continuous study and research that I have managed to -perfect myself in the arts of wizardry." - -"Well, how is wizness lately?" inquired the Scarecrow, wrinkling his -cotton forehead at all the big words. - -"Fine, just fine!" The Wizard assured him brightly. Marching over -to his desk, he returned with a long, tube-like object resembling a -seaman's spy glass. "This is one of my latest inventions," he confessed -modestly. "Here, take a look." Beaming with anticipation, he pressed -the spy glass into Dorothy's hands. - - - - -CHAPTER 2 - -The Wizard's Spy Glass - - -With the Wizard's latest invention clapped to one eye and pointed -straight at the Wizard himself, Dorothy peered through the green glass -hardly knowing what to expect. Certainly not what happened, for, -from the other end of the instrument, a composed voice began making -announcements proudly and impressively as a radio speaker. - -"You are now looking at Oscar Zoroaster Phadrig Isaac Norman Henkle -Emmanuel Ambroise Diggs," it informed them crisply. "Calls himself Oz -after the first letters of his first two names, as his other initials -spell Pinhead. Born in Omaha, Diggs ran away as a young man to join -a circus where he made balloon ascensions to amuse the crowds, his -balloon bearing his initials O. Z. - -"One day in a storm, Oscar's balloon was carried to our wonderful Land -of Oz. At that time, the rightful King of the Country and his son had -been destroyed by Mombi the Witch, who also had enchanted and hidden -away Ozma, the little Granddaughter of this unfortunate monarch. -And four witches had divided the country between them. When the -balloon bearing the name OZ on its side sailed out of the clouds, the -inhabitants instantly hailed the traveller from America as their ruler, -supposing him to be another member of the famous fairy family of Oz. -Unable to return to America, Oz accepted the people's decision with -good grace and ruled the realm for many years. Under his wise direction -the people built this castle and the famous city of Emeralds; and the -four witches, thinking Oz more powerful than they, did not question his -rule or authority. - -"Later, when little Dorothy from Kansas arrived in Oz, the Wizard -decided to return with her to the United States, leaving the Scarecrow -to rule in his place. The Scarecrow was deposed by Jinjur and her Army -of Girls. Jinjur, in turn was conquered by Glinda, the Good Witch of -the South, who also forced Mombi to disenchant Ozma, the young and -rightful girl ruler of the realm. Ozma has ruled over Oz ever since. -Not long after Ozma was restored to her throne, the Wizard returned -to Oz and our clever girl ruler made him Chief Magician of the realm. -In this ancient and honorable capacity he has served ever since, -PERIOD--STOP--DROP OR POINT ELSEWHERE!" These last words were -uttered so rudely, Dorothy almost did drop the spy glass. - -"My! MY GOODNESS!" gasped the little girl. - -"It always says that, when it has told all it knows. You see, it is a -'tell-all-escope.'" explained the Wizard, reaching out for his spy -glass with an embarrassed cough. - -"And it certainly tells ALL, all right!" roared the Scarecrow, pushing -back his chair. "Congratulations, my dear Mr. Diggs!" - -"Look out! Be careful! Don't you point that thing at me! _Please_ -don't!" The big lion simply cowered in his chair, and no wonder he felt -nervous. There had been some pretty savage incidents in that old lion's -life before he met Dorothy and came to live in the Emerald City as a -civilized citizen of Oz. And the thought of the tell-all-escope telling -all it knew about him made the Cowardly Lion positively shudder. But -the others were so busy examining the Wizard's spy glass, they did not -even notice the lion's terrific agitation. - -"You know, a thing like that would be of great value to a traveller," -remarked Nick Chopper, tapping the tell-all-escope thoughtfully with -his tin fingers. - -"That's just what I figured," grinned the Wizard, thrusting the -instrument into his pocket. "And, speaking of travelling, I have -something else to show you!" - -Clapping on his high hat, Ozma's Chief Magician hastened over to the -door that opened on the garden, signalling for the others to come -along. - -Having had experience with inventors before, Dorothy and Jellia -snatched up coats, Dorothy, her own, and Jellia, one of the Wizard's. -Then, followed by the rest of the party, they stepped out into the -sparkling, starlit evening. The Soldier with Green Whiskers, who had -stopped to eat the last pickle in the dish and stuff an extra piece of -cake in his pocket, came last of all. At each step he gave a little -groan, for--all by himself--the soldier had eaten enough for a whole -army. But then, he was a whole army; he was every single man, private, -corporal, captain, major, colonel and general in the entire fighting -force of Oz. - -Anxious to exhibit his latest treasure, the Wizard walked rapidly -along, leading the little party across the park, through the Emerald -City, out of the Gates and into the thick woodland beyond. - -"Where _do_ you suppose he is taking us?" shivered Jellia, thinking -longingly of the cozy fire back in the laboratory. - -"No knowing," giggled the Scarecrow. "But a-hunting we shall go! -A-hunting we shall go! Ta-Ta-Ta-Ta-Ta-Ta-Ta-TAH!" Blowing an imaginary -horn, the Scarecrow pretended to gallop and fell flat on his face, his -legs never being what you really could call reliable. - -"Sh--hh!" whispered the Wizard, looking back warningly as the Tin -Woodman jerked the straw man to his feet. "What I am about to show you -has been seen by no one in Oz except my faithful assistants! So please -be more quiet!" - -"You mean it's a secret?" whispered Dorothy, skipping forward to catch -up with the Wizard and linking her arm through his. - -"Two secrets!" confided Ozma's Chief Magician mysteriously. Pushing -impatiently through the last fringe of trees, the group stepped into a -moonlit clearing. - - - - -CHAPTER 3 - -Latest Invention of the Wizard of Oz - - -"Ooooooh! A conservatory!" murmured Jellia, blinking at the shining -glass structure that occupied the entire treeless space. - -"A barn, if you ask me!" guessed the Scarecrow. "But why build it of -glass, Mr. Wiz?" - -"Because glass is the latest and lightest building material known. But -this is no barn, as you'll soon discover." Handing his flashlight to -Dorothy, the Wizard slid back the vast doors, switched on the lights -and stood back, his hands in his pockets, as the little group in -silence and astonishment viewed the two shining planes housed as snugly -as giant butterflys in a glass cocoon. - -"Airplanes!" exclaimed Dorothy, when she found her voice at last. - -"No, Ozoplanes," corrected the Wizard, trying to keep the excitement -out of his voice. "Somewhat like the planes in America, but more -powerful, for remember, my dear, I had not only the scientific -knowledge of aeronautics available to mortals, but the scientific -knowledge of magic to help me as well!" - -"Well!" echoed the Tin Woodman, gazing approvingly at the Wizard's -planes, which, except for their silver wings, might have been huge, -silver-and-glass torpedoes. - -"Not for the army, I hope," exclaimed the Soldier, clutching his -whiskers nervously. Being the entire army himself, and quite -old-fashioned and set in his ways, the Soldier felt sure he never could -pilot these gleaming airplanes. - -"Oh, No! No! NO!" The Wizard frowned at the mere thought of war. "These -are pleasure planes for travelling and exploring the unknown regions -of the upper air. As soon as Ozma returns from the South, I plan to -present them both to our illustrious young Ruler and arrange for her to -make the first triumphant flight." - -"But there are two," said Dorothy a little wistfully. She had hoped to -make the first flight with the Wizard, herself. - -"Of course, of course!" he answered in a matter-of-fact way. "Most -experimental flights fail because they depend on _one_ ship. We shall -have two!" - -"We?" Dorothy brightened up considerably at the Wizard's plural. - -"Yes, we," repeated the Wizard, turning round to smile at the little -girl. "Counting Ozma and those of us here, there will be eight -passengers--four for each plane." - -"Now please don't bother about me!" begged the Cowardly Lion, his tail -dragging on the ground at the very thought of flying. "I'd not think of -troubling you. Besides, I'm much too heavy for flying." - -"Not at all, not at all," the Wizard reassured him with a wink. "I -have made exact calculations about weight, old fellow, and you and the -Scarecrow balance each other nicely. So don't worry about that." - -"Oh, I'm not worrying about _that_!" rumbled the lion, rearing up on -his hind legs to read the names outlined in emeralds on the luminous -sides of the Wizard's ships. - -"Ozpril and Oztober!" The lion spoke in a slightly trembling roar. -"Mmmn! Mmmnnnnmn! Kerumph!" - -"Why, those are beautiful names," exclaimed Dorothy, tilting back her -head to spell them out for herself. - -"I thought they were rather neat," said the Wizard complacently. -"Suitable too, one to rise and one to fall!" Expressively he lifted an -arm and let it fall limply to his side. - -"To--to fall?" quavered the lion, dropping to all fours. - -"Oh, just in a figurative way, of course." The Wizard shrugged his -shoulders. "You will observe," he went on enthusiastically, "that these -planes need no runway or special track to take off. They really are -balloonaplanes. Note those round packets on the top of the fusilage." -The lion blinked rapidly, for he had no idea that fusilage meant -the body of the plane, but the others nodded quite knowingly. "Well -those," declared the inventor proudly "are my own, patented, balloon -attachments. At the touch of a button, the wings are depressed and the -balloon inflated with a magic gas, lighter than helium, that carries -the ship as high and as far as desired. Then the balloon can be -deflated and the Ozoplane can continue under its own power. But you -will readily see how my ship, with its balloon attachment, has twice -the altitude possibilities of an ordinary airplane. Hah! We shall fly -_higher_ than higher!" boasted the little Wizard, happily. - -"Oh, quite!" agreed the Tin Woodman, mounting the ladder of the -Oztober, the Soldier with Green Whiskers pressing nervously at his -heels. - -"But how will you move them out of here?" inquired the Scarecrow, -taking off his hat and scratching his cotton head. - -"Oh, as to that--" The Wizard pulled a switch just behind him, -whereupon the top of the glass airdrome lifted, like the lid of an -enormous jewel box. - -"Hmmmmn! I see!" The Scarecrow slapped his knee and grinned with -appreciation. "Off with the roof! Up with the planes!" - -"Exactly!" Seizing the Straw Man's arm, the Wizard urged him toward -the ladder of the Ozpril, Dorothy skipping cheerfully behind them. -After Dorothy plodded the Cowardly Lion, talking to himself in anxious -whispers and growls. - -"Be sure not to touch anything over there," called the Wizard, as Nick -and the Soldier with Green Whiskers disappeared into the cabin of the -other plane. - -"I'll keep an eye on them," promised Jellia, tripping up the ladder as -lightly as a feather. "Don't give us a thought, Wiz, dear." - -"Jellia's so funny!" laughed Dorothy. - -"Sensible, too," added the Wizard, helping the little girl over the -high door sill and into the plane. While he and the Scarecrow went -forward to examine the steering gear, Dorothy looked delightedly 'round -the snug little cabin. There were four seats upholstered in pale, green -leather, along one side. The whole top was of thick glass, through -which she could distinctly see the moon and stars winking down at -her. The side walls of the Ozpril were of a silvery grey, with all -trimmings in green. At the back was a small dinette, with chairs and -table locked to the floors as they are on sea-going vessels. A cabinet -full of china, a wall full of charts, a book case full of books and a -tiny kitchen and dressing room, completed the equipment. - -"It's just as cozy as a little house," sighed Dorothy contentedly, as -the Cowardly Lion, having glanced round in a discouraged way, seated -himself in one of the green chairs and pressed his nose against the -round window pane. "Won't we have fun, Liony, when we really get off?" - -"_Getting off_ will be the best fun of all," sniffed the lion, glancing -briefly at the door. The Lion, as you probably have guessed, felt no -enthusiasm for the trip. Once, much against his will, he had been -carried to an island in the sky, and that experience had been more than -enough. In his own mind he already had decided not to accompany the -Wizard on his proposed flight. Yessir, when the party assembled for the -trip he would just turn up missing and manage to stay behind. Immensely -relieved by this secret decision, he ambled forward. - -"You will notice," the Wizard was pointing out briskly, "that I have -done away with all controls and levers. On this board are all the -buttons necessary to operate the ship." - -"Looks like an organ," observed Dorothy, squinting at the bright array -of buttons set in the top of the table within easy reach of the first -seat. "Must you play all those stops and starters to guide the plane?" - -"Not quite all," smiled the Wizard, "but if we wished to start, I'd -first press this green button to depress the wings and inflate our -balloon. Next, I'd push the button marked 'up' and, if I decided to go -North, this 'North' button, as well. Then I'd use the wheel to hold her -steady, and if I preferred to go up in a gradual way, I'd push this -button marked 'zig.'" - -"And I suppose if you saw something interesting, or wished to dodge -a mountain, you'd 'zag,'" suggested the Scarecrow, indicating the -"zag" button with his pudgy finger. "Or you could 'spin,' 'spiral' or -'level-off'--" - -"Stop! Stop!" panted the Cowardly Lion, clapping his paw to one eye, -"all this up-zig and down-zig makes me positively giddy!" - -"It does seem a little complicated," said Dorothy, looking dubiously at -the Wizard's button-board. - -"Why, it's perfectly simple!" the Wizard assured her brightly. "All you -have to do is touch the right buttons at the right time!" - -"But--" - -The Scarecrow, who had been about to ask another question, whirled -round on one heel, and flopped on his back in the aisle. The Cowardly -Lion skidded rapidly past, to wedge under the little dining table -while Dorothy and the Wizard clung to the steering board to keep from -falling. For--a terrific roar like the tearing of a gigantic sheet -had made the Ozpril tremble like a leaf. There came a sudden flash of -silver smoke, and the gradual dying away of all sound. Then--a complete -and ominous silence. - -"WHAT? WHAT!!! Why, it's _gone_!" shouted the Wizard, racing over -to the door and staring amazedly at the empty space occupied a moment -before by the Oztober. Then he glanced up into the starlit expanse of -sky. - -"Gone?" Creeping on hands and knees, the Scarecrow peered out to see -for himself. "Why, what right have they to go off like that?" he -demanded, pulling himself up by the door jam. "April comes before -October and goes before October, too. Fall before spring--why, that's -ridiculous! The Ozpril should have led off!" - -"Oh, what will become of them?" cried Dorothy in distress, clasping her -hands anxiously. "I'm sure it was a dreadful mistake." - -"Mistake!" moaned the Wizard, pushing back his high hat. "Worse than -that, Dorothy! Why, everything is ruined! Here they've gone off -before I even had a chance to _show_ the plane to Ozma. They have no -directions, no supplies; they'll crash, smash or wreck themselves. I -intended to teach Nick Chopper to navigate the plane before we started!" - -"But can't we stop them? Can't we go after them?" exclaimed Dorothy, -clutching the Wizard's coat tails. - -"Go after them?--Yes! that's the idea, go after them! Of course!" -panted the Wizard, falling over the Cowardly Lion who was making a -stream-lion for the door. - -"I was just going back for my over-shoes," wheezed the lion, slinking -rather guiltily into his seat at the Wizard's reproachful glance. - -"Stay where you are!" the Wizard directed sharply. "Now then, -steady--everybody steady! Shut that door, Scarecrow, we are about to -ascend." The Wizard bent over the steering board to touch the green -button that would inflate the Ozpril's balloon. "But I never expected -to go without my black bag of magic, an extra vest, or even my bottle -of hair tonic." - -"Haven't you any magic at all?" called Dorothy, as the Ozpril began to -vibrate and tremble from the rush of gas into its balloon. - -"A little, a little," confessed the Wizard, pressing the buttons marked -"Up" and "South". "Here, Dorothy, take the tell-all-escope and see if -you can catch a glimpse of the Oztober when we are aloft." Grasping the -wheel, the Wizard settled grimly into the pilot's seat. Dorothy had -just time to clutch the tell-all-escope before the Ozpril rose straight -into the air. Lifted and borne by its buoyant gas bag, the graceful -ship pointed toward the stars. - - - - -CHAPTER 4 - -First Flight of the Oztober - - -Now the start of the Oztober had been nothing like the orderly take-off -of the Ozpril. The first hint Jellia had of their departure was when a -china coffee pot from the open china closet into which she was looking -with great interest, hit her a sharp clip on the chin. Next moment she -was rolling round on the floor of the cabin, dodging all the rest of -the green dishes. - -"Oh! Oh! Dishes awful!" choked poor Jellia Jam, not even realizing she -was making a pun. - -"Stop!" yelled the Tin Woodman, turning a complete somersault and -coming down on his funnel with one leg hooked through the luggage rack. -"Stop! Who did that?" - -"Pickles!" moaned a faint voice from the forward end of the cabin, "Oh, -those pickles!" And that was probably as correct an answer as any to -Nick's indignant question. Even upside down as he was, and subject to -the fierce rocketing of the plane, the Tin Woodman could see a tall, -green figure sprawled across the navigator's table. As he had bent -over to examine the Oztober's steering apparatus, the Soldier with -Green Whiskers had been taken with a violent cramp from the twenty-nine -pickles he had eaten at the party. Falling heavily on the board he had -pushed down ten of the Wizard's bright colored buttons. Following the -directions of all ten, one after the other, the Oztober had exploded -into the air and now, whistling and whirling like a comet bound for -Mars, was charging into the Heavens. - -Jellia Jam was too bruised and shaken to do anything but cling to -the side of one of the seats. The Soldier, after his head had been -whacked down three times on the board had lapsed into complete and -utter silence. Only Nick managed to preserve a semblance of his usual -calm and composure. Though severely dented by the plane's take-off, -the Tin Woodman, being of metal, felt no pain. Nor was he subject -to the giddiness that assailed ordinary flesh and bone bodies under -such trying conditions. Even standing on his head did not greatly -inconvenience him, and after the first dreadful shock, he began to -perceive a certain order and rhythm in their flight. This was not -strange. - -The Soldier's fall had pressed down the button to inflate the Oztober's -balloon, the "Up" and the "South" buttons, the "fast," "spin," -"spiral," "zig," "zag," "slow" and "circle" buttons as well. So first, -the Oztober would shoot up, then it would go into a fast spin, and -spiral. The zigs and zags were a little less terrible, and on one of -the slow circles, the Tin Woodman managed to extricate his foot from -the luggage rack. Clattering full length in the aisle, he lay still, -till the next slow circle. Then, leaping to his feet, he rushed forward -and pulled the soldier off the steering board. He had just time to prop -the unconscious army into the third chair, and fall into the pilot's -seat himself, when the Oztober went into another fast spin and spiral. -This rather upset Nick. - -He had taken a hasty look at the navigator's table when he entered -the ship and then, more interested in the metal of which the plane -was constructed, had gone tapping about, testing it with his tin -knuckles--intending to return to the steering gear later. He naturally -had supposed that when he pulled the soldier off the board the plane -would slow down or change its course. But nothing of the kind happened. -All the buttons the soldier had fallen on stayed down. Grasping the -wheel, Nick was relieved to find he could steady the Oztober a bit in -this way. Holding to it with one hand, he tried to pull out the "spin" -and "spiral" buttons with the other. But even his strong tin fingers -could not budge them. Next, he glanced frantically over the board for -a "stop" or a "down" button, but the "down" button when he found it, -filled him with apprehension. If they shot down at the speed they were -hurling upward, the plane most certainly would be wrecked. No, decided -Nick, drawing his fingers hastily back from the "down" button--they -were much safer in the air until he learned a little more about flying, -and he'd just have to hang on till he discovered how the Ozoplane -worked. - -Grasping the wheel resignedly in both hands, he glanced back to see how -Jellia was faring. Jellia was sitting dizzily in the middle of the -aisle. But she was so encouraged to see Nick actually at the wheel, -that she made her way to him and hung firmly to the arm of his chair. -Just then, the Oztober whirled into its twentieth spin and spiral, and -Jellia--dislodged from the chair--caught at the steering table to save -herself from falling. - -"Oh, now you've done it!" gasped Nick, as the Oztober gave a wicked -lurch. "Oh, now--" His voice trailed off into a hoarse squeak, for, as -abruptly as it had started, the plane stopped, and, held aloft by its -still buoyant balloon, swung easily to and fro in the faint wind that -stirred above the clouds. "Say! how did you _do_ it?" Letting go the -wheel, the Tin Woodman seized Jellia by the shoulders. - -"What?" panted Jellia. "What did I do?" - -"Why, you saved the ship. You stopped her. See, all the buttons are up -again!" Removing Jellia's clutching fingers gently from the table top, -Nick discovered a flat bar on the under side of the board. As soon as -Jellia pressed the bar, all the buttons had popped back to their normal -position. "So THAT'S it!" exclaimed Nick, rubbing his tin forehead -anxiously. "Each time you want to change the course, you press this bar -and then begin all over again." - -"But now we're sinking," groaned Jellia. And sinking herself, into the -seat back of Nick, she stared at him with round, desperate eyes. - -"Sinking, are we? Well, I'll soon put a stop to _that_!" Pouncing on -the green button to inflate the Oztober's gas bag, Nick pressed it -quickly, for of course, as soon as Jellia had touched the bar, the -buttons all had sprung up and the magic gas had begun to seep out of -the plane's balloon attachment. As it again filled and became taut, the -slow downward drift of the ship ceased, and again it hung motionless -between a cloud and a star. "Now!" breathed the Tin Woodman eyeing the -button board with grim purpose and determination, "Now we can take our -time and start off right." - -"Oh, Nick! Must we go through all that again?" Jellia began to cry -softly, drying her eyes on the sash of her party dress. "Oh, Nick, I -never thought flying would be like this. Please can't we just stay as -we are?" - -"Certainly not," said the Tin Woodman briskly. "Hanging 'round the sky -is dangerous. We might be hit by a shooting star or even by a meteor. -Now, just trust yourself to me, my dear Jellia. Remember I am the -Emperor of the East!" Nick smote his tin chest a resounding blow. "And -after ruling the Winkies all these years, I surely can handle one small -plane!" - -Reassuring himself, if not Jellia, the Tin Woodman searched the array -of buttons for one marked "slow." After he had found it, he slowly -began to map his course. He would continue to fly up, for a time. Next -he would take a horizontal direction until he grew more accustomed to -piloting the Ozoplane. Then, as night passed and the sun rose, he would -zig and zag slowly downward and make a safe landing near the Emerald -City. - -The Soldier with Green Whiskers had regained consciousness, only to -fall at once into a heavy slumber. His snores blended nicely with -Jellia's sobs, as Nick Chopper pushed the "up," the "South" and the -"slow" buttons. Braced for a new shock, Jellia grasped the arms of her -seat. But this time the Oztober soared gently and gracefully aloft, -the motion of the plane so smooth and pleasant, Ozma's little Maid in -Waiting soon forgot all her fears. Relaxing against the soft green -cushions, she, too, fell asleep. This left only Nick awake and alert. -But if the Wizard had searched all over Oz, he could not have found -a better pilot than the Tin Woodman. Being practically tireless and -requiring neither food nor rest, he could keep his place at the wheel -for days if necessary. Delighted at the way the Oztober responded -to his clever manipulation of the wheel and buttons, he flew up and -up and on and on, scarcely realizing the distance he was putting -between himself and Oz. Glancing out the round window beside him, Nick -viewed the starry expanse of the upper air with growing interest and -enthusiasm. Sometimes he was almost tempted to waken Jellia to point -out the splendid cloud mountains and cities they were passing. As he -swept along, the sky turned from deep blue to grey and was now suffused -with the rainbow tints of early morning. Switching off the lights, the -Tin Woodman slightly changed his course. - -"I really need a lot more practice before I go back or try to make a -safe landing," he observed softly to himself. "It never would do to -crack up a valuable ship like this." But the truth of the matter was, -the Tin Woodman did not wish to turn back. And after all--who was to -insist? The Soldier and Jellia still slept on, and far ahead, between a -bank of fog and an arch of platinum sun rays, loomed a long, lavender -crescent. Nick even fancied he could see people moving about its -glittering surface. - -"A new world!" gloated the Tin Woodman, setting his funnel at a more -daring angle. If this were so, he would be its discoverer. Not only -that, but he could claim it for Ozma and win for himself as much honor -and renown as Samuel Salt, the Royal Explorer of Oz. "Even if it's not -inhabited, it would be a good place to practice landing," reflected -Nick happily. So again he pressed the black bar, touched the button to -deflate the Oztober's balloon and raise the wings. For now he wished -to fly horizontally, and the wings would be faster than the gas bag. -Next, touching the "straight-on" and "faster" buttons, and twirling the -wheel expertly, he headed the ship straight for the tip of the lavender -island. - - - - -CHAPTER 5 - -The Spikers - - -Nick waited until he was well over the crescent before he attempted to -land. As he flew along he planned exactly how he would go about it and -everything worked out as planned, except for one thing. The "slow," -the "zig" and the "down" buttons brought the Oztober within a foot of -the glittering air Isle, but the "stop" button functioned a bit late. -Instead of stopping on the surface, the plane dropped clear through -with a crash like the smashing of a thousand thin tumblers. Peering up -through a spray of splinters, the Tin Woodman found he had knocked a -jagged hole in the Crescent. - -"Attention! Shoulder arms! Company, fall in!" yelled the Soldier with -Green Whiskers. Jolted completely awake, he sprang up in the aisle, -aiming his gun at the ceiling. - -"Yes? Yes! Coming, your Majesty!" Jellia, mistaking the musical crash -for the ringing of Ozma's morning bell, rolled sleepily out of her seat -and started down the aisle after the Soldier. - -"Now, now--don't be alarmed," remarked Nick Chopper. "I was just trying -to land." - -"Land? Where is it? Quick! Let me out of here!" panted Jellia Jam, -remembering all in a rush where she was, and the dreadful experiences -of the night before. - -"I see no land," said the Soldier pressing his nose against one of the -windows. - -"Well, it certainly looked like land!" The Tin Woodman spoke in a -slightly exasperated voice. The Oztober, still quivering from its -impact with the island, was hanging motionless about ten feet below the -Crescent. "Can't tell about these Sky Countries till you try them." - -"I'll bet it's nothing but a cake of ice," shivered Jellia, hugging -herself to keep warm. "Being of tin, I don't suppose you'd notice it -was freezing! I wonder if that stove lights?" - -"Ice?" meditated Nick, as Jellia hurried toward the back of the cabin. -"Why, I do believe you are right, my dear. In the upper stratas the air -does become colder. We probably cracked through a frozen cloud!" - -Jellia, turning all the switches on the stove, paid little attention to -Nick's scientific discourse. She was too busy warming herself over the -glowing burners. - -"If we just had something to cook," sighed the little Oz maid, staring -wistfully into the cupboard beside the stove. But the shelves were -perfectly empty. Reflecting that the Wizard had not had time to stock -up for the flight, Jellia, who was an orderly little soul, began -picking up the china that had broken when it fell from the cabinet the -night before. Rather pompously, the Soldier with Green Whiskers began -to help her. - -"Will someone kindly explain what we are doing, flying around in this -dangerous and haphazard manner?" he inquired loftily. "I understood -we were to wait for Ozma's return before we made a trial flight! And -really, you know, I'm needed at home to guard the castle." - -"Oh, indeed!" sniffed Jellia. "And who do you suppose started us off, -Mr. Whiskers. Nobody but yourself. A fine pickle you put us in when -you fell on that steering board." - -"I?" The Soldier straightened up, aghast. - -"Yes, YOU!" declared Jellia. "You and your pickles." Sweeping the rest -of the broken plates into her skirt, she marched to the end of the -cabin and dumped them into the big basket beside the water cooler. -"Goodness knows whether we shall ever get back," she sighed, sinking -despondently into the last seat and staring out the window. - -"But we're backing now," muttered the Soldier. This was quite true, -for Nick, to avoid hitting the crescent of ice again, was maneuvering -the plane from beneath; then, feeling it might be dangerous to go any -higher, he began slowly and cautiously to descend. Neither he nor -Jellia paid any more attention to the Soldier with Green Whiskers, who -glanced uncomfortably from one to the other. After a little silence he -remarked in a hollow voice: "I shall consider myself under arrest. I -shall walk guard for two hours without a pause for rest or rations!" - -"Oh, don't be a goose!" giggled Jellia. "You'll probably go without -rations because there aren't any. But what good will walking guard do?" - -"As Commander-in-Chief, I have sentenced myself to walk guard. As -a first class Private in the Army of Oz, I shall carry out this -sentence," insisted the Soldier. "Discipline must be maintained!" -Hoisting his old fashioned blunder-buss to his shoulder, he began -tramping stiffly up and down the short aisle of the cabin. - -Born in a small Munchkin village to a family named Battles who had -promptly christened him Wantowin, he had applied as soon as he was -grown for a position in the army of Oz. The Wizard, then Supreme Ruler -of the Kingdom, impressed by the Soldier's height and long green -whiskers, had immediately hired him. Later he had been promoted by Ozma -to fill the position of the entire staff and army of Oz. Wantowin had -never been much of a fighter, but as war in Oz is practically outlawed, -and victories usually won by magic, he had got on very well. At his -tenth about-face, Wantowin suddenly recalled the piece of cake he had -stuffed into his pocket the night before, and generously offered it to -Jellia. - -"Oh, Wanny, how wonderful!" To the famished girl, the cake tasted -even better than it had at the Wizard's party. Breaking it in half, -she tried to force the soldier to eat a piece, but raising his hand -sternly, Wantowin continued his self-imposed sentence. Seeing argument -was useless, Jellia ate her own share and put the other half in the -cupboard for the soldier's supper. - -The plane still was slanting smoothly downward. After oiling all of -Nick's joints and thinking how fortunate it was they had brought along -the oil can, Jellia began marching up and down behind the Soldier, -examining the pictures and charts on the wall as she went along. -The cake and a long drink of water from the cooler had done much to -restore her courage and cheerfulness, and an occasional glance out -the window was both pleasant and reassuring. The Oztober was dropping -through fluffs and puffs of creamy cloud. "Just like whipped cream on -strawberries--if we had any strawberries!" mused Jellia, withdrawing -her gaze reluctantly from the window and resuming her march. "Oh, Nick, -here are some directions!" she cried suddenly, stopping before a finely -printed notice beside the water cooler. - -"Directions?" The Tin Woodman looked round rather annoyed. He felt he -had almost mastered the mechanism of the Ozoplane and did not care -to start a new system. But the directions that Jellia read off had -nothing to do with the navigation of the plane. They were rules for -the behavior of passengers in the strat. "The air in this cabin has -been magically treated," stated the notice. "So long as the windows and -doors are closed, riders may safely pass through the highest stratas. -On debarking, however, it would be well to don my patent protective air -helmets, see chest beneath second seat, or to take one, for each mile -up, of my elutherated altitude pills, from the recess in the table leg." - -Jellia, whose bump of curiosity was larger than most, lost no time -hunting for the helmets. Dragging the chest from beneath the second -seat and paying no attention to the marching soldier, who stepped over -her each time he passed, she impatiently lifted the lid. The four -helmets in the chest were of some pliant, glassy material resembling -cellophane. They belted in at the waist and after holding one up for -Nick's inspection, Jellia put them back and returned the chest to its -place. - -"Now _which_ leg of _which_ table?" pondered the little Maid in -Waiting, her mind turning to the altitude pills. - -"Oh, what does it matter?" grinned the Tin Woodman as Jellia crawled -under the navigator's table and began tapping its legs one after the -other. "You'll soon be on solid earth and won't need altitude pills." -Nick had made up his mind to bring the Oztober down to a landing -wherever they happened to be. But Jellia scarcely heard him for at -that moment she had discovered a small hook on one of the front legs of -the table. Pulling it down, she disclosed a tall, triangular bottle in -the hollow center. The pills were triangular too, and of every color in -the rainbow. - -"Take one after each mile," read Jellia, uncorking the bottle and -taking a good sniff. The pills smelled as good as they looked and she -was about to sample one, when the Soldier with Green Whiskers gave a -hoarse scream and such a leap that his head hit the ceiling. - -"_Now_ what's the matter?" demanded Nick Chopper, turning around -stiffly, while Jellia hastily corked the bottle, shoved it back into -the tableleg and crawled into the aisle. - -"NICK!" shrieked poor Jellia. "What is it? What are they? Oh, Ozma! Oh, -Wizard! Oh, help! HELP!" - -And well might Jellia scream, for swarming round the tail of the -Oztober came a perfect horde of iridescent monsters. In shape each -resembled an octopus, but instead of arms, they had long, horny spikes -and spines. Pressing close to the plane they ogled at the shivering -passengers as if they were fish in some strange aquarium. Then, -evidently angered at what they saw, they began hurling and banging -themselves against the sides of the Oztober till it sounded like -the rattle of machine guns. At this juncture, I am sorry to report, -Wantowin Battles, after sounding a shrill retreat on the bugle attached -to his belt, rushed into the dressing room and wrapped himself in the -shower curtain. - -Nick Chopper, who already loved the Wizard's ship as if it were his -own, shuddered as each spike struck the shining metal. Then, deciding -that flight was the better part of valor, he hastily changed course, -zooming up and up, faster and faster and FASTER! For perhaps a thousand -feet the goggle-eyed monsters pursued them, but at last, the air grew -too thin and rare for the spikers and one by one they fell away. Their -horrid squeals and screeches still came faintly to the three voyagers, -and Jellia ran quickly to the back window to stare down after them. - -"Why, I never knew there were wild animals in the air," stuttered -Jellia, blinking her eyes rapidly. - -"Now, I wouldn't exactly call them wild animals," said Nick -argumentatively, twisting his neck from side to side to be sure he was -not rusting. - -"Well, they certainly weren't birds!" declared Jellia indignantly. "And -how did they fly without wings? Come on out, Soldier, they're gone." - -"Ah, so we have won?" Jauntily the Soldier stepped out of the dressing -room and resumed his marching. "Give me credit for sounding the -retreat, comrades," he observed cheerfully. Jellia sniffed, and Nick -Chopper said nothing. - -"What are we going to do now?" inquired the little Oz Maid, going over -to stand by the wheel. "How can we ever fly down with those awful -creatures below?" - -"We'll just travel horizontally till we are out of their area," Nick -told her, complacently. "But for a while, anyway, we'll go up. After -all, one has to go up to come down, you know. And when we do come -down--" Nick gave a satisfied little nod, "it will be in a safe spot -and far from those spiky airimals." - -"So that's what they are! But how did you know?" Jellia looked -admiringly at the Tin Woodman. - -"Oh, it just came to me," admitted Nick, with a modest cough. "Beasts -of the air must have names, I suppose. Make a note of those monsters, -will you Wantowin?" - -"I'm writing them up in my little green book now," mumbled the Soldier, -who was, in fact, scribbling away hastily as he tramped up and down. -"I've made a sketch of one, too." - -"Good!--although I didn't suppose you'd looked at them long enough -for that!" said Nick, a bit sarcastically. He glanced hastily at the -page the soldier held before his nose. Then, deciding they had flown -high enough, he pointed the Oztober toward the east and after an hour's -leisurely flying, again began a slow and cautious descent. - -"I do wonder where we'll land?" mused Jellia, trying to pierce with her -bright eyes the bank of fog that lay beneath. - -"Somewhere in the Quadling Country, I should judge," answered Nick, -twirling the wheel deftly to the right. "And when we do--" At that -instant, the Soldier with Green Whiskers let out another panicky -squawk. - -"Climb! Climb!" he panted, running up and down the aisle so fast he -almost ran himself down on the about-faces. "We're ambushed, comrades! -Fire in the fog! Land on the stern!" - -"Oh, tin cups and canyons!" rasped Nick Chopper, losing his temper at -last. "If this keeps up, how are we ever to get down? Hammer and tong -it! Something's always getting in the way. WILL you stop that silly -marching?" he yelled, snatching at the Soldier's sleeve as he raced by. - -"HALT!" quavered Wantowin. Instantly obeying his own command, he stood -trembling beside the navigator's table as Nick peered desperately down -through the fog. - - - - -CHAPTER 6 - -Strut of the Strat - - -"What is it, Hippenscop?" Strutoovious the Seventh looked up -impatiently as his first and fastest messenger came to a panting halt -under the Imperial Canopy. Instead of answering, Hippenscop, his -chest heaving and his eyes bulging, made a wordless gesture over his -shoulder. Then, catching his foot in the royal boot-scraper, he fell -violently up the steps of the dais. This was not unusual, for anyone -who falls in Stratovania, falls up instead of down. Rather relieved to -find himself before the throne at last, Hippenscop scrambled to his -feet. Sucking in his breath he announced hoarsely: - -"I beg to report a strange and sonorbious monster falling through the -fog over Half Moon Lake." - -"Are you sure it is not a Zoomer?" Throwing down the morning star which -he had been reading, Strutoovious stared coldly at the messenger. - -"Ho, no! Ho, NO!" Hippenscop shook his head positively. "It has wings -and a tail, your Strajesty. Wings, a tail and seven eyes! But HARK!!" -The menacing whirr and sputter following the messenger's speech made -even the Ruler of all the Stratovanians leap off his throne. Striding -rapidly after the terrified servitor, Strut, followed by half the -inhabitants of his irradiant Tip-toposphere, reached the shores of Half -Moon Lake. - -"Skydragon!" he announced, after a brief glance at the gleaming shape -drifting down through the fog. "Quick Hippen! Summon the Royal Blowmen! -Back, stand back, you witless woffs! Do you wish to be crushed and -eaten? Yon monster will alight on the North shore any moonite now!" At -Strut's loud warning, half of his subjects took to their heels while -the rest scurried round to the South side of the lake, every head -turned up toward the mysterious dragon. - -Only, of course, it was not a dragon. It was the silver-bodied -Oztober--inside of which the agitation was almost as great as the alarm -of the Airlanders below. - -"How long have we? How long'll it be before we land?" gulped Jellia. -Remembering the Wizard's instructions, she jerked out the box of air -helmets and next made a dive under the navigator's table. "Here, take -one--two--three. Oh, how many shall we take?" groaned the little Oz -Maid, holding up the bottle of altitude pills. "'One, after each mile -up,' but how many miles have we come?" - -"One hundred and one thousand, eight hundred and sixty-seven feet!" -mumbled the Soldier with Green Whiskers, reading the figures from a -shining metal hypsometer clamped to the navigator's table. "All we have -to do is figure how many feet in a mile." - -"Fifty-two hundred and some," puffed Nick, working away desperately -at his wheel and buttons to bring the Oztober down without crashing. -"Oh, take twenty!" he directed sharply, as Jellia and the Soldier stood -regarding him with open mouths. It was no time, as Jellia later told -Ozma, to be doing long divisions. With trembling fingers she counted -out twenty pills for the Soldier with Green Whiskers. Then, popping -twenty into her own mouth and crunching them desperately between her -teeth, she handed the bottle to Nick Chopper. - -"No, No! None for me!" The Tin Woodman waved the bottle impatiently -aside. "High altitude won't injure my metal, but keep this oil can -handy, Jellia, and whatever happens, don't let me rust!" Choking on -the pills which were dry and rather bitter, Jellia nodded earnestly. -Tucking the oil can into the little bag that hung from her wrist, she -began nervously dragging on her air helmet. Wantowin Battles already -had adjusted his, and swallowed his pills. Now, peering out one of the -round windows, he trembled so violently all his weapons rattled and -clanked to the dismal tune of his fright. - -"Th--thousands of them!" quavered the Soldier. "What kind of place is -this, anyway! It's so bright it hurts my eyes. Oh, I just know there'll -be fighting! Look, I'd far better stay in the cabin, as someone must -guard the plane!" - -"But not YOU!" Nick Chopper spoke with great firmness. Then, spinning -the wheel rapidly and gauging to a nicety the distance between the ship -and the sparkling airosphere, he touched the "down" and "stop" buttons -simultaneously. Coasting down the last little hill of wind, the Oztober -came to a gentle and complete stop on the shore of a rainbow-hued body -of water. - -"Now, now! Take your time," cautioned the Tin Woodman, as Jellia -started impulsively toward the door. Pulling off one of the cushion -covers Nick began polishing himself vigorously. As the discoverer of -this new and astonishing airland, he wished to make a good impression. -From what he had seen, it was a country well worth claiming for Ozma -of Oz. "Here, let me go first," he said, tossing aside the cushion -cover. "Keep close to me, Jellia, and Soldier--under no circumstances -are you to retreat unless I give the signal. Great Tinhoppers, what was -_that_?" A long wail rather like the squall of a cat suddenly had rent -the quiet air of the cabin. - -"Stowaway!" cried Jellia, as another unmistakable meough followed the -first. "Sounds like Dorothy's cat." But it was not Eureka that Jellia -pulled from behind the second seat cushion. It was a small, black -kit-bag. The green eyes turned off and on like electric lights, and the -tail curved over the back to form a handle. Round its neck hung a green -placard: - - "_This Kit-Bag of Magic to be used - Only in cases of extreme emergency. - To open pull the tail.--WIZ._" - -"Well, Geewhiz--is this an emergency?" Jellia held the bag out, -nervously. - -"Er--YES!" declared Nick Chopper after a second glance out of the -window. "Bring it along! And remember--you have nothing to fear! I, the -Emperor of all the Winkies, am with you. With kind words and courteous -gestures we will win the friendship and allegiance of these strange -airlanders for Ozma of Oz." - -Jellia knew Nick's red plush heart, given him by the Wizard, was the -kindest in all Oz. Nevertheless she took a firmer hold on the kit -bag, and only after assuring herself that Wantowin had his saber and -blunder-buss did she follow the Tin Woodman down the Oztober's ladder. - -There was a complete and astonished silence as the three Ozians stepped -from the plane. And it must be confessed, Jellia and the Soldier in -their transparent helmets, and the Tin Woodman without a helmet, -were strange enough to startle any airbody. So it's no wonder the -Stratovanians were as amazed at the appearance of the travellers, as -the travellers were amazed at the Stratovanians. Separated only by -the waters of Half Moon Lake, they confronted each other with growing -alarm. Strut, who had expected this dragon to roar, spurt flames and -then rush forward to attack them, hardly knew what to do when these -three curious beings stepped from the monster's interior. Noting with -alarm that his Blowmen had not yet arrived, he determined to hold the -invaders in conversation, if possible. - -So, with his head and chest high, and walking with the queer, strutting -gait that characterized all of the dwellers in Stratovania, he advanced -slowly around the edge of Half Moon Lake. A few paces behind strutted -the rest of his retainers. Just as slowly, Nick Chopper and his two -companions advanced to meet them. - -The Airlanders were a head taller than even the Tin Woodman. Their hair -grew straight up on end, sparkling and crackling with electricity in -a really terrifying manner. Their eyes were star shaped and shaded by -long, silver lashes, the noses and mouths were straight and firm, the -foreheads transparent. Some shone as from a hidden sun, while across -the brows of others tiny black clouds chased one another in rapid -succession. Watching their foreheads would be a good way, decided -Jellia Jam, to find out whether they were pleased or angry. Strut -and his subjects wore belted tunics of some iridescent, rainbow-hued -material, and silver sandals laced to the knee. - -From the ears of the men hung huge, crescent pendants, while from those -of the women, star earrings danced and dangled. Each Stratovanian -carried a tall staff, tipped with wings. Beyond, Jellia saw a country -of such dazzling beauty--she was almost afraid to breathe lest it -vanish before her eyes. The trees were tall and numerous, with -gleaming, prism-shaped trunks and a mass of cloud-like foliage. Some -bore fruit that actually seemed to be illuminated--oranges, pears, -and peaches glowing like decorated electric light bulbs! Moon and -star flowers grew in great profusion, and in the distance, caves and -grottoes of purest crystal scintillated in the high noon sun. So far -as Jellia could see, there were no houses or castles, but there were -hundreds of gay canopies held up by crystal poles. Jellia was just -standing on tip-toe to glimpse the furnishings of the nearest Canopy -when Nick Chopper, feeling the time had come to speak, raised his tin -arm and called out imperiously: - -"I, Emperor of the East and the Winkies, hereby claim this new and -beautiful airosphere for Ozma of Oz, and bid you, its illustrious -inhabitants, pledge to her your allegiance! At the same time, I bestow -upon all of you Upper Airians, free citizenship in the glorious Land of -Oz!" - -At this bold speech Strut stopped and stood as if rooted to the spot. -Not only was he dumbfounded to discover he could understand the -language of these curious beings, but if what he heard were correct, -they actually were claiming his Kingdom for their own. - -"Well, how was that?" whispered Nick, looking down sideways at Jellia. - -"Terrible! Terrible!" moaned the little Oz Maid. "Oh, my! We'd better -look out!" Catching hold of Wantowin's hand, for he already showed -signs of retreating, she looked anxiously at the approaching Airman. -Black clouds were simply racing across his imperial brow; his eyes -flashed red and blue lights and his hair positively crackled with -indignation and fury. - -"Oh, my--I do hope you are feeling well?" ventured Jellia, as Strut -took an enormous stride toward them. "If you have a headache or -anything, we could easily come back tomorrow." - -"Stand where you are!" sneered Strut. Looking over his shoulder he -made sure his twenty, tall Blowmen had arrived and were pushing their -way through the crowd. "Stand where you are or I'll have you blown to -atoms!" - -"Now, now, let us not come to blows!" begged Nick Chopper. "We have -much to learn from you and you from us, and I assure you we have come -in the spirit of highest friendship!" - -"Humph! So that's what it is--a friend ship! Looks like a dragon to -me!" Folding his arms, Strut scowled past the three travellers to where -the Oztober rested like some giant butterfly on the shore of Half Moon -Lake. Then, making a secret signal to the Blowmen who had lined up -before him, he shouted fiercely, "I am Strut of the Strat and Supreme -Ruler of all the Upper Areas. In daring to claim Stratovania for your -foolish countrywoman, you indeed aim high and will go, I promise you, -still higher! Three blasts and a toot, men!" As Strut issued this cruel -command, his twenty, stern-looking warriors lifted their curved horns -and puffed out their cheeks for a tremendous blow. - -Jellia Jam, feeling that if they ever needed help it was right here and -now, frantically sought with her one free hand to open the Wizard's -Kit-Bag. As she fumbled with the curved handle, Strut raised his long -arm. - -"Wait!" he cried tensely. "Not yet!" Lowering their horns and exhaling -their breaths in loud whistles, the Blowmen stared at him in surprise. -Strut had been examining the strangers from Oz more attentively. Now -he strode over to Jellia, jerked off her helmet and ran his hand -slowly over her smooth brown hair. Jellia, expecting to faint or -expire without the helmet, let out a piteous groan. But the altitude -pills were evidently powerful enough to protect her, and feeling no -ill effects, she glanced up timidly at the towering Stratovanian. Dark -clouds no longer flitted across his brow. Indeed, he looked almost -pleasant. "Ve-ry pret-ty!" he mused, stroking Jellia's hair softly. -"Not wiry or stand-uppish like ours. Hippenscop! Summon her Majesty -the Queen. She'll be delighted with this beautiful little creature! -But--it is my intention to blow away these other insolent invaders from -Oz--keeping only this smooth-haired lassie for our Starina." - -"Oh, No! Oh, NO!" begged Jellia, pulling back with all her strength. - -"Stop! You can't have Jellia," yelled Nick Chopper, flinging out his -arms. - -"Ready--aim--fire!" quavered the Soldier with Green Whiskers. And -pointing his ancient gun at Strut, he valiantly pulled the trigger. But -Wantowin's aim was very bad. The twenty marbles with which the gun was -loaded, zipped harmlessly past the Airman's ears, stinging quite a few -of his subjects and frightening at least fifty into full flight. Strut -himself was not impressed. Giving Nick a push that sent him sprawling, -and the Soldier a shove, he drew Jellia firmly away from her friends. - -Terrified as she was, the little Oz Maid could not help a small thrill -of satisfaction to have been chosen by a monarch as High and Mighty as -Strut of the Strat, to be Starina to him and his Queen. - -"As for you two," said Strut to Nick and the Soldier, "blowing up is -quite painless, I assure you, and if you ever do come down you'll -doubtless have many interesting things to tell." - -The Blowmen placed a guard around Nick and the Soldier, and stepped -back to their posts. Nick Chopper and Wantowin, stunned by the -swiftness of events, stared sadly at their little Jellia as the -Blowmen for a second time raised their horns. But Strut, intent on his -Warriors, had dropped Jellia's hand. Quick as a flash she pulled the -kit-bag's tail and pulled out the first object her fingers closed on. -It was a small green trumpet. Without stopping to think or reason, -Jellia placed it to her lips and blew three frantic toots. - -Instantly a light green vapor flowed from the mouth of the horn, -spreading like a fast-moving cloud over the entire assemblage--a light -green vapor accompanied by three musical notes. - - - - -CHAPTER 7 - -A Most Reluctant Starina - - -As the last note died away in a sweet, reluctant echo, Strut's Blowmen -threw down their horns. With wild shouts and cheers they began to -embrace as if each were the other's long lost brother. The behavior of -the rest of the Stratovanians was equally puzzling. They sang, they -whistled, they laughed and stamped their feet from sheer gaiety. Strut, -hurrying over to Nick Chopper, shook him heartily by the hand. - -"Say, Hay-Hurray! How ARE you?" he demanded exuberantly. "How are you -and all of your aunts, uncles and infant nieces?" - -"Wha--what's that?" sputtered Nick Chopper completely taken aback -by this sudden show of friendliness. Kabebe the Queen, tears of joy -streaming down her moon-shaped face, seized the hands of the Soldier -with Green Whiskers and was dancing him 'round and 'round. Unnoticed -in the general hubbub and hilarity, Jellia managed to steal another -glance at the green trumpet. Printed in white letters on the handle was -this surprising sentence: "_This trumpet contains cheer gas._" Cheer -Gas! With a tremulous sigh, for the last few moments had been a great -strain, Jellia slipped the Wizard's instrument back into the kit bag -and zipped it shut. Strangely enough the gas had not affected any of -the people from Oz. In fact Jellia had never felt less like cheering in -her whole life. - -"This way! Ray, Ray, hur_ray_!" shouted Strut, who now had Nick by one -arm and the Soldier by the other. "Quickly! Go and prepare the Guest -Canopies, Queen Kabebe! These travellers are doubtless weary, and need -rest and refreshment. Have you any preference as to canopies?" he -inquired, leaning down to look in Nick Chopper's face. - -"Do you have any _tin_ canopies?" asked Nick hoarsely. He was still -dazed by Strut's unaccountable change of manner. "I always feel safer -under a tin roof. It is such a beautiful and dependable metal." - -"Tin? Oh, Ha-Ha-HA!" Strut blinked his star eyes rapidly. "I'm afraid -we have no tin, but any other kind, my dear--" - -"Nick Chopper, Tin Woodman of Oz," put in Jellia, who felt it was high -time they were properly introduced. "And there--" She hastily indicated -the Soldier with Green Whiskers--"There is Wantowin Battles, the Grand -Army of Oz!" At Jellia's introduction, Wantowin dropped Strut's arm to -shake hands. - -"And who are you, my lively little Skylark?" he questioned. - -"Oh, I'm just Jellia Jam, Ozma's Chief Maid in Waiting," Jellia said as -she trotted uneasily along at his side. The rest of the Stratovanians, -still cheering and singing, but in a more subdued way, came streaming -after them. Rather anxiously Jellia wondered how long the effects of -the cheer gas would last, and how soon Strut would remember about -blowing Nick and the Soldier away again. It seemed unlikely that she -would have another chance to open the kit bag without detection. The -Queen, who had not been as cheered by the gas as the others, seemed -somewhat unfriendly as she walked along behind her Royal Husband. Every -few minutes, in fact, she would lean forward and give Jellia a spiteful -pinch. Jellia bore this rude treatment with extreme patience, making -no complaint or out-cry and merely walking a little faster to keep -out of the creature's way. Jellia wanted to see all she could of this -wonderful, sparkling airland so she could tell Ozma and Dorothy all -about it when she returned to Oz. - -The Soldier with Green Whiskers had fallen back to a place beside Queen -Kabebe and was gazing about him with contemptuous snorts. Any country -that was not green like the land surrounding the Emerald City, held no -interest for him. Noticing that Jellia was faring quite well without -her helmet, and finding his rather stuffy, he took it off and slung it -over one shoulder. As he did so he caught the Queen in the very act -of pinching Jellia. Disgusted by such conduct, he sternly took her -arm, and each time Kabebe pinched Jellia, the Soldier would slap her -fingers. After the fifth slap the Queen peered at him with astonished -admiration, for on this whole Tip-toposphere there was no man bold -enough to strike a member of the reigning family. Soon, Kabebe was so -fascinated by Wantowin's flowing green whiskers she forgot all about -pinching Jellia. By this time the strange and still faintly cheering -procession had reached Strut's Royal Canopy. Waving away his giggling -Blowmen, Strut lifted Jellia to one of the splendid Star Thrones. - -To Kabebe King Strut spoke impatiently. "Don't you remember you were to -see about the Guest Canopies?" Kabebe dared not object but looked quite -displeased. "Just tell Bittsywittle to bring us a tray of air-ades and -a wind pudding," ordered Strut, giving the Queen a jovial shove to help -her on her way. "You'd like an air-ade wouldn't you, little lady?" -Poor Jellia shook her head no and then quickly changed it to yes. The -furnishings of the Royal Pavilion were so rich and dazzling and the -Star Throne so high and grand that she felt completely bewildered. As -Kabebe shuffled away, Jellia smiled nervously at Nick and the Soldier. -At Strut's invitation they had seated themselves cross legged on bright -blue air cushions, and looked as uncomfortable as they felt. - -"Well, what do you think of Stratovania by now?" inquired Strut, -settling back complacently. "I believe you will all enjoy high life as -much as we do, once you are used to it." - -Nick Chopper was on the point of saying they had no intention of -getting used to it, or of staying one single moment longer than was -positively necessary, when he caught Jellia's worried expression and -muttered instead. "Beautiful--very beautiful." - -"But where are the houses?" asked the Soldier with Green Whiskers, -bluntly. "These tent tops are all right for a war, or for field sports, -but I should think you'd find them rather chilly for all year 'round -living." - -"Stratovania," explained Strut as he crossed his long legs, "is -never chilly. It is surrounded by a rim of warm air that keeps the -temperature just as you find it today. No wind, no rain, no storms of -any kind," he concluded, proudly. - -"And it's all so bright and shiny," sighed Jellia Jam, blinking down -at the floor of the pavilion which was an inlay of sparkling glass, -and then off to the countless bright canopies that dotted the airscape -beyond. The surface of Strut's curious Skyland was of gleaming crystal, -sometimes smooth as ice, sometimes rough and rocky, but always flashing -with the brilliance of diamonds. "Everything sparkles so," finished -Jellia, rather wishing she had brought her dark glasses. - -"That's because Stratovania is formed of solid air," smiled Strut, -tapping one of the iridescent posts that supported the silken canopy -over their heads. "And I am its High and Mighty Sovereign, ruler of the -Spikers who inhabit the strata below, and of the Zoomers who inhabit -the strata above, and of all the other spheres and half-spheres in -this particular area. Strut of the Strat! Consider THAT, Little One, -and be proud that you have been chosen to be our Starina!" - -"But Jellia can't stay here!" cried the Soldier with Green Whiskers, -springing indignantly to his feet. "Jellia's--" - -"Tut! Tut! Now do not excite yourself! Here comes Bittsywittle and -we'll all have a glass of liquid air." As Strut leaned forward to speak -to his small, electric-haired page, Jellia shook her head sharply at -Nick and the Soldier, for both seemed on the point of dragging her off -the throne. - -"Wait!" Jellia formed the word soundlessly, and with puzzled frowns her -two friends sank back on their air cushions, accepting rather glumly -the sparkling goblets of air-ade from the light-footed servitor. With -the air-ade Bittsywittle passed heaping saucers of wind pudding, a -fluffy, cloud-like confection that made Jellia's mouth positively water. - -"You will find the diet here light, but nourishing," Strut informed -them blandly. "Our atmosphere is so rare and exhilarating, we need -little but sun and star light to keep us going. But now, friends, I -propose a toast to Jellia, our new Starina!" As Nick and Wantowin -rose unwillingly to their feet, for the whole affair struck them as -perfectly preposterous, Strut lifted his glass and downed his air-ade. -Then the Soldier rather sulkily drank his. Nick, who never partook -of food or drink of any kind, set his goblet on a small tabouret and -stared sadly at Jellia Jam. The Tin Woodman feared she was seriously -considering Strut's proposal. Jellia surmised what Nick was thinking, -but as there was no way of explaining that she was just trying to gain -time till they could find some way to escape, she smiled wanly back at -him and swallowed her own air-ade. - -Suddenly Jellia felt herself rising into the air. Before she could -utter a sound, her head was pressed tightly against the top of the -canopy. Then, dizzily, she began to float 'round and 'round like a -pretty balloon just let off its string. - -"Ho, Ho!" roared Strut. "Our air-ade has made you light-headed, m'lass! -But wait--I'll fetch you down!" He tapped the winged staff he held in -his right hand sharply on the floor. Instantly it spread its wings, -carrying him up beside Jellia. Grasping her hand he drew her down to -the throne. - -"There," he chuckled, handing her a heavy glass globe to hold, "that -will weigh you down!" Reflecting that one of these winged sticks might -be a handy thing to have, Jellia clutched the glass globe. Still weak -and giddy from her flight, she could not bring herself to touch the -wind pudding Bittsywittle had placed on the arm of the throne. The -Soldier with Green Whiskers, on account of his heavy weapons and boots, -had not gone so high as Jellia, but even he, instead of sitting on his -air cushion, was now seated on nothing--three feet above Nick Chopper's -head. He looked extremely unhappy, as indeed he was. - -"Don't worry," grinned Strut, who seemed highly amused by the whole -affair, "you'll come down presently." He tapped his winged staff on the -head as he spoke, and the staff immediately folded its wings. "Tell -me," he urged, turning to Nick Chopper who was looking anxiously from -the Soldier to Jellia. "Do you come from below or be-high?" - -"Be-oth," answered the Tin Woodman, too confused by this time to know -what he was saying. "Taking off from the Emerald City of Oz, we first -flew up, then over, then up and next down!" - -"Hmm--mmmn, OZ?" Two very black clouds floated across Strut's -transparent brow. "I seem to remember your mentioning Oz before! I seem -to remember--" Strut's voice was no longer pleasant, and watching his -brow growing blacker and blacker, Jellia frantically sought to open the -Wizard's kit bag. Unless she could release some more of the cheer gas, -almost anything might happen. - -Out of the third point of his left star eye, Strut saw what she was -doing. "Don't fidget, my dear," he snapped crossly. "It is unbecoming -for our new Starina of Stratovania to fidget, or to unpack her own bag. -Here--" Taking the kit bag from her he tossed it carelessly beneath his -throne. Jellia's heart sank. She hoped Nick would say no more about -claiming Stratovania for Ozma. But the Tin Woodman, already launched -upon a glowing description of their famous Fairy Land, was working up -to that very point. - -"One hundred and one thousand, eight hundred and sixty-seven feet below -this airosphere," began Nick, taking a long breath, "lies the great, -grand and incomparable Fairyland of Oz. Oblong in shape, it is divided -into four triangular Kingdoms. The Northern and Purple Land of the -Gillikens is ruled by Jo King; the Blue, Western Land of the Munchkins, -by his Majesty King Cheeriobed; the Eastern, Yellow Land of the Winkies -is governed by myself; the Southern Red Land of the Quadlings, by -Glinda the Good Sorceress. - -"But all of us are subject to the benign rule of Ozma, the young Fairy -Ruler of the whole Kingdom. Her capitol, the Emerald City, in the exact -center of Oz, is one of the most beautiful cities out of the world! -Surrounding Oz and protecting it from invasions is a deadly desert, and -in Ozma's possession are more jewels and treasure than you doubtless -have seen in the whole of your air existence." - -"Humph!" growled Strut, looking fiercer than ever. But paying no -heed to the ominous storm clouds forming on his brow, Nick loftily -proceeded. "Not only is Ozma possessed of more jewels than any other -sovereign known, but in her castle are magic appliances that make her -the most powerful of rulers. For instance, Ozma has a magic belt -with which she can transport anyone anywhere. On her wall hangs a -magic picture in which she can see what is happening to her friends -or foes--right while it is happening. In her safe is a magic fan to -blow away her enemies, and so many other strange instruments of magic, -I have not time to describe them. Among her advisors is the famous -Wizard of Oz, who spends all his time studying magic and perfecting -new inventions. The Ozoplane in which we made this perilous flight is -his latest masterpiece. And now that you know a bit more of Ozma and -her famous country, I am sure you will be delighted to become a part -of our happy realm and acknowledge Ozma as the Supreme Sovereign of -Stratovania." - -"What?" screamed Strut, bounding off his throne and furiously -confronting the Tin Woodman. "How DARE you suggest such a thing? This -is the second time you have done so! Why should I, Strut of the Strat, -acknowledge this miserable earthlander as my supreme anything? I am a -thousand times richer and more important than any Belowlander below. -Oz! OZ! Indeed!" - -As Nick backed off in some alarm, Strut shook his long staff over the -Tin Woodman's head. "Why, you can't even pronounce the name of your -own country!" he sneered. "It is not Oz, as you say it, but OHS--the -zone of Ohs, to be more correct. And if Ohs is in the zone of Ohs it is -Ozone, which means AIR--and that makes it belong to ME! So I, Strut of -the Strat, hereby do claim OZONIA for myself and my people, and you, my -fine Mr. Funnel Top, shall take me there!" - - - - -CHAPTER 8 - -Strut of the Strat Sets Off for Oz - - -"Don't you do it! Don't you do it!" Plumping down on his air cushion, -for the effects of the air-ade had worn off at last, the Soldier with -Green Whiskers wildly sounded retreat on his green bugle. Jellia, -knowing he would run as fast as he could and perhaps wreck the Ozoplane -before she and Nick could reach it, jumped off her throne and seized -him by the coat tails. As she did so, Strut gave the glass gong beside -him a resounding whack. Before any of the three travellers could take -another step, the twenty Blowmen tramped back into the Royal Pavilion. -The cheer engendered by the cheer gas had entirely evaporated by now, -and they looked very grim indeed. At a signal from Strut, one seized -Nick, a second the Soldier. A third was taking hold of Jellia, when -Strut sternly waved him aside. - -"No No! Not that one! She is our new Starina!" he told the Blowman -roughly. "Now you are to stay right here, Jellia, my dear, and help -rule over Stratovania while I descend to Ohs and take possession of -that rich and prosperous country. And, sooner than soon, I will return, -bringing you the magic treasure and jewels and the crown and scepter of -this Ohsma!" - -"Oh, but you mustn't!" wailed Jellia, clasping her hands desperately. -"Ozma is a _real_ Princess and much more beautiful than I!" - -"In that case, I shall bring Ohsma back and make her a Starina also!" -promised Strut. - -"Now Hippenscop," he directed, shaking his finger at the odd-looking -page, "you and Junnenrump are to obey Jellia in everything. I'll leave -three Blowmen here to protect our Starina. The others, and all of my -able-bodied fighters, shall fly with me to Ohs." - -"The Ozoplane holds only four!" cried Jellia, looking desperately over -at Nick who was struggling angrily to free himself from the Blowmen. -But they had his arms pinioned behind his back, and the poor Tin -Woodman was unable to help himself. - -"Oh, that's all right!" answered Strut, "I and this Tin Emperor will -ride in the Friend-ship, and the others will follow on their flying -sticks and soon I will return with all the treasures of Ohs!" As the -Blowmen started away, shoving Nick and the Soldier ahead of them, -Jellia felt so frightened and alone that she burst into tears. - -"Oh, please, please--couldn't you leave the Soldier to keep me -company?" she sobbed, wiping her streaming eyes on her sash. - -"Of course, if you wish!" Motioning to the Blowmen, they picked up -Wantowin as if he had been a sack of potatoes, and tossed him roughly -back into the Royal Pavilion. He landed with a clatter at Jellia's feet. - -"But see here! I am not sure I can find the way back to Oz!" protested -Nick Chopper as Strut fell into step at his side. "I happened upon this -airosphere by the merest chance, and have no idea in which direction Oz -now lies." - -"Just the same--I think you will take me there!" Strut grinned -wickedly, tapping Nick on the shoulder with his staff. He already had -sent Junnenrump to summon the army, and, glancing over his shoulder, -Nick saw a thousand young airmen strutting along behind them. As they -came to the shores of Half Moon Lake, Hippenscop came panting and -gasping into view. - -"Her Skyness the new Starina, bade me give you this," he puffed, -handing the Tin Woodman the small oil can the Wizard had given him at -the party. Nick had forgotten all about his oil can and without it he -was likely to rust and become perfectly helpless. Taking it thankfully -from the messenger, he hung it on a hook beneath his arm and headed -reluctantly for the Oztober. Nick had no intention of flying Strut to -the Emerald City. Even if he had to wreck the plane, he would find some -way to keep the greedy airman and his legions from conquering Oz. Then -he would return and rescue Jellia and the soldier. - -But, without a word to Strut, for argument at this point would have -been useless, he mounted the ladder, walked through the cozy cabin and -seated himself in the pilot's chair. Strut paused on the top rung of -the ladder before he entered. - -"Follow us closely, men," he commanded gruffly, "no matter how far -or fast we fly." Strut's young warriors raised their flying staffs -to show that they understood, and with a few final directions, the -Stratovanian stepped over the sill, slammed the door of the Oztober -and walked rapidly forward, examining everything with lively interest. - -"So this dragon-body really flys?" he said, bending curiously over the -navigator's table. "Ho, what's this? I thought you told me you had -no way of finding the route back?" Nick Chopper, much more surprised -than Strut, picked up the tidy map that lay on top of the buttons. -It certainly had not been there when he left the plane, but here it -was now, showing the complete course they had taken since leaving the -Emerald City. Concluding this was some of the Wizard's magic, Nick -examined the map attentively. Each turn up or down, each mile east or -west, was charted accurately. - -"All you have to do is follow this in reverse," exclaimed Strut. -Unaccustomed as he was to flying except by staff, he was nevertheless -sharp enough to realize the value of a good map when he saw one. "And -remember now--no tricks!" he warned, sternly. "Land me safely in Ohs -and you will be suitably rewarded. But land me anywhere else and you -will be completely obliterated!" - -Nick said nothing. Weary of Strut's threats and boasts, the Woodman -touched the button to inflate the Oztober's balloon, and the "up," -"south" and "fast" buttons. In the whirr and splutter of their -take-off, the Airlander's further remarks and directions were -completely drowned out. - - - - -CHAPTER 9 - -Jellia in a Frightful Jam - - -For a long time after the departure of the Tin Woodman and of Strut -and his legions, Jellia sat forlornly on the Star Throne, trying to -stem the tears that coursed slowly down her cheeks. To be stranded on -this high and dangerous airosphere was bad enough, but the thought of -Strut flying off to destroy Ozma and steal all her treasures was more -frightening still. - -"What on airth shall we do?" questioned Jellia with a rueful smile, of -the Soldier with Green Whiskers who was tramping morosely up and down -the pavilion. Halting in his march, Wantowin shook his head dubiously. - -"That I cannot say!" he murmured, taking off his cap and staring -gloomily inside. "I have no standing in this country at all! But you, -Jellia, are a Starina. Therefore you must decide what is to be done. -And whatever your Majesty's orders may be, I will carry them out to the -letter. To the _letter_!" declared Wantowin, standing up very straight -and tall. - -"Oh, bother 'my Majesty!'" scolded Jellia. "You know perfectly well I -didn't _ask_ to be a Starina of this terrible place!" - -"It is not what you want but what you are, that counts!" insisted the -Soldier, stubbornly. "And there's no getting round it, Jellia, you -_are_ a Starina! So while you are deciding what is to be done, I'll -just do a bit of reconnoitering. It might be well to know the lay of -the air!" - -"Wait!" cried Jellia as Wantowin started smartly down the steps. -"Whatever you do, Wanny--don't run!" she implored earnestly. "You -might easily run off the edge and then where'd you be? So do please be -careful, and if anything frightens you run straight back here! Do you -promise?" - -"Nothing ever frightens me!" said the Soldier in an offended voice. -Marching sternly down the steps he was off at a double-quick, without -even a glance over his shoulder. Feeling more alone than ever, Jellia -sighed and folded her hands in her lap. But Wantowin's words, foolish -as they were, had done her good. After all she was a Starina, for -the time being anyway. So, straightening her crown, and drying her -tears, Jellia tried to think how she should act under such bewildering -circumstances. How would Ozma act, for instance, if she were sitting -on the throne of this singular airtry? Even thinking of the gentle and -dignified little Girl Ruler of Oz, steadied Jellia. Holding her head -very high, she stepped down from the dais and began pacing slowly -up and down the pavilion, switching her green skirts in such a regal -manner that the two messengers who had returned quietly to their posts, -stared at her with new interest and admiration. - -"Is there anything we might bring your Strajesty?" asked Junnenrump, -bowing from the waist and clicking his heels smartly together. At his -question Jellia paused and eyed the two, speculatively. - -"Why, yes," she decided after a moment's thought. "You, Junnenrump, may -send some one to amuse me, and you, Hippenscop, may bring me two of -those winged staffs. It is neither safe nor proper for a Starina and -her Army to be without them!" - -"But, your Skyness!" Hippenscop leaped into the air and spun round -and round in an agony of embarrassment. "There are no extra staffs!" -he blurted, finally coming to a stop before her. The little fellow -looked so distressed, Jellia was on the point of letting him off. Then, -remembering just in time that she was bound to be obeyed, she raised -her arm. - -"Go!" she commanded haughtily. "And do not return without two winged -staffs!" Junnenrump already had started, and at Jellia's stern command -Hippenscop backed dejectedly down the steps, his eyes bulging with -dismay and consternation. - -"If Wanny and I had flying sticks, we'd at least be as well off as -the rest of these Airlanders," reasoned Jellia, resuming her walk. -"But what funny names," she mused, as the messengers disappeared in -two different directions and at two different speeds. "They make me -think of--" here Jellia took a little run and jump, following it with -a skip and a hop. "I suppose" she continued, talking conversationally -to herself, "that is what their names really mean, everything is so -mixed up here." Regaining her throne in one long slide, Jellia brought -up with a slight start. This, she decided, was no way for a Starina -to act. Smoothing down her dress, she walked sedately to Strut's -throne and reached underneath. The real reason she had got rid of the -messengers, of course, was so she could recover the kit-bag and have a -chance to examine its contents without being observed. The cheer gas -had saved them on one occasion, and perhaps there was magic powerful -enough to enable her and the Soldier to escape from the airosphere -before Strut returned. The bag was still there and snatching it up -in her arms, Jellia climbed back on the throne. But just as she was -about to zip it open, Junnenrump bounded up the steps of the pavilion, -dragging a lean old Skylander by the hand. - -"His Majesty's Piper!" announced Junnenrump, giving the Piper a shove -forward and seating himself expectantly on the messenger's bench. -Jellia was annoyed to have Junnenrump return so soon. But since she -had sent for someone to amuse her, she could not very well object. -So, resting her chin in her hand she looked curiously at the royal -Piper. The old Skylander was tremendously tall and thin. His tunic was -short and plaited, and under his arms he carried a pair of enormous -bag pipes. Jellia never had cared for bag pipes, but on an airosphere -she supposed wind instruments such as this naturally would be popular. -The Piper, however, did not immediately play on his pipes. Instead he -struck a few light and pleasant chords on the top buttons of his tunic. - - "Shall I do a buck and wing, or a little Skyland fling? - Shall I sing a little sing, for you, Dear?" - -bawled the Piper cheerfully. He looked so funny that Jellia burst out -laughing. Thus encouraged, the Piper proceeded to sing, punctuating his -song with extraordinary leaps and toe tappings. - - "When we Skylanders feel low, we just - Dance the stratispho; - Step it high, kick and fly, toss the - Partner up ski-high. High HO! - -"Would you care to try it?" he asked politely, holding out his hand to -Jellia. - -"No, No! Not today!" gasped the Oz maid, backing as far as the star -throne would allow. "But I've really enjoyed watching you very much, -and your singing is lovely," she added, generously. - -"Ah, but wait until you hear me play," puffed the Piper. Raising his -pipes he blew forth such a hurricane of whistles, squeals and fierce -thunderings that poor Jellia clapped both hands to her ears. "Tell him -to go away," she screamed above the awful din, wildly motioning to -Junnenrump who was tapping his foot in time to the pipes and looking -highly diverted. "Tell him to come back tomorrow." The fierce music -of the bag pipes had brought airlanders running from every direction. -Crowding round the pavilion they waved and bowed to the new Starina. -Realizing she never would have any privacy under the Imperial Canopy, -Jellia slipped off her throne. The messenger had the Piper by the -tunic tails and was easing him gently down the steps. Jellia waited -till they reached the bottom, then, as all the airlanders began to run -after the still furiously pumping piper, Jellia started in the opposite -direction. Surely somewhere, she thought, clutching the kit-bag close -to her, somewhere she could find a quiet corner or cave or clump of -bushes where she could examine the contents of the Wizard's bag without -interruption. - -So anxious was Jellia to be by herself, she broke into a run. Failing -to notice a crystal bar stretched across the path, she tripped and fell -violently _up_ a tune tree. Falling down is bad enough, but falling up -is worse still. Jellia not only had barked her shins on the crystal -bar, but had bounced into the air so high she lost her breath and -plunged down so abruptly among the top branches of the tune tree that -she was somewhat scratched and shaken. She knew it must be a tune tree -because plump black notes grew in clusters like cherries between the -leaves. Several, dislodged by her fall, broke into gay little arias and -chords. At any other time Jellia would have been quite interested, but -now she was too agitated and upset to care. - -"Such a country--or airtry!" groaned the Oz maid, rubbing her left -ankle and her right knee. "One can't even fall down in their own way!" -Parting the branches the ruffled little girl looked crossly out. It -was quite a long way to the ground, but nevertheless Jellia decided to -climb down. But suddenly it occurred to her that the top of the tune -tree was as good a place as any, to open the kit-bag. Easing herself to -a larger limb, she balanced the bag carefully in her lap and stretched -out her hand to pull the tail. Then a piercing scream and the thump -of a hundred footsteps made her draw it back in a hurry. Parting the -branches of the tree for a second time, she saw Wantowin Battles -running toward her like the wind. - -"Help! Help! Save me!" yelled the Soldier with Green Whiskers. And -he had reason to yell for just two leaps behind him panted Kabebe, -waving an enormous crystal rolling-pin. After the Queen pounded the -three big Blowmen, and after the Blowmen came nearly a hundred men, -women, and children. Before Jellia had time even to guess why they were -chasing the Army, Wantowin tripped over the same crystal bar that had -caused her upfall, and landed with a terrific grunt in the branches -beside her, scattering half and quarter-notes in every direction. The -Airlanders stopped short and watched with breathless interest as the -Soldier disappeared into the thick foliage of the tune tree. - -"What's the matter? What happened?" whispered Jellia reaching out to -steady the soldier who was bouncing wildly up and down on a nearby limb. - -"YOU?" gasped Wantowin, almost losing his balance at the shock of -seeing her. "Oh, Jellia! We must leave at once! At ONCE! As I was -passing the cooking caves, Kabebe rushed out and grabbed me. She has -decided to blow us away most any minute now. She has persuaded the -Airlanders that Strut is lost and never will return. Oh why, WHY, did -we ever fly to this terrible place?" - -"Be quiet!" hissed Jellia, frightened almost out of her wits at this -new turn of affairs. "How can I think with you making all that noise?" - -"Come down! Come down!" bawled Kabebe. "Come down before I shake you -down!" Grasping the trunk of the tune tree she gave it a playful shake. - -Rolling his eyes up, the Soldier glanced desperately at Jellia, and -Jellia, as desperately, glanced back. - -"You might as well go down," she whispered resignedly, as the Queen -gave the tree a tremendous shake that nearly dislodged them both. - -"Not without you," shivered Wantowin, hugging his branch for dear life. - -"Oh, well--let's get it over with," said Jellia despairingly. "Blowing -away may not be so bad, and I'd rather do anything than stay up here." -Tucking the kit-bag under one arm, Jellia swung herself down by the -other and dropped lightly to the ground. - -"What is the meaning of this outrageous behavior?" she demanded, as -Wantowin dropped fearfully beside her. "His Majesty shall hear of this, -I promise you!" - -Kabebe, astonished to see Jellia as well as the Soldier with Green -Whiskers drop out of the tree, took a hasty step backward. Jellia -quickly followed up her advantage. "I'm amazed!" she said sternly. -"I thought you knew that I was to help you rule while King Strut is -away!" At this bold speech, Wantowin looked at Jellia in round-eyed -admiration. Though her cheeks were scratched and her crown slightly -askew, the little Waiting Maid looked every inch a ruler's helper, if -not a ruler. Even the Blowmen began to shift uneasily from one foot -to the other, their mouths falling open at Jellia's indignation. But -Kabebe raised both arms and fairly screeched at the little Oz Maid. - -"How dare you speak to me like that?" she shrieked. "King Strut is lost -and never will return! I am Queen here--and I don't need your help! -Blowmen! Seize this impudent pair, march them to the edge of the cliffs -and blow them away." The crowd of Stratovanians looked uncertainly from -Kabebe to Jellia. - -"His Highness left you here to _protect_ me!" Jellia reminded them -sternly. But even as she spoke, she knew they had decided to obey -Kabebe. She was flashing her star eyes so threateningly, and waving her -winged stick so close to their heads, that the Blowmen were afraid to -defy her. - -"Come along, now," grumbled the first Blowman, taking Jellia roughly by -the arm. "You've made enough trouble here!" - -The other two Blowmen seized the trembling Soldier and began marching -sternly toward the edge of Strut's Skyland. Jellia pulled back with -all her strength, as also did Wantowin, but, hustled along by the huge -Skylanders, they could do little to help themselves. Relentlessly, with -the jeering citizens of Stratovania running along after them, the -unfortunate Oz pair was dragged on. - -"Just wait till your Master hears about this," sobbed Jellia, as the -Blowmen shoved them as near to the edge of the cliffs as they dared -go themselves. Then they stepped back to lift their horns. Jellia had -managed to retain her hold on the Wizard's kit-bag, but even so she -felt that their last moment had come. - -Jellia gave a final sad little wave to the Soldier, who really was -quite brave now that his doom had arrived. The Blowmen pointed their -horns straight at them, but before they even could inflate their -cheeks, a fierce roar and splutter from the clouds caused every head -to turn upwards. - -"The ship--the ship! The flying ship!" cried the First Blowman, letting -his horn fall disregarded to the ground. - -"It's Strut!" screamed the Stratovanians, treading on one another's -toes in their sudden frenzy to be out of sight of their Master when he -landed. - -"'Tis the Master himself!" cried the first Blowman, yanking Jellia and -the Soldier back from the edge of the Skyland. Pulling Kabebe along -with them, the Blowmen ran as never before, closely followed by Strut's -scurrying subjects. One moment later there was not a single airbody -in sight. Convinced that their cruel and brilliant ruler had returned, -they ran like rabbits. Some even flew, helping themselves along with -their winged staffs, while Jellia, sinking on a large, crystal boulder, -stared dazedly at the silver-bodied plane dropping rapidly toward them. - -"It can't be the Oztober!" cried Jellia, delightedly. "It couldn't have -come back so soon!" - -"It's _not_!" cried Wantowin Battles, tossing up his cap and waving his -arms exuberantly. "It's the other one, the Ozpril, and that means--" -In his extreme excitement, the Soldier tripped over a balloon bush and -fell seven feet into the air. "It means the Wizard himself has come to -help us," sputtered Wantowin, blinking rapidly as he landed hard on the -rock beside the young Oz maid. "Three cheers, Jellia! The Wizard of Oz -has saved us!" - - - - -CHAPTER 10 - -The Wizard in Stratovania! - - -It was indeed the Ozpril, just as the Soldier with Green Whiskers -had said. Even at a distance, Jellia could spell out the name on the -gleaming body and, as the silvery plane came swooping toward them, she -could not repress a shout of joy. - -Too exhausted by the dreadful ordeal she had just been through to run -to meet the ship, she jerked off her scarf and waved it wildly over her -head. - -About ten feet from the crystal boulder on which she had been sitting, -the Ozpril came to a gentle and perfect landing. Scarcely had the -whirr and sputter of its engine died away before the door of the -cabin burst open and down climbed the little Wizard of Oz, followed -by Dorothy and the Scarecrow. The Cowardly Lion, last of all, had -difficulty fitting his paws on the rungs and, after a trembling -descent, rolled over on his back, his four feet straight up in the air. -The trip had not agreed with the Cowardly Lion at all. Weak and dizzy, -he made no attempt to rise. - -"Here you are at last!" cried the Wizard happily, rushing over to -Jellia and seizing both of her hands. "So THIS is where you've been! -Well I must say it's a fine place. Why it's beautiful, beautiful!" -Swinging round so he could look in all directions, the Wizard -positively glowed with interest and enthusiasm. - -"What's so beautiful about it?" growled the lion without turning over. -"Is there any grass? Are there any trees? Is there anything to eat?" -Dorothy, on the point of embracing Jellia, gave a little scream, for -the Tell-all-escope, which she had picked up just before leaving the -plane, was making terse announcements. At this point it happened to be -pointed at Jellia. Clearing its throat it remarked in a superior way: -"You are now looking at Miss Jellia Jam, formerly of Oz, at present new -Starina of the Strat, by edict of Strutoovious the Seventh. Miss Jellia -Jam, Starina of Stratovania! Period! Stop, drop or point elsewhere!" - -"Why, _Jellia_!" gasped Dorothy, letting the Tell-all-escope fall with -a crash, "are you, really? Oh my! I don't suppose you'll _ever_ want to -return to Oz, now. Why, you must be having a wonderful time!" - -"Humph!" sniffed Jellia, with a slightly wan smile. "If being pinched, -chased and nearly blown to atoms is having a wonderful time, then I -guess I've been having it all right!" - -"Tell me," requested the Scarecrow, who had been walking in a slow -circle around Jellia. "Does one prostrate oneself before a Starina, -or does one merely kiss her hand?" - -"Neither," laughed Jellia. Jumping up she gave the Scarecrow such a hug -he was out of shape for hours. "But quick!--Let's all hop in the Ozpril -and fly away before something terrible happens." - -"Fly away?" cried the Wizard, shoving back his high hat. "But, my -_dear_--we've only just come! I've been flying all night and need a -little rest and refreshment before we start off again. Besides, I would -like to see more of this interesting airland and its people, and add to -my data on the Strata." - -"That's what Nick thought," observed Jellia, putting both hands on her -hips. "And look what happened to him!" - -"What _did_ happen to him?" demanded the Wizard, realizing for the -first time that Nick was not among those present. - -"You tell him," sighed Jellia to the Soldier. Sinking back on the -boulder she held her aching head in both hands. All eyes turned toward -the Soldier with Green Whiskers who opened and closed his mouth several -times without saying a word. The Wizard, now thoroughly alarmed, began -shaking him on one side and the Scarecrow on the other, until finally -Wantowin took a tremendous swallow and gave them the whole story. - -When the narrator reached the part where Strut had ordered Nick and him -blown away, the Scarecrow hurried over to the balloon bush and began -picking the almost ripe balloons as fast as his clumsy cotton fingers -would permit. Not till he had about twenty did he even pause. So light -and flimsy was the straw man that the bunch of balloons on their long -stems kept jerking him into the air. After each jerk he would give a -little grunt of satisfaction. - -"These are just to keep me aloft--in case of accidents," he explained -hastily to Dorothy who was watching him intently. - -"But what of us?" asked the little girl, looking anxiously toward the -Canopied City which, at present, seemed absolutely deserted. - -"You say that this wretched Strut, after naming Jellia Starina, forced -Nick to fly him to Oz?" exclaimed the Wizard, grasping Wantowin Battles -by both arms and gazing into his face. - -"Not only that," Wantowin told him hoarsely, "but he's taken his -Blowmen and a thousand fighting men to conquer the country! He intends -to bring back Ozma's crown, scepter, jewels and all the treasures in -our castle!" finished the Soldier, dolefully. - -"Oh, can't we do something Wizard?" cried Jellia determinedly. "I -simply won't be Starina! I won't! I WON'T!" - -"Just the same--you make a very pretty one," murmured the Scarecrow, -patting the little Oz Maid consolingly on the shoulder. "But of course, -we cannot allow this bounding airlander to take Oz!" - -"If Nick had not 'taken possession' of Stratovania for Ozma, he'd never -have thought of it," groaned Jellia. Rising stiffly, she picked up the -kit-bag from the crystal rock beside her. - -"Ah--so you still have my magic kitty!" In spite of his anxiety the -Wizard smiled. - -"Indeed I have," said Jellia firmly. "It saved us from being blown -away. I used some of your cheer gas, Wiz, but I didn't have time to try -out any of the other magic. Here, you'd better take it now and do let's -be starting. No telling when Kabebe and those three Blowmen will be -coming back." - -"Forward march! Forward march!" Wantowin Battles started off all by -himself for the Ozpril. "Hurry, hurry!" he called over his shoulder. -"If those fearful people return they'll surely make trouble!" yelled -the Soldier, his voice growing more emphatic. - -"Well, it's certainly a mix-up," said Dorothy, moving closer to the -Wizard. - -"What do these people look like, Jellia?" she asked curiously. "Really -I'd enjoy seeing a few." - -"They look like nothing you ever have imagined!" Jellia told her with -a slight shudder. "Goochers! Here come some now! And oh--it's those -Blowmen--and all the others! Look, Wizard! Could we reach the Ozpril -before they reach us?" - -"Let's not try," decided the Wizard, as the Blowmen broke into a run. -"Even if we made the plane, they might blow us to bits before I could -get her started. Let's stay here and reason with them till I find -something in this bag to help us." - -"Oh, woe is we! Oh, woe is we!" gulped the Scarecrow, taking little -runs and leaps into the air, hopeful that his balloons would lift him -out of the danger zone as the threatening company drew closer. The -Queen was marching grimly ahead of her subjects. In some way, decided -Jellia, she had discovered Strut had not been in the silver plane. As -the Wizard opened his kit bag the little Oz Maid rushed over to the -Cowardly Lion. - -"Get up!" directed Jellia, giving him a desperate prod with her toe. -"Get up! We need your growl--and LISTEN!" she begged, as the big beast -rolled over and blinked sleepily at the approaching airlanders. "Do -everything I tell you or we are lost, LOST!" - -Dorothy concluded Jellia had been quite right about the inhabitants -of Stratovania. They certainly were like no one she ever had seen, and -she could not help admiring the bold way Jellia stepped out to meet her -dangerous adversary. - -"Just what are you doing here?" demanded Jellia, folding her arms and -tilting up her chin. "Did I not order you to leave us strictly alone? -Blowmen, take this Kabebe woman away!" - -"Kabebe's our Queen," muttered one of the Blowmen, scowling at Jellia. -"At least," he corrected, glancing at his comrades, "she is our Queen -until Strut returns." - -"What makes you think Strut has NOT returned!" questioned Jellia, -grandly. "Do you not recognize your Master!" With a regal wave, -Jellia pointed to the Cowardly Lion. "Do you not believe that this is -Strut--changed to this great beast by Ozma of Oz? But he is as powerful -and able as ever, to rule this Kingdom! Strut!" Imperiously Jellia -appealed to the Cowardly Lion. "Am I the Starina of Stratovania?" - -The poor lion was as startled at Jellia's question as the -Stratovanians. From sheer shock, he rose on his hind legs and let out a -perfectly awful roar--which was perhaps as convincing an answer as he -could have given. - -"There! You see?" Jellia shrugged her shoulders as Queen Kabebe and the -Blowmen turned white as ghosts and began to move away. - -"It does sound like the Master," stuttered the Blowman, as the Cowardly -Lion followed up his roar with a reverberating growl. - -"What are your Majesty's wishes?" inquired Jellia, inclining her head -graciously toward the trembling lion. - -"Take that woman away, and have our supper prepared and served at once -in the Royal Pavilion!" directed the lion in his most commanding roar! - - - - -CHAPTER 11 - -King, King-Double King! - - -The effect of the Cowardly Lion's speech was astonishing, indeed. The -Stratovanians behind the Queen turned and ran for their lives. They -started backing away so fast they fell up at every step, so that their -progress was curious enough to watch. There were few animals on the -airosphere and certainly none that talked. Thoroughly convinced that -the Cowardly Lion was Strut and Strut was the lion, his terrified -subjects fled in all directions. - -"Whew!" exclaimed the Wizard, snatching out his green handkerchief and -mopping his moist forehead. "That was quick thinking, my dear. Good -acting, too," he puffed, leaning down to give the lion an approving pat. - -"Oh, wasn't he WONDERFUL?" Jellia hugged the lion so energetically he -fairly gasped for breath. - -"Not so hard for ME to play King," he wheezed when he managed to escape -from Jellia's embrace. "After all--I AM King of the Forest!" - -"Well, however that may be, Jellia is certainly Starina of the Strat!" -declared the Scarecrow. "I'm beginning to think Strut was right in -choosing her! You've been wasting your talents in Oz, my dear, and you -surely have earned a crown today!" - -"But I don't want a crown!" asserted Jellia with spirit. Nevertheless -she was quite pleased at such high praise. "Now, look! Since the -Cowardly Lion ordered supper in the Royal Pavilion, perhaps we'd better -go. It will be as good a place as any to rest while we plan our next -move." - -"Hi, there--is everything all right?" Wantowin Battles, who had hidden -himself behind a crystal rock at the Blowmens' approach, now peered out -nervously. - -"For the present," called the Wizard, waving his kerchief, "for the -present. Come along, Soldier, we're going to have supper in the Royal -Pavilion!" - -"Not I," said the Soldier, falling in step with the Scarecrow. "Count -me out of that!" - -"I'm sure I'll not be able to eat a bite," sighed Dorothy, picking up -the tell-all-escope. "How can you even think of supper with those awful -airmen flying to the Emerald City. Oh, why don't we go after them now?" - -"Because I do not believe Nick will take them to the Emerald City," -said Jellia, straightening her crown. "He'll lose them somehow and then -come back here for Wanny and me." - -"My own deduction, exactly," agreed the Wizard walking briskly along -beside Jellia. "But wherever Nick is, we'll find him--same as we have -found you." - -"How did you find us?" asked Jellia, stopping short and staring up into -the Wizard's face. "I've been wondering about that." - -"Well, you see," explained the little magician impressively. "On the -Ozpril there is a magnetic compass that shows the exact course taken -by the Oztober, provided both planes are in flight. By following the -compass, I followed your exact route. The delay in our arrival was -caused by the difference in speed!" - -"Why, then you saw the very same things we did," cried Jellia, nodding -distantly to several airlanders who were bowing to the ground as the -little procession passed. - -"The very same," said the Wizard. Then, as a little afterthought--"By -the way, what did you see?" - -"Oh, nothing much but clouds, fog, an icecloud, and some flying -airimals with spikes," Jellia told him briefly, as she started up the -long steps to the Royal Pavilion. - -"The same with us," said the Wizard, taking out a little book and -squinting hastily at the precisely written entries, "'Clouds, fogs, -spiked monsters,' AH!" He closed the book with a little exclamation of -admiration. "So this is the seat of Government?" - -"I must say I prefer a castle," observed the Scarecrow, jumping up the -steps three at a time. "Still, all these columns are very pretty. Very -pretty indeed!" - -"Is my throne comfortable?" inquired the Cowardly Lion with a lordly -sniff. - -"That's right," giggled Jellia, "you _will_ have to sit on the -throne--that is, if Wanny doesn't mind?" The little maid turned -mischievously to the Soldier with Green Whiskers. "After all you are a -kind of King, too!" - -"Not on your life!" declared Wantowin violently. "I wouldn't trade one -button on my uniform for all the jewels in Strut's crown, nor one -blade of Oz grass for all the rocks in Stratovania!" - -"Bravo! Bravo!" applauded the Scarecrow. Having tied his balloons to -one of the pillars, he was bouncing up and down on a blue air cushion. -"Try one," he invited, shoving a couple toward the Wizard. Instead of -one, the Wizard put three of the air cushions together and stretched -out at full length. - -"You can't imagine how tired a fellow grows after sixteen hours of -flying," he murmured drowsily. "Hah, hoh, HUM! I hope you girls will -excuse me if I take a little nap?" - -"I wouldn't mind a nap myself," yawned Dorothy. Though she had dozed -part of the night before, she felt extremely sleepy. Without much -urging from Jellia, she curled up on a couch at the back of the -pavilion and was asleep almost before her head touched the pillows. - -"Best thing in the world for them," grinned the Scarecrow, as Jellia -looked rather nervously from one sleeper to the other. "We'll probably -have to fly all night--if we get away from here at all! The Wiz needs a -good rest before he does any more piloting." - -"Yes," agreed Jellia with a sigh, "I suppose he does. But I hope the -lion's not going to sleep, too?" Climbing to her throne, Jellia gave -him a good poke in the ribs. The lion, who was leaning back against the -cushions with both eyes closed, shook his head. - -"I never sleep on an empty stomach," he declared firmly. "Besides, a -lion can go for days--if necessary--without rest or refreshment." - -"Didn't you have anything to eat, at all?" inquired Jellia. Being -terribly hungry herself, she could sympathize with the hungry beast. - -"Oh," answered the lion without opening his eyes, "we did have a few -square meal tablets the Wizard happened to have in his pocket. But, -while they fill you up, they don't seem to satisfy." - -"Same with the food here," said Jellia. - -"Food!" The Cowardly Lion's nose began to twitch with eagerness. "Where -is any?" - -"If I am not mistaken, supper is approaching now!" announced the -Scarecrow, peering out through the side draperies of the Canopy. "Is -this one of your many servants, my dear?" - -"Oh, I suppose so," said Jellia, as Bittsywittle trudged up the crystal -steps balancing a huge tray on his head. He had been warned of the -change in Strut, but the sight of the huge monster on the throne -unnerved the little fellow and he began to tremble so violently, the -dishes on the tray danced a regular jig. - -"Just put the tray on the table," directed Jellia, patiently. "And -don't jump, Bittsywittle! Strut won't bite you." - -"How do you know I won't?" roared the Cowardly Lion, opening his eyes -so wide Bittsywittle set down the tray and scuttled off like a hare. -Without much enthusiasm, Jellia noted Kabebe had sent them six saucers -of wind pudding and six glasses of air-ade. - -"Don't touch it!" warned the Soldier with Green Whiskers, as the lion -slithered off the throne and ambled to the table. "It will make you -feel very funny." - -"Well, I'd rather feel funny than sad," said the lion, sniffing the -pudding delicately, "and I'd rather feel funny than starve. Aren't you -having any, Jellia?" - -"No, thank you!" Jellia shook her head sharply and exchanged a quiet -wink with Wantowin. But the Cowardly Lion did not notice the wink. Or -at least, he pretended not to and hurriedly lapped up all six saucers. - -"Why, it's delicious!" he murmured rapturously, "Deli--" - -"Hey, where you going?" The Scarecrow had been watching him enviously, -for the pink pudding looked so good he almost wished he found it -necessary to eat. But now he spun round in alarm, for without any -warning at all, the lion had swelled and puffed up like a carnival -balloon and gone wafting upward to soar in dizzy circles over their -heads. - -"Oh, he's just putting on airs because he's King," teased Jellia, -wishing Dorothy were awake to enjoy the fun. - -"But he might easily float off," worried the Scarecrow, pursuing the -luckless lion with outstretched arms. "Wait--I'll save you!" he puffed, -and snatching the cord from a long bell pull, he leaped on Strut's -throne. After several unsuccessful attempts he managed to lasso the -lion and tie him fast to the arm of the throne. "How do you feel?" he -called solicitously, for the lion, with closed eyes and a desperate -expression, was paddling his legs like a drowning dog. - -"Oh, take it easy!" advised Jellia, relenting a little, "You'll float -around all by yourself and come down presently, as light as a feather. -I know 'cause I've tried it. Hello--here's Hippenscop! Now I wonder -what he wants? Oh! My goodness! He's actually brought me two of those -flying sticks!" - -"Flying sticks?" exclaimed the Scarecrow, sliding off Strut's throne. -"You don't tell me?" The messenger, by this time had reached the top -step of the Pavilion. After a fearful look at the people from Oz, he -advanced timidly toward Jellia. - -"I have brought the flying sticks, your Majesty!" explained Hippenscop, -holding them out with great pride and satisfaction. "I stole them from -two sleeping watchmen, and managed to bring them here without Kabebe -seeing me." - -"KABEBE?" said Jellia, with an uncomfortable start. "Why, where is -Kabebe?" - -"In Star Park," whispered the Messenger, hoarsely. "She's got all the -people worked up and excited! They're coming here presently to blow you -away!" - -"What?" gasped Jellia in an exasperated voice, "Again? Why she knows -Strut will never allow that." - -"But Kabebe says HE isn't Strut!" said the messenger with an apologetic -bow toward the Cowardly Lion, who, paying no attention to the -conversation, was floating in distracted circles above the throne. -"Now Junnenrump and I believe your Majesty, and consider you the best -and prettiest Starina Stratovania ever had! But no one else does, so -first they are going to blow away the Friend Ship and then they are -coming here to blow _you_ all away! So--while I do not presume to give -orders--if I were in your Majesty's place, I'd fly, this very instant -and while there still is time!" - -"The boy is right," declared the Soldier, grabbing up his blunder-buss. -"Company! Fall in! Forward march!" - -"Wake up! Wake up!" cried the Scarecrow, pummeling the Wizard with both -hands. "The Airlanders are destroying our Ozoplane!" While Jellia, -really touched by the messenger's loyalty, gave him one of her emerald -rings, Wantowin Battles lifted Dorothy off the sofa and set her hastily -on her feet. - -"Forward! Forward!" he urged, pushing her ahead of him. "Kabebe's -coming to blow us away!" Dorothy--blinking her eyes after a look at -the Cowardly Lion floating over the throne--concluded she still was -dreaming. But the Soldier kept shaking her till she finally realized -she was awake and in danger. - -"This way!" cried Jellia, as the Wizard bounced off his cushions. -"This way! The thing for us to do is to run to the other side of the -airosphere. Then, while those villains are blowing the Ozpril away, we -can be reaching the edge--and--" - -"And WHAT?" queried Dorothy, looking at Jellia with round, scared eyes. -Jellia, for reasons of her own, did not answer. The Scarecrow already -had retrieved his balloons. Now he pressed the cord, still attached to -the Cowardly Lion, into Wantowin's hand. - -"You must pull him along with you," directed the Scarecrow, earnestly. -"I am too light. And DO let's be starting!" The angry buzz of the crowd -on its way to Half Moon Lake, already could be heard. So, without -stopping to plan or reason, the travellers from Oz slipped through -the back curtains of the Royal Pavilion and began running as fast as -they could toward the other side of Strut's curious air realm. The -Wizard, grasping his kit bag in one hand and Dorothy by the other, went -first. Next came Jellia, carrying the two flying sticks; the Scarecrow -clutched his bunch of balloons. Last of all ran Wantowin, dragging the -growling and disgusted lion after him through the air. Fortunately -Stratovania is long and narrow. In less time than they had dared hope, -the little cavalcade came to the edge. Forbidding cliffs stretched -along the whole coast and the moist, blue air seemed actually to be -breaking in great waves against the rocks. As they all gazed unhappily -outward, a terrific "BOOM" made them all shudder. - -"Well--there goes the Ozpril," mourned Jellia, patting the Wizard -compassionately on the shoulder. The Wizard, looking very angry and -grim, nodded his head. "Come on," puffed Jellia stepping closer to the -cliffs, "unless we want to go up with the ship we've got to jump! And -really--it's not so bad as it sounds! I've seen the airlanders fly with -these winged staffs, and these two will have to do for us all." - -"How do they work?" asked Dorothy in a faint voice. - -"Why, you tap them once on the ground to start, and once on the handle -to stop," explained Jellia breathlessly! "Now, suppose Dot and I and -the Scarecrow ride one, and Wiz and the Soldier, the other. And for -cake's sake--don't let go our lion!" added Jellia. - -"But suppose he deflates and pulls us all down with his weight," -groaned the Soldier. "Why can't he float along by himself?" - -"Because I'm not going to have it!" said Jellia determinedly. "You must -hold on to him and risk whatever happens! And if anything does happen, -the Wizard will think of something!" - -"I _have_ thought of something!" said the Wizard, composedly. "But -first we must do as Jellia says. HARK! Isn't that Kabebe calling you?" -As a matter of fact, it was. The Stratovanians, after witnessing the -blow-off of the Ozpril, had rushed back to the Royal Pavilion. Furious -at the disappearance of their victims, they now were rushing toward the -crystal cliffs, the screams of Kabebe rising above all the rest. - -"What do we do--ride 'em like broomsticks?" jabbered the Scarecrow, as -Jellia with shaking hands held out one of the sticks to the Wizard. - -"A good idea!" approved the little magician, watching with deep -interest as the wings on the tip of the staff opened and spread. "Come -along, Soldier, or the mob will get you yet!" With wildly beating -hearts, Dorothy and Jellia watched the Wizard and the Soldier mount -the flying stick and boldly leap from the cliff's edge. The Cowardly -Lion let out a terrified howl as he was dragged after them, but Jellia, -Dorothy and the Scarecrow, without further hesitation, mounted their -own staff and hurled themselves into space, just as the Queen and her -cohorts came panting into view. - - - - -CHAPTER 12 - -The Flight to Oz - - -Keeping the flying sticks in a more or less level position so they -would not slip off, and at the same time pointing them downward, -required no little skill. The Wizard, being used to magic appliances, -mastered his in double quick time. But Jellia, who sat in front on the -other staff soared up for seventy feet and across for fifty before she -learned the trick of flying it. During the first twenty minutes of -their flight, not a word was spoken. Each had enough to do to hold on, -and the Cowardly Lion, hurtling through the air beside the Soldier -with Green Whiskers, looked the picture of despair and discouragement. -A dozen times Dorothy, after a glance downward, gave herself up for -lost. But gradually the strangeness of their situation wore off. -Passing out of the moist, clammy strata just below Strut's Kingdom -into a dryer and less clouded area, the spirits of the little band of -adventurers rose. The wings of each flying staff, though not large, -were powerful as airplane propellers, and they flapped as rhythmically -as the wings of a bird. - -"Not exactly like riding in an Ozoplane!" called the Wizard, waving -cheerfully to Jellia! "Still--it's better than falling, eh?" Jellia, -who had maneuvered her staff to a position close to his, nodded -emphatically. - -"What worries me, is--the--altitude!" she called back presently. -"Somewhere or other we lost our air helmets. Will the effects of those -altitude pills wear off before we're out of the strat?" - -"No, we'll be all right," promised the Wizard. "My altitude pills -condition one for the upper areas for several days at a time!" - -"Oh! Then everything's splendid!" sighed Jellia, pushing back her curly -locks and smiling at Dorothy. - -"Unless we meet a meteor, and then our flight will soon be o'er," -quavered the Scarecrow, waving his arm in a doleful circle. - -"Now, now, don't anticipate!" advised the Wizard, guiding the staff -with one hand and opening his kit bag with the other. For several -moments he had been anxiously regarding the Cowardly Lion. The buoyancy -resulting from the wind pudding was at last subsiding, and the swelled -and bloated appearance of the unfortunate beast was fast disappearing. -At almost any time now, the lion would become a dead weight. His -poundage--added to the Wizard's and the Soldier's--would be too much -for the flying staff and they all would plunge like plummets to the -earth. Feeling hurriedly around in the kit-bag, the Wizard pulled out -a small, black bottle. Uncorking it with his teeth, he turned it upside -down and held it out at arm's length until not a drop of its oily -contents remained. - -"Now, don't be alarmed at a sudden bump!" he warned, as his companions -watched him with surprise and curiosity! "Whatever happens--hold on to -your staff!" Scarcely had the Wizard issued his warning when the air -directly beneath them froze into a solid block of blue ice on which -they landed with a series of bumps, and began sliding around in great -confusion. "Nothing to worry about! Nothing to worry about!" panted the -Wizard, keeping a firm hold on his flying stick and at the same time -managing to extract a large envelope from the kit-bag. "Hold on to -that stick, Jellia, and keep it down!" - -The Cowardly Lion, completely deflated by his smack against the -ice, was sprawled flat as an animal skin in the center of the berg. -Dismounting from his own staff, the Wizard scurried perilously round -the edges of the rapidly falling block of ice scattering seeds from his -envelope with a lavish hand. Instantly, or so it seemed to Dorothy, a -thick green hedge sprang up, enclosing them snugly inside. - -"To keep us from tumbling off," explained the Wizard, sliding anxiously -after Wantowin Battles, who was galloping round and round on his flying -stick like a child on a merry-go-round. "Whoa, whoa!" cried Ozma's -chief magician, grabbing the Soldier's coat-tails. "We need these -sticks to act as brakes to stop our fall!" Unseating the Soldier, the -Wizard lifted the flying stick and stuck it through the top branches -of the hedge. Bidding the others dismount from their staff, he thrust -it through the hedge on the opposite side. The wings of both staffs -kept up their steady beating and, as the Wizard had predicted, acted as -strong brakes on the plunging cake of ice. - -"I was afraid we'd lose the lion," explained the Wizard as the little -company of adventurers gathered breathlessly round him. - -"I'd just as lief be lost as frozen!" Sneezing plaintively, the lion -pulled himself to his feet and slid over to the hedge, bracing his back -against its stouter branches. - -"It won't be long before we strike solid earth now, old fellow," the -Wizard observed brightly. - -"Strike the earth!" roared the lion. "Well, good-bye, friends! I'll say -it now--before I'm squashed and scattered to the four points of the -compass!" - -"Never mind, you'll make a lovely splatter!" teased the Scarecrow. -"Better stamp your feet, girls, to keep from freezing!" - -"Here, stand on my coat," offered the Wizard, gallantly. "Not YOU!" -Indignantly he pushed the Soldier with Green Whiskers aside. "You can -stand on your own coat!" - -"But it's against regulations for a soldier to appear without his -jacket," shivered Wantowin, piteously. "The manual of arms says--" - -"How about the manual of feet?" snorted the Scarecrow, thankful he was -stuffed with cotton and incapable of feeling the cold. "Say, Wiz, I -guess this is about the oddest flying trip a band of explorers ever -had?" - -"Did those magic drops freeze the air into ice?" called Dorothy. "And -how'd you grow the hedge so fast?" - -"Yes, the drops froze the air," the Wizard bawled back, for the -rush of air as they shot downward made it difficult to hold polite -conversation, "And I just happened to have some of my instant sprouting -saplings in that kit-bag." - -To keep up their spirits they continued to shout back and forth as -they fell. "I don't suppose we'll _ever_ catch up with Strut and Nick -Chopper now," screamed Jellia, hooking her arms securely through the -hedge. - -"Why not?" cried the Wizard. "As soon as we land, we can fly these -flying sticks straight to the Emerald City, and be there before the -Oztober arrives. Remember now, the first one up after we hit the earth -is to snatch a winged staff." - -"And how do you suppose we will be able to rise, after striking the -earth at one hundred and forty miles an hour?" roared the lion, a -trifle sarcastically. - -"Well, it won't hurt _me_!" boasted the Scarecrow, holding to his hat -with both hands. He had lost the balloons long ago. "And I promise to -pick up the rest of you as soon as possible. Is--there--anything in -that kit-bag for breaks, sprains and bruises, Wiz?" - -"Oh, hold your tongue!" snapped Jellia, trying to peer over the hedge. -"We're not going to crash at all! We'll probably get stuck on a steeple -or tower!" - -"How'd Nick manage with his flying?" shrieked the Wizard, who was -anxious to change the subject. The less said about their landing the -better. Of course, they could take to the flying sticks and abandon the -Cowardly Lion, but that did not seem exactly sporting. So he resolutely -put the thought of it out of his mind. - -"Grand, just grand!" answered Jellia, making a megaphone of her hands. -"Nick had the Oztober going smoothly as a swallow." - -"That's good!" boomed the Wizard, beating his arms against his breast -to keep warm. "Maybe he'll get the best of Strut yet and bring the -Oztober safely down. I'd certainly like to have one ship left to -present to Ozma!" - -"How long'll it be before we do get down?" called Dorothy, as the -Wizard paused for breath. "Seems to me we're falling faster. FASTER AND -FASTER!" - -"Any minute now," predicted the Wizard, popping his head over the top -of the hedge. "Oh! It's going to be all right!" he shouted joyfully. -"We're coming down right in the middle of a great big--" - -SPLASH!!! - -Before the Wizard could finish his sentence, the block of ice struck -the smooth surface of a large, mountain lake, and went completely -under. As it came bobbing to the top, its drenched and shivering -passengers looked at one another with mingled dismay and relief. -Dorothy, picking up the Wizard's coat, handed it back and then -went slipping and sliding over to help the Scarecrow, who was too -water-soaked and sodden even to move. - -"Wring me out! Hang me up to dry, somebody!" gurgled the straw man -dismally. - -"Grrr--rah!" The Cowardly Lion, outraged at the cold plunge after all -the other shocks and indignities of the day, jumped over the hedge and -began to swim grimly for the shore. The Soldier with Green Whiskers, -better at carrying out orders than the others, already was pulling -one of the flying sticks from the hedge. As it came loose he took a -brief glance over the top, gave an agonized shriek and fell backward, -stepping all over the Wizard who was just behind him. - -"An army!" shivered Wantowin, clutching his dripping -beard--"Thou--sands of them!" - -"It is an army, too!" echoed Jellia, who had parted the hedge to have a -look for herself. - -"What do they look like?" demanded the Wizard, shoving past the soldier -and grabbing the winged staff which was on the point of flying off by -itself. - -"Like trouble!" said Jellia, reaching for Dorothy's hand. "They have -long bows and pointed red beards and--my goodyness--their beards are -pointed straight at us!" - -"Bearded Bowmen, eh?" grunted the Wizard. "Well, that doesn't prove -they're unfriendly." The Wizard stuck his head over the hedge, barely -avoiding the arrow that sped past his ear. - -"I suppose you'd call THAT friendly," sniffed Jellia, flopping on her -stomach and pulling Dorothy down with her. The Wizard had no time to -answer, for Wantowin Battles had one of the winged staffs and was -preparing to ride by himself. - -"Drop it! Drop it at once!" commanded the Wizard sharply. "How dare -you fly off without us? Why it's plain desertion, that's what!" - -"I was just going to do a bit of reconnoitering," mumbled the Soldier, -looking terrible abashed and then diving to a place beside Jellia as -three more arrows came hissing over the hedge. Quickly recovering the -staff, the wet little Wizard crouched down. - -"Now girls!" he directed, panting from the exertion of holding down -both sticks. "When I give the signal, you and the Scarecrow mount one -staff, and Wantowin and I will mount the other, and fly high over the -enemy lines!" - -"The higher the better," said Jellia, as a perfect shower of arrows -whizzed over their heads. - - - - -CHAPTER 13 - -The King of the Kudgers - - -The Wizard's plan worked very well, at first. He and the Soldier -astride one stick, Dorothy and Jellia, holding the poor, sodden -Scarecrow between them on the other, shot high into the air, across -the lake and over the amazed ranks of Bowmen drawn up on the bank. -Before the Red Beards had recovered from their surprise, the travellers -were winging strongly toward the turretted red castle that crowned the -mountain top. The Cowardly Lion, to escape the flying arrows, had swum -under water. Now, scrambling up the bank, he neatly skirted the enemy -and ran swiftly beneath the two, flying staffs. - -"As soon as we're safely past this castle, we'll descend, rest, dry -our clothes and then proceed to the Emerald City," called the Wizard, -turning to wave encouragingly at the two girls. - -But at that moment a dreadful thing happened. Sprawled on a huge camp -chair on the sloping terrace before the castle, its huge, red-bearded -owner suddenly sighted the flying sticks and their riders. Seizing -the long bow that lay beside him on the grass, he sent two arrows -speeding upward, one right after the other. Each arrow found its mark -and splintered a flying stick. With spine-shattering suddenness the -travellers crashed to earth. Dorothy, describing it to Ozma later, -explained that although she never had been in a battle, she knew -exactly how a warrior felt when his horse was shot from under him. -Except, of course, that a horseman would not have had so far to fall. -The Scarecrow, tumbling off first, softened the bump for both girls. -The Wizard and Soldier plunged headlong into a red-pepper bush. While -not seriously injured, they were grievously scratched and shaken. But -the worst was not the blow to their pride and persons, the worst was to -see the upper and winged halves of their precious sticks flying away -without them. - -"Oh! Oh!" groaned the Wizard, leaping out of the pepper bush and -running for an anguished yard or two after the vanishing staffs. "This -is awful, AWFUL! Come back! Come down!" he implored, realizing even as -he shouted that the sticks could neither hear nor obey. - -"Noo then, whew are yew?" The startled Red Beard hoisted himself out of -his camp chair. "W--itches riding on br--hoom sticks? Noo then, call -off yewer dog!" The Cowardly Lion, noting the mischief already done by -the Red King's bow, had seized it in his teeth and backed rapidly into -the bushes. The Wizard, reluctantly withdrawing his gaze from the sky, -now stamped over to the astonished owner of the castle. - -"Just see what you've done," he cried angrily. "Destroyed the only -winged staffs in Oz. We flew them all the way from the Strat and now, -how are we to reach the Emerald City in time to stop the airlanders? -Don't you realize--but how could you?" In sudden discouragement the -Wizard broke off and stared despondently around the rugged mountain -top. "I must tell you," he began again in a hoarse and desperate voice, -"that Ozma and the Emerald City are in great danger. Strut of the -Strat and a host of his flying Stratovanians are descending to conquer -Oz and carry off Ozma's treasure. If we fail to warn her the city is -lost--doomed--I tell you! Since you have shattered our flying sticks -you must quickly supply us with some other means of travel. We must -reach the capital before morning!" - -"MUST!" roared the Bearded Bowman. "Are yew shouting 'must' at ME?" - -"Be careful!" cried Dorothy. For the Wizard, in his earnestness, had -stepped closer and closer to the red King. But her cry was too late. -Without any warning, the King's pointed beard, rising with his wrath, -pointed straight out and struck the valiant Wizard to the earth. For -a whole minute he lay perfectly still, staring up at this curious -phenomenon. Though he had seen many a beard in his day, he had never -been knocked down by one before. - -"Whew are yew?" demanded the burly mountain monarch again. "How dare -yew fly over my castle and swim in my lake without permission?" -Stroking his beard which gradually resumed a vertical position on his -chest, he stared from one to the other of the adventurers. "No use to -run," he sneered as Wantowin Battles began to back toward the bushes. -"My bowmen will be here any moment now! But WHEW are YEW?" - -"Wheww!" groaned Jellia, propping the bedraggled Scarecrow against a -rock. "A body'd hardly know, after such a welcome. Whew are yew, -yewerself, yew old Redbeard!" - -"I?" roared the Bowman, taken completely by surprise. "Why, don't yew -know? I am Bustabo, King of the Kudgers and Red Top Mountain." - -"I don't believe it," said the Wizard, leaping agilely to his feet and -shaking his fist under Bustabo's long nose. "A _real_ King would not -treat travellers as you have done, shoot away valuable flying sticks -and keep two lovely girls standing out here in the wind." - -"How dew yew know what a King would dew?" demanded Bustabo, puckering -his forehead in an uneasy frown. - -"Because," stated the Wizard, folding his arms disdainfully, "I -personally know all the most important rulers in Oz, and none of them -would behave as you have done. If you are a King, act like a King!" - -"Whew are yew?" repeated the Ruler of Red Top, walking around the -little group with hands clasped behind his back. - -"Oh, for Oz sake--tell him!" snarled the Cowardly Lion, poking his head -out of the bushes. "If he asks that question again I might eat him up, -pointed beard and all!" - -"Well, this is the Wizard of Oz," explained Dorothy, as the Lion -stalked grimly out of the bushes, "Chief Magician for Ozma of Oz. -This--" Dorothy, with a wave of her hand, indicated the trembling -soldier, "This is Wantowin Battles, the Grand Army of Oz. Beside him -is our famous, live Scarecrow. I am Princess Dorothy of Oz and this is -Jellia Jam, First Lady in Waiting to Ozma. Coming toward you is the -Cowardly Lion of Oz." - -"He doesn't look very cowardly to me," muttered Bustabo, putting the -camp chair between himself and the approaching beast. - -"Oh, but I am cowardly," growled the lion growlishly, "and when I'm -frightened I never know what I'll do. I might even chew up the King of -this Mountain! Whoever heard of a King pointing his beard at harmless -travellers! Whoever heard of a King with a beard as hard and red as -yours, anyway! It's hard as iron from the looks of it." - -"Harder!" agreed the King, evidently considering the lion's remark a -compliment. "All we Kudgers have red beards--not of soft hair like -his--" The Red King gazed contemplatively at the Soldier with Green -Whiskers, "but of hard hair like mine. I don't suppose yew've ever -seen a beard like this before. The point's sharp as a dagger, too," he -warned, as the lion sprang a pace closer. - -"Oh, I'm sure it is," said Dorothy nervously. "And it's dreadfully -handsome, too. But could your Majesty please let us dry out in your -castle and then could you show us the quickest route to the Emerald -City? If you don't," finished Dorothy, clasping her hands anxiously, -"the ruler of this whole country of Oz may be captured and carried to -the Strat." - -"What do I care about the Ruler of Oz?" sniffed Bustabo, scratching his -head in a most unkingly manner. "Ozma never does anything for me! Even -if she were conquered I'd still have my Mountain. Why should I help yew -or her or them?" His scornful wave included the whole little group. -"What can yew dew for me?" he asked sullenly. "Can yew sing?" His dull -eye brightened momentarily as it rested inquiringly on Dorothy. - -"Well, a little," confessed Dorothy, smoothing down her damp dress. -Clearing her throat and fixing her eye on the top of a red pine, she -started in rather a choked voice: - - "Oh, Bright and gay is the Land of Oz - We love its lakes and hills becoz--" - -"There, there! That will dew!" Bustabo snapped his fingers impatiently, -and taking out a little book scribbled hastily: "Can't sing." - -"Can yew dance?" he demanded, addressing himself to Jellia. "We are -short of good dancers on this mountain." Jellia by this time was in -such a state of cold and temper, she stamped her foot and turned her -back on the unmannerly monarch. "Can't dance," wrote Bustabo under the -first entry. - -"Well, then--what _dew_ yew dew?" he asked, turning in exasperation to -the Wizard. - -"I?" said the Wizard, twirling his water-soaked topper, "I, am a -Wizard. Naturally I supposed a King like yourself would have everything -he desired. But if that is not the case, tell me what you wish and -perhaps I can help you. Only be quick!" he added earnestly, "for we -have no time to lose." - -"Sooo, yew really are a Wizard!" Bustabo's expression became almost -agreeable. "Well, then," he drew himself up pompously. "The Princess -whom I wish to wed has unaccountably disappeared. Find and return her -to this castle, and I will speed yew and yewer friends to the Emerald -City by the safest and swiftest route!" - -"But that would take too much time," objected the Wizard, rubbing his -chin anxiously. "Who is this Princess? Why has she gone? What is her -name and what does she look like?" - -"If yew were a real Wizard yew would know all these things without my -telling yew," answered Bustabo, looking suspiciously at Ozma's Chief -Magician. "I'll tell you this much, though. The Princess whom I would -marry is called Azarine, the Red. Not three days ago she was in this -castle, but on the morning of our wedding day she ran off into the -forest, and though all my Bowmen have been searching ever since, not a -trace of her have they found!" - -"Humph, the girl showed very good sense, if you ask me," sniffed the -Cowardly Lion, shaking his mane, "What did you do? Point your beard at -her? Come on, Wiz! Let's go. We're just wasting time here." - -"Aha, but yew cannot leave! Look behind yew!" Bustabo, with an enormous -laugh, pointed over his shoulder. Silently as Indians the Bearded -Bowmen had crept up and entirely surrounded the little company on the -green. Standing in a circle with bows raised and beards pointed, they -fairly dared anyone to take a step. "Soo, then, it's all settled!" The -Red King clapped the Wizard heartily on the back. "Don't think I have -not heard of yewer skill, Mister Weezard. Even here on Red Top we've -heard rumors of the wonderful Weezard of Oz. Now all yew have to dew -is walk into that forest, find the Princess and bring her back to me. -Meanwhile, I shall treat these others as my guests. They shall rest and -warm themselves and have all they wish to eat. If by morning yew have -failed to return, I shall regretfully be forced to throw them off the -mountain. If yew dew return, yew will find that Bustabo will keep his -word and bargain." - -The Wizard hardly knew what to say. - -"If he knows so much, why does he not help himself?" demanded one of -the Red Beards, stepping insolently out of the circle. "People who -can fly through the air on icebergs and sticks do not need help from -ordinary folk like us. Why doesn't he fly to the Emerald City if he's -so smart? I'll tell you why--because he's not the Wizard of Oz! He's a -fraud, that's what!" - -"If he's a fraud then you're a rascal!" cried Jellia Jam, remembering -suddenly that she recently had been a Starina. "Your Princess is as -good as found, Mister King! Isn't that so, Wizard?" Meeting Jellia's -firm gaze, the Wizard nodded quickly. - -"This young Oz maid is right, your Majesty! Before the sun rises -Azarine will return to this castle!" - -"Yes--and now bid your vassals lead us into the castle!" ordered Jellia -sharply. "Bring us soup, meat, bread, vegetables, salad and plenty of -fruit and cake!" - -Bustabo, after a long look both at Jellia and the Wizard, motioned for -the Bowmen to lead the visitors into the castle. The Cowardly Lion -trailed suspiciously along in the rear, keeping a sharp watch to see -that no beards were pointed at his friends. The Wizard accompanied -them part way, conversing in earnest whispers with Jellia and Dorothy. -Wantowin Battles supported the dripping and still helpless Scarecrow, -and each tried not to show the anxiety he felt when the Wizard finally -turned to leave them. - -"Goodbye, all!" he said, lifting his dripping hat. "Goodbye, -Jellia--_here is your bag_!" Tapping the kit-bag significantly, he -pressed it into Jellia's cold hands. Then, without a word to Bustabo or -his Henchmen, he strode resolutely toward the dark forest that covered -the sides and more than half of the top of the mountain. Relenting a -little, the Red King sent a Bowman running after him with a basket of -provisions. Taking the basket with a brief nod of thanks, the Wizard -waved again to his friends and marched straight into the gloomy and -forbidding woods. - - - - -CHAPTER 14 - -Azarine the Red - - -The late afternoon shadows made the forest seem even gloomier. The -little Wizard, trudging along under the rustling red trees, hands -thrust deep into his pockets, never had felt more depressed or -unhappy. He had hated to leave his friends with a Monarch as cruel and -untrustworthy as Bustabo. Still, he had the utmost confidence in Jellia -Jam. The Young Oz Miss doubtless had some plan in her clever little -head and had chosen this way for him to escape, meaning to follow with -the others at the first opportunity. Anyway, he reflected, dropping -down on a heap of fallen leaves and resting his back against a tree, -they had the kit-bag to help them, if worst came to worst. Perhaps if -he concentrated and thought very hard, he could recall the powerful -incantation for locating missing persons and articles. - -But a Wizard without his books and equipment, is almost as helpless -as a doctor without his pills and medicine bag. Try as he would, the -Wizard could not remember the proper combination of words to bring -back the missing Princess. His short nap in Stratovania had rested him -a little, but he still was dreadfully weary from his gruelling flight -and the recent shocks and mischances. The loss of the Ozpril had been -the worst blow of all and now his tired brain simply refused to work. -So, sitting sadly under the tree, he munched the sandwiches from the -basket, drank from the bottle of cold tea and wished fervently for a -fire to warm himself, for his clothes were still damp and clammy from -the dive in Bustabo's lake. It comforted him a little to know that the -others were drying out and enjoying a good supper in the castle. But -it was no comfort at all to realize that Strut and his legions were -winging their way toward the Emerald City--the city _he_ had built and -lived in so long it seemed more like home than any place he had known -in America. - -The Wizard crammed the rest of the sandwiches into the basket and -started recklessly through the forest, tripping over tough vines and -rocks, bumping into trees and peering desperately about for traces of -a Princess, or for any sign that might tell him in which direction -the Emerald City lay. From the slant of the ground he knew he was -travelling down the mountain, and the deep, red foliage told him he was -somewhere in the Quadling country of Oz. But with night coming on and -the shadows growing deeper and darker, he probably would lose his -way entirely and never get out of the forest at all. He felt uneasy at -leaving his comrades behind in the Red King's Castle. Was it better to -try to save Ozma and the Emerald City, or to stay in this forest and -help Dorothy and Jellia and the devoted friends who had embarked on -this unexpected adventure with him? - -Stopping short, the Wizard pressed both hands to his forehead in an -effort to make up his mind. Night already had overtaken him and it -was now so dark, it was impossible to see more than a foot or so in -any direction. Occasional roars, the snapping of twigs and the gleam -of yellow eyes from the thicket, caused him no little anxiety. At an -especially savage roar, he suddenly stopped worrying about Ozma and the -others and began to do considerable worrying about himself. - -How humbling for a Wizard to be devoured by a hungry beast. Backing -softly away from the approaching monster, he began looking sharply -about for a hollow tree, a cave or even a clump of bushes where he -might conceal himself. On the tip of his tongue and ready for instant -use was the magic word which would render him invisible. Fortunately -he did remember that. But the Wizard never wasted words, magic or -otherwise. Resolving to wait till the last possible moment, he -continued to back rapidly and cautiously. Then, unexpectedly from -behind him came another distraction--the clear ringing of a silver -bell. At the same time the gloom was pierced by a dancing ray of -light. Swinging round, the Wizard flung up both arms and not knowing -whether to dash into the teeth of the monster in front of him, or risk -the lowered horns of the huge beast behind him, the startled magician -uttered the word that rendered him invisible. - -"Brr--rah!" raged the burly, bear-like creature, rearing up on his hind -legs. "Where is that pesky man-creature? I saw him a moment ago, but -now, though I still catch his scent, he has hidden from me. And why -must you, Shagomar, come horning in to spoil my supper? Why cannot you -mind your own business, Br-rrah!" - -"I am minding my own business," roared the creature addressed as -Shagomar. "AWAY--you Entomophagus monster! Haven't I told you time -and again to keep away from the cave of the Princess? The very next -bug-bear that comes prowling 'round shall have a taste of my antlers! -Get on with you now, and after this--leave harmless travellers alone!" - -The great red stag made a short rush at the ugly beast blocking his -path. Large as a Grizzly, half insect and half bear, it held its -ground uncertainly for a moment, then shuffled off into the darkness, -grunting angrily. - -The Wizard, who had jumped hastily from between the two beasts, had -listened to the stag's words with lively interest and astonishment. -Huge and sandy, with antlers of tremendous breadth, the huge creature -now stood quiet as a statue. From one antler prong hung a flashing -silver lantern. From another dangled the bell which had so startled the -Wizard. - -"Well, friend! Are you still there?" whispered the Stag, softly. -Instead of answering, the Wizard uttered the word that would make him -visible. "Come with me!" directed the Stag, showing neither surprise -nor curiosity at the Wizard's sudden reappearance. "You will be safer -with us in the cave. Surely you are a stranger on Red Top or you would -know it is dangerous to wander in this forest at night." - -"Oh, I don't mind danger," said the Wizard, striding sturdily beside -the Stag. "I am used to danger--and I must reach the Emerald City -before morning! Ozma and her whole capitol are threatened by a band -of ruthless Airlanders, and unless I can give them some warning, the -Emerald City certainly will be captured by Strut of the Strat. I am -Ozma's Chief Magician, fallen by great misfortune into this forest." - -"I thought you might be a Wizard," murmured Shagomar, pausing to nibble -at a few tender leaves. "And you say the Ruler of the whole Land of Oz -is in danger? Hah, well--we all have our troubles." Exhaling his breath -noisily, Shagomar looked off between the trees with a troubled frown. -"I cannot direct you to the Emerald City, but I'm sure the Princess can -help you." - -"What Princess do you mean?" asked the Wizard, curious to hear what -Shagomar would say. - -"Azarine!" whispered the Stag, looking around carefully to see that no -one was listening. "Azarine the Red--Ruler of Red Top Mountain!" - -"But I thought Bustabo was ruler of the mountain! I just came from his -castle!" sputtered the Wizard. "He certainly told me he was King of the -Kudgers." - -"King of the Kudgers--pfui!" The stag shook his head as if a bee -were in his ear, while his bell played a regular roundelay. "Bustabo -was, till a week ago, Chief Bowman in Her Majesty's Guard. Using his -position and his men to help him, he has wickedly seized Azarine's -throne, insisting that Azarine permit him to be the King of all the -Kudgers. When our little Princess refused, she was locked up in the -tower. But, with the assistance of a faithful servant, she managed to -escape, and has been hiding in this forest ever since. I, being an old -and trusted friend, have been looking out for her and will protect her -with horn and hoof until her own loyal subjects unseat this miserable -imposter!" - -"Whew--so that's the way it is?" The Wizard thrust his hands more -deeply into his pockets. "Well, that settles _that_! I won't do it--no -matter what happens!" - -"Won't do what?" questioned the Stag, looking down sideways at the -little man. - -"Oh--nothing!" Kicking at a stone, the Wizard walked along in a -depressed silence. Surely no one ever had been in a worse dilemma. If -he managed by a trick or by force to carry Azarine back to the Red -Castle, Dorothy and his friends would be released instantly and all -of them speeded on their way to the Capitol. If he did not return -the Princess to the castle, his brave and faithful companions would -be flung off the mountain, Strut would conquer the Emerald City and -everything would be lost. LOST! - -But when, a few minutes later, the Stag pushed through a cluster of -bushes that concealed the entrance to the cave, and the Wizard stepped -into the presence of Azarine herself, he knew he never would force her -surrender to the infamous Bustabo. - -Seated pensively on a rough boulder beside a small fire was the -prettiest little Princess the Wizard had almost ever seen. Her hair, -long and red as Glinda's, fell in satiny waves to her feet. She wore a -little mesh cap of pearls and a white satin, Princess dress. A long, -red velvet cloak hung loosely from her shoulders. Not exactly the -costume for a cave, but vastly becoming. Azarine's pale and flower-like -face was sweet and gentle and, when she saw the wet and weary traveller -with Shagomar, she jumped up to welcome him as graciously as though she -still were mistress of her castle. - -"Why, it's the Wizard of Oz!" she cried joyfully, after a second look -at the guest. "Oh, we _all_ know the Wizard of Oz! I have a picture of -you right over the grand piano in my castle. Wherever did you find him, -Shaggy dear? Has he come all this way to help us?" - -"It will be a great pleasure and privilege, if I may," said the Wizard, -sitting on a rock opposite the Princess and placing his high hat -between his knees. "Just now, I happen to be in as much trouble as your -Highness. But perhaps--" the Wizard looked thoughtfully at the Stag -standing motionless at the entrance of the cave--"can Shagomar run?" - -"Oh, yes! Terribly fast!" Azarine assured him, eagerly. "Faster than -eagles can fly, than water can fall down the mountain, faster than any -creature on Red Top. Shaggy can do anything!" Jumping up, the Princess -ran over to lean her head against the Red Stag's shoulder. "He goes to -the village each day and returns with food. He has brought me blankets -for my bed, pillows for my head, and has kept away the fierce Bug-bears -and all other wild beasts that roam the Red Wood. I don't know what I -should have done without him!" The Princess added softly, "Shaggy's -such a dear!" - -"You're both dears!" agreed the Wizard. - -"Are we?" Azarine twinkled her eyes at the Wizard, "But Shaggy's the -biggest, and we've always been friends, haven't we?" The Stag, looking -down at Azarine with his bright, steadfast eyes, nodded so vigorously -that the bell on his antlers rang a veritable medley, and the rays from -the silver lantern danced into every corner of the dreary cavern. - -"Well then," the Wizard rubbed his hands briskly together, "Shaggy -shall carry us straight to the Palace of Glinda, the Good Sorceress of -the South. As Red Top Mountain is in the Quadling Country, her palace -must be somewhere quite near." - -"Oh, it is! It is!" beamed Azarine. "I've often seen her lights, from -the towers on Red Top. It's just a mile or two from the base of this -mountain. I never have seen Glinda, but I have heard she is very good -and a Powerful Sorceress. Do you think she can force Bustabo to give me -back my castle and my Kingdom?" - -"I know it!" declared the Wizard, picking up his hat and clapping it on -the back of his head. "But before we start for Glinda's, I must go back -and rescue my friends from that thieving Red Beard." - -Marching forth and back before the fire, the Wizard related all -that had happened since he and his party had started off in the two -Ozoplanes. Hearing the strange tale, Azarine almost forgot her own -troubles. When the Wizard told how Bustabo had broken the winged staffs -on which they hoped to ride to the Emerald City, and of the wicked -bargain he had driven, the little Princess generously offered to return -to the Red Castle so that Ozma and Oz might be saved. But the Wizard -would not hear of such a thing. "No!" he decided--"Shaggy and I will go -back and manage, somehow, to release my comrades from the castle. Then, -we all can start for Glinda's together." - -"Wait," whistled the Stag, who had been listening to the Wizard's story -with distended eyes and nostrils. "Wait, first I will fetch Dear Deer." - -"Who in Oz, is Dear Deer?" inquired the Wizard, as Shagomar melted like -a shadow through the dark opening of the cavern. - -"His wife," explained Azarine with an excited skip. "And that will be -just splendid, for Dear Deer shall carry all of your friends, and we -can ride Shaggy!" - - - - -CHAPTER 15 - -In the Red Castle - - -And now let us peek into the doings of Jellia, Dorothy and the others, -after they mournfully watched the Wizard stalk off into the forest. - -With Bowmen ahead of them and Bowmen closely following, the prisoners -marched slowly into the castle. Afraid not to hurry on account of the -sharp-pointed beards of the Guards, the little party progressed almost -at a run. - -Hurrying them through the beautiful throne room and other cheerful -apartments on the first floor, the Bowmen lead them to a covered stone -stairway curving up from the back courtyard. Up, up, and up, tramped -the Bowmen, and up, up, and up trudged the weary travellers. It seemed -to Dorothy they had climbed a thousand steps before they reached the -top. Both girls were frightened, but holding their backs straight and -their chins high, they stepped haughtily along without even a glance at -their red-bearded captors. Unlocking an iron door at the head of the -stair, the Guards gruffly ushered them into a round, stone-walled room -at the very top of the tower. Relocking the door just as gruffly, they -took their departure. - -"Thank gooseness, there's a fire!" shivered Jellia, running across -the room to hold out her hands to the crackling blaze. "As soon as -we're warm and dry we can decide what to do. Pull up a couple of those -benches, Wantowin, and for cake's sake, don't look so glum! Nobody's -been hurt yet!" - -"Ah--but what of the morning?" The Soldier with Green Whiskers wagged -his head, dismally. "That rogue of a Red Beard will pitch us off this -mountain quick as _that_!" Wantowin snapped his cold fingers. "One toss -from this tower and we're done!" groaned the Army, turning away from -one of the barred windows with a positive shudder. Glancing out the -window nearest her, Dorothy saw that the tower had been built at the -very edge of the mountain. Jagged rocks far below, and long-dead trees -jutting out from the sides of the sheer precipice, made it even more -formidable. - -"I'm going to sleep," mumbled the lion, settling himself near the fire. -"What I don't see, won't make me feel more cowardly." - -"How true," thought Dorothy. Backing away from the window and -resolutely keeping her mind off the precipice, she began to help Jellia -drape the Scarecrow over a bench close to the fire. - -"Not too close, girls," begged the Straw Man nervously. "Fire's almost -as bad for me as water. One little spark and--pouff! Nothing but a -bonfire of your old friend and comrade!" - -At this point a sharp tap on the door made them all jump, but it was -only a servant carrying a large tray. At least, Bustabo was keeping -his promise about supper. The servant was round and jolly. He looked -sympathetically at the little company, but evidently was afraid to -speak to them. Placing his tray on a table in the center of the room, -he bowed stiffly and withdrew, locking the door carefully behind him. - -"Not bad," said Jellia, lifting cover after cover from the silver -serving dishes. "Not bad at all! Give us a hand, Wanny, and we'll pull -the table over to the fire. My gooseness, this is almost as good as a -party!" - -Seating herself next to Dorothy who already was busy, Jellia bit -rapturously into a crisp roll. "Mmm--mmm! This is the first food I've -tasted since we left the Emerald City. Draw up, Liony! This roast lamb -will make you forget that wind pudding. You may have _all_ the roast, -and we'll manage with the vegetables, the soup, salad and dessert!" - -Dusk was falling and the tower room was hardly cheerful, but sitting -on their hard benches close to the fire, the prisoners dined almost as -well as though they had been in the Emerald City. Now that his hunger -was satisfied, even the Soldier with Green Whiskers began to look less -desperate. The Scarecrow, now completely dry though a little wrinkled, -was his old, witty self again. - -As it grew darker, Jellia lit the rusty lantern on the stone mantel, -and Wantowin placed another log on the fire. There was a heap of -blankets on one of the benches. No other beds being visible, the -girls spread several on the hearth. Resting their backs comfortably -against the sleeping lion, they conversed in low and guarded whispers. -Wantowin, considering it his duty to stand guard, dragged a bench -across the doorway. Wrapping himself up in a blanket, he was soon -snoring louder than the Cowardly Lion. The servant had removed the -tray, and sounds from below had long since ceased. They knew it must be -way past midnight, but Dorothy and Jellia were unable to relax. - -"I wonder how the Wizard's getting along!" mused Dorothy, pulling the -blanket a little closer. "It must be awfully dark in that forest." - -"Oh, Wiz'll be all rights--depend on that!" Jellia spoke with a -heartiness she was far from feeling. "He'll have that Princess here -before sun-up. If he doesn't, we'll just light out and find him!" - -"Light out?" inquired the Scarecrow, drawing back still further from -the fire. "How do you mean?" - -"Yes," echoed Dorothy, moving closer to Jellia as a board creaked -somewhere below. "How do you mean?" - -"Oh, I don't just know," admitted Jellia, frankly. "But there might be -something in this kit-bag to help! Let's have a look, anyway." Dragging -it from under a bench where she had stowed it on their arrival, Jellia -zipped it open and began feeling inside, curiously. "I never have had -a chance to examine it properly," Jellia said. "But that cheer gas -certainly came in handy, and the freezing fluid and sapling seeds were -pretty neat, too! My, whatever are these, now?" Folded neatly on the -very top were four suits of blue pajamas, with hoods and feet attached -like those in an infant's sleeping garment. - -Holding one near to the blaze so she could read the pink placard on -the pocket, Jellia gave a little gasp. "Oh, listen!" she whispered, -catching Dorothy's sleeve. "It says: - - '_These falling-out suits have not been tested, but I believe - they will work and prove safe and practical in case of - accident.--WIZ._'" - -"I suppose the Wizard meant them for his Ozoplane passengers to -use, instead of parachutes," decided Dorothy, fingering one rather -doubtfully. "Well, I should hate to be the _first_ to try one!" - -"Oh, I don't know," Jellia, her head on one side, pensively considered -the blue pajamas. "I think they're real cute. I think--HARK! What was -that?" Dropping the pajamas, she clutched Dorothy as the unmistakable -tread of a heavy boot came stamping up the stair. - -"Bustabo!" shivered Dorothy. "Oh--he's not going to wait till morning! -He's coming for us now! Oh, Jellia, JELLIA--what shall we DO?" -Dorothy's voice, rising almost to a shriek, roused the Cowardly Lion. -Cocking one ear and arriving at exactly the same conclusion as the -little girl, the lion sprang over to waken the Soldier with Green -Whiskers. The Scarecrow already was hurrying from window to window, -trying the bars with his flimsy, cotton fingers. At the window nearest -the fireplace he gave a joyful little grunt, for some former prisoner -had managed to saw through three of the iron bars. As the Scarecrow -pushed, they moved creakily outward. - -"Quick! Come help me!" urged the Scarecrow, dragging the terrified -and only half-awake Soldier to the window. "On with those parachute -suits, girls! We'll jump before we're tossed out!" Dorothy and Jellia -exchanged desperate glances and then--as the steps on the stair thumped -louder and nearer--each grabbed a falling-out suit and zipped herself -tidily inside. - -"Here!" panted Jellia, down on her hands and knees beside the Cowardly -Lion, "you can put your front feet in anyway--and _anything_ will be -better than _nothing_, when you fall!" To her relief and surprise, she -discovered that the pajamas would stretch! Even the lion could wear -them without too much discomfort. Except for a cramp in his tail which -was coiled tightly on his back, the lion fitted into his pajamas -nicely. - -As the Soldier with Green Whiskers was trembling too violently to help -himself or anyone else, Jellia jerked and pushed him into one of the -falling-out suits. Then, picking up the Wizard's kit-bag and looking -solemnly back at her anxious comrades, Jellia climbed to the window -sill. "I'll go first," she announced, closing her eyes so she would not -see the rocks below, and her mouth, to keep her teeth from chattering. - -"No! Let me! I insist on going first," cried the Scarecrow, springing -nimbly up beside Jellia. "Falling does not hurt me at all." - -"Oh, hurry! Hurry!" begged Dorothy, glancing fearfully over her -shoulder. The footsteps were now so loud and near, she expected the -door to burst right open and Bustabo's red face to appear. - -"Goodbye! I'm off!" Before the Scarecrow could stop her, Jellia was -off, indeed! Clutching the kit-bag to her bosom, she squeezed through -the opening between the bars and dove headlong into space! Next, the -Scarecrow, with a sad little wave to Dorothy, dropped out of sight. -"Help me push this so-called Soldier out!" puffed Dorothy, as the -Cowardly Lion signalled for her to go next. "If we leave him till -last--he'll never jump at all!" - -"Halt! About face! Help! Mama! Papa! Help! Help! HELP!" wailed Wantowin -Battles. But Dorothy relentlessly forced him to the sill and through -the opening. As his wildly thrashing legs disappeared over the edge, -whoever was coming up the stairs, broke into a run. Thump, thump, -THUMPETY-THUMP! Trembling in every muscle, Dorothy climbed to the sill. -Spreading both arms, she launched herself into the air. - -She heard the grunt of the Cowardly Lion as he forced his way through -the opening. Then the fierce rush of wind past her ears as she pitched -downward, drowned out all other sounds. At first she was sure the -Wizard's falling-out suits were failures, for the lion plunged past -her, falling like a plummet. She, too, was whirling downward so -fast she felt sure she would be crushed on the rocks below. Closing -her eyes, she tried to resign herself to whatever was coming. Then, -suddenly, the pajamas filled with air, ballooning out till she floated -lightly as a feather. The question now was--would she _ever_ come down? - -There was no moon, and in the faint starlight she could make out three -other, bulky shapes spinning through the air just beneath her. By -kicking her legs and flapping her arms, Dorothy managed to miss several -jutting rocks and tree limbs. As she floated lower, the suit began -gradually to deflate, finally letting her down as softly as could be, -on a strip of sand at the base of the mountain. A little distance away -she could see Jellia, already stepping out of her falling-out suit, -and the Cowardly Lion, waiting impatiently for someone to help him out -of his. Wantowin Battles, very brave now that the danger was past, -already had stripped off his flying suit and was shaking and patting -the Scarecrow into shape, for the poor straw man had been completely -flattened out by his fall. - -"Well, how did you like it?" called Jellia, hurrying over to help the -lion untangle himself. "After the first swoop, it wasn't bad at all. -Really, I quite enjoyed it!" - -"_Enjoyed_ it!" choked the Lion, looking indignantly from Dorothy -to Jellia. "I'll never set foot in a plane again as long as I live. -Brrrrah! Ever since we left the Emerald City we've been falling--flying -and blowing about like yesterday's papers. Now that I'm on solid ground -at last, I intend to stay there! The rest of you may do as you please, -but I shall walk home if it takes a year!" - -"I don't blame you," said Jellia, patting the lion soothingly on the -nose. "But we can't start without the Wizard. We'll have to hide here -till morning and then try to find him." - -"Let him find us," growled the Lion, lashing his tail experimentally -to see whether there was any wag left in it after the shameful way it -had been cramped in the suit, "The whole trip was his idea--not mine!" - -"Oh, hush," warned Dorothy. "Someone will hear you! Ooooh! Someone -has!" And sure enough, the faint tinkle of a bell come mysteriously -through the gloom. - -"Mercy, do you suppose those Red Beards have started after us already?" -cried Jellia looking around for the kit-bag. "But how could they have -come down the mountain as fast as we fell?" - -"They couldn't," whispered the Scarecrow, picking up the bag and -handing it to Jellia. "But don't worry, my dears! It's probably a -herd of goats or cattle. These mountaineers often put bells on their -animals. Just keep still and don't move and they won't notice us at -all." Flattening themselves against the rocks at the foot of the -mountain, the five adventurers waited tensely. But when a huge, shaggy -shape loomed out of the darkness and came charging straight toward -them, all five screamed and started to slither sideways. - -"Wait! Don't run! Don't be frightened!" begged an agitated voice. -"Don't you know me? It's I! It's _me_! THE WIZARD!" - - - - -CHAPTER 16 - -Escape from Red Top - - -As the great stag came to a sliding halt, the rays from his silver -lantern cast a wavering light over the little group crouched against -the rocks. - -"Hello! How ever did you escape from the castle?" demanded Ozma's -little Magician, sliding recklessly off the high back of his steed and -embracing them jubilantly. "We were just coming to help you. Girls, -Scarecrow, Soldier, Lion--may I present Azarine, the real Princess of -this Mountain, and Shagomar and Dear Deer, her friends!" - -Dorothy and Jellia were so stunned by the unexpected appearance of the -Wizard, they were able only to manage a couple of breathless bows. And -indeed, the lovely picture Azarine made, seated demurely on the huge, -red stag, was enough to render anyone speechless. Shaggy himself was -breath-taking, too. Not only the lantern and bell hung from his antlers -now, but perched unconcernedly on the tallest prong, was a lovely, -white pigeon with a key in his bill. - -"This pigeon was going to fly up to the tower with the key to the -door," explained the Wizard, as his five comrades continued to gaze -at him in stupefied silence. "Fortunately Azarine, who was imprisoned -there before you, had an extra key. She said Bustabo would lock you up -in the tower!" exclaimed the Wizard with a nod at the Princess. "But -since you already are out and down, we'll not need the key. Tell me, -how did you manage to escape? What did you do? Break down the door?" - -"No--we just stepped out the window," the Scarecrow told him with a -nonchalant wave upward. - -"You mean, you jumped all this distance?" gasped Azarine leaning -forward to peer between Shaggy's branching antlers, while Dear Deer -trotted closer to nudge Dorothy with her soft, moist nose. - -"Well--sort of," explained Jellia, putting an arm around the Cowardly -Lion, who still was looking extremely sulky. "But first we put on those -falling-out suits, Wiz, and you'll be glad to know they really worked." - -"Splendid! _Splendid!_" beamed the Wizard, with a satisfied shake of -his head. "You know--I'd completely forgotten them, but I felt sure -you'd find some useful magic in the kit. Did Bustabo keep his promises?" - -"Well, he locked us up in the tower, and he gave us a pretty good -supper," answered Dorothy. "But we didn't like being prisoners, and -we didn't feel safe in that castle. Then, a little while ago when we -heard him thumping up the stair--we just decided to leave! And so--we -left!" - -"So we see! So we see!" The Wizard grinned appreciatively, delighted -by the spirit of the two girls. "But perhaps we'd better be off! No -knowing when Bustabo and his Bowmen will be coming to look for you. -Shagomar and Dear Deer have kindly agreed to carry us to the castle of -Glinda the Good. Once there--with Glinda's magic to help me, I'll find -some way to deal with Strut, and to force Bustabo to give up Azarine's -throne. - -"Now suppose you two girls and the Scarecrow mount Dear Deer, and the -Soldier and I will ride with the Princess." Dear Deer, at the Wizard's -words, moved over to a flat rock. Without any trouble at all, Jellia -and Dorothy climbed to places on her back. Then the Scarecrow vaulted -up behind, clasping his arms 'round Jellia to keep from slipping off. -When Wantowin and the Wizard had mounted behind Azarine, the two Deer -swung away from the mountain. With the Cowardly Lion loping easily -between, they ran swiftly toward the Southlands. - -Their gait was so smooth it seemed to Jellia they were flying like -figures in a dream through the shadowy forest, with only the twinkle -of the silver lantern to light their way. As they raced along Azarine -again told the story of Bustabo's treachery and how Shagomar had -brought the Wizard to her hidden cave. Then the two girls amused the -little Princess with the story of their experiences in the Strat. They -told her all about their life at home in the Emerald City, and of the -curious celebrities who lived in the palace with Ozma. Azarine already -was charmed with the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion, and kept leaning -down to have a better look at the tawny beast trotting so unconcernedly -between the two deer. - -"I tell you," she proposed generously. "I tell you--if Strut destroys -the Emerald City--you all can come back and live with me. That is--if -Glinda and the Wizard can make Bustabo give my castle and Kingdom back?" - -"But I do hope we'll find some way to stop Strut! How long will it take -him to reach the capitol?" Dorothy called across to the Wizard. - -"Well, it took us a night, and half a day to fly to Stratovania," -calculated the little Magician, wrinkling his forehead. "So I'm afraid -if Strut and the Tin Woodman left yesterday, they'll be in the Emerald -City tomorrow. That is--today." - -"And it's almost morning now," shivered Jellia, glancing off toward the -East where the sky already showed the first streaks of lavender and -rose. - -"Now, don't you worry," begged the Wizard, holding fast to his high -hat, "As soon as we reach Glinda's castle and I have some proper magic -to work with, I'll find a way to make both Strut and Bustabo behave. -The few trifles in this kit-bag are a help, but not nearly powerful -enough for rascals like those. Look, girls, isn't that Glinda's castle -now?" - -"Oh, it is! It is!" cried Dorothy, clasping Dear Deer around the neck -she was so relieved and happy. And the silver trimmed towers and spires -of Glinda's lovely, red castle, shimmering through the early morning -mists, were enough to make anyone happy. Flashing through the beautiful -gardens and parks, leaping hedges and flower beds as lightly as -swallows, the stag and his mate brought the little band of adventurers -to the very door of the castle. - -"Goodbye, now," breathed the stag, as the Wizard and Soldier slipped -off his back and the Wizard lifted Azarine down. "Take care of my -little Princess!" - -"Oh, don't go!" cried Dorothy, for Dear Deer seemed on the point of -vanishing, too. "Do stay and see how it all turns out. Later on, -wouldn't you like to go to the Emerald City and meet the famous -animals who live in the capitol?" Shagomar looked questioningly at -Dear Deer, and as his pretty little wife seemed interested, he allowed -himself to be persuaded. - -"We'll wait in the garden," he whistled softly. "Houses and castles are -too stuffy and shut in for Deer people. If you need me, Princess, just -ring the silver bell." Lowering his head so the Princess could slip the -bell from his antlers, the stag stood looking at her solemnly. - -"I will," promised Azarine, waving her little red handkerchief as the -two deer sprang away. They actually seemed to float off above the -flowers, so lightly and easily did they run. - - - - -CHAPTER 17 - -The Wizard Gets to Work - - -"Please announce us to your Mistress at once!" directed the Wizard to -the sleepy little castle-maid who presently came, in answer to his loud -knock. - -"But Her Highness and Princess Ozma are not here!" stuttered the maid, -her eyes popping at sight of visitors so early in the morning. "They -left yesterday to visit Prince Tatters and Grampa in Ragbad!" - -"Ha, well," the Wizard turned to the others with a little shrug. "Looks -as if I shall have to manage alone. A fortunate thing Ozma did not -start back to the Emerald City. At least _she_ will not fall into -Strut's hands. Here, HERE! Don't shut the door!" The Wizard quickly -pushed past the little serving maid. "Glinda will wish us to make -ourselves comfortable in her absence. Now then, Miss--Miss--?" - -"Greta," mumbled the girl, looking bashfully at her feet. - -"Oho--a Greta to greet, eh?" chuckled the Scarecrow, taking off his -hat and bowing to the ground. "Well, now, my dear Miss Greta, will you -kindly show these young ladies to suitable apartments, and tell the -cook to prepare breakfast for six." - -"Make it twelve!" growled the Cowardly Lion, with a little bounce -toward the maid. "I could eat six all by myself!" - -"Yes Sirs! Yes _Sirs_!" quavered Greta, running off so fast she lost -one of her red slippers. - -"Never mind," laughed Dorothy. "Jellia and I know this castle as well -as our own. We'll show Azarine about and have time for a short nap -before breakfast." The hundred pretty girls who acted as Glinda's -Maids in Waiting were still asleep. In fact no one was stirring in -the castle except a few servants. Waving briskly to the girls as they -started up the marble stairway, the Wizard went striding toward the red -study where the Sorceress kept all her books on witchcraft, her magic -potions, her phials and appliances. - -The exquisite palace of Glinda, over which Azarine was exclaiming at -every step, was an old story to the Cowardly Lion. Throwing himself -down on a huge bearskin, he soon was in a doze and making up the sleep -he had lost on the two, previous nights. Wantowin Battles had at once -gone off to waken an old Soldier Crony of his who drilled Glinda's Girl -Guard, and the Scarecrow, about to follow the Wizard into the study, -paused to look at the great record book. - -This book, fastened with golden chains to a marble table in the -reception room of the castle, records each event as it happens, in the -Land of Oz. When Glinda goes on a journey, she usually locks the Record -book and takes the key with her. But this time, she had neglected to do -so, and sentences were popping up, row after row on the open pages. As -he bent over to peruse the latest entry, the Scarecrow's painted blue -eyes almost popped from his cotton head. - -"Fierce Airlanders from the Upper Strat are descending on the Emerald -City of Oz," read the Straw Man, nearly losing his balance. "If -measures of defense are not taken at once, the capitol will fall under -the fierce attack of the invaders!" - -"Wiz! YO, WIZ!" yelled the Scarecrow, taking a furious slide into the -study. "Hurry! HURRY! For the love of Oz, hurry--or Strut will blow -Ozma's castle into the Strat! The Record Book says so!" he panted, -grabbing the Wizard's arm to steady himself. The Wizard, working over -the delicate apparatus on a long table, looked up with an anxious frown. - -"Now, now, you must be a little patient," he told the Scarecrow, -earnestly. "I'm hurrying just as fast as ever I can." - -"But what do you propose to do?" demanded the Scarecrow, puckering -his forehead into almost forty deep wrinkles. "Can't you whiz these -Stratovanians away, or send them back where they came from?" - -"Not without Ozma's magic belt," sighed the Wizard. "And you know -perfectly well that the belt is back in the Emerald safe in the castle!" - -"Then can't you transport the safe here?" asked the Scarecrow, playing -a frantic little tune on the edge of the table. - -"Just what I'm trying to do!" admitted the Wizard, turning a lever here -and a wheel there. "But this triple-edged, zentomatic transporter of -Glinda's does not seem to be working as it should. I'll probably be -able to fix it in a little while, but meantime--I tell you what you can -do. Post yourself beside that record book and the minute it announces -Strut's arrival in the Emerald City, rush straight back here to me!" - -Before he had finished his sentence the Scarecrow was gone, and for the -next two hours the faithful Straw Man, without once lifting his eyes, -bent over the great book of records, reading with tense interest and -lively apprehension of the progress of the Oztober and the Airlanders -toward the Capitol of Oz. - - - - -CHAPTER 18 - -Strut of the Strat Arrives in Oz! - - -For several hours after leaving Stratovania, Nick followed the Wizard's -map implicitly. With Strut leaning over the back of his seat, eyes -glued to both map and board, there was nothing else he could do. If he -deviated from the course so much as a hair's breadth, the Airlander -would tap him on his tin head with his staff. The Tin Woodman had not -expected Strut to be so clever about navigating and as time passed, he -grew less and less hopeful of outwitting the wily Airman. - -If he increased the speed of the Oztober in an effort to outdistance -Strut's flying warriors, they also increased their speed. Try as he -would it seemed quite impossible to lose them. But Nick Chopper did -not despair. He was counting on the night to help him. Never tiring or -needing sleep, he would have the advantage of Strut, then. As soon as -the Airlander relaxed in his seat, the Tin Woodman meant to fall upon -him, hurl him from a window, put all the plane's lights out and speed -off in the dark so swiftly the Stratovanians would be unable to follow. -That failing, he depended on the difference in altitude to subdue the -enemy. Perhaps when they reached the lower areas, Strut and his Airmen -would faint, wilt, and become harmless. - -So, bolstering his spirits with these heartening hopes, Nick bore as -patiently as he could the long afternoon and the unpleasant taunts and -company of his captor. Repassing the ice crescent without meeting any -Spikers, the Tin Woodman zoomed along, not even bothering to answer -Strut's many questions about Oz and its inhabitants. - -Night, when it did come, was especially dark and murky. No moon and -only a few stars dotted the arching Skyway. The darker the better, -rejoiced the Tin Woodman, taking quick little glances over his -shoulder to see whether Strut was falling asleep or showing any signs -of drowsiness. If it were just dark enough, he'd rid himself of -these flying pests in a hurry. But all his plans proved futile. As -the Oztober rushed on and on, and the hours dragged slowly by, Strut -grew even more alert and watchful. His star-shaped eyes twinkled and -glowed with sulphurous lights and he showed no more signs of weariness -than the Tin Woodman himself. The endurance of the Airlander and his -warriors was positively uncanny, and Nick, maneuvering the buttons -and wheel of the plane, grew increasingly discouraged and gloomy. -Flying at this rate they would arrive in the Emerald City early in the -morning, and to think that he was leading this band of savages upon the -defenseless City almost broke Nick Chopper's heart. As it was a red -plush heart, it could not really break, but it fluttered up and down in -his tin bosom like a bird beating against the bars of a cage. To Nick's -suggestion that he rest, Strut gave a contemptuous snort. - -"I'll rest in Ohsma's palace," he sneered maliciously. "D'ye think -I trust you enough to sleep? Ho no! Just attend to your flying, Mr. -Funnel Top, and I'll take care of the rest of this little adventure." -After this, Nick made no further remarks, and morning found the Oztober -sailing high above the Hammerhead Mountains in the Quadling Country of -Oz. All too soon the Tin Woodman made out the glittering green turrets -and spires of the Emerald City itself. - -"Quite a pretty little town," observed Strut condescendingly, as Nick, -his thoughts in a perfect tumult, tried to think of some excuse for not -landing. - -"Why are you not flying over the castle?" demanded Strut sharply. "It's -the castle I am most anxious to reach. There--you can come down right -inside the walls. My, My! So this is the wonderful Land of OHS. Well, -it owes me its crown jewels and treasure to pay for your insolent -invasion of the Strat. Collecting them should prove pleasant! Very -pleasant indeed!" - -"I wouldn't be too sure of that," snapped Nick, turning his head -stiffly. "I suppose you realize you are in great danger? If Ozma sees -you before you have time to storm the castle, you and your silly flock -of flyers are likely to be turned to crows or sparrows! The chances -are, she HAS seen you," concluded Nick, slanting the Oztober sharply -downward. At Nick's warning, the few clouds flitting across the -Airman's forehead became positively thunderous. - -"Pouf!" he sniffed, snapping his fingers scornfully. "Do you suppose a -mere girl like this Ohsma of Ohs can frighten me? My Blowmen will soon -attend to her and anyone else who stands in our way!" - -"That," shouted Nick, raising his voice above the roar of the -engine,--"remains to be seen!" As a matter of fact, the Oztober and -the swarm of flying Warriors had been sighted almost as soon as they -appeared above the green lands edging the capitol. Long before they -reached the Emerald City itself, terrified messengers had brought word -of the approaching airmen. Ozma being absent, Bettsy and Trot, the two -little mortal girls who lived with Dorothy and the Supreme Ruler in the -Emerald Palace, were in charge. - -After one glance at the flying army, they had called all the -celebrities, servants and courtiers together and bade them flee for -their lives. Then Bettsy, Trot, and the Patchwork Girl, climbed into -the Red Wagon. With the Saw Horse to pull them, they set off at a -gallop to hide in the Blue Forests of the Munchkin Country till the -invasion was over. Tik Tok, the Machine Man, carrying all of Ozma's -loose jewels and valuables, marched rapidly after them. The Medicine -Man rode the Hungry Tiger and the rest of the palace inmates ran -helter-skelter down the yellow brick highway from the Capitol. - -The inhabitants of the Emerald City itself, never having seen the -Wizard's Ozoplanes and having no way of knowing that Nick Chopper -was inside this one, were almost as afraid of the Oztober as of the -Stratovanians. Pelting into their houses and shops, they bolted windows -and doors and waited in terror-stricken silence for whatever was to -come. Only the Guardian of the Gate stayed bravely at his post, waving -his bunch of keys defiantly as the Ozoplane and the Airlanders swooped -over the castle wall. - -"Ho! No you don't!" cried Strut, as Nick, having brought the plane -to a landing, started to run for the door. "You'll stay with me, as -a hostage!" he rasped, gripping the Tin Woodman's arm. Furious but -helpless in the iron grasp of the Stratovanian, Nick was forced to lead -him into Ozma's beautiful castle. - -Strut's warriors, after fluttering like curious birds from tree to tree -and alighting in chattering groups on the wall, finally furled the -wings of their staffs, formed ranks and marched, singing and shouting, -up the steps after their jubilant leader. - -In vain Nick watched for any signs of weakening among them. The Airmen -seemed as comfortable and carefree in this lower altitude as they had -been on their own airosphere. The Tin Woodman's only consolation was -that he had brought back the Wizard's Ozoplane in as good condition as -when it had started away so unexpectedly. It was also a great relief to -him to find the castle deserted. Not a courtier, servant or celebrity -was in sight--not even the Glass Cat or Dorothy's little kitten Eureka. -Strut and his rude army stamped through the first floor from end to end -without encountering a single soul. - -"Very good," sniffed the Ruler of all the Stratovanians, shooting his -eyes sharply to left and right, "so this powerful fairy Ohsma of Ohs -has run off and left us her castle, and we win the war without blowing -a blow! Ho, Ho! I shall spend my summers in this enchanting palace," -he added, with a malicious wink at the Tin Woodman. "But now," his -grasp on Nick's arm tightened. "Where are these famous, magic treasures -and jewels you were boasting of--this belt and fan and all the other -foolishments and fripperies?" - -"In a safe in Ozma's own apartment," Nick told him, reluctantly. Now -that Strut was in complete possession of the castle, little was to be -gained by concealing the location of the treasures. - -"Take me there at once," he commanded Nick, and--because the thousand -Airlanders were a bit too numerous for comfort--Strut ordered them out -to the garden, bidding them man the walls, guard the gates and all -entrances, and give the alarm should any of the Ozlanders approach. -Then, with lowered head and dragging feet, the Tin Woodman led the -way to Ozma's private sitting room. The safe, sparkling with emeralds -imbedded in metal more valuable than platinum, stood in an alcove -behind a pair of silk curtains. Giving little heed to the elegant -appointments of the apartment itself, Strut knelt before the safe, -fairly panting with impatience and curiosity. - -"How does it open?" he asked, spinning the little knob on the door, -round and round without any results whatsoever. - -"I am sure I cannot say." Resting one elbow on the golden mantel, the -Tin Woodman looked indifferently at the kneeling Airman. "Only Ozma and -our Wizard ever open that safe." - -"Oh, is that so!" Strut straightened up angrily, "We shall see about -that. All I have to do is call one of my Blowmen and BLOW it open." - -"Suit yourself," said Nick, with a shrug of his shoulders. "Only if you -do, the safe probably will blow away--and all the treasures with it!" - -"Then how in the Dix shall I open it?" screamed Strut, giving it a -spiteful kick with his silver-shod toe. Worn out by his long vigil -of the night and the excitement of taking possession of the castle, he -lost his temper completely, and stamped and raged up and down before -Ozma's jewelled strong box. But thump and bang at the door as he -would, it still remained shut. "Ha!" he puffed at last, "I'll call my -Swordsmith! He can hammer it open!" Racing over to the window he yelled -loudly for the Swordsmith to come up. - -But Strut's Swordsmith had no more success than his Master. Kindling -a fire in the grate, he heated a poker red hot and tried to burn a -hole in the door, but the poker did not leave even a scratch on the -glittering surface. "Stop! Stop! You Witless Woff. I'll do it myself," -raged Strut. "I'll blow it open with star powder!" - -"Surely you wouldn't do that," protested Nick, who up to this time had -been watching the effort of the two airmen with quiet amusement. "If -you blow up the safe you might set fire to the castle and destroy all -the treasures you have won." - -"Oh, hold your tongue!" advised Strut. Dragging two smouldering logs -from the grate, he shoved them under the safe. Then, unscrewing the end -of his flying stick, he sprinkled a fine, black powder that smelled and -looked like gun powder, over the logs. Lighting a twisted paper, he -stuck it beneath the logs and jumped back, waiting impatiently for the -safe to fly apart. - -Nick Chopper waited not a moment longer. Darting into the dressing room -he hastily filled a pitcher with water. But before he could return, an -ear-splitting explosion rocked the castle and flung him and the pitcher -through the doorway of the sitting room. - -Without stopping to recover his breath, the Tin Woodman jumped up and -hurried across the room. The two airmen, with blackened clothes and -faces, stared dazedly at the spot where the safe had been. _Where it -had been_--because it was no longer there! Not a sign, emerald or -single splinter of it! There was no hole in the ceiling, so it could -not have blown up; there was no hole in the floor, so it could not have -blown down. The windows were unbroken, the walls, intact. Only the -two logs, smoking sullenly on Ozma's priceless rug, remained of the -Airlander's bonfire--unless we count the expression on Strut's face, -which simply blazed with wrath, bafflement and unadulterated fury. - - - - -CHAPTER 19 - -The Travellers Return! - - -"I told you not to do that," said Nick, running over to Strut and the -Swordsmith. "I warned you! Now see what you've done!" - -"But where is it? Where did it go? Where did it BLOW?" screamed the -Airlander, his electric hair standing more on end than ever and -crackling like summer lightning. - -"Ask Ozma! Ask the Wizard!" suggested Nick, folding his arms and -surveying the two quite calmly. "But if you take my advice, you'll -hustle right out of this castle before the same thing happens to YOU!" - -"Who asked for your advice?" cried Strut, streaking over to the window -to see whether the safe had blown into the garden, though how it could -have done so without knocking a hole in the wall or ceiling, he could -neither imagine nor understand. Drawing aside the curtain he gave a -great gasp. Nick, who had hurried after him, uttered a loud shout of -joy. - -"See! I told you!" cried Nick, and unhooking his oil can the Tin -Woodman let four drops of oil slide down his neck. "I told you!" Strut -made no reply. He just hung on to the curtain as if he were drowning -and the flimsy portiere, a life preserver. "See!" shouted Nick again. - -But it was what Strut _didn't_ see that upset the Airman! What he -_didn't_ see was his entire army of nine hundred and ninety-nine -splendid fighters! The garden below was as empty and quiet as a park -on a rainy Sunday. "Calm yourself, Man! Calm yourself!" advised Nick -as Strut, turning from the window and noting the disappearance of his -Swordsmith, began running in frenzied circles, overturning chairs and -tables and tripping over rugs and foot-stools. - -"Quick," he hissed, making a dive for the Tin Woodman. "Fly me back to -the Strat. At once! At ONCE! Do you hear?" - -"Oh, yes! I hear you--quite well!" said Nick, eluding Strut easily. -"But I'll never fly you anywhere again! Besides, don't you realize you -cannot fly from magic! You'll have to stay, my good man, and face the -music!" - -Nick's words seemed to bring the Airlander to his senses. Remembering, -even in defeat, that he was a powerful King and Ruler, he straightened -up proudly and, with one hand resting on an emerald-topped table, stood -looking tensely from Nick Chopper to the door. He did not have long -to wait, for in less time than it takes to count ten, nine excited -Ozians burst into the Royal Sitting room. - -"Oh, Nick! Are you really safe? Is everything all right?" Jellia Jam -rushed over to the Tin Woodman and took both of his hands in her own. - -"So _that's_ the fellow I was supposed to impersonate!" roared the -Cowardly Lion, thrusting his head between Dorothy and the Soldier, -"Well, Goosengravy, girls--I'm insulted!" - -"And _is_ this really Strut--the high and mighty Stratovanian who has -come to conquer us?" Ozma, who was just behind the Soldier, gazed so -steadily and sorrowfully at the Airman that he uncomfortably averted -his gaze. He was, to tell the truth, astonished at the youth, beauty -and regal manner of the young Fairy. He cast a questioning look at -the others, crowding through the doorway. He already knew the Soldier -with Green Whiskers, but the Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, the small, -High-Hatted gentleman talking earnestly to a cheerful little girl, the -little, red-cloaked Princess and the tall, imposing, red-haired Glinda -were all new and bewildering strangers. For the first time since they -had met, Nick felt sorry for his discomfited foe, and as each of the -celebrities approached, he called out the names. - -"Our famous live Scarecrow, His Majesty the Cowardly Lion, Glinda the -Good Sorceress, the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Princess Dorothy of Kansas -and the Emerald City and--" - -"Azarine, the Red," finished Dorothy, helping him out. For Nick, -completely at sea, looked inquiringly at the pretty little Princess in -the red cloak. At each introduction Strut bowed stiffly. If he could -have reached his flying stick which he had left standing beside the -mantel, he would have flown out the window--regardless of the fact that -he might never find his way back to the Strat. But as he could not -reach the staff, he stood stonily waiting for whatever was to befall. - -"How'd you find Jellia and the Soldier? What became of the Ozpril? -Where's the Emerald safe?" questioned Nick, leaving Strut's side and -hurrying to seize the little Wizard by both lapels, for he could -restrain his curiosity no longer. - -"Quite a story--quite a story," puffed the Wizard, closing one eye, -"Ask me again some long winter evening." Jerking away from Nick, he ran -off to fetch his black bag of magic, from which he had been separated -far too long. - -"I suppose you are quite anxious to return to your own country," -said Ozma, addressing herself to the Ruler of the Strat as she seated -herself on a small, satin sofa. - -"Not without my army," blustered Strut, defiantly. "It is neither fair -nor honest for one ruler to destroy by magic the fighting forces of -another!" - -"Your army is not destroyed," Ozma told him evenly. "It already is -in Stratovania, transported there by this magic belt." Lightly, the -dark-haired fairy touched the gem-studded girdle she was wearing. -"And--speaking of honesty and fairness," she went on seriously, "did -you think it honest or fair to come here, take possession of my castle, -and try to steal all my treasure and jewels?" Strut had the grace to -blush, and as there was no good answer to Ozma's question, he looked -haughtily over the heads of the company regarding him so accusingly. - -"Well, have you anything to say?" inquired Ozma sternly. "Whether -or not you return to your Kingdom depends entirely upon yourself -and how you treat Kabebe." At mention of his Queen, Strut started, -involuntarily. - -"By the way--here's that silly crown you made me wear!" said Jellia, -handing over the star-tipped circlet she had been wearing since her -visit to the Strat. "Remember me to the Piper when you see him and to -Junnenrump and Hippenscop." - -"Are you sure you'd rather not live in the Strat as a Starina, than -stay here with us?" asked Ozma, smiling mischievously, as Jellia backed -away from the frowning airman. - -"Never! Never! NEVER!" cried Jellia, taking a long step backward at -each word. "I've had enough of Kings to last me the rest of my life!" - -A little ripple of laughter followed Jellia's blunt refusal, and taking -pity on the mortified Airlander, Ozma touched her belt and whispered -the magic word that would transport him to his own country. - -"But can you trust him?" worried Nick Chopper, as the Stratovanian -vanished before their eyes. "How do you know he won't blow things up as -soon as he returns?" - -"Because I've removed all power from his Blowmen's horns," Ozma told -him quietly. "He'll be all right, and for the kind of people he -rules--Strut probably is the best sort of ruler they could have." - -"If you ask me," observed the Cowardly Lion, shaking his mane -vigorously, "the worst punishment anyone could have would be to live on -wind pudding and air-ade. Wooof!" - -"Oh, what a shame!" Dorothy ran over to the mantel where the flying -stick had been standing. "The winged staff's gone! I rather had hoped -we could keep it for Hallow'een or New Year's or something!" - -"Haven't you had enough flying?" grinned the Scarecrow, settling on the -green sofa beside Ozma. "By the way, where's the tell-all-escope?" - -"Oh, I'm so sorry," Dorothy felt ruefully in the pocket of her coat. "I -must have left it in Strut's Royal Pavilion!" - -"Never mind! I'll bring it back with the magic belt," smiled Ozma, "and -I presume it's all right to bring the safe back, too?" As Glinda nodded -in agreement, the Ruler of Oz touched her belt twice, and with two -thumps--one louder than the other--the safe and tell-all-escope thumped -down on the floor beside the sofa. The tell-all-escope was pointing -directly at Ozma, and it immediately began broadcasting her whole -history. So the little Fairy, with a chuckle of amusement locked it up -in her desk drawer. - -While Ozma had been meting out her gentle justice, Jellia had been -telling Nick all that had happened since he was forced to fly Strut to -Oz. She told him of the arrival of the Ozpril, the escape of the whole -party from the angry Kabebe, their fall to Red Top Mountain, their rude -treatment by Bustabo, their meeting with Azarine and the red Deer, and -their final journey to Glinda's castle. - -Spellbound, Nick learned how the Wizard finally had mastered the -intricacies of Glinda's zentomatic transporter and brought the safe -to her red castle just as Strut was on the point of taking violent -measures. With the safe in his possession, it had been an easy matter -for the Wizard to open it, take out the magic belt and transport both -Glinda and Ozma from Ragbad. After listening to the whole, exciting -story Glinda, Ozma and the Wizard had sent the Stratovanian army back -to the Strat and returned to the Emerald City to deal with Strut, -personally. - -"It's certainly handy to have a Fairy around," sighed Dorothy, slipping -an arm around Ozma's slim waist. "One little wave of Ozma's wand and -we soared right into this castle! Isn't it grand to be home again? Not -that I didn't enjoy the trip," she added hastily, as the Wizard came -briskly into the room with his black bag. "Oh, Ozma! Just wait till you -see the beautiful Ozoplanes our Wizard has built for you!" - -"She'll need pretty strong glasses to see the Ozpril," observed the -Wizard, looking rather sadly at the ceiling. "I expect it's hanging to -the tip of a star by this time! And I suppose Strut made hash of the -Oztober!" - -"Hash!" sputtered Nick Chopper, indignantly, "I should say NOT. I've -taken splendid care of your ship, Wiz, and you'll find the Oztober -below in the garden, as bright and beautiful as the night she was -launched!" - -"Hurray for Nick," shouted Jellia, waving the duster she already was -flipping briskly over pictures and books. "He should have a medal, -your Majesty! No one could have flown that Plane better than the Tin -Woodman!" - -"He _shall_ have a medal!" promised Ozma, with a special smile for Nick -Chopper who was one of her special favorites. "And when he needs a -vacation from the Winkies, he can come here and be our official Pilot -answerable only to me and to the Wizard!" - -"And I hereby present your Majesty with my two, splendid Ozoplanes--for -exploring, for pleasure, or for warfare!" announced the little Wizard, -extending both arms, dramatically. "But now you will have to excuse me, -as the Tin Woodman and I are leaving at once!" - -"Leaving!" wailed Jellia, plumping down on a foot stool. "But you've -only just returned!" - -"Can't help it," panted the Wizard, who seemed in a perfect phiz to -be off, "I'll show you the Ozoplanes later, Ozma, but now--Goodbye! -Goodbye, Dorothy! Goodbye Jellia! Take good care of Azarine till I -return!" - -"But look--where are we going?" demanded Nick Chopper, as the Wizard -seized his arm and marched him rapidly toward the door. - -"To find the Ozpril, of course!" explained the Wizard impatiently, as -if that should have been clear to everybody! "To find the Ozpril and -bring her back to the Emerald City!" - -"But think how high those Blowmen may have blown it?" worried Dorothy. -"They may even have blown it to Bitz!" - -"Then we'll bring back the pieces," declared the Wizard, firmly. "How -about coming along?" With a wink at Jellia Jam, he paused beside the -Lion who was busy licking his front paws. - -"WHAT?" roared the Lion, springing up as if someone had shot him. With -a thoroughly indignant glance at Ozma's little magician, he bolted -through the curtains and was gone. - -"Just _not_ a flyer!" mused the Wizard, shaking his head in amusement. -"Well, Goodbye, Friends! Farewell--all!" With an energetic nod he -stepped through the door, pulling Nick along with him. - -"Couldn't you bring the Ozpril back with your magic belt?" questioned -Dorothy, hurrying over to the window to watch the plane's take off. - -"I suppose so," answered Ozma, thoughtfully. "But they both are so fond -of flying, they'd much rather _bring_ it back, themselves! I'm sure of -it!" - - - - -CHAPTER 20 - -Azarine Is Restored to Red Top - - -From the castle window, the whole party cheered wildly as the Ozoplane, -roaring with power, soared over the wall, over the tree tops and up, -up, and up, till it vanished into the cloudless, blue sky. - -"My pie! I do hope Nick doesn't start claiming any more countries," -sighed Jellia, drawing in her head reluctantly. "And for cake's sake -why couldn't they have waited a few days? Of course the Tin Woodman -is never tired, but Wiz certainly needed a rest after all we've been -through!" - -"Never you mind about that!" Glinda patted the kind-hearted little -Jellia on the shoulder. "The Wizard has his black bag along this time, -and in that bag there is a cure for almost everything--even lack of -sleep!" - -"Look!" called Dorothy, pulling Jellia back to the window. "Shaggy -and Dear Deer are running races round the pond and here come all our -servants and celebrities! Hiah, Tik Tok! Hello, Scraps! See, Azarine! -That's the Patch Work Girl! You'll simply love her! We all do! Someone -must have sent word that Strut had been defeated!" - -"I did--I dispatched one of my doves," explained Glinda. "And now, my -dear," the tall and lovely Sorceress motioned significantly to Ozma, -"is it not time to deal with Bustabo, and restore this Little Lady to -her Castle?" - -"Oh, not yet! Please, not yet!" begged Dorothy, as Azarine looked -expectantly from Glinda to Ozma. "We want Azarine to stay here a long -time, don't we, Jellia? Come on Azzy, dear, I'll lend you an old dress -and we'll all go for a ride before lunch! You, on Shaggy--Jellia and I -on Dear Deer--Bettsy and Trot on the Cowardly Lion, and the Scarecrow -on the Hungry Tiger!" - -"It's all right, go ahead," Ozma nodded indulgently as the little -Princess hung back. She did want so much to stay and meet all the -interesting people in the garden, but she felt it her real duty to -return to her subjects, now suffering under the cruel rule and temper -of Bustabo. - -Then: - -"I've already turned Bustabo into a red Squirrel!" Ozma told the -Princess, gravely. "In that form he still can enjoy himself, but do no -harm to others. I've also sent a message saying you will be home in a -few days, and placed Archibald the Archer in charge till you return!" - -"Oh, how did you know Archy is the one I trust most?" marveled -Azarine, her eyes shining with happiness and astonishment. "Bustabo -threw Archy into a dungeon a week ago, because he tried to help me!" - -"Ozma knows everything," confided Dorothy, with an adoring glance -toward the little Ruler of all Oz. "And everything's going to be -lovely! Come on, Azzy! I'll beat you to the fountain in the garden!" - -So now, with her last worry removed, the little Princess of Red Top -skipped off with Dorothy to meet all the exciting celebrities in the -garden. The two deer, alarmed by the strange appearance of some of the -Ozlanders, had hidden themselves in a snow-ball bush. But Azarine soon -coaxed them out and in no time at all, they were chatting like old -friends with the Hungry Tiger and the Saw Horse. - -Jellia stayed in the garden only a short while, for Jellia had other -things to do. The little Oz Maid was determined to have a party to -celebrate their home coming and soon, in deep conference with the -castle chef, she was planning the most gorgeous feast the Green Castle -ever had known. - -It began at noon and lasted till nightfall. Even long after the tall -candles had burned low, the cheery company sat around the royal table -while Dorothy, Jellia and the Scarecrow told and retold their amazing -adventures in the Strat and on Red Top Mountain. - -So delightful did Azarine and the two Deer find life in the capitol, -they stayed on and on. Each evening, the girls and Ozma, and her most -important counselors, would gather in her private sitting room. There, -looking at the magic screen, they followed the progress of Nick and the -Wizard as they flew on and on through the strange Highways and Byways -of the Stratosphere. - -What a story they will have to tell us when they return.... WHAT a -story! - -The End - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Ozoplaning with the Wizard of Oz, by -Ruth Plumly Thompson and L. Frank Baum - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK OZOPLANING WITH THE WIZARD OF OZ *** - -***** This file should be named 55806.txt or 55806.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/5/8/0/55806/ - -Produced by Greg Weeks, Mary Meehan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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