ARecordofHerAdventureswithDorothyGaleofKansas，theYellowHen，theScarecrow，theTinWoodman，Tiktok，theCowardlyLionandtheHungryTiger;BesidesOtherGoodPeopletooNumeroustoMentionFaithfullyRecordedHereinContents——Author’sNote——
1。TheGirlintheChickenCoop2。TheYellowHen3。LettersintheSand4。Tiktok，theMachineMan5。DorothyOpenstheDinnerPail6。TheHeadsofLangwidere7。OzmaofOztotheRescue8。TheHungryTiger9。TheRoyalFamilyofEv10。TheGiantwiththeHammer11。TheNomeKing12。TheElevenGuesses13。TheNomeKingLaughs14。DorothyTriestobeBrave15。BillinaFrightenstheNomeKing16。Purple，GreenandGold17。TheScarecrowWinstheFight18。TheFateoftheTinWoodman19。TheKingofEv20。TheEmeraldCity21。Dorothy’sMagicBeltAuthor’sNoteMyfriendsthechildrenareresponsibleforthisnew"OzBook，"astheywereforthelastone，whichwascalledTheLandofOz。Theirsweetlittleletterspleadtoknow"moreaboutDorothy";andtheyask：
"WhatbecameoftheCowardlyLion？"and"WhatdidOzmadoafterward？"——meaning，ofcourse，aftershebecametheRulerofOz。
Andsomeofthemsuggestplotstome，saying："PleasehaveDorothygototheLandofOzagain";or，"Whydon’tyoumakeOzmaandDorothymeet，andhaveagoodtimetogether？"Indeed，couldIdoallthatmylittlefriendsask，Iwouldbeobligedtowritedozensofbookstosatisfytheirdemands。AndIwishIcould，forIenjoywritingthesestoriesjustasmuchasthechildrensaytheyenjoyreadingthem。
Well，hereis"moreaboutDorothy，"andaboutouroldfriendstheScarecrowandtheTinWoodman，andabouttheCowardlyLion，andOzma，andalltherestofthem;andhere，likewise，isagooddealaboutsomenewfolksthatarequeerandunusual。Onelittlefriend，whoreadthisstorybeforeitwasprinted，saidtome："BillinaisREAL
OZZY，Mr。Baum，andsoareTiktokandtheHungryTiger。"
Ifthisjudgmentisunbiasedandcorrect，andthelittlefolksfindthisnewstory"realOzzy，"IshallbeverygladindeedthatIwroteit。ButperhapsIshallgetsomemoreofthoseverywelcomelettersfrommyreaders，tellingmejusthowtheylike"OzmaofOz。"Ihopeso，anyway。
L。FRANKBAUM。
MACATAWA，1907。
1。TheGirlintheChickenCoopThewindblewhardandjoggledthewateroftheocean，sendingripplesacrossitssurface。Thenthewindpushedtheedgesoftheripplesuntiltheybecamewaves，andshovedthewavesarounduntiltheybecamebillows。Thebillowsrolleddreadfullyhigh：highereventhanthetopsofhouses。Someofthem，indeed，rolledashighasthetopsoftalltrees，andseemedlikemountains;andthegulfsbetweenthegreatbillowswerelikedeepvalleys。
Allthismaddashingandsplashingofthewatersofthebigocean，whichthemischievouswindcausedwithoutanygoodreasonwhatever，resultedinaterriblestorm，andastormontheoceanisliabletocutmanyqueerpranksanddoalotofdamage。
Atthetimethewindbegantoblow，ashipwassailingfaroutuponthewaters。Whenthewavesbegantotumbleandtossandtogrowbiggerandbiggertheshiprolledupanddown，andtippedsidewise——firstonewayandthentheother——andwasjostledaroundsoroughlythateventhesailor-menhadtoholdfasttotheropesandrailingstokeepthemselvesfrombeingsweptawaybythewindorpitchedheadlongintothesea。
Andthecloudsweresothickintheskythatthesunlightcouldn’tgetthroughthem;sothatthedaygrewdarkasnight，whichaddedtotheterrorsofthestorm。
TheCaptainoftheshipwasnotafraid，becausehehadseenstormsbefore，andhadsailedhisshipthroughtheminsafety;butheknewthathispassengerswouldbeindangeriftheytriedtostayondeck，soheputthemallintothecabinandtoldthemtostaythereuntilafterthestormwasover，andtokeepbraveheartsandnotbescared，andallwouldbewellwiththem。
Now，amongthesepassengerswasalittleKansasgirlnamedDorothyGale，whowasgoingwithherUncleHenrytoAustralia，tovisitsomerelativestheyhadneverbeforeseen。UncleHenry，youmustknow，wasnotverywell，becausehehadbeenworkingsohardonhisKansasfarmthathishealthhadgivenwayandlefthimweakandnervous。SoheleftAuntEmathometowatchafterthehiredmenandtotakecareofthefarm，whilehetraveledfarawaytoAustraliatovisithiscousinsandhaveagoodrest。
Dorothywaseagertogowithhimonthisjourney，andUncleHenrythoughtshewouldbegoodcompanyandhelpcheerhimup;sohedecidedtotakeheralong。Thelittlegirlwasquiteanexperiencedtraveller，forshehadoncebeencarriedbyacycloneasfarawayfromhomeasthemarvelousLandofOz，andshehadmetwithagoodmanyadventuresinthatstrangecountrybeforeshemanagedtogetbacktoKansasagain。Soshewasn’teasilyfrightened，whateverhappened，andwhenthewindbegantohowlandwhistle，andthewavesbegantotumbleandtoss，ourlittlegirldidn’tmindtheuproartheleastbit。
"Ofcoursewe’llhavetostayinthecabin，"shesaidtoUncleHenryandtheotherpassengers，"andkeepasquietaspossibleuntilthestormisover。FortheCaptainsaysifwegoondeckwemaybeblownoverboard。"
Noonewantedtorisksuchanaccidentasthat，youmaybesure;
soallthepassengersstayedhuddledupinthedarkcabin，listeningtotheshriekingofthestormandthecreakingofthemastsandriggingandtryingtokeepfrombumpingintooneanotherwhentheshiptippedsidewise。
DorothyhadalmostfallenasleepwhenshewasarousedwithastarttofindthatUncleHenrywasmissing。Shecouldn’timaginewherehehadgone，andashewasnotverystrongshebegantoworryabouthim，andtofearhemighthavebeencarelessenoughtogoondeck。Inthatcasehewouldbeingreatdangerunlessheinstantlycamedownagain。
ThefactwasthatUncleHenryhadgonetoliedowninhislittlesleeping-berth，butDorothydidnotknowthat。SheonlyrememberedthatAuntEmhadcautionedhertotakegoodcareofheruncle，soatonceshedecidedtogoondeckandfindhim，inspiteofthefactthatthetempestwasnowworsethanever，andtheshipwasplunginginareallydreadfulmanner。Indeed，thelittlegirlfounditwasasmuchasshecoulddotomountthestairstothedeck，andassoonasshegottherethewindstruckhersofiercelythatitalmosttoreawaytheskirtsofherdress。YetDorothyfeltasortofjoyousexcitementindefyingthestorm，andwhilesheheldfasttotherailingshepeeredaroundthroughthegloomandthoughtshesawthedimformofamanclingingtoamastnotfarawayfromher。Thismightbeheruncle，soshecalledasloudlyasshecould：
"UncleHenry！UncleHenry！"
Butthewindscreechedandhowledsomadlythatshescarceheardherownvoice，andthemancertainlyfailedtohearher，forhedidnotmove。
Dorothydecidedshemustgotohim;soshemadeadashforward，duringalullinthestorm，towhereabigsquarechicken-coophadbeenlashedtothedeckwithropes。Shereachedthisplaceinsafety，butnosoonerhadsheseizedfastholdoftheslatsofthebigboxinwhichthechickenswerekeptthanthewind，asifenragedbecausethelittlegirldaredtoresistitspower，suddenlyredoubleditsfury。
Withascreamlikethatofanangrygiantittoreawaytheropesthatheldthecoopandliftedithighintotheair，withDorothystillclingingtotheslats。Aroundandoveritwhirled，thiswayandthat，andafewmomentslaterthechicken-coopdroppedfarawayintothesea，wherethebigwavescaughtitandsliditup-hilltoafoamingcrestandthendown-hillintoadeepvalley，asifitwerenothingmorethanaplaythingtokeepthemamused。
Dorothyhadagoodducking，youmaybesure，butshedidn’tlooseherpresenceofmindevenforasecond。Shekepttightholdofthestoutslatsandassoonasshecouldgetthewateroutofhereyesshesawthatthewindhadrippedthecoverfromthecoop，andthepoorchickenswereflutteringawayineverydirection，beingblownbythewinduntiltheylookedlikefeatherdusterswithouthandles。Thebottomofthecoopwasmadeofthickboards，soDorothyfoundshewasclingingtoasortofraft，withsidesofslats，whichreadilyboreupherweight。Aftercoughingthewateroutofherthroatandgettingherbreathagain，shemanagedtoclimbovertheslatsandstanduponthefirmwoodenbottomofthecoop，whichsupportedhereasilyenough。
"Why，I’vegotashipofmyown！"shethought，moreamusedthanfrightenedathersuddenchangeofcondition;andthen，asthecoopclimbeduptothetopofabigwave，shelookedeagerlyaroundfortheshipfromwhichshehadbeenblown。
Itwasfar，faraway，bythistime。Perhapsnooneonboardhadyetmissedher，orknewofherstrangeadventure。Downintoavalleybetweenthewavesthecoopswepther，andwhensheclimbedanothercresttheshiplookedlikeatoyboat，itwassuchalongwayoff。
Soonithadentirelydisappearedinthegloom，andthenDorothygaveasighofregretatpartingwithUncleHenryandbegantowonderwhatwasgoingtohappentohernext。
Justnowshewastossingonthebosomofabigocean，withnothingtokeepherafloatbutamiserablewoodenhen-coopthathadaplankbottomandslattedsides，throughwhichthewaterconstantlysplashedandwettedherthroughtotheskin！Andtherewasnothingtoeatwhenshebecamehungry——asshewassuretodobeforelong——andnofreshwatertodrinkandnodryclothestoputon。
"Well，Ideclare！"sheexclaimed，withalaugh。"You’reinaprettyfix，DorothyGale，Icantellyou！andIhaven’ttheleastideahowyou’regoingtogetoutofit！"
Asiftoaddtohertroublesthenightwasnowcreepingon，andthegraycloudsoverheadchangedtoinkyblackness。Butthewind，asifsatisfiedatlastwithitsmischievouspranks，stoppedblowingthisoceanandhurriedawaytoanotherpartoftheworldtoblowsomethingelse;sothatthewaves，notbeingjoggledanymore，begantoquietdownandbehavethemselves。
ItwasluckyforDorothy，Ithink，thatthestormsubsided;otherwise，bravethoughshewas，Ifearshemighthaveperished。Manychildren，inherplace，wouldhaveweptandgivenwaytodespair;butbecauseDorothyhadencounteredsomanyadventuresandcomesafelythroughthemitdidnotoccurtoheratthistimetobeespeciallyafraid。
Shewaswetanduncomfortable，itistrue;but，aftersighingthatonesighItoldyouof，shemanagedtorecallsomeofhercustomarycheerfulnessanddecidedtopatientlyawaitwhateverherfatemightbe。
Byandbytheblackcloudsrolledawayandshowedablueskyoverhead，withasilvermoonshiningsweetlyinthemiddleofitandlittlestarswinkingmerrilyatDorothywhenshelookedtheirway。Thecoopdidnottossaroundanymore，butrodethewavesmoregently——almostlikeacradlerocking——sothattheflooruponwhichDorothystoodwasnolongersweptbywatercomingthroughtheslats。Seeingthis，andbeingquiteexhaustedbytheexcitementofthepastfewhours，thelittlegirldecidedthatsleepwouldbethebestthingtorestoreherstrengthandtheeasiestwayinwhichshecouldpassthetime。Thefloorwasdampandshewasherselfwringingwet，butfortunatelythiswasawarmclimateandshedidnotfeelatallcold。
Soshesatdowninacornerofthecoop，leanedherbackagainsttheslats，noddedatthefriendlystarsbeforesheclosedhereyes，andwasasleepinhalfaminute。
2。TheYellowHenAstrangenoiseawokeDorothy，whoopenedhereyestofindthatdayhaddawnedandthesunwasshiningbrightlyinaclearsky。ShehadbeendreamingthatshewasbackinKansasagain，andplayingintheoldbarn-yardwiththecalvesandpigsandchickensallaroundher;
andatfirst，assherubbedthesleepfromhereyes，shereallyimaginedshewasthere。
"Kut-kut-kut，ka-daw-kut！Kut-kut-kut，ka-daw-kut！"
Ah;hereagainwasthestrangenoisethathadawakenedher。Surelyitwasahencackling！Butherwide-openeyesfirstsaw，throughtheslatsofthecoop，thebluewavesoftheocean，nowcalmandplacid，andherthoughtsflewbacktothepastnight，sofullofdangeranddiscomfort。Alsoshebegantorememberthatshewasawaifofthestorm，adriftuponatreacherousandunknownsea。
"Kut-kut-kut，ka-daw-w-w——kut！"
"What’sthat？"criedDorothy，startingtoherfeet。
"Why，I’vejustlaidanegg，that’sall，"repliedasmall，butsharpanddistinctvoice，andlookingaroundherthelittlegirldiscoveredayellowhensquattingintheoppositecornerofthecoop。
"Dearme！"sheexclaimed，insurprise;"haveYOUbeenhereallnight，too？"
"Ofcourse，"answeredthehen，flutteringherwingsandyawning。
"WhenthecoopblewawayfromtheshipIclungfasttothiscorner，withclawsandbeak，forIknewifIfellintothewaterI’dsurelybedrowned。Indeed，Inearlydrowned，asitwas，withallthatwaterwashingoverme。Ineverwassowetbeforeinmylife！"
"Yes，"agreedDorothy，"itwasprettywet，foratime，Iknow。Butdoyoufeelcomfor’blenow？"
"Notvery。Thesunhashelpedtodrymyfeathers，asithasyourdress，andIfeelbettersinceIlaidmymorningegg。Butwhat’stobecomeofus，Ishouldliketoknow，afloatonthisbigpond？"
"I’dliketoknowthat，too，"saidDorothy。"But，tellme;howdoesithappenthatyouareabletotalk？Ithoughthenscouldonlycluckandcackle。"
"Why，asforthat，"answeredtheyellowhenthoughtfully，"I’vecluckedandcackledallmylife，andneverspokenawordbeforethismorning，thatIcanremember。Butwhenyouaskedaquestion，aminuteago，itseemedthemostnaturalthingintheworldtoansweryou。SoIspoke，andIseemtokeeponspeaking，justasyouandotherhumanbeingsdo。Strange，isn’tit？"
"Very，"repliedDorothy。"IfwewereintheLandofOz，Iwouldn’tthinkitsoqueer，becausemanyoftheanimalscantalkinthatfairycountry。ButouthereintheoceanmustbeagoodlongwayfromOz。"
"Howismygrammar？"askedtheyellowhen，anxiously。"DoIspeakquiteproperly，inyourjudgment？"
"Yes，"saidDorothy，"youdoverywell，forabeginner。"
"I’mgladtoknowthat，"continuedtheyellowhen，inaconfidentialtone;"because，ifoneisgoingtotalk，it’sbesttotalkcorrectly。
Theredroosterhasoftensaidthatmycluckandmycacklewerequiteperfect;andnowit’sacomforttoknowIamtalkingproperly。"
"I’mbeginningtogethungry，"remarkedDorothy。"It’sbreakfasttime;butthere’snobreakfast。"
"Youmayhavemyegg，"saidtheyellowhen。"Idon’tcareforit，youknow。"
"Don’tyouwanttohatchit？"askedthelittlegirl，insurprise。
"No，indeed;InevercaretohatcheggsunlessI’veanicesnugnest，insomequietplace，withabaker’sdozenofeggsunderme。That’sthirteen，youknow，andit’saluckynumberforhens。Soyoumayaswelleatthisegg。"
"Oh，Icouldn’tPOSS’BLYeatit，unlessitwascooked，"exclaimedDorothy。"ButI’mmuchobligedforyourkindness，justthesame。"
"Don’tmentionit，mydear，"answeredthehen，calmly，andbeganpruningherfeathers。
ForamomentDorothystoodlookingoutoverthewidesea。Shewasstillthinkingoftheegg，though;sopresentlysheasked：
"Whydoyoulayeggs，whenyoudon’texpecttohatchthem？"
"It’sahabitIhave，"repliedtheyellowhen。"Ithasalwaysbeenmypridetolayafresheggeverymorning，exceptwhenI’mmoulting。I
neverfeellikehavingmymorningcackletilltheeggisproperlylaid，andwithoutthechancetocackleIwouldnotbehappy。"
"It’sstrange，"saidthegirl，reflectively;"butasI’mnotahenI
can’tbe’spectedtounderstandthat。"
"Certainlynot，mydear。"
ThenDorothyfellsilentagain。Theyellowhenwassomecompany，andabitofcomfort，too;butitwasdreadfullylonelyoutonthebigocean，nevertheless。
Afteratimethehenflewupandpercheduponthetopmostslatofthecoop，whichwasalittleaboveDorothy’sheadwhenshewassittinguponthebottom，asshehadbeendoingforsomemomentspast。
"Why，wearenotfarfromland！"exclaimedthehen。
"Where？Whereisit？"criedDorothy，jumpingupingreatexcitement。
"Overtherealittleway，"answeredthehen，noddingherheadinacertaindirection。"Weseemtobedriftingtowardit，sothatbeforenoonweoughttofindourselvesupondrylandagain。"
"Ishalllikethat！"saidDorothy，withalittlesigh，forherfeetandlegswerestillwettednowandthenbythesea-waterthatcamethroughtheopenslats。
"SoshallI，"answeredhercompanion。"Thereisnothingintheworldsomiserableasawethen。"
Theland，whichtheyseemedtoberapidlyapproaching，sinceitgrewmoredistincteveryminute，wasquitebeautifulasviewedbythelittlegirlinthefloatinghen-coop。Nexttothewaterwasabroadbeachofwhitesandandgravel，andfartherbackwereseveralrockyhills，whilebeyondtheseappearedastripofgreentreesthatmarkedtheedgeofaforest。Buttherewerenohousestobeseen，noranysignofpeoplewhomightinhabitthisunknownland。
"Ihopeweshallfindsomethingtoeat，"saidDorothy，lookingeagerlyattheprettybeachtowardwhichtheydrifted。"It’slongpastbreakfasttime，now。"
"I’matriflehungry，myself，"declaredtheyellowhen。
"Whydon’tyoueattheegg？"askedthechild。"Youdon’tneedtohaveyourfoodcooked，asIdo。"
"Doyoutakemeforacannibal？"criedthehen，indignantly。"IdonotknowwhatIhavesaidordonethatleadsyoutoinsultme！"
"Ibegyourpardon，I’msureMrs。——Mrs。——bytheway，mayIinquireyourname，ma’am？"askedthelittlegirl。
"MynameisBill，"saidtheyellowhen，somewhatgruffly。
"Bill！Why，that’saboy’sname。"
"Whatdifferencedoesthatmake？"
"You’realadyhen，aren’tyou？"
"Ofcourse。ButwhenIwasfirsthatchedoutnoonecouldtellwhetherIwasgoingtobeahenorarooster;sothelittleboyatthefarmwhereIwasborncalledmeBill，andmadeapetofmebecauseI
wastheonlyyellowchickeninthewholebrood。WhenIgrewup，andhefoundthatIdidn’tcrowandfight，asalltheroostersdo，hedidnotthinktochangemyname，andeverycreatureinthebarn-yard，aswellasthepeopleinthehouse，knewmeas’Bill。’SoBillI’vealwaysbeencalled，andBillismyname。"
"Butit’sallwrong，youknow，"declaredDorothy，earnestly;"and，ifyoudon’tmind，Ishallcallyou’Billina。’Puttingthe’eena’ontheendmakesitagirl’sname，yousee。"
"Oh，Idon’tminditintheleast，"returnedtheyellowhen。"Itdoesn’tmatteratallwhatyoucallme，solongasIknowthenamemeansME。"
"Verywell，Billina。MYnameisDorothyGale——justDorothytomyfriendsandMissGaletostrangers。YoumaycallmeDorothy，ifyoulike。We’regettingveryneartheshore。Doyousupposeitistoodeepformetowadetherestoftheway？"
"Waitafewminuteslonger。Thesunshineiswarmandpleasant，andweareinnohurry。"
"Butmyfeetareallwetandsoggy，"saidthegirl。"Mydressisdryenough，butIwon’tfeelrealcomfor’bletillIgetmyfeetdried。"
Shewaited，however，asthehenadvised，andbeforelongthebigwoodencoopgratedgentlyonthesandybeachandthedangerousvoyagewasover。
Itdidnottakethecastawayslongtoreachtheshore，youmaybesure。Theyellowhenflewtothesandsatonce，butDorothyhadtoclimboverthehighslats。Still，foracountrygirl，thatwasnotmuchofafeat，andassoonasshewassafeashoreDorothydrewoffherwetshoesandstockingsandspreadthemuponthesun-warmedbeachtodry。
ThenshesatdownandwatchedBillina，whowaspick-peckingawaywithhersharpbillinthesandandgravel，whichshescratchedupandturnedoverwithherstrongclaws。
"Whatareyoudoing？"askedDorothy。
"Gettingmybreakfast，ofcourse，"murmuredthehen，busilypeckingaway。
"Whatdoyoufind？"inquiredthegirl，curiously。
"Oh，somefatredants，andsomesand-bugs，andonceinawhileatinycrab。Theyareverysweetandnice，Iassureyou。"
"Howdreadful！"exclaimedDorothy，inashockedvoice。
"Whatisdreadful？"askedthehen，liftingherheadtogazewithonebrighteyeathercompanion。
"Why，eatinglivethings，andhorridbugs，andcrawlyants。Yououghttobe’SHAMEDofyourself！"
"Goodnessme！"returnedthehen，inapuzzledtone;"howqueeryouare，Dorothy！Livethingsaremuchfresherandmorewholesomethandeadones，andyouhumanseatallsortsofdeadcreatures。"
"Wedon’t！"saidDorothy。
"Youdo，indeed，"answeredBillina。"Youeatlambsandsheepandcowsandpigsandevenchickens。"
"Butwecook’em，"saidDorothy，triumphantly。
"Whatdifferencedoesthatmake？"
"Agooddeal，"saidthegirl，inagravertone。"Ican’tjust’splainthediff’rence，butit’sthere。And，anyhow，wenevereatsuchdreadfulthingsasBUGS。"
"Butyoueatthechickensthateatthebugs，"retortedtheyellowhen，withanoddcackle。"Soyouarejustasbadaswechickensare。"
ThismadeDorothythoughtful。WhatBillinasaidwastrueenough，anditalmosttookawayherappetiteforbreakfast。Asfortheyellowhen，shecontinuedtopeckawayatthesandbusily，andseemedquitecontentedwithherbill-of-fare。
Finally，downnearthewater’sedge，Billinastuckherbilldeepintothesand，andthendrewbackandshivered。
"Ow！"shecried。"Istruckmetal，thattime，anditnearlybrokemybeak。"
"Itprob’blywasarock，"saidDorothy，carelessly。
"Nonsense。Iknowarockfrommetal，Iguess，"saidthehen。
"There’sadifferentfeeltoit。"
"Buttherecouldn’tbeanymetalonthiswild，desertedseashore，"
persistedthegirl。"Where’stheplace？I’lldigitup，andprovetoyouI’mright，"
Billinashowedhertheplacewhereshehad"stubbedherbill，"assheexpressedit，andDorothydugawaythesanduntilshefeltsomethinghard。Then，thrustinginherhand，shepulledthethingout，anddiscoveredittobealargesizedgoldenkey——ratherold，butstillbrightandofperfectshape。
"WhatdidItellyou？"criedthehen，withacackleoftriumph。"CanItellmetalwhenIbumpintoit，oristhethingarock？"
"It’smetal，sureenough，"answeredthechild，gazingthoughtfullyatthecuriousthingshehadfound。"Ithinkitispuregold，anditmusthavelainhiddeninthesandforalongtime。Howdoyousupposeitcamethere，Billina？Andwhatdoyousupposethismysteriouskeyunlocks？"
"Ican’tsay，"repliedthehen。"YououghttoknowmoreaboutlocksandkeysthanIdo。"
Dorothyglancedaround。Therewasnosignofanyhouseinthatpartofthecountry，andshereasonedthateverykeymustfitalockandeverylockmusthaveapurpose。Perhapsthekeyhadbeenlostbysomebodywholivedfaraway，buthadwanderedonthisveryshore。
Musingonthesethingsthegirlputthekeyinthepocketofherdressandthenslowlydrewonhershoesandstockings，whichthesunhadfullydried。
"Ib’lieve，Billina，"shesaid，"I’llhavealook’round，andseeifI
canfindsomebreakfast。"
3。LettersintheSandWalkingalittlewaybackfromthewater’sedge，towardthegroveoftrees，Dorothycametoaflatstretchofwhitesandthatseemedtohavequeersignsmarkeduponitssurface，justasonewouldwriteuponsandwithastick。
"Whatdoesitsay？"sheaskedtheyellowhen，whotrottedalongbesideherinaratherdignifiedfashion。
"HowshouldIknow？"returnedthehen。"Icannotread。"
"Oh！Can’tyou？"
"Certainlynot;I’veneverbeentoschool，youknow。"
"Well，Ihave，"admittedDorothy;"butthelettersarebigandfarapart，andit’shardtospelloutthewords。"
Butshelookedateachlettercarefully，andfinallydiscoveredthatthesewordswerewritteninthesand：
"BEWARETHEWHEELERS！"
"That’sratherstrange，"declaredthehen，whenDorothyhadreadaloudthewords。"WhatdoyousupposetheWheelersare？"
"Folksthatwheel，Iguess。Theymusthavewheelbarrows，orbaby-cabsorhand-carts，"saidDorothy。
"Perhapsthey’reautomobiles，"suggestedtheyellowhen。"Thereisnoneedtobewareofbaby-cabsandwheelbarrows;butautomobilesaredangerousthings。Severalofmyfriendshavebeenrunoverbythem。"
"Itcan’tbeauto’biles，"repliedthegirl，"forthisisanew，wildcountry，withouteventrolley-carsortel’phones。Thepeopleherehaven’tbeendiscoveredyet，I’msure;thatis，ifthereAREanypeople。SoIdon’tb’lievethereCANbeanyauto’biles，Billina。"
"Perhapsnot，"admittedtheyellowhen。"Whereareyougoingnow？"
"Overtothosetrees，toseeifIcanfindsomefruitornuts，"
answeredDorothy。
Shetrampedacrossthesand，skirtingthefootofoneofthelittlerockyhillsthatstoodnear，andsoonreachedtheedgeoftheforest。
Atfirstshewasgreatlydisappointed，becausethenearertreeswereallpunita，orcotton-woodoreucalyptus，andborenofruitornutsatall。But，byeandbye，whenshewasalmostindespair，thelittlegirlcameupontwotreesthatpromisedtofurnishherwithplentyoffood。
Onewasquitefullofsquarepaperboxes，whichgrewinclustersonallthelimbs，anduponthebiggestandripestboxestheword"Lunch"
couldberead，inneatraisedletters。Thistreeseemedtobearalltheyeararound，fortherewerelunch-boxblossomsonsomeofthebranches，andonotherstinylittlelunch-boxesthatwereasyetquitegreen，andevidentlynotfittoeatuntiltheyhadgrownbigger。
Theleavesofthistreewereallpapernapkins，anditpresentedaverypleasingappearancetothehungrylittlegirl。
Butthetreenexttothelunch-boxtreewasevenmorewonderful，foritborequantitiesoftindinner-pails，whichweresofullandheavythatthestoutbranchesbentunderneaththeirweight。Someweresmallanddark-brownincolor;thoselargerwereofadulltincolor;butthereallyripeoneswerepailsofbrighttinthatshoneandglistenedbeautifullyintheraysofsunshinethattouchedthem。
Dorothywasdelighted，andeventheyellowhenacknowledgedthatshewassurprised。
Thelittlegirlstoodontip-toeandpickedoneofthenicestandbiggestlunch-boxes，andthenshesatdownuponthegroundandeagerlyopenedit。Insideshefound，nicelywrappedinwhitepapers，ahamsandwich，apieceofsponge-cake，apickle，asliceofnewcheeseandanapple。Eachthinghadaseparatestem，andsohadtobepickedoffthesideofthebox;butDorothyfoundthemalltobedelicious，andsheateeverybitofluncheonintheboxbeforeshehadfinished。
"Alunchisn’tzactlybreakfast，"shesaidtoBillina，whosatbesidehercuriouslywatching。"Butwhenoneishungryonecaneatevensupperinthemorning，andnotcomplain。"
"Ihopeyourlunch-boxwasperfectlyripe，"observedtheyellowhen，inaanxioustone。"Somuchsicknessiscausedbyeatinggreenthings。"
"Oh，I’msureitwasripe，"declaredDorothy，"all，thatis，’ceptthepickle，andapicklejustHAStobegreen，Billina。Buteverythingtastedperfectlysplendid，andI’dratherhaveitthanachurchpicnic。AndnowIthinkI’llpickadinner-pail，tohavewhenIgethungryagain，andthenwe’llstartoutand’splorethecountry，andseewhereweare。"
"Haven’tyouanyideawhatcountrythisis？"inquiredBillina。
"Noneatall。Butlisten：I’mquitesureit’safairycountry，orsuchthingsaslunch-boxesanddinner-pailswouldn’tbegrowingupontrees。Besides，Billina，beingahen，youwouldn’tbeabletotalkinanyciv’lizedcountry，likeKansas，wherenofairiesliveatall。"
"Perhapswe’reintheLandofOz，"saidthehen，thoughtfully。
"No，thatcan’tbe，"answeredthelittlegirl;becauseI’vebeentotheLandofOz，andit’sallsurroundedbyahorriddesertthatnoonecancross。"
"Thenhowdidyougetawayfromthereagain？"askedBillina。
"Ihadapairofsilvershoes，thatcarriedmethroughtheair;butI
lostthem，"saidDorothy。
"Ah，indeed，"remarkedtheyellowhen，inatoneofunbelief。
"Anyhow，"resumedthegirl，"thereisnoseashoreneartheLandofOz，sothismustsurelybesomeotherfairycountry。"
Whileshewasspeakingsheselectedabrightandprettydinner-pailthatseemedtohaveastouthandle，andpickeditfromitsbranch。
Then，accompaniedbytheyellowhen，shewalkedoutoftheshadowofthetreestowardthesea-shore。
TheywerepartwayacrossthesandswhenBillinasuddenlycried，inavoiceofterror：
"What’sthat？"
Dorothyturnedquicklyaround，andsawcomingoutofapaththatledfrombetweenthetreesthemostpeculiarpersonhereyeshadeverbeheld。
Ithadtheformofaman，exceptthatitwalked，orratherrolled，uponallfours，anditslegswerethesamelengthasitsarms，givingthemtheappearanceofthefourlegsofabeast。YetitwasnobeastthatDorothyhaddiscovered，forthepersonwasclothedmostgorgeouslyinembroideredgarmentsofmanycolors，andworeastrawhatperchedjauntilyuponthesideofitshead。Butitdifferedfromhumanbeingsinthisrespect，thatinsteadofhandsandfeettheregrewattheendofitsarmsandlegsroundwheels，andbymeansofthesewheelsitrolledveryswiftlyoverthelevelground。AfterwardDorothyfoundthattheseoddwheelswereofthesamehardsubstancethatourfinger-nailsandtoe-nailsarecomposedof，andshealsolearnedthatcreaturesofthisstrangeracewereborninthisqueerfashion。Butwhenourlittlegirlfirstcaughtsightofthefirstindividualofaracethatwasdestinedtocauseheralotoftrouble，shehadanideathatthebrilliantly-clothedpersonagewasonroller-skates，whichwereattachedtohishandsaswellastohisfeet。
"Run！"screamedtheyellowhen，flutteringawayingreatfright。
"It’saWheeler！"
"AWheeler？"exclaimedDorothy。"Whatcanthatbe？"
"Don’tyourememberthewarninginthesand：’BewaretheWheelers’？
Run，Itellyou——run！"
SoDorothyran，andtheWheelergaveasharp，wildcryandcameafterherinfullchase。
Lookingoverhershoulderassheran，thegirlnowsawagreatprocessionofWheelersemergingfromtheforest——dozensanddozensofthem——allcladinsplendid，tight-fittinggarmentsandallrollingswiftlytowardherandutteringtheirwild，strangecries。
"They’resuretocatchus！"pantedthegirl，whowasstillcarryingtheheavydinner-pailshehadpicked。"Ican’trunmuchfarther，Billina。"
"Climbupthishill，——quick！"saidthehen;andDorothyfoundshewasveryneartotheheapoflooseandjaggedrockstheyhadpassedontheirwaytotheforest。Theyellowhenwasevennowflutteringamongtherocks，andDorothyfollowedasbestshecould，halfclimbingandhalftumblinguptheroughandruggedsteep。
Shewasnonetoosoon，fortheforemostWheelerreachedthehillamomentafterher;butwhilethegirlscrambleduptherocksthecreaturestoppedshortwithhowlsofrageanddisappointment。
Dorothynowheardtheyellowhenlaughing，inhercackling，hennyway。
"Don’thurry，mydear，"criedBillina。"Theycan’tfollowusamongtheserocks，sowe’resafeenoughnow。"
Dorothystoppedatonceandsatdownuponabroadboulder，forshewasalloutofbreath。
TherestoftheWheelershadnowreachedthefootofthehill，butitwasevidentthattheirwheelswouldnotrollupontheroughandjaggedrocks，andthereforetheywerehelplesstofollowDorothyandthehentowheretheyhadtakenrefuge。Buttheycircledallaroundthelittlehill，sothechildandBillinawerefastprisonersandcouldnotcomedownwithoutbeingcaptured。
ThenthecreaturesshooktheirfrontwheelsatDorothyinathreateningmanner，anditseemedtheywereabletospeakaswellastomaketheirdreadfuloutcries，forseveralofthemshouted：
"We’llgetyouintime，neverfear！Andwhenwedogetyou，we’lltearyouintolittlebits！"
"Whyareyousocrueltome？"askedDorothy。"I’mastrangerinyourcountry，andhavedoneyounoharm。"
"Noharm！"criedonewhoseemedtobetheirleader。"Didyounotpickourlunch-boxesanddinner-pails？Haveyounotastolendinner-pailstillinyourhand？"
"Ionlypickedoneofeach，"sheanswered。"Iwashungry，andI
didn’tknowthetreeswereyours。"
"Thatisnoexcuse，"retortedtheleader，whowasclothedinamostgorgeoussuit。"Itisthelawherethatwhoeverpicksadinner-pailwithoutourpermissionmustdieimmediately。"
"Don’tyoubelievehim，"saidBillina。"I’msurethetreesdonotbelongtotheseawfulcreatures。Theyarefitforanymischief，andit’smyopiniontheywouldtrytokillusjustthesameifyouhadn’tpickedadinner-pail。"
"Ithinkso，too，"agreedDorothy。"Butwhatshallwedonow？"
"Staywhereweare，"advisedtheyellowhen。"WearesafefromtheWheelersuntilwestarvetodeath，anyhow;andbeforethattimecomesagoodmanythingscanhappen。"
4。TiktoktheMachineManAfteranhourorsomostofthebandofWheelersrolledbackintotheforest，leavingonlythreeoftheirnumbertoguardthehill。Thesecurledthemselvesuplikebigdogsandpretendedtogotosleeponthesands;butneitherDorothynorBillinawerefooledbythistrick，sotheyremainedinsecurityamongtherocksandpaidnoattentiontotheircunningenemies。
Finallythehen，flutteringoverthemound，exclaimed："Why，here’sapath！"
SoDorothyatonceclamberedtowhereBillinasat，andthere，sureenough，wasasmoothpathcutbetweentherocks。Itseemedtowindaroundthemoundfromtoptobottom，likeacork-screw，twistinghereandtherebetweentheroughbouldersbutalwaysremaininglevelandeasytowalkupon。
Indeed，DorothywonderedatfirstwhytheWheelersdidnotrollupthispath;butwhenshefollowedittothefootofthemoundshefoundthatseveralbigpiecesofrockhadbeenplaceddirectlyacrosstheendoftheway，thuspreventinganyoneoutsidefromseeingitandalsopreventingtheWheelersfromusingittoclimbupthemound。
ThenDorothywalkedbackupthepath，andfollowedituntilshecametotheverytopofthehill，whereasolitaryroundrockstoodthatwasbiggerthananyoftheotherssurroundingit。Thepathcametoanendjustbesidethisgreatrock，andforamomentitpuzzledthegirltoknowwhythepathhadbeenmadeatall。Butthehen，whohadbeengravelyfollowingheraroundandwasnowpercheduponapointofrockbehindDorothy，suddenlyremarked：
"Itlookssomethinglikeadoor，doesn’tit？"
"Whatlookslikeadoor？"enquiredthechild。
"Why，thatcrackintherock，justfacingyou，"repliedBillina，whoselittleroundeyeswereverysharpandseemedtoseeeverything。"Itrunsuponesideanddowntheother，andacrossthetopandthebottom。"
"Whatdoes？"
"Why，thecrack。SoIthinkitmustbeadoorofrock，althoughIdonotseeanyhinges。"
"Oh，yes，"saidDorothy，nowobservingforthefirsttimethecrackintherock。"Andisn’tthisakey-hole，Billina？"pointingtoaround，deepholeatonesideofthedoor。
"Ofcourse。Ifweonlyhadthekey，now，wecouldunlockitandseewhatisthere，"repliedtheyellowhen。"Maybeit’satreasurechamberfullofdiamondsandrubies，orheapsofshininggold，or——"
"Thatremindsme，"saidDorothy，"ofthegoldenkeyIpickedupontheshore。Doyouthinkthatitwouldfitthiskey-hole，Billina？"
"Tryitandsee，"suggestedthehen。
SoDorothysearchedinthepocketofherdressandfoundthegoldenkey。Andwhenshehadputitintotheholeoftherock，andturnedit，asuddensharpsnapwasheard;then，withasolemncreakthatmadetheshiversrundownthechild’sback，thefaceoftherockfelloutward，likeadooronhinges，andrevealedasmalldarkchamberjustinside。
"Goodgracious！"criedDorothy，shrinkingbackasfarasthenarrowpathwouldlether。
For，standingwithinthenarrowchamberofrock，wastheformofaman——or，atleast，itseemedlikeaman，inthedimlight。HewasonlyaboutastallasDorothyherself，andhisbodywasroundasaballandmadeoutofburnishedcopper。Alsohisheadandlimbswerecopper，andthesewerejointedorhingedtohisbodyinapeculiarway，withmetalcapsoverthejoints，likethearmorwornbyknightsindaysofold。Hestoodperfectlystill，andwherethelightstruckuponhisformitglitteredasifmadeofpuregold。
"Don’tbefrightened，"calledBillina，fromherperch。"Itisn’talive。"
"Iseeitisn’t，"repliedthegirl，drawingalongbreath。
"Itisonlymadeoutofcopper，liketheoldkettleinthebarn-yardathome，"continuedthehen，turningherheadfirsttoonesideandthentotheother，sothatbothherlittleroundeyescouldexaminetheobject。
"Once，"saidDorothy，"Iknewamanmadeoutoftin，whowasawoodmannamedNickChopper。Buthewasasaliveasweare，’causehewasbornarealman，andgothistinbodyalittleatatime——firstalegandthenafingerandthenanear——forthereasonthathehadsomanyaccidentswithhisaxe，andcuthimselfupinaverycarelessmanner。"
"Oh，"saidthehen，withasniff，asifshedidnotbelievethestory。
"Butthiscopperman，"continuedDorothy，lookingatitwithbigeyes，"isnotaliveatall，andIwonderwhatitwasmadefor，andwhyitwaslockedupinthisqueerplace。"
"Thatisamystery，"remarkedthehen，twistingherheadtoarrangeherwing-featherswithherbill。
Dorothysteppedinsidethelittleroomtogetabackviewofthecopperman，andinthiswaydiscoveredaprintedcardthathungbetweenhisshoulders，itbeingsuspendedfromasmallcopperpegatthebackofhisneck。Sheunfastenedthiscardandreturnedtothepath，wherethelightwasbetter，andsatherselfdownuponaslabofrocktoreadtheprinting。
"Whatdoesitsay？"askedthehen，curiously。
Dorothyreadthecardaloud，spellingoutthebigwordswithsomedifficulty;andthisiswhatsheread：
+————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————+
||
|SMITH&TINKER’S|
|PatentDouble-Action，Extra-Responsive，|
|Thought-Creating，Perfect-Talking|
|MECHANICALMAN|
|FittedwithourSpecialClock-WorkAttachment。|
|Thinks，Speaks，Acts，andDoesEverythingbutLive。|
|ManufacturedonlyatourWorksatEvna，LandofEv。|
|AllinfringementswillbepromptlyProsecutedaccordingtoLaw。|
||
+————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————+
"Howqueer！"saidtheyellowhen。"Doyouthinkthatisalltrue，mydear？"
"Idon’tknow，"answeredDorothy，whohadmoretoread。"Listentothis，Billina："
+——————————————————————————————————————————————————+
||
|DIRECTIONSFORUSING：|
|ForTHINKING：——WindtheClock-workManunderhis|
|leftarm，（markedNo。1。）|
|ForSPEAKING：——WindtheClock-workManunderhis|
|rightarm，（markedNo。2。）|
|ForWALKINGandACTION：——WindClock-workinthe|
|middleofhisback，（markedNo。3。）|
|N。B。——ThisMechanismisguaranteedtowork|
|perfectlyforathousandyears。|
||
+——————————————————————————————————————————————————+
"Well，Ideclare！"gaspedtheyellowhen，inamazement;"ifthecoppermancandohalfofthesethingsheisaverywonderfulmachine。ButI
supposeitisallhumbug，likesomanyotherpatentedarticles。"
"Wemightwindhimup，"suggestedDorothy，"andseewhathe’lldo。"
"Whereisthekeytotheclock-work？"askedBillina。
"HangingonthepegwhereIfoundthecard。"
"Then，"saidthehen，"letustryhim，andfindoutifhewillgo。Heiswarrantedforathousandyears，itseems;butwedonotknowhowlonghehasbeenstandinginsidethisrock。"
Dorothyhadalreadytakentheclockkeyfromthepeg。
"WhichshallIwindupfirst？"sheasked，lookingagainatthedirectionsonthecard。
"NumberOne，Ishouldthink，"returnedBillina。"Thatmakeshimthink，doesn’tit？"
"Yes，"saidDorothy，andwoundupNumberOne，undertheleftarm。
"Hedoesn’tseemanydifferent，"remarkedthehen，critically。
"Why，ofcoursenot;heisonlythinking，now，"saidDorothy。
"Iwonderwhatheisthinkingabout。"
"I’llwinduphistalk，andthenperhapshecantellus，"saidthegirl。
SoshewoundupNumberTwo，andimmediatelytheclock-workmansaid，withoutmovinganypartofhisbodyexcepthislips：
"Goodmorn-ing，lit-tlegirl。Goodmorn-ing，Mrs。Hen。"
Thewordssoundedalittlehoarseandcreaky，andtheywereutteredallinthesametone，withoutanychangeofexpressionwhatever;butbothDorothyandBillinaunderstoodthemperfectly。
"Goodmorning，sir，"theyanswered，politely。
"Thankyouforres-cu-ingme，"continuedthemachine，inthesamemonotonousvoice，whichseemedtobeworkedbyabellowsinsideofhim，likethelittletoylambsandcatsthechildrensqueezesothattheywillmakeanoise。
"Don’tmentionit，"answeredDorothy。Andthen，beingverycurious，sheasked："Howdidyoucometobelockedupinthisplace？"
"Itisalongsto-ry，"repliedthecopperman;"butIwilltellittoyoubrief-ly。Iwaspur-chasedfromSmith&Tin-ker，myman-u-fac-tur-ers，byacru-elKingofEv，namedEv-ol-do，whousedtobeatallhisserv-antsun-tiltheydied。How-ev-er，hewasnota-bletokillme，be-causeIwasnota-live，andonemustfirstliveinor-dertodie。Sothatallhisbeat-ingdidmenoharm，andmere-lykeptmycop-perbod-ywellpol-ished。
"Thiscru-elkinghadalove-lywifeandtenbeau-ti-fulchil-dren——fiveboysandfivegirls——butinafitofan-gerhesoldthemalltotheNomeKing，whobymeansofhismag-icartschangedthemallin-tooth-erformsandputtheminhisun-der-groundpal-acetoor-na-menttherooms。
"Af-ter-wardtheKingofEvre-gret-tedhiswick-edac-tion，andtriedtogethiswifeandchil-drena-wayfromtheNomeKing，butwith-outa-vail。So，inde-spair，helockedmeupinthisrock，threwthekeyin-totheo-cean，andthenjumpedinaf-teritandwasdrowned。"
"Howverydreadful！"exclaimedDorothy。
"Itis，in-deed，"saidthemachine。"WhenIfoundmy-selfim-pris-onedIshout-edforhelpun-tilmyvoicerandown;andthenI
walkedbackandforthinthislit-tleroomun-tilmyac-tionrandown;
andthenIstoodstillandthoughtun-tilmythoughtsrandown。
Af-terthatIre-mem-bernoth-ingun-tilyouwoundmeupa-gain。"
"It’saverywonderfulstory，"saidDorothy，"andprovesthattheLandofEvisreallyafairyland，asIthoughtitwas。"
"Ofcourseitis，"answeredthecopperman。"Idonotsup-posesuchaper-fectma-chineasIamcouldbemadeinan-yplacebutafair-yland。"
"I’veneverseenoneinKansas，"saidDorothy。
"Butwheredidyougetthekeytoun-lockthisdoor？"askedtheclock-workvoice。
"Ifounditontheshore，whereitwasprob’lywashedupbythewaves，"sheanswered。"Andnow，sir，ifyoudon’tmind，I’llwindupyouraction。"
"Thatwillpleasemeve-rymuch，"saidthemachine。
SoshewoundupNumberThree，andatoncethecoppermaninasomewhatstiffandjerkyfashionwalkedoutoftherockycavern，tookoffhiscopperhatandbowedpolitely，andthenkneeledbeforeDorothy。
Saidhe：
"FromthistimeforthIamyouro-be-di-entser-vant。What-ev-eryoucom-mand，thatIwilldowill-ing-ly——ifyoukeepmewoundup。"
"Whatisyourname？"sheasked。
"Tik-tok，"hereplied。"Myfor-mermas-tergavemethatnamebe-causemyclock-workal-waystickswhenitiswoundup。"
"Icanhearitnow，"saidtheyellowhen。
"SocanI，"saidDorothy。Andthensheadded，withsomeanxiety："Youdon’tstrike，doyou？"
"No，"answeredTiktok;"andthereisnoa-larmcon-nec-tedwithmyma-chin-er-y。Icantellthetime，though，byspeak-ing，andasInev-ersleepIcanwak-enyouatan-yhouryouwishtogetupinthemorn-ing。"
"That’snice，"saidthelittlegirl;"onlyIneverwishtogetupinthemorning。"
"YoucansleepuntilIlaymyegg，"saidtheyellowhen。"Then，whenIcackle，Tiktokwillknowitistimetowakenyou。"
"Doyoulayyoureggveryearly？"askedDorothy。
"Abouteighto’clock，"saidBillina。"Andeverybodyoughttobeupbythattime，I’msure。"
5。DorothyOpenstheDinnerPail"NowTiktok，"saidDorothy，"thefirstthingtobedoneistofindawayforustoescapefromtheserocks。TheWheelersaredownbelow，youknow，andthreatentokillus。"
"Thereisnorea-sontobea-fraidoftheWheel-ers，"saidTiktok，thewordscomingmoreslowlythanbefore。
"Whynot？"sheasked。
"Be-causetheyareag-g-g——gr-gr-r-r-"
Hegaveasortofgurgleandstoppedshort，wavinghishandsfranticallyuntilsuddenlyhebecamemotionless，withonearmintheairandtheotherheldstifflybeforehimwithallthecopperfingersofthehandspreadoutlikeafan。
"Dearme！"saidDorothy，inafrightenedtone。"Whatcanthematterbe？"
"He’srundown，Isuppose，"saidthehen，calmly。"Youcouldn’thavewoundhimupverytight。"
"Ididn’tknowhowmuchtowindhim，"repliedthegirl;"butI’lltrytodobetternexttime。"
Sheranaroundthecoppermantotakethekeyfromthepegatthebackofhisneck，butitwasnotthere。
"It’sgone！"criedDorothy，indismay。
"What’sgone？"askedBillina。
"Thekey。"
"Itprobablyfelloffwhenhemadethatlowbowtoyou，"returnedthehen。"Lookaround，andseeifyoucannotfinditagain。"
Dorothylooked，andthehenhelpedher，andbyandbythegirldiscoveredtheclock-key，whichhadfallenintoacrackoftherock。
AtonceshewoundupTiktok’svoice，takingcaretogivethekeyasmanyturnsasitwouldgoaround。Shefoundthisquiteatask，asyoumayimagineifyouhaveevertriedtowindaclock，butthemachineman’sfirstwordsweretoassureDorothythathewouldnowrunforatleasttwenty-fourhours。
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