"Youdidnotwindmemuch，atfirst，"hecalmlysaid，"andItoldyouthatlongsto-rya-boutKingEv-ol-do;soitisnowon-derthatIrandown。"
Shenextrewoundtheactionclock-work，andthenBillinaadvisedhertocarrythekeytoTiktokinherpocket，soitwouldnotgetlostagain。
"Andnow，"saidDorothy，whenallthiswasaccomplished，"tellmewhatyouweregoingtosayabouttheWheelers。"
"Why，theyarenoth-ingtobefright-en’dat，"saidthemachine。
"Theytrytomakefolksbe-lievethattheyarever-yter-ri-ble，butasamat-teroffacttheWheel-ersareharm-lesse-noughtoan-yonethatdarestofightthem。Theymighttrytohurtalit-tlegirllikeyou，per-haps，be-causetheyarever-ymis-chiev-ous。ButifIhadaclubtheywouldruna-wayassoonastheysawme。"
"Haven’tyouaclub？"askedDorothy。
"No，"saidTiktok。
"Andyouwon’tfindsuchathingamongtheserocks，either，"declaredtheyellowhen。
"Thenwhatshallwedo？"askedthegirl。
"Windupmythink-workstight-ly，andIwilltrytothinkofsomeoth-erplan，"saidTiktok。
SoDorothyrewoundhisthoughtmachinery，andwhilehewasthinkingshedecidedtoeatherdinner。Billinawasalreadypeckingawayatthecracksintherocks，tofindsomethingtoeat，soDorothysatdownandopenedhertindinner-pail。
Inthecovershefoundasmalltankthatwasfullofverynicelemonade。Itwascoveredbyacup，whichmightalso，whenremoved，beusedtodrinkthelemonadefrom。Withinthepailwerethreeslicesofturkey，twoslicesofcoldtongue，somelobstersalad，fourslicesofbreadandbutter，asmallcustardpie，anorangeandninelargestrawberries，andsomenutsandraisins。Singularlyenough，thenutsinthisdinner-pailgrewalreadycracked，sothatDorothyhadnotroubleinpickingouttheirmeatstoeat。
Shespreadthefeastupontherockbesideherandbeganherdinner，firstofferingsomeofittoTiktok，whodeclinedbecause，ashesaid，hewasmerelyamachine。AfterwardsheofferedtosharewithBillina，butthehenmurmuredsomethingabout"deadthings"andsaidshepreferredherbugsandants。
"Dothelunch-boxtreesandthedinner-pailtreesbelongtotheWheelers？"thechildaskedTiktok，whileengagedineatinghermeal。
"Ofcoursenot，"heanswered。"Theybe-longtotheroy-alfam-il-yofEv，on-lyofcoursethereisnoroy-alfam-il-yjustnowbe-causeKingEv-ol-dojumpedin-totheseaandhiswifeandtenchil-drenhavebeentrans-formedbytheNomeKing。SothereisnoonetoruletheLandofEv，thatIcanthinkof。Per-hapsitisforthisrea-sonthattheWheel-ersclaimthetreesfortheirown，andpickthelunch-eonsanddin-nerstoeatthem-selves。Buttheybe-longtotheKing，andyouwillfindtheroy-al"E"stampedup-onthebot-tomofev-er-ydin-nerpail。"
Dorothyturnedthepailover，andatoncediscoveredtheroyalmarkuponit，asTiktokhadsaid。
"AretheWheelerstheonlyfolkslivingintheLandofEv？"enquiredthegirl。
"No;theyon-lyin-hab-itasmallpor-tionofitjustbackofthewoods，"repliedthemachine。"Buttheyhaveal-waysbeenmis-chiev-ousandim-per-ti-nent，andmyoldmas-ter，KingEv-ol-do，usedtocar-ryawhipwithhim，whenhewalkedout，tokeepthecrea-turesinor-der。WhenIwasfirstmadetheWheel-erstriedtoruno-verme，andbuttmewiththeirheads;buttheysoonfoundIwasbuiltoftoosol-idama-ter-i-alforthemtoin-jure。"
"Youseemverydurable，"saidDorothy。"Whomadeyou？"
"ThefirmofSmith&Tin-ker，inthetownofEvna，wheretheroy-alpal-acestands，"answeredTiktok。
"Didtheymakemanyofyou？"askedthechild。
"No;Iamtheon-lyau-to-mat-icme-chan-i-calmantheyev-ercom-plet-ed，"hereplied。"Theywerever-ywon-der-fulin-ven-tors，weremymak-ers，andquitear-tis-ticinalltheydid。"
"Iamsureofthat，"saidDorothy。"DotheyliveinthetownofEvnanow？"
"Theyarebothgone，"repliedthemachine。"Mr。Smithwasanart-ist，aswellasanin-vent-or，andhepaint-edapic-tureofariv-erwhichwassonat-ur-althat，ashewasreach-inga-crossittopaintsomeflow-ersontheop-po-sitebank，hefellin-tothewa-terandwasdrowned。"
"Oh，I’msorryforthat！"exclaimedthelittlegirl。
"Mis-terTin-ker，"continuedTiktok，"madealad-dersotallthathecouldresttheendofita-gainstthemoon，whilehestoodonthehigh-estrungandpickedthelit-tlestarstosetinthepointsoftheking’scrown。ButwhenhegottothemoonMis-terTin-kerfounditsuchalove-lyplacethathede-cid-edtolivethere，sohepulledupthelad-deraf-terhimandwehavenev-erseenhimsince。"
"Hemusthavebeenagreatlosstothiscountry，"saidDorothy，whowasbythistimeeatinghercustardpie。
"Hewas，"acknowledgedTiktok。"Alsoheisagreatlosstome。ForifIshouldgetoutofor-derIdonotknowofan-yonea-bletore-pairme，be-causeIamsocom-pli-cat-ed。Youhavenoi-de-ahowfullofma-chin-er-yIam。"
"Icanimagineit，"saidDorothy，readily。
"Andnow，"continuedthemachine，"Imuststoptalk-ingandbe-ginthink-inga-gainofawaytoes-capefromthisrock。"Soheturnedhalfwayaround，inordertothinkwithoutbeingdisturbed。
"ThebestthinkerIeverknew，"saidDorothytotheyellowhen，"wasascarecrow。"
"Nonsense！"snappedBillina。
"Itistrue，"declaredDorothy。"ImethimintheLandofOz，andhetraveledwithmetothecityofthegreatWizardofOz，soastogetsomebrains，forhisheadwasonlystuffedwithstraw。
Butitseemedtomethathethoughtjustaswellbeforehegothisbrainsashedidafterward。"
"DoyouexpectmetobelieveallthatrubbishabouttheLandofOz？"
enquiredBillina，whoseemedalittlecross——perhapsbecausebugswerescarce。
"Whatrubbish？"askedthechild，whowasnowfinishinghernutsandraisins。
"Why，yourimpossiblestoriesaboutanimalsthatcantalk，andatinwoodmanwhoisalive，andascarecrowwhocanthink。"
"Theyareallthere，"saidDorothy，"forIhaveseenthem。"
"Idon’tbelieveit！"criedthehen，withatossofherhead。
"That’s’causeyou’resoign’rant，"repliedthegirl，whowasalittleoffendedatherfriendBillina’sspeech。
"IntheLandofOz，"remarkedTiktok，turningtowardthem，"an-y-thingispos-si-ble。Foritisawon-der-fulfair-ycoun-try。"
"There，Billina！whatdidIsay？"criedDorothy。Andthensheturnedtothemachineandaskedinaneagertone："DoyouknowtheLandofOz，Tiktok？"
"No;butIhavehearda-boutit，"saidthecop-perman。"Foritison-lysep-a-ra-tedfromthisLandofEvbyabroaddes-ert。"
Dorothyclappedherhandstogetherdelightedly。
"I’mgladofthat！"sheexclaimed。"Itmakesmequitehappytobesonearmyoldfriends。ThescarecrowItoldyouof，Billina，istheKingoftheLandofOz。"
"Par-donme。Heisnotthekingnow，"saidTiktok。
"HewaswhenIleftthere，"declaredDorothy。
"Iknow，"saidTiktok，"buttherewasarev-o-lu-tionintheLandofOz，andtheScare-crowwasde-posedbyasol-dierwo-mannamedGen-er-alJin-jur。AndthenJin-jurwasde-posedbyalit-tlegirlnamedOz-ma，whowastheright-fulheirtothethroneandnowrulesthelandun-dertheti-tleofOz-maofOz。"
"Thatisnewstome，"saidDorothy，thoughtfully。"ButIs’poselotsofthingshavehappenedsinceIlefttheLandofOz。IwonderwhathasbecomeoftheScarecrow，andoftheTinWoodman，andtheCowardlyLion。AndIwonderwhothisgirlOzmais，forIneverheardofherbefore。"
ButTiktokdidnotreplytothis。Hehadturnedaroundagaintoresumehisthinking。
Dorothypackedtherestofthefoodbackintothepail，soasnottobewastefulofgoodthings，andtheyellowhenforgotherdignityfarenoughtopickupallofthescatteredcrumbs，whichsheaterathergreedily，althoughshehadsolatelypretendedtodespisethethingsthatDorothypreferredasfood。
BythistimeTiktokapproachedthemwithhisstiffbow。
"Bekinde-noughtofol-lowme，"hesaid，"andIwillleadyoua-wayfromheretothetownofEv-na，whereyouwillbemorecom-for-ta-ble，andal-soIwillpro-tectyoufromtheWheel-ers。"
"Allright，"answeredDorothy，promptly。"I’mready！"
6。TheHeadsofLangwidereTheywalkedslowlydownthepathbetweentherocks，Tiktokgoingfirst，Dorothyfollowinghim，andtheyellowhentrottingalonglastofall。
Atthefootofthepaththecoppermanleaneddownandtossedasidewitheasetherocksthatencumberedtheway。ThenheturnedtoDorothyandsaid：
"Letmecar-ryyourdin-ner-pail。"
Sheplaceditinhisrighthandatonce，andthecopperfingersclosedfirmlyoverthestouthandle。
Thenthelittleprocessionmarchedoutuponthelevelsands。
AssoonasthethreeWheelerswhowereguardingthemoundsawthem，theybegantoshouttheirwildcriesandrolledswiftlytowardthelittlegroup，asiftocapturethemorbartheirway。Butwhentheforemosthadapproachednearenough，Tiktokswungthetindinner-pailandstrucktheWheelerasharpblowoveritsheadwiththequeerweapon。Perhapsitdidnothurtverymuch，butitmadeagreatnoise，andtheWheelerutteredahowlandtumbledoveruponitsside。Thenextminuteitscrambledtoitswheelsandrolledawayasfastasitcouldgo，screechingwithfearatthesametime。
"Itoldyoutheywereharm-less，"beganTiktok;butbeforehecouldsaymoreanotherWheelerwasuponthem。Crack！wentthedinner-pailagainstitshead，knockingitsstrawhatadozenfeetaway;andthatwasenoughforthisWheeler，also。Itrolledawayafterthefirstone，andthethirddidnotwaittobepoundedwiththepail，butjoineditsfellowsasquicklyasitswheelswouldwhirl。
Theyellowhengaveacackleofdelight，andflyingtoaperchuponTiktok’sshoulder，shesaid：
"Bravelydone，mycopperfriend！andwiselythoughtof，too。Nowwearefreefromthoseuglycreatures。"
ButjustthenalargebandofWheelersrolledfromtheforest，andrelyingupontheirnumberstoconquer，theyadvancedfiercelyuponTiktok。DorothygrabbedBillinainherarmsandheldhertight，andthemachineembracedtheformofthelittlegirlwithhisleftarm，thebettertoprotecther。ThentheWheelerswereuponthem。
Rattlety，bang！bang！wentthedinner-pailineverydirection，anditmadesomuchclatterbumpingagainsttheheadsoftheWheelersthattheyweremuchmorefrightenedthanhurtandfledinagreatpanic。
All，thatis，excepttheirleader。ThisWheelerhadstumbledagainstanotherandfallenflatuponhisback，andbeforehecouldgethiswheelsunderhimtoriseagain，Tiktokhadfastenedhiscopperfingersintotheneckofthegorgeousjacketofhisfoeandheldhimfast。
"Tellyourpeo-pletogoa-way，"commandedthemachine。
TheleaderoftheWheelershesitatedtogivethisorder，soTiktokshookhimasaterrierdogdoesarat，untiltheWheeler’steethrattledtogetherwithanoiselikehailstonesonawindowpane。Then，assoonasthecreaturecouldgetitsbreath，itshoutedtotheotherstorollaway，whichtheyimmediatelydid。
"Now，"saidTiktok，"youshallcomewithusandtellmewhatIwanttoknow。"
"You’llbesorryfortreatingmeinthisway，"whinedtheWheeler。
"I’materriblyfierceperson。"
"Asforthat，"answeredTiktok，"Iamonlyama-chine，andcan-notfeelsor-roworjoy，nomat-terwhathap-pens。Butyouarewrongtothinkyour-selfter-ri-bleorfierce。"
"Whyso？"askedtheWheeler。
"Be-causenooneelsethinksasyoudo。Yourwheelsmakeyouhelp-lesstoin-jurean-yone。Foryouhavenofistsandcannotscratchore-venpullhair。Norhaveyouan-yfeettokickwith。
Allyoucandoistoyellandshout，andthatdoesnothurtan-yoneatall。"
TheWheelerburstintoafloodoftears，toDorothy’sgreatsurprise。
"NowIandmypeopleareruinedforever！"hesobbed;"foryouhavediscoveredoursecret。Beingsohelpless，ouronlyhopeistomakepeopleafraidofus，bypretendingweareveryfierceandterrible，andwritinginthesandwarningstoBewaretheWheelers。Untilnowwehavefrightenedeveryone，butsinceyouhavediscoveredourweaknessourenemieswillfalluponusandmakeusverymiserableandunhappy。"
"Oh，no，"exclaimedDorothy，whowassorrytoseethisbeautifullydressedWheelersomiserable;"Tiktokwillkeepyoursecret，andsowillBillinaandI。Only，youmustpromisenottotrytofrightenchildrenanymore，iftheycomeneartoyou。"
"Iwon’t——indeedIwon’t！"promisedtheWheeler，ceasingtocryandbecomingmorecheerful。"I’mnotreallybad，youknow;butwehavetopretendtobeterribleinordertopreventothersfromattackingus。"
"Thatisnotex-act-lytrue，"saidTiktok，startingtowalktowardthepaththroughtheforest，andstillholdingfasttohisprisoner，whorolledslowlyalongbesidehim。"Youandyourpeo-plearefullofmis-chief，andliketoboth-erthosewhofearyou。Andyouareof-tenim-pu-dentanddis-a-gree-a-ble，too。ButifyouwilltrytocurethosefaultsIwillnottellany-onehowhelp-lessyouare。"
"I’lltry，ofcourse，"repliedtheWheeler，eagerly。"Andthankyou，Mr。Tiktok，foryourkindness。"
"Iamon-lyama-chine，"saidTiktok。"Icannotbekindan-ymorethanIcanbesor-ryorglad。Icanon-lydowhatIamwounduptodo。"
"Areyouwounduptokeepmysecret？"askedtheWheeler，anxiously。
"Yes;ifyoube-haveyour-self。Buttellme：whorulestheLandofEvnow？"askedthemachine。
"Thereisnoruler，"wastheanswer，"becauseeverymemberoftheroyalfamilyisimprisonedbytheNomeKing。ButthePrincessLangwidere，whoisanieceofourlateKingEvoldo，livesinapartoftheroyalpalaceandtakesasmuchmoneyoutoftheroyaltreasuryasshecanspend。ThePrincessLangwidereisnotexactlyaruler，yousee，becauseshedoesn’trule;butsheisthenearestapproachtoarulerwehaveatpresent。"
"Idonotre-mem-berher，"saidTiktok。"Whatdoesshelooklike？"
"ThatIcannotsay，"repliedtheWheeler，"althoughIhaveseenhertwentytimes。ForthePrincessLangwidereisadifferentpersoneverytimeIseeher，andtheonlywayhersubjectscanrecognizeheratallisbymeansofabeautifulrubykeywhichshealwayswearsonachainattachedtoherleftwrist。WhenweseethekeyweknowwearebeholdingthePrincess。"
"Thatisstrange，"saidDorothy，inastonishment。"Doyoumeantosaythatsomanydifferentprincessesareoneandthesameperson？"
"Notexactly，"answeredtheWheeler。"Thereis，ofcourse，butoneprincess;butsheappearstousinmanyforms，whichareallmoreorlessbeautiful。"
"Shemustbeawitch，"exclaimedthegirl。
"Idonotthinkso，"declaredtheWheeler。"Butthereissomemysteryconnectedwithher，nevertheless。Sheisaveryvaincreature，andlivesmostlyinaroomsurroundedbymirrors，sothatshecanadmireherselfwhicheverwayshelooks。"
Nooneansweredthisspeech，becausetheyhadjustpassedoutoftheforestandtheirattentionwasfixeduponthescenebeforethem——abeautifulvaleinwhichweremanyfruittreesandgreenfields，withprettyfarm-housesscatteredhereandthereandbroad，smoothroadsthatledineverydirection。
Inthecenterofthislovelyvale，aboutamilefromwhereourfriendswerestanding，rosethetallspiresoftheroyalpalace，whichglitteredbrightlyagainsttheirbackgroundofbluesky。Thepalacewassurroundedbycharminggrounds，fullofflowersandshrubbery。
Severaltinklingfountainscouldbeseen，andtherewerepleasantwalksborderedbyrowsofwhitemarblestatuary。
AllthesedetailsDorothywas，ofcourse，unabletonoticeoradmireuntiltheyhadadvancedalongtheroadtoapositionquiteneartothepalace，andshewasstilllookingattheprettysightswhenherlittlepartyenteredthegroundsandapproachedthebigfrontdooroftheking’sownapartments。Totheirdisappointmenttheyfoundthedoortightlyclosed。Asignwastackedtothepanelwhichreadasfollows：
+————————————————————————————+
||
|OWNERABSENT。|
||
|PleaseKnockattheThird|
|DoorintheLeftWing。|
||
+————————————————————————————+
"Now，"saidTiktoktothecaptiveWheeler，"youmustshowusthewaytotheLeftWing。"
"Verywell，"agreedtheprisoner，"itisaroundhereattheright。"
"Howcantheleftwingbeattheright？"demandedDorothy，whofearedtheWheelerwasfoolingthem。
"Becausethereusedtobethreewings，andtwoweretorndown，sotheoneontherightistheonlyoneleft。ItisatrickofthePrincessLangwideretopreventvisitorsfromannoyingher。"
Thenthecaptiveledthemaroundtothewing，afterwhichthemachineman，havingnofurtherusefortheWheeler，permittedhimtodepartandrejoinhisfellows。Heimmediatelyrolledawayatagreatpaceandwassoonlosttosight。
Tiktoknowcountedthedoorsinthewingandknockedloudlyuponthethirdone。
Itwasopenedbyalittlemaidinacaptrimmedwithgayribbons，whobowedrespectfullyandasked：
"Whatdoyouwish，goodpeople？"
"AreyouthePrincessLangwidere？"askedDorothy。
"No，miss;Iamherservant，"repliedthemaid。
"MayIseethePrincess，please？"
"Iwilltellheryouarehere，miss，andaskhertograntyouanaudience，"
saidthemaid。"Stepin，please，andtakeaseatinthedrawing-room。"
SoDorothywalkedin，followedcloselybythemachine。Butastheyellowhentriedtoenterafterthem，thelittlemaidcried"Shoo！"
andflappedheraproninBillina’sface。
"Shoo，yourself！"retortedthehen，drawingbackinangerandrufflingupherfeathers。"Haven’tyouanybettermannersthanthat？"
"Oh，doyoutalk？"enquiredthemaid，evidentlysurprised。
"Can’tyouhearme？"snappedBillina。"Dropthatapron，andgetoutofthedoorway，sothatImayenterwithmyfriends！"
"ThePrincesswon’tlikeit，"saidthemaid，hesitating。
"Idon’tcarewhethershelikesitornot，"repliedBillina，andflutteringherwingswithaloudnoisesheflewstraightatthemaid’sface。Thelittleservantatonceduckedherhead，andthehenreachedDorothy’ssideinsafety。
"Verywell，"sighedthemaid;"ifyouareallruinedbecauseofthisobstinatehen，don’tblamemeforit。Itisn’tsafetoannoythePrincessLangwidere。"
"Tellherwearewaiting，ifyouplease，"Dorothyrequested，withdignity。"Billinaismyfriend，andmustgowhereverIgo。"
Withoutmorewordsthemaidledthemtoarichlyfurnisheddrawing-room，lightedwithsubduedrainbowtintsthatcameinthroughbeautifulstained-glasswindows。
"Remainhere，"shesaid。"WhatnamesshallIgivethePrincess？"
"IamDorothyGale，ofKansas，"repliedthechild;"andthisgentlemanisamachinenamedTiktok，andtheyellowhenismyfriendBillina。"
Thelittleservantbowedandwithdrew，goingthroughseveralpassagesandmountingtwomarblestairwaysbeforeshecametotheapartmentsoccupiedbyhermistress。
PrincessLangwidere’ssitting-roomwaspaneledwithgreatmirrors，whichreachedfromtheceilingtothefloor;alsotheceilingwascomposedofmirrors，andthefloorwasofpolishedsilverthatreflectedeveryobjectuponit。SowhenLangwideresatinhereasychairandplayedsoftmelodiesuponhermandolin，herformwasmirroredhundredsoftimes，inwallsandceilingandfloor，andwhicheverwaytheladyturnedherheadshecouldseeandadmireherownfeatures。Thisshelovedtodo，andjustasthemaidenteredshewassayingtoherself：
"Thisheadwiththeauburnhairandhazeleyesisquiteattractive。I
mustwearitmoreoftenthanIhavedoneoflate，althoughitmaynotbethebestofmycollection。"
"Youhavecompany，YourHighness，"announcedthemaid，bowinglow。
"Whoisit？"askedLangwidere，yawning。
"DorothyGaleofKansas，Mr。TiktokandBillina，"answeredthemaid。
"Whataqueerlotofnames！"murmuredthePrincess，beginningtobealittleinterested。"Whataretheylike？IsDorothyGaleofKansaspretty？"
"Shemightbecalledso，"themaidreplied。
"AndisMr。Tiktokattractive？"continuedthePrincess。
"ThatIcannotsay，YourHighness。Butheseemsverybright。WillYourGraciousHighnessseethem？"
"Oh，Imayaswell，Nanda。ButIamtiredadmiringthishead，andifmyvisitorhasanyclaimtobeautyImusttakecarethatshedoesnotsurpassme。SoIwillgotomycabinetandchangetoNo。17，whichI
thinkismybestappearance。Don’tyou？"
"YourNo。17isexceedinglybeautiful，"answeredNanda，withanotherbow。
AgainthePrincessyawned。Thenshesaid：
"Helpmetorise。"
Sothemaidassistedhertogainherfeet，althoughLangwiderewasthestrongerofthetwo;andthenthePrincessslowlywalkedacrossthesilverfloortohercabinet，leaningheavilyateverystepuponNanda’sarm。
NowImustexplaintoyouthatthePrincessLangwiderehadthirtyheads——asmanyastherearedaysinthemonth。Butofcourseshecouldonlywearoneofthematatime，becauseshehadbutoneneck。
Theseheadswerekeptinwhatshecalledher"cabinet，"whichwasabeautifuldressing-roomthatlayjustbetweenLangwidere’ssleeping-chamberandthemirroredsitting-room。Eachheadwasinaseparatecupboardlinedwithvelvet。Thecupboardsranallaroundthesidesofthedressing-room，andhadelaboratelycarveddoorswithgoldnumbersontheoutsideandjeweled-framedmirrorsontheinsideofthem。
WhenthePrincessgotoutofhercrystalbedinthemorningshewenttohercabinet，openedoneofthevelvet-linedcupboards，andtooktheheaditcontainedfromitsgoldenshelf。Then，bytheaidofthemirrorinsidetheopendoor，sheputonthehead——asneatandstraightascouldbe——andafterwardcalledhermaidstorobeherfortheday。
Shealwaysworeasimplewhitecostume，thatsuitedalltheheads。
For，beingabletochangeherfacewheneversheliked，thePrincesshadnointerestinwearingavarietyofgowns，ashaveotherladieswhoarecompelledtowearthesamefaceconstantly。
Ofcoursethethirtyheadswereingreatvariety，notwoformedalikebutallbeingofexceedingloveliness。Therewereheadswithgoldenhair，brownhair，richauburnhairandblackhair;butnonewithgrayhair。Theheadshadeyesofblue，ofgray，ofhazel，ofbrownandofblack;buttherewerenoredeyesamongthem，andallwerebrightandhandsome。ThenoseswereGrecian，Roman，retrousseandOriental，representingalltypesofbeauty;andthemouthswereofassortedsizesandshapes，displayingpearlyteethwhentheheadssmiled。Asfordimples，theyappearedincheeksandchins，wherevertheymightbemostcharming，andoneortwoheadshadfrecklesuponthefacestocontrastthebetterwiththebrilliancyoftheircomplexions。
Onekeyunlockedallthevelvetcupboardscontainingthesetreasures——acuriouskeycarvedfromasingleblood-redruby——andthiswasfastenedtoastrongbutslenderchainwhichthePrincessworearoundherleftwrist。
WhenNandahadsupportedLangwideretoapositioninfrontofcupboardNo。17，thePrincessunlockedthedoorwithherrubykeyandafterhandingheadNo。9，whichshehadbeenwearing，tothemaid，shetookNo。17fromitsshelfandfittedittoherneck。Ithadblackhairanddarkeyesandalovelypearl-and-whitecomplexion，andwhenLangwidereworeitsheknewshewasremarkablybeautifulinappearance。
TherewasonlyonetroublewithNo。17;thetemperthatwentwithit（andwhichwashiddensomewhereundertheglossyblackhair）wasfiery，harshandhaughtyintheextreme，anditoftenledthePrincesstodounpleasantthingswhichsheregrettedwhenshecametowearherotherheads。
Butshedidnotrememberthistoday，andwenttomeetherguestsinthedrawing-roomwithafeelingofcertaintythatshewouldsurprisethemwithherbeauty。
However，shewasgreatlydisappointedtofindthathervisitorsweremerelyasmallgirlinaginghamdress，acoppermanthatwouldonlygowhenwoundup，andayellowhenthatwassittingcontentedlyinLangwidere’sbestwork-basket，wheretherewasachinaeggusedfordarningstockings。（Itmaysurpriseyoutolearnthataprincesseverdoessuchacommonthingasdarnstockings。But，ifyouwillstoptothink，youwillrealizethataprincessissuretowearholesinherstockings，thesameasotherpeople;onlyitisn’tconsideredquitepolitetomentionthematter。）
"Oh！"saidLangwidere，slightlyliftingthenoseofNo。17。"I
thoughtsomeoneofimportancehadcalled。"
"Thenyouwereright，"declaredDorothy。"I’magooddealof’portancemyself，andwhenBillinalaysaneggshehastheproudestcackleyoueverheard。AsforTiktok，he’sthe——"
"Stop——Stop！"commandedthePrincess，withanangryflashofhersplendideyes。"Howdareyouannoymewithyoursenselesschatter？"
"Why，youhorridthing！"saidDorothy，whowasnotaccustomedtobeingtreatedsorudely。
ThePrincesslookedathermoreclosely。
"Tellme，"sheresumed，"areyouofroyalblood？"
"Betterthanthat，ma’am，"saidDorothy。"IcamefromKansas。"
"Huh！"criedthePrincess，scornfully。"Youareafoolishchild，andIcannotallowyoutoannoyme。Runaway，youlittlegoose，andbothersomeoneelse。"
Dorothywassoindignantthatforamomentshecouldfindnowordstoreply。Butsherosefromherchair，andwasabouttoleavetheroomwhenthePrincess，whohadbeenscanningthegirl’sface，stoppedherbysaying，moregently：
"Comenearertome。"
Dorothyobeyed，withoutathoughtoffear，andstoodbeforethePrincesswhileLangwidereexaminedherfacewithcarefulattention。
"Youareratherattractive，"saidthelady，presently。"Notatallbeautiful，youunderstand，butyouhaveacertainstyleofprettinessthatisdifferentfromthatofanyofmythirtyheads。SoIbelieveI’lltakeyourheadandgiveyouNo。26forit。"
"Well，Ib’lieveyouwon’t！"exclaimedDorothy。
"Itwilldoyounogoodtorefuse，"continuedthePrincess;"forI
needyourheadformycollection，andintheLandofEvmywillislaw。IneverhavecaredmuchforNo。26，andyouwillfindthatitisverylittleworn。Besides，itwilldoyoujustaswellastheoneyou’rewearing，forallpracticalpurposes。"
"Idon’tknowanythingaboutyourNo。26，andIdon’twantto，"saidDorothy，firmly。"I’mnotusedtotakingcast-offthings，soI’lljustkeepmyownhead。"
"Yourefuse？"criedthePrincess，withafrown。
"OfcourseIdo，"wasthereply。
"Then，"saidLangwidere，"Ishalllockyouupinatoweruntilyoudecidetoobeyme。Nanda，"turningtohermaid，"callmyarmy。"
Nandarangasilverbell，andatonceabigfatcolonelinabrightreduniformenteredtheroom，followedbytenleansoldiers，whoalllookedsadanddiscouragedandsalutedtheprincessinaverymelancholyfashion。
"CarrythatgirltotheNorthTowerandlockherup！"criedthePrincess，pointingtoDorothy。
"Tohearistoobey，"answeredthebigredcolonel，andcaughtthechildbyherarm。ButatthatmomentTiktokraisedhisdinner-pailandpoundeditsoforciblyagainstthecolonel’sheadthatthebigofficersatdownuponthefloorwithasuddenbump，lookingbothdazedandverymuchastonished。
"Help！"heshouted，andthetenleansoldierssprangtoassisttheirleader。
Therewasgreatexcitementforthenextfewmoments，andTiktokhadknockeddownsevenofthearmy，whoweresprawlingineverydirectionuponthecarpet，whensuddenlythemachinepaused，withthedinner-pailraisedforanotherblow，andremainedperfectlymotionless。
"Myac-tionhasrundown，"hecalledtoDorothy。"Windmeup，quick。"
Shetriedtoobey，butthebigcolonelhadbythistimemanagedtogetuponhisfeetagain，sohegrabbedfastholdofthegirlandshewashelplesstoescape。
"Thisistoobad，"saidthemachine。"Ioughttohaverunsixhourslon-ger，atleast，butIsup-posemylongwalkandmyfightwiththeWheel-ersmademerundownfast-erthanus-u-al。"
"Well，itcan’tbehelped，"saidDorothy，withasigh。
"Willyouexchangeheadswithme？"demandedthePrincess。
"No，indeed！"criedDorothy。
"Thenlockherup，"saidLangwideretohersoldiers，andtheyledDorothytoahightoweratthenorthofthepalaceandlockedhersecurelywithin。
ThesoldiersafterwardtriedtoliftTiktok，buttheyfoundthemachinesosolidandheavythattheycouldnotstirit。Sotheylefthimstandinginthecenterofthedrawing-room。
"PeoplewillthinkIhaveanewstatue，"saidLangwidere，"soitwon’tmatterintheleast，andNandacankeephimwellpolished。"
"Whatshallwedowiththehen？"askedthecolonel，whohadjustdiscoveredBillinainthework-basket。
"Putherinthechicken-house，"answeredthePrincess。"SomedayI’llhaveherfriedforbreakfast。"
"Shelooksrathertough，YourHighness，"saidNanda，doubtfully。
"Thatisabaseslander！"criedBillina，strugglingfranticallyinthecolonel’sarms。"ButthebreedofchickensIcomefromissaidtobepoisontoallprincesses。"
"Then，"remarkedLangwidere，"Iwillnotfrythehen，butkeephertolayeggs;andifshedoesn’tdoherdutyI’llhaveherdrownedinthehorsetrough。"
7。OzmaofOztotheRescueNandabroughtDorothybreadandwaterforhersupper，andshesleptuponahardstonecouchwithasinglepillowandasilkencoverlet。
Inthemorningsheleanedoutofthewindowofherprisoninthetowertoseeiftherewasanywaytoescape。Theroomwasnotsoveryhighup，whencomparedwithourmodernbuildings，butitwasfarenoughabovethetreesandfarmhousestogiveheragoodviewofthesurroundingcountry。
Totheeastshesawtheforest，withthesandsbeyonditandtheoceanbeyondthat。Therewasevenadarkspeckupontheshorethatshethoughtmightbethechicken-coopinwhichshehadarrivedatthissingularcountry。
Thenshelookedtothenorth，andsawadeepbutnarrowvalleylyingbetweentworockymountains，andathirdmountainthatshutoffthevalleyatthefurtherend。
WestwardthefertileLandofEvsuddenlyendedalittlewayfromthepalace，andthegirlcouldseemilesandmilesofsandydesertthatstretchedfurtherthanhereyescouldreach。Itwasthisdesert，shethought，withmuchinterest，thataloneseparatedherfromthewonderfulLandofOz，andsherememberedsorrowfullythatshehadbeentoldnoonehadeverbeenabletocrossthisdangerouswastebutherself。Onceacyclonehadcarriedheracrossit，andamagicalpairofsilvershoeshadcarriedherbackagain。Butnowshehadneitheracyclonenorsilvershoestoassisther，andherconditionwassadindeed。Forshehadbecometheprisonerofadisagreeableprincesswhoinsistedthatshemustexchangeherheadforanotheronethatshewasnotusedto，andwhichmightnotfitheratall。
Really，thereseemednohopeofhelpforherfromheroldfriendsintheLandofOz。Thoughtfullyshegazedfromhernarrowwindow。Onallthedesertnotalivingthingwasstirring。
Wait，though！SomethingsurelyWASstirringonthedesert——somethinghereyeshadnotobservedatfirst。Nowitseemedlikeacloud;nowitseemedlikeaspotofsilver;nowitseemedtobeamassofrainbowcolorsthatmovedswiftlytowardher。
WhatCOULDitbe，shewondered？
Then，gradually，butinabriefspaceoftimenevertheless，thevisiondrewnearenoughtoDorothytomakeoutwhatitwas。
Abroadgreencarpetwasunrollingitselfuponthedesert，whileadvancingacrossthecarpetwasawonderfulprocessionthatmadethegirlopenhereyesinamazementasshegazed。
Firstcameamagnificentgoldenchariot，drawnbyagreatLionandanimmenseTiger，whostoodshouldertoshoulderandtrottedalongasgracefullyasawell-matchedteamofthoroughbredhorses。Andstandinguprightwithinthechariotwasabeautifulgirlclothedinflowingrobesofsilvergauzeandwearingajeweleddiademuponherdaintyhead。Sheheldinonehandthesatinribbonsthatguidedherastonishingteam，andintheotheranivorywandthatseparatedatthetopintotwoprongs，theprongsbeingtippedbytheletters"O"and"Z"，madeofglisteningdiamondssetcloselytogether。
ThegirlseemedneitheroldernorlargerthanDorothyherself，andatoncetheprisonerinthetowerguessedthatthelovelydriverofthechariotmustbethatOzmaofOzofwhomshehadsolatelyheardfromTiktok。
FollowingclosebehindthechariotDorothysawheroldfriendtheScarecrow，ridingcalmlyastrideawoodenSaw-Horse，whichprancedandtrottedasnaturallyasanymeathorsecouldhavedone。
AndthencameNickChopper，theTinWoodman，withhisfunnel-shapedcaptippedcarelesslyoverhisleftear，hisgleamingaxeoverhisrightshoulder，andhiswholebodysparklingasbrightlyasithadeverdoneintheolddayswhenfirstsheknewhim。
TheTinWoodmanwasonfoot，marchingattheheadofacompanyoftwenty-sevensoldiers，ofwhomsomewereleanandsomefat，someshortandsometall;butallthetwenty-sevenweredressedinhandsomeuniformsofvariousdesignsandcolors，notwobeingalikeinanyrespect。
Behindthesoldiersthegreencarpetrolleditselfupagain，sothattherewasalwaysjustenoughofitfortheprocessiontowalkupon，inorderthattheirfeetmightnotcomeincontactwiththedeadly，life-destroyingsandsofthedesert。
Dorothyknewatonceitwasamagiccarpetshebeheld，andherheartbeathighwithhopeandjoyassherealizedshewassoontoberescuedandallowedtogreetherdearlybelovedfriendsofOz——theScarecrow，theTinWoodmanandtheCowardlyLion。
Indeed，thegirlfeltherselfasgoodasrescuedassoonassherecognizedthoseintheprocession，forshewellknewthecourageandloyaltyofheroldcomrades，andalsobelievedthatanyotherswhocamefromtheirmarvelouscountrywouldprovetobepleasantandreliableacquaintances。
Assoonasthelastbitofdesertwaspassedandalltheprocession，fromthebeautifulanddaintyOzmatothelastsoldier，hadreachedthegrassymeadowsoftheLandofEv，themagiccarpetrolleditselftogetherandentirelydisappeared。
ThenthechariotdriverturnedherLionandTigerintoabroadroadwayleadinguptothepalace，andtheothersfollowed，whileDorothystillgazedfromhertowerwindowineagerexcitement。
Theycamequiteclosetothefrontdoorofthepalaceandthenhalted，theScarecrowdismountingfromhisSaw-Horsetoapproachthesignfastenedtothedoor，thathemightreadwhatitsaid。
Dorothy，justabovehim，couldkeepsilentnolonger。
"HereIam！"sheshouted，asloudlyasshecould。"Here’sDorothy！"
"Dorothywho？"askedtheScarecrow，tippinghisheadtolookupwarduntilhenearlylosthisbalanceandtumbledoverbackward。
"DorothyGale，ofcourse。YourfriendfromKansas，"sheanswered。
"Why，hello，Dorothy！"saidtheScarecrow。"Whatintheworldareyoudoingupthere？"
"Nothing，"shecalleddown，"becausethere’snothingtodo。Saveme，myfriend——saveme！"
"Youseemtobequitesafenow，"repliedtheScarecrow。
"ButI’maprisoner。I’mlockedin，sothatIcan’tgetout，"
shepleaded。
"That’sallright，"saidtheScarecrow。"Youmightbeworseoff，littleDorothy。Justconsiderthematter。Youcan’tgetdrowned，orberunoverbyaWheeler，orfalloutofanapple-tree。Somefolkswouldthinktheywereluckytobeupthere。"
"Well，Idon’t，"declaredthegirl，"andIwanttogetdownimmed’i’tlyandseeyouandtheTinWoodmanandtheCowardlyLion。"
"Verywell，"saidtheScarecrow，nodding。"Itshallbejustasyousay，littlefriend。Wholockedyouup？"
"TheprincessLangwidere，whoisahorridcreature，"sheanswered。
AtthisOzma，whohadbeenlisteningcarefullytotheconversation，calledtoDorothyfromherchariot，asking：
"WhydidthePrincesslockyouup，mydear？"
"Because，"exclaimedDorothy，"Iwouldn’tletherhavemyheadforhercollection，andtakeanold，cast-offheadinexchangeforit。"
"Idonotblameyou，"exclaimedOzma，promptly。"IwillseethePrincessatonce，andobligehertoliberateyou。"
"Oh，thankyouvery，verymuch！"criedDorothy，whoassoonassheheardthesweetvoiceofthegirlishRulerofOzknewthatshewouldsoonlearntoloveherdearly。
Ozmanowdroveherchariotaroundtothethirddoorofthewing，uponwhichtheTinWoodmanboldlyproceededtoknock。
AssoonasthemaidopenedthedoorOzma，bearinginherhandherivorywand，steppedintothehallandmadeherwayatoncetothedrawing-room，followedbyallhercompany，excepttheLionandtheTiger。Andthetwenty-sevensoldiersmadesuchanoiseandaclatterthatthelittlemaidNandaranawayscreamingtohermistress，whereuponthePrincessLangwidere，rousedtogreatangerbythisrudeinvasionofherpalace，camerunningintothedrawing-roomwithoutanyassistancewhatever。
ThereshestoodbeforetheslightanddelicateformofthelittlegirlfromOzandcriedout;——
"Howdareyouentermypalaceunbidden？Leavethisroomatonce，orI
willbindyouandallyourpeopleinchains，andthrowyouintomydarkestdungeons！"
"Whatadangerouslady！"murmuredtheScarecrow，inasoftvoice。
"Sheseemsalittlenervous，"repliedtheTinWoodman。
ButOzmaonlysmiledattheangryPrincess。
"Sitdown，please，"shesaid，quietly。"Ihavetraveledalongwaytoseeyou，andyoumustlistentowhatIhavetosay。"
"Must！"screamedthePrincess，herblackeyesflashingwithfury——forshestillworeherNo。17head。"Must，toME！"
"Tobesure，"saidOzma。"IamRuleroftheLandofOz，andIampowerfulenoughtodestroyallyourkingdom，ifIsowish。YetIdidnotcomeheretodoharm，butrathertofreetheroyalfamilyofEvfromthethralloftheNomeKing，thenewshavingreachedmethatheisholdingtheQueenandherchildrenprisoners。"
Hearingthesewords，Langwideresuddenlybecamequiet。
"Iwishyoucould，indeed，freemyauntandhertenroyalchildren，"
saidshe，eagerly。"ForiftheywererestoredtotheirproperformsandstationtheycouldruletheKingdomofEvthemselves，andthatwouldsavemealotofworryandtrouble。AtpresentthereareatleasttenminuteseverydaythatImustdevotetoaffairsofstate，andIwouldliketobeabletospendmywholetimeinadmiringmybeautifulheads。"
"Thenwewillpresentlydiscussthismatter，"saidOzma，"andtrytofindawaytoliberateyourauntandcousins。Butfirstyoumustliberateanotherprisoner——thelittlegirlyouhavelockedupinyourtower。"
"Ofcourse，"saidLangwidere，readily。"Ihadforgottenallabouther。Thatwasyesterday，youknow，andaPrincesscannotbeexpectedtoremembertodaywhatshedidyesterday。Comewithme，andIwillreleasetheprisoneratonce。"
SoOzmafollowedher，andtheypassedupthestairsthatledtotheroominthetower。
WhiletheyweregoneOzma’sfollowersremainedinthedrawing-room，andtheScarecrowwasleaningagainstaformthathehadmistakenforacopperstatuewhenaharsh，metallicvoicesaidsuddenlyinhisear：
"Getoffmyfoot，please。Youarescratch-ingmypol-ish。"
"Oh，excuseme！"hereplied，hastilydrawingback。"Areyoualive？"
"No，"saidTiktok，"Iamon-lyama-chine。ButIcanthinkandspeakandact，whenIampro-per-lywoundup。Justnowmyac-tionisrundown，andDor-o-thyhasthekeytoit。"
"That’sallright，"repliedtheScarecrow。Dorothywillsoonbefree，andthenshe’llattendtoyourworks。Butitmustbeagreatmisfortunenottobealive。I’msorryforyou。"
"Why？"askedTiktok。
"Becauseyouhavenobrains，asIhave，"saidtheScarecrow。
"Oh，yes，Ihave，"returnedTiktok。"Iamfit-tedwithSmith&
Tin-ker’sIm-provedCom-bi-na-tionSteelBrains。Theyarewhatmakemethink。Whatsortofbrainsareyoufit-tedwith？"
"Idon’tknow，"admittedtheScarecrow。"TheyweregiventomebythegreatWizardofOz，andIdidn’tgetachancetoexaminethembeforeheputthemin。Buttheyworksplendidlyandmyconscienceisveryactive。Haveyouaconscience？"
"No，"saidTiktok。
"Andnoheart，Isuppose？"addedtheTinWoodman，whohadbeenlisteningwithinteresttothisconversation。
"No，"saidTiktok。
"Then，"continuedtheTinWoodman，"IregrettosaythatyouaregreatlyinferiortomyfriendtheScarecrow，andtomyself。Forwearebothalive，andhehasbrainswhichdonotneedtobewoundup，whileIhaveanexcellentheartthatiscontinuallybeatinginmybosom。"
"Icon-grat-u-lateyou，"repliedTiktok。"Ican-nothelpbe-ingyourin-fer-i-orforIamamerema-chine。WhenIamwoundupIdomydu-tybygo-ingjustasmyma-chin-er-yismadetogo。Youhavenoi-de-ahowfullofma-chin-er-yIam。"
"Icanguess，"saidtheScarecrow，lookingatthemachinemancuriously。"SomedayI’dliketotakeyouapartandseejusthowyouaremade。"
"Donotdothat，Ibegofyou，"saidTiktok;"foryoucouldnotputmeto-geth-era-gain，andmyuse-ful-nesswouldbede-stroyed。"
"Oh！areyouuseful？"askedtheScarecrow，surprised。
"Ve-ry，"saidTiktok。
"Inthatcase，"theScarecrowkindlypromised，"Iwon’tfoolwithyourinterioratall。ForIamapoormechanic，andmightmixyouup。"
"Thankyou，"saidTiktok。
JustthenOzmare-enteredtheroom，leadingDorothybythehandandfollowedcloselybythePrincessLangwidere。
8。TheHungryTigerThefirstthingDorothydidwastorushintotheembraceoftheScarecrow，whosepaintedfacebeamedwithdelightashepressedherformtohisstraw-paddedbosom。ThentheTinWoodmanembracedher——verygently，forheknewhistinarmsmighthurtherifhesqueezedtooroughly。
Thesegreetingshavingbeenexchanged，DorothytookthekeytoTiktokfromherpocketandwoundupthemachineman’saction，sothathecouldbowproperlywhenintroducedtotherestofthecompany。WhiledoingthisshetoldthemnowusefulTiktokhadbeentoher，andboththeScarecrowandtheTinWoodmanshookhandswiththemachineoncemoreandthankedhimforprotectingtheirfriend。
ThenDorothyasked："WhereisBillina？"
"Idon’tknow，"saidtheScarecrow。"WhoisBillina？"
"She’sayellowhenwhoisanotherfriendofmine，"answeredthegirl，anxiously。"Iwonderwhathasbecomeofher？"
"Sheisinthechickenhouse，inthebackyard，"saidthePrincess。
"Mydrawing-roomisnoplaceforhens。"
WithoutwaitingtohearmoreDorothyrantogetBillina，andjustoutsidethedoorshecameupontheCowardlyLion，stillhitchedtothechariotbesidethegreatTiger。TheCowardlyLionhadabigbowofblueribbonfastenedtothelonghairbetweenhisears，andtheTigerworeabowofredribbononhistail，justinfrontofthebushyend。
InaninstantDorothywashuggingthehugeLionjoyfully。
"I’mSOgladtoseeyouagain！"shecried。
"Iamalsogladtoseeyou，Dorothy，"saidtheLion。"We’vehadsomefineadventurestogether，haven’twe？"
"Yes，indeed，"shereplied。"Howareyou？"
"Ascowardlyasever，"thebeastansweredinameekvoice。"Everylittlethingscaresmeandmakesmyheartbeatfast。Butletmeintroducetoyouanewfriendofmine，theHungryTiger。"
"Oh！Areyouhungry？"sheasked，turningtotheotherbeast，whowasjustthenyawningsowidelythathedisplayedtworowsofterribleteethandamouthbigenoughtostartleanyone。
"Dreadfullyhungry，"answeredtheTiger，snappinghisjawstogetherwithafierceclick。
"Thenwhydon’tyoueatsomething？"sheasked。
"It’snouse，"saidtheTigersadly。"I’vetriedthat，butIalwaysgethungryagain。"
"Why，itisthesamewithme，"saidDorothy。"YetIkeeponeating。"
"Butyoueatharmlessthings，soitdoesn’tmatter，"repliedtheTiger。"Formypart，I’masavagebeast，andhaveanappetiteforallsortsofpoorlittlelivingcreatures，fromachipmunktofatbabies。
"Howdreadful！"saidDorothy。
"Isn’tit，though？"returnedtheHungryTiger，lickinghislipswithhislongredtongue。"Fatbabies！Don’ttheysounddelicious？ButI’venevereatenany，becausemyconsciencetellsmeitiswrong。IfIhadnoconscienceIwouldprobablyeatthebabiesandthengethungryagain，whichwouldmeanthatIhadsacrificedthepoorbabiesfornothing。No;hungryIwasborn，andhungryIshalldie。ButI’llnothaveanycrueldeedsonmyconsciencetobesorryfor。"
"Ithinkyouareaverygoodtiger，"saidDorothy，pattingthehugeheadofthebeast。
"Inthatyouaremistaken，"wasthereply。"Iamagoodbeast，perhaps，butadisgracefullybadtiger。Foritisthenatureoftigerstobecruelandferocious，andinrefusingtoeatharmlesslivingcreaturesIamactingasnogoodtigerhaseverbeforeacted。
ThatiswhyIlefttheforestandjoinedmyfriendtheCowardlyLion。"
"ButtheLionisnotreallycowardly，"saidDorothy。"Ihaveseenhimactasbravelyascanbe。"
"Allamistake，mydear，"protestedtheLiongravely。"ToothersI
mayhaveseemedbrave，attimes，butIhaveneverbeeninanydangerthatIwasnotafraid。"
"NorI，"saidDorothy，truthfully。"ButImustgoandsetfreeBillina，andthenIwillseeyouagain。"
Sheranaroundtothebackyardofthepalaceandsoonfoundthechickenhouse，beingguidedtoitbyaloudcacklingandcrowingandadistractinghubbubofsoundssuchaschickensmakewhentheyareexcited。
Somethingseemedtobewronginthechickenhouse，andwhenDorothylookedthroughtheslatsinthedoorshesawagroupofhensandroostershuddledinonecornerandwatchingwhatappearedtobeawhirlingballoffeathers。Itboundedhereandthereaboutthechickenhouse，andatfirstDorothycouldnottellwhatitwas，whilethescreechingofthechickensnearlydeafenedher。
Butsuddenlythebunchoffeathersstoppedwhirling，andthen，toheramazement，thegirlsawBillinacrouchingupontheprostrateformofaspeckledrooster。Foraninstanttheybothremainedmotionless，andthentheyellowhenshookherwingstosettlethefeathersandwalkedtowardthedoorwithastrutofprouddefianceandacluckofvictory，whilethespeckledroosterlimpedawaytothegroupofotherchickens，trailinghiscrumpledplumageinthedustashewent。
"Why，Billina！"criedDorothy，inashockedvoice;"haveyoubeenfighting？"
"IreallythinkIhave，"retortedBillina。"DoyouthinkI’dletthatspeckledvillainofaroosterlorditoverME，andclaimtorunthischickenhouse，aslongasI’mabletopeckandscratch？NotifmynameisBill！"
"Itisn’tBill，it’sBillina;andyou’retalkingslang，whichisveryundig’n’fied，"saidDorothy，reprovingly。"Comehere，Billina，andI’llletyouout;forOzmaofOzishere，andhassetusfree。"
Sotheyellowhencametothedoor，whichDorothyunlatchedforhertopassthrough，andtheotherchickenssilentlywatchedthemfromtheircornerwithoutofferingtoapproachnearer。
Thegirlliftedherfriendinherarmsandexclaimed：
"Oh，Billina！howdreadfulyoulook。You’velostalotoffeathers，andoneofyoureyesisnearlypeckedout，andyourcombisbleeding！"
"That’snothing，"saidBillina。"Justlookatthespeckledrooster！
Didn’tIdohimupbrown？"
Dorothyshookherhead。
"Idon’t’proveofthis，atall，"shesaid，carryingBillinaawaytowardthepalace。"Itisn’tagoodthingforyouto’sociatewiththosecommonchickens。Theywouldsoonspoilyourgoodmanners，andyouwouldn’tberespec’ableanymore。"
"Ididn’tasktoassociatewiththem，"repliedBillina。"ItisthatcrossoldPrincesswhoistoblame。ButIwasraisedintheUnitedStates，andIwon’tallowanyone-horsechickenoftheLandofEvtorunovermeandputonairs，aslongasIcanliftaclawinself-defense。"
"Verywell，Billina，"saidDorothy。"Wewon’ttalkaboutitanymore。"
SoontheycametotheCowardlyLionandtheHungryTigertowhomthegirlintroducedtheYellowHen。
"GladtomeetanyfriendofDorothy’s，"saidtheLion，politely。"Tojudgebyyourpresentappearance，youarenotacoward，asIam。"
"Yourpresentappearancemakesmymouthwater，"saidtheTiger，lookingatBillinagreedily。"My，my！howgoodyouwouldtasteifI
couldonlycrunchyoubetweenmyjaws。Butdon’tworry。Youwouldonlyappeasemyappetiteforamoment;soitisn’tworthwhiletoeatyou。"
"Thankyou，"saidthehen，nestlingcloserinDorothy’sarms。
"Besides，itwouldn’tberight，"continuedtheTiger，lookingsteadilyatBillinaandclickinghisjawstogether。
"Ofcoursenot，"criedDorothy，hastily。"Billinaismyfriend，andyoumustn’tevereatherunderanycirc’mstances。"
"I’lltrytorememberthat，"saidtheTiger;"butI’malittleabsent-minded，attimes。"
ThenDorothycarriedherpetintothedrawing-roomofthepalace，whereTiktok，beinginvitedtodosobyOzma，hadseatedhimselfbetweentheScarecrowandtheTinWoodman。OppositetothemsatOzmaherselfandthePrincessLangwidere，andbesidethemtherewasavacantchairforDorothy。
AroundthisimportantgroupwasrangedtheArmyofOz，andasDorothylookedatthehandsomeuniformsoftheTwenty-Sevenshesaid：
"Why，theyseemtobeallofficers。"
"Theyare，allexceptone，"answeredtheTinWoodman。"IhaveinmyArmyeightGenerals，sixColonels，sevenMajorsandfiveCaptains，besidesoneprivateforthemtocommand。I’dliketopromotetheprivate，forIbelievenoprivateshouldeverbeinpubliclife;andI’vealsonoticedthatofficersusuallyfightbetterandaremorereliablethancommonsoldiers。Besides，theofficersaremoreimportantlooking，andlenddignitytoourarmy。"
"Nodoubtyouareright，"saidDorothy，seatingherselfbesideOzma。
"Andnow，"announcedthegirlishRulerofOz，"wewillholdasolemnconferencetodecidethebestmannerofliberatingtheroyalfamilyofthisfairLandofEvfromtheirlongimprisonment。"
9。TheRoyalFamilyofEvTheTinWoodmanwasthefirsttoaddressthemeeting。
返回顶部