"Tobeginwith，"saidhe，"wordcametoournobleandillustriousRuler，OzmaofOz，thatthewifeandtenchildren——fiveboysandfivegirls——oftheformerKingofEv，bynameEvoldo，havebeenenslavedbytheNomeKingandareheldprisonersinhisundergroundpalace。AlsothattherewasnooneinEvpowerfulenoughtoreleasethem。
NaturallyourOzmawishedtoundertaketheadventureofliberatingthepoorprisoners;butforalongtimeshecouldfindnowaytocrossthegreatdesertbetweenthetwocountries。FinallyshewenttoafriendlysorceressofourlandnamedGlindatheGood，whoheardthestoryandatoncepresentedOzmaamagiccarpet，whichwouldcontinuallyunrollbeneathourfeetandsomakeacomfortablepathforustocrossthedesert。AssoonasshehadreceivedthecarpetourgraciousRulerorderedmetoassembleourarmy，whichIdid。YoubeholdintheseboldwarriorsthepickofallthefinestsoldiersofOz;and，ifweareobligedtofighttheNomeKing，everyofficeraswellastheprivate，willbattlefiercelyuntodeath。"
ThenTiktokspoke。
"WhyshouldyoufighttheNomeKing？"heasked。"Hehasdonenowrong。"
"Nowrong！"criedDorothy。"Isn’titwrongtoimprisonaqueenmotherandhertenchildren？"
"TheyweresoldtotheNomeKingbyKingEv-ol-do，"repliedTiktok。
"ItwastheKingofEvwhodidwrong，andwhenhere-al-izedwhathehaddonehejumpedin-totheseaanddrownedhim-self。"
"Thisisnewstome，"saidOzma，thoughtfully。"IhadsupposedtheNomeKingwasalltoblameinthematter。But，inanycase，hemustbemadetoliberatetheprisoners。"
"MyuncleEvoldowasaverywickedman，"declaredthePrincessLangwidere。"Ifhehaddrownedhimselfbeforehesoldhisfamily，noonewouldhavecared。ButhesoldthemtothepowerfulNomeKinginexchangeforalonglife，andafterwarddestroyedthelifebyjumpingintothesea。"
"Then，"saidOzma，"hedidnotgetthelonglife，andtheNomeKingmustgiveuptheprisoners。Wherearetheyconfined？"
"Nooneknows，exactly，"repliedthePrincess。"Fortheking，whosenameisRoquatoftheRocks，ownsasplendidpalaceunderneaththegreatmountainwhichisatthenorthendofthiskingdom，andhehastransformedthequeenandherchildrenintoornamentsandbric-a-bracwithwhichtodecoratehisrooms。"
"I’dliketoknow，"saidDorothy，"whothisNomeKingis？"
"Iwilltellyou，"repliedOzma。"HeissaidtobetheRuleroftheUndergroundWorld，andcommandstherocksandallthattherockscontain。UnderhisrulearemanythousandsoftheNomes，whoarequeerlyshapedbutpowerfulspritesthatlaboratthefurnacesandforgesoftheirking，makinggoldandsilverandothermetalswhichtheyconcealinthecrevicesoftherocks，sothatthoselivingupontheearth’ssurfacecanonlyfindthemwithgreatdifficulty。Alsotheymakediamondsandrubiesandemeralds，whichtheyhideintheground;sothatthekingdomoftheNomesiswonderfullyrich，andallwehaveofpreciousstonesandsilverandgoldiswhatwetakefromtheearthandrockswheretheNomeKinghashiddenthem。"
"Iunderstand，"saidDorothy，noddingherlittleheadwisely。
"Forthereasonthatweoftenstealhistreasures，"continuedOzma，"theRuleroftheUndergroundWorldisnotfondofthosewholiveupontheearth’ssurface，andneverappearsamongus。IfwewishtoseeKingRoquatoftheRocks，wemustvisithisowncountry，whereheisallpowerful，andthereforeitwillbeadangerousundertaking。"
"But，forthesakeofthepoorprisoners，"saidDorothy，"weoughttodoit。"
"Weshalldoit，"repliedtheScarecrow，"althoughitrequiresalotofcourageformetogoneartothefurnacesoftheNomeKing。ForI
amonlystuffedwithstraw，andasinglesparkoffiremightdestroymeentirely。"
"Thefurnacesmayalsomeltmytin，"saidtheTinWoodman;
"butIamgoing。"
"Ican’tbearheat，"remarkedthePrincessLangwidere，yawninglazily，"soIshallstayathome。ButIwishyoumayhavesuccessinyourundertaking，forIamheartilytiredofrulingthisstupidkingdom，andIneedmoreleisureinwhichtoadmiremybeautifulheads。"
"Wedonotneedyou，"saidOzma。"For，ifwiththeaidofmybravefollowersIcannotaccomplishmypurpose，thenitwouldbeuselessforyoutoundertakethejourney。"
"Quitetrue，"sighedthePrincess。"So，ifyou’llexcuseme，Iwillnowretiretomycabinet。I’vewornthisheadquiteawhile，andI
wanttochangeitforanother。"
Whenshehadleftthem（andyoumaybesurenoonewassorrytoseehergo）OzmasaidtoTiktok：
"Willyoujoinourparty？"
"IamtheslaveofthegirlDor-oth-y，whorescuedmefrompris-on，"
repliedthemachine。"WhereshegoesIwillgo。"
"Oh，Iamgoingwithmyfriends，ofcourse，"saidDorothy，quickly。
"Iwouldn’tmissthefunforanything。Willyougo，too，Billina？"
"Tobesure，"saidBillinainacarelesstone。Shewassmoothingdownthefeathersofherbackandnotpayingmuchattention。
"Heatisjustinherline，"remarkedtheScarecrow。"Ifsheisnicelyroasted，shewillbebetterthanever。"
"Then"saidOzma，"wewillarrangetostartfortheKingdomoftheNomesatdaybreaktomorrow。And，inthemeantime，wewillrestandprepareourselvesforthejourney。"
AlthoughPrincessLangwideredidnotagainappeartoherguests，thepalaceservantswaiteduponthestrangersfromOzanddideverythingintheirpowertomakethepartycomfortable。Thereweremanyvacantroomsattheirdisposal，andthebraveArmyoftwenty-sevenwaseasilyprovidedforandliberallyfeasted。
TheCowardlyLionandtheHungryTigerwereunharnessedfromthechariotandallowedtoroamatwillthroughoutthepalace，wheretheynearlyfrightenedtheservantsintofits，althoughtheydidnoharmatall。AtonetimeDorothyfoundthelittlemaidNandacrouchinginterrorinacorner，withtheHungryTigerstandingbeforeher。
"Youcertainlylookdelicious，"thebeastwassaying。"Willyoukindlygivemepermissiontoeatyou？"
"No，no，no！"criedthemaidinreply。
"Then，"saidtheTiger，yawningfrightfully，"pleasetogetmeaboutthirtypoundsoftenderloinsteak，cookedrare，withapeckofboiledpotatoesontheside，andfivegallonsofice-creamfordessert。"
"I——I’lldothebestIcan！"saidNanda，andsheranawayasfastasshecouldgo。
"Areyousoveryhungry？"askedDorothy，inwonder。
"Youcanhardlyimaginethesizeofmyappetite，"repliedtheTiger，sadly。"Itseemstofillmywholebody，fromtheendofmythroattothetipofmytail。Iamverysuretheappetitedoesn’tfitme，andistoolargeforthesizeofmybody。Someday，whenImeetadentistwithapairofforceps，I’mgoingtohaveitpulled。"
"What，yourtooth？"askedDorothy。
"No，myappetite，"saidtheHungryTiger。
ThelittlegirlspentmostoftheafternoontalkingwiththeScarecrowandtheTinWoodman，whorelatedtoherallthathadtakenplaceintheLandofOzsinceDorothyhadleftit。ShewasmuchinterestedinthestoryofOzma，whohadbeen，whenababy，stolenbyawickedoldwitchandtransformedintoaboy。Shedidnotknowthatshehadeverbeenagirluntilshewasrestoredtohernaturalformbyakindsorceress。ThenitwasfoundthatshewastheonlychildoftheformerRulerofOz，andwasentitledtoruleinhisplace。Ozmahadmanyadventures，however，beforesheregainedherfather’sthrone，andintheseshewasaccompaniedbyapumpkin-headedman，ahighlymagnifiedandthoroughlyeducatedWoggle-Bug，andawonderfulsawhorsethathadbeenbroughttolifebymeansofamagicpowder。TheScarecrowandtheTinWoodmanhadalsoassistedher;buttheCowardlyLion，whoruledthegreatforestastheKingofBeasts，knewnothingofOzmauntilaftershebecamethereigningprincessofOz。ThenhejourneyedtotheEmeraldCitytoseeher，andonhearingshewasabouttovisittheLandofEvtosetfreetheroyalfamilyofthatcountry，theCowardlyLionbeggedtogowithher，andbroughtalonghisfriend，theHungryTiger，aswell。
Havingheardthisstory，Dorothyrelatedtothemherownadventures，andthenwentoutwithherfriendstofindtheSawhorse，whichOzmahadcausedtobeshodwithplatesofgold，sothatitslegswouldnotwearout。
TheycameupontheSawhorsestandingmotionlessbesidethegardengate，butwhenDorothywasintroducedtohimhebowedpolitelyandblinkedhiseyes，whichwereknotsofwood，andwaggedhistail，whichwasonlythebranchofatree。
"Whataremarkablething，tobealive！"exclaimedDorothy。
"Iquietagreewithyou，"repliedtheSawhorse，inaroughbutnotunpleasantvoice。"Acreaturelikemehasnobusinesstolive，asweallknow。Butitwasthemagicpowderthatdidit，soIcannotjustlybeblamed。"
"Ofcoursenot，"saidDorothy。"Andyouseemtobeofsomeuse，’causeInoticedtheScarecrowridinguponyourback。"
"Oh，yes;I’mofuse，"returnedtheSawhorse;"andInevertire，neverhavetobefed，orcaredforinanyway。"
"Areyouintel’gent？"askedthegirl。
"Notvery，"saidthecreature。"ItwouldbefoolishtowasteintelligenceonacommonSawhorse，whensomanyprofessorsneedit。
ButIknowenoughtoobeymymasters，andtogid-dup，orwhoa，whenI’mtoldto。SoI’mprettywellsatisfied。"
ThatnightDorothysleptinapleasantlittlebed-chambernexttothatoccupiedbyOzmaofOz，andBillinapercheduponthefootofthebedandtuckedherheadunderherwingandsleptassoundlyinthatpositionasdidDorothyuponhersoftcushions。
Butbeforedaybreakeveryonewasawakeandstirring，andsoontheadventurerswereeatingahastybreakfastinthegreatdining-roomofthepalace。Ozmasatattheheadofalongtable，onaraisedplatform，withDorothyonherrighthandandtheScarecrowonherleft。TheScarecrowdidnoteat，ofcourse;butOzmaplacedhimnearhersothatshemightaskhisadviceaboutthejourneywhilesheate。
Lowerdownthetablewerethetwenty-sevenwarriorsofOz，andattheendoftheroomtheLionandtheTigerwereeatingoutofakettlethathadbeenplaceduponthefloor，whileBillinaflutteredaroundtopickupanyscrapsthatmightbescattered。
Itdidnottakelongtofinishthemeal，andthentheLionandtheTigerwereharnessedtothechariotandthepartywasreadytostartfortheNomeKing’sPalace。
FirstrodeOzma，withDorothybesideherinthegoldenchariotandholdingBillinafastinherarms。ThencametheScarecrowontheSawhorse，withtheTinWoodmanandTiktokmarchingsidebysidejustbehindhim。AfterthesetrampedtheArmy，lookingbraveandhandsomeintheirsplendiduniforms。Thegeneralscommandedthecolonelsandthecolonelscommandedthemajorsandthemajorscommandedthecaptainsandthecaptainscommandedtheprivate，whomarchedwithanairofproudimportancebecauseitrequiredsomanyofficerstogivehimhisorders。
Andsothemagnificentprocessionleftthepalaceandstartedalongtheroadjustasdaywasbreaking，andbythetimethesuncameouttheyhadmadegoodprogresstowardthevalleythatledtotheNomeKing’sdomain。
10。TheGiantwiththeHammerTheroadledforatimethroughaprettyfarmcountry，andthenpastapicnicgrovethatwasveryinviting。ButtheprocessioncontinuedtosteadilyadvanceuntilBillinacriedinanabruptandcommandingmanner：
"Wait——wait！"
OzmastoppedherchariotsosuddenlythattheScarecrow’sSawhorsenearlyranintoit，andtheranksofthearmytumbledoveroneanotherbeforetheycouldcometoahalt。ImmediatelytheyellowhenstruggledfromDorothy’sarmsandflewintoaclumpofbushesbytheroadside。
"What’sthematter？"calledtheTinWoodman，anxiously。
"Why，Billinawantstolayheregg，that’sall，"saidDorothy。
"Layheregg！"repeatedtheTinWoodman，inastonishment。
"Yes;shelaysoneeverymorning，aboutthistime;andit’squitefresh，"saidthegirl。
"Butdoesyourfoolisholdhensupposethatthisentirecavalcade，whichisboundonanimportantadventure，isgoingtostandstillwhileshelaysheregg？"enquiredtheTinWoodman，earnestly。
"Whatelsecanwedo？"askedthegirl。"It’sahabitofBillina’sandshecan’tbreakherselfofit。"
"Thenshemusthurryup，"saidtheTinWoodman，impatiently。
"No，no！"exclaimedtheScarecrow。"Ifshehurriesshemaylayscrambledeggs。"
"That’snonsense，"saidDorothy。"ButBillinawon’tbelong，I’msure。"
Sotheystoodandwaited，althoughallwererestlessandanxioustoproceed。Andbyandbytheyellowhencamefromthebushessaying：
"Kut-kut，kut，ka-daw-kutt！Kut，kut，kut——ka-daw-kut！"
"Whatisshedoing——singingherlay？"askedtheScarecrow。
"For-ward——march！"shoutedtheTinWoodman，wavinghisaxe，andtheprocessionstartedjustasDorothyhadoncemoregrabbedBillinainherarms。
"Isn’tanyonegoingtogetmyegg？"criedthehen，ingreatexcitement。
"I’llgetit，"saidtheScarecrow;andathiscommandtheSawhorseprancedintothebushes。Thestrawmansoonfoundtheegg，whichheplacedinhisjacketpocket。Thecavalcade，havingmovedrapidlyon，waseventhenfarinadvance;butitdidnottaketheSawhorselongtocatchupwithit，andpresentlytheScarecrowwasridinginhisaccustomedplacebehindOzma’schariot。
"WhatshallIdowiththeegg？"heaskedDorothy。
"Idonotknow，"thegirlanswered。"PerhapstheHungryTigerwouldlikeit。"
"Itwouldnotbeenoughtofilloneofmybackteeth，"remarkedtheTiger。"Abushelofthem，hardboiled，mighttakealittleoftheedgeoffmyappetite;butoneeggisn’tgoodforanythingatall，thatIknowof。"
"No;itwouldn’tevenmakeaspongecake，"saidtheScarecrow，thoughtfully。"TheTinWoodmanmightcarryitwithhisaxeandhatchit;butafterallImayaswellkeepitmyselfforasouvenir。"Soheleftitinhispocket。
TheyhadnowreachedthatpartofthevalleythatlaybetweenthetwohighmountainswhichDorothyhadseenfromhertowerwindow。Atthefarendwasthethirdgreatmountain，whichblockedthevalleyandwasthenorthernedgeoftheLandofEv。ItwasunderneaththismountainthattheNomeKing’spalacewassaidtobe;butitwouldbesometimebeforetheyreachedthatplace。
Thepathwasbecomingrockyanddifficultforthewheelsofthechariottopassover，andpresentlyadeepgulfappearedattheirfeetwhichwastoowideforthemtoleap。SoOzmatookasmallsquareofgreenclothfromherpocketandthrewitupontheground。Atonceitbecamethemagiccarpet，andunrolleditselffarenoughforallthecavalcadetowalkupon。Thechariotnowadvanced，andthegreencarpetunrolledbeforeit，crossingthegulfonalevelwithitsbanks，sothatallpassedoverinsafety。
"That’seasyenough，"saidtheScarecrow。"Iwonderwhatwillhappennext。"
Hewasnotlonginmakingthediscovery，forthesidesofthemountaincameclosertogetheruntilfinallytherewasbutanarrowpathbetweenthem，alongwhichOzmaandherpartywereforcedtopassinsinglefile。
Theynowheardalowanddeep"thump！——thump！——thump！"whichechoedthroughoutthevalleyandseemedtogrowlouderastheyadvanced。
Then，turningacornerofrock，theysawbeforethemahugeform，whichtoweredabovethepathformorethanahundredfeet。Theformwasthatofagiganticmanbuiltoutofplatesofcastiron，anditstoodwithonefootoneithersideofthenarrowroadandswungoveritsrightshoulderanimmenseironmallet，withwhichitconstantlypoundedtheearth。Theseresoundingblowsexplainedthethumpingsoundstheyhadheard，forthemalletwasmuchbiggerthanabarrel，andwhereitstruckthepathbetweentherockysidesofthemountainitfilledallthespacethroughwhichourtravelerswouldbeobligedtopass。
Ofcoursetheyatoncehalted，asafedistanceawayfromtheterribleironmallet。Themagiccarpetwoulddothemnogoodinthiscase，foritwasonlymeanttoprotectthemfromanydangersuponthegroundbeneaththeirfeet，andnotfromdangersthatappearedintheairabovethem。
"Wow！"saidtheCowardlyLion，withashudder。"Itmakesmedreadfullynervoustoseethatbighammerpoundingsonearmyhead。
Oneblowwouldcrushmeintoadoor-mat。"
"Their-ongi-antisafinefel-low，"saidTiktok，"andworksasstead-i-lyasaclock。HewasmadefortheNomeKingbySmith&
Tin-ker，whomademe，andhisdu-tyistokeepfolksfromfind-ingtheun-der-groundpal-ace。Ishenotagreatworkofart？"
"Canhethink，andspeak，asyoudo？"askedOzma，regardingthegiantwithwonderingeyes。
"No，"repliedthemachine;"heison-lymadetopoundtheroad，andhasnothink-ingorspeak-ingat-tach-ment。Buthepoundsve-rywell，Ithink。"
"Toowell，"observedtheScarecrow。"Heiskeepingusfromgoingfarther。Istherenowaytostophismachinery？"
"On-lytheNomeKing，whohasthekey，candothat，"answeredTiktok。
"Then，"saidDorothy，anxiously，"whatshallwedo？"
"Excusemeforafewminutes，"saidtheScarecrow，"andIwillthinkitover。"
Heretired，then，toapositionintherear，whereheturnedhispaintedfacetotherocksandbegantothink。
Meantimethegiantcontinuedtoraisehisironmallethighintheairandtostrikethepathterrificblowsthatechoedthroughthemountainsliketheroarofacannon。Eachtimethemalletlifted，however，therewasamomentwhenthepathbeneaththemonsterwasfree，andperhapstheScarecrowhadnoticedthis，forwhenhecamebacktotheothershesaid：
"Thematterisaverysimpleone，afterall。Wehavebuttorununderthehammer，oneatatime，whenitislifted，andpasstotheothersidebeforeitfallsagain。"
"Itwillrequirequickwork，ifweescapetheblow，"saidtheTinWoodman，withashakeofhishead。"Butitreallyseemstheonlythingtobedone。Whowillmakethefirstattempt？"
Theylookedatoneanotherhesitatinglyforamoment。ThentheCowardlyLion，whowastremblinglikealeafinthewind，saidtothem：
"Isupposetheheadoftheprocessionmustgofirst——andthat’sme。
ButI’mterriblyafraidofthebighammer！"
"Whatwillbecomeofme？"askedOzma。"Youmightrushunderthehammeryourself，butthechariotwouldsurelybecrushed。"
"Wemustleavethechariot，"saidtheScarecrow。"ButyoutwogirlscanrideuponthebacksoftheLionandtheTiger。"
Sothiswasdecidedupon，andOzma，assoonastheLionwasunfastenedfromthechariot，atoncemountedthebeast’sbackandsaidshewasready。
"Clingfasttohismane，"advisedDorothy。"Iusedtoridehimmyself，andthat’sthewayIheldon。"
SoOzmaclungfasttothemane，andthelioncrouchedinthepathandeyedtheswingingmalletcarefullyuntilheknewjusttheinstantitwouldbegintoriseintheair。
Then，beforeanyonethoughthewasready，hemadeasuddenleapstraightbetweentheirongiant’slegs，andbeforethemalletstruckthegroundagaintheLionandOzmaweresafeontheotherside。
TheTigerwentnext。Dorothysatuponhisbackandlockedherarmsaroundhisstripedneck，forhehadnomanetoclingto。Hemadetheleapstraightandtrueasanarrowfromabow，andereDorothyrealizeditshewasoutofdangerandstandingbyOzma’sside。
NowcametheScarecrowontheSawhorse，andwhiletheymadethedashinsafetytheywerewithinahair’sbreadthofbeingcaughtbythedescendinghammer。
Tiktokwalkeduptotheveryedgeofthespotthehammerstruck，andasitwasraisedforthenextblowhecalmlysteppedforwardandescapeditsdescent。ThatwasanideafortheTinWoodmantofollow，andhealsocrossedinsafetywhilethegreathammerwasintheair。
Butwhenitcametothetwenty-sixofficersandtheprivate，theirkneesweresoweakthattheycouldnotwalkastep。
"Inbattlewearewonderfullycourageous，"saidoneofthegenerals，"andourfoesfindusveryterribletoface。Butwarisonethingandthisisanother。Whenitcomestobeingpoundedupontheheadbyanironhammer，andsmashedintopancakes，wenaturallyobject。"
"Makearunforit，"urgedtheScarecrow。
"Ourkneesshakesothatwecannotrun，"answeredacaptain。"Ifweshouldtryitwewouldallcertainlybepoundedtoajelly。"
"Well，well，"sighedtheCowardlyLion，"Isee，friendTiger，thatwemustplaceourselvesingreatdangertorescuethisboldarmy。Comewithme，andwewilldothebestwecan。"
So，OzmaandDorothyhavingalreadydismountedfromtheirbacks，theLionandtheTigerleapedbackagainundertheawfulhammerandreturnedwithtwogeneralsclingingtotheirnecks。Theyrepeatedthisdaringpassagetwelvetimes，whenalltheofficershadbeencarriedbeneaththegiant’slegsandlandedsafelyonthefurtherside。Bythattimethebeastswereverytired，andpantedsohardthattheirtongueshungoutoftheirgreatmouths。
"Butwhatistobecomeoftheprivate？"askedOzma。
"Oh，leavehimtheretoguardthechariot，"saidtheLion。"I’mtiredout，andwon’tpassunderthatmalletagain。"
Theofficersatonceprotestedthattheymusthavetheprivatewiththem，elsetherewouldbenooneforthemtocommand。ButneithertheLionortheTigerwouldgoafterhim，andsotheScarecrowsenttheSawhorse。
Eitherthewoodenhorsewascareless，oritfailedtoproperlytimethedescentofthehammer，forthemightyweaponcaughtitsquarelyuponitshead，andthumpeditagainstthegroundsopowerfullythattheprivateflewoffitsbackhighintotheair，andlandedupononeofthegiant’scast-ironarms。Hereheclungdesperatelywhilethearmroseandfellwitheachoneoftherapidstrokes。
TheScarecrowdashedintorescuehisSawhorse，andhadhisleftfootsmashedbythehammerbeforehecouldpullthecreatureoutofdanger。
TheythenfoundthattheSawhorsehadbeenbadlydazedbytheblow;
forwhilethehardwoodenknotofwhichhisheadwasformedcouldnotbecrushedbythehammer，bothhisearswerebrokenoffandhewouldbeunabletohearasounduntilsomenewonesweremadeforhim。Alsohisleftkneewascracked，andhadtobeboundupwithastring。
Billinahavingflutteredunderthehammer，itnowremainedonlytorescuetheprivatewhowasridingupontheirongiant’sarm，highintheair。
TheScarecrowlayflatuponthegroundandcalledtothemantojumpdownuponhisbody，whichwassoftbecauseitwasstuffedwithstraw。
Thistheprivatemanagedtodo，waitinguntilatimewhenhewasnearestthegroundandthenlettinghimselfdropupontheScarecrow。
Heaccomplishedthefeatwithoutbreakinganybones，andtheScarecrowdeclaredhewasnotinjuredintheleast。
Therefore，theTinWoodmanhavingbythistimefittednewearstotheSawhorse，theentirepartyproceededuponitsway，leavingthegianttopoundthepathbehindthem。
11。TheNomeKingByandby，whentheydrewneartothemountainthatblockedtheirpathandwhichwasthefurthermostedgeoftheKingdomofEv，thewaygrewdarkandgloomyforthereasonthatthehighpeaksoneithersideshutoutthesunshine。Anditwasverysilent，too，astherewerenobirdstosingorsquirrelstochatter，thetreesbeingleftfarbehindthemandonlythebarerocksremaining。
OzmaandDorothywerealittleawedbythesilence，andalltheotherswerequietandgraveexcepttheSawhorse，which，asittrottedalongwiththeScarecrowuponhisback，hummedaqueersong，ofwhichthiswasthechorus：
"Wouldawoodenhorseinawoodlandgo？
Aye，aye！Isigh，hewould，althoughHadhenothadawoodenheadHe’dmountthemountaintopinstead。"
ButnoonepaidanyattentiontothisbecausetheywerenowclosetotheNomeKing’sdominions，andhissplendidundergroundpalacecouldnotbeveryfaraway。
Suddenlytheyheardashoutofjeeringlaughter，andstoppedshort。
Theywouldhavetostopinaminute，anyway，forthehugemountainbarredtheirfurtherprogressandthepathrancloseuptoawallofrockandended。
"Whowasthatlaughing？"askedOzma。
Therewasnoreply，butinthegloomtheycouldseestrangeformsflitacrossthefaceoftherock。Whateverthecreationsmightbetheyseemedveryliketherockitself，fortheywerethecolorofrocksandtheirshapeswereasroughandruggedasiftheyhadbeenbrokenawayfromthesideofthemountain。Theykeptclosetothesteepclifffacingourfriends，andglidedupanddown，andthiswayandthat，withalackofregularitythatwasquiteconfusing。Andtheyseemednottoneedplacestoresttheirfeet，butclungtothesurfaceoftherockasaflydoestoawindow-pane，andwereneverstillforamoment。
"Donotmindthem，"saidTiktok，asDorothyshrankback。"Theyareon-lytheNomes。"
"AndwhatareNomes？"askedthegirl，halffrightened。
"Theyarerockfair-ies，andservetheNomeKing，"repliedthemachine。
"Buttheywilldousnoharm。YoumustcallfortheKing，be-causewith-outhimyoucanne-verfindtheen-trancetothepal-ace。"
"YOUcall，"saidDorothytoOzma。
JustthentheNomeslaughedagain，andthesoundwassoweirdanddishearteningthatthetwenty-sixofficerscommandedtheprivateto"right-about-face！"andtheyallstartedtorunasfastastheycould。
TheTinWoodmanatoncepursuedhisarmyandcried"halt！"andwhentheyhadstoppedtheirflightheasked："Whereareyougoing？"
"I——IfindI’veforgottenthebrushformywhiskers，"saidageneral，tremblingwithfear。"S-s-soweareg-goingbackafterit！"
"Thatisimpossible，"repliedtheTinWoodman。"Forthegiantwiththehammerwouldkillyouallifyoutriedtopasshim。"
"Oh！I’dforgottenthegiant，"saidthegeneral，turningpale。
"Youseemtoforgetagoodmanythings，"remarkedtheTinWoodman。
"Ihopeyouwon’tforgetthatyouarebravemen。"
"Never！"criedthegeneral，slappinghisgold-embroideredchest。
"Never！"criedalltheotherofficers，indignantlyslappingtheirchests。
"Formypart，"saidtheprivate，meekly，"Imustobeymyofficers;sowhenIamtoldtorun，Irun;andwhenIamtoldtofight，Ifight。"
"Thatisright，"agreedtheTinWoodman。"AndnowyoumustallcomebacktoOzma，andobeyHERorders。AndifyoutrytorunawayagainI
willhaveherreduceallthetwenty-sixofficerstoprivates，andmaketheprivateyourgeneral。"
ThisterriblethreatsofrightenedthemthattheyatoncereturnedtowhereOzmawasstandingbesidetheCowardlyLion。
ThenOzmacriedoutinaloudvoice：
"IdemandthattheNomeKingappeartous！"
Therewasnoreply，exceptthattheshiftingNomesuponthemountainlaughedinderision。
"YoumustnotcommandtheNomeKing，"saidTiktok，"foryoudonotrulehim，asyoudoyourownpeo-ple。"
SoOzmacalledagain，saying：
"IrequesttheNomeKingtoappeartous。"
Onlythemockinglaughterrepliedtoher，andtheshadowyNomescontinuedtoflithereandthereupontherockycliff。
"Tryen-treat-y，"saidTiktoktoOzma。"Ifhewillnotcomeatyourre-quest，thentheNomeKingmaylist-entoyourplead-ing。"
Ozmalookedaroundherproudly。
"DoyouwishyourrulertopleadwiththiswickedNomeKing？"sheasked。"ShallOzmaofOzhumbleherselftoacreaturewholivesinanundergroundkingdom？"
"No！"theyallshouted，withbigvoices;andtheScarecrowadded：
"Ifhewillnotcome，wewilldighimoutofhishole，likeafox，andconquerhisstubbornness。Butoursweetlittlerulermustalwaysmaintainherdignity，justasImaintainmine。"
"I’mnotafraidtopleadwithhim，"saidDorothy。"I’monlyalittlegirlfromKansas，andwe’vegotmoredignityathomethanweknowwhattodowith。I’LLcalltheNomeKing。"
"Do，"saidtheHungryTiger;"andifhemakeshashofyouI’llwillinglyeatyouforbreakfasttomorrowmorning。"
SoDorothysteppedforwardandsaid：
"PLEASEMr。NomeKing，comehereandseeus。"
TheNomesstartedtolaughagain;butalowgrowlcamefromthemountain，andinaflashtheyhadallvanishedfromsightandweresilent。
Thenadoorintherockopened，andavoicecried：
"Enter！"
"Isn’titatrick？"askedtheTinWoodman。
"Nevermind，"repliedOzma。"WecameheretorescuethepoorQueenofEvandhertenchildren，andwemustrunsomeriskstodoso。"
"TheNomeKingishon-estandgoodna-tured，"saidTiktok。"Youcantrusthimtodowhatisright。"
SoOzmaledtheway，handinhandwithDorothy，andtheypassedthroughthearcheddoorwayofrockandenteredalongpassagewhichwaslightedbyjewelssetinthewallsandhavinglampsbehindthem。
Therewasnoonetoescortthem，ortoshowthemtheway，butallthepartypressedthroughthepassageuntiltheycametoaround，domedcavernthatwasgrandlyfurnished。
Inthecenterofthisroomwasathronecarvedoutofasolidboulderofrock，rudeandruggedinshapebutglitteringwithgreatrubiesanddiamondsandemeraldsoneverypartofitssurface。AnduponthethronesattheNomeKing。
ThisimportantmonarchoftheUndergroundWorldwasalittlefatmanclothedingray-browngarmentsthatweretheexactcoloroftherockthroneinwhichhewasseated。Hisbushyhairandflowingbeardwerealsocoloredliketherocks，andsowashisface。Heworenocrownofanysort，andhisonlyornamentwasabroad，jewel-studdedbeltthatencircledhisfatlittlebody。Asforhisfeatures，theyseemedkindlyandgoodhumored，andhiseyeswereturnedmerrilyuponhisvisitorsasOzmaandDorothystoodbeforehimwiththeirfollowersrangedincloseorderbehindthem。
"Why，helooksjustlikeSantaClaus——onlyheisn’tthesamecolor！"
whisperedDorothytoherfriend;buttheNomeKingheardthespeech，anditmadehimlaughaloud。
"’HehadaredfaceandaroundlittlebellyThatshookwhenhelaughedlikeabowlfullofjelly！’"
quoththemonarch，inapleasantvoice;andtheycouldallseethathereallydidshakelikejellywhenhelaughed。
BothOzmaandDorothyweremuchrelievedtofindtheNomeKingsojolly，andaminutelaterhewavedhisrighthandandthegirlseachfoundacushionedstoolatherside。
"Sitdown，mydears，"saidtheKing，"andtellmewhyyouhavecomeallthiswaytoseeme，andwhatIcandotomakeyouhappy。"
WhiletheyseatedthemselvestheNomeKingpickedupapipe，andtakingaglowingredcoaloutofhispocketheplaceditinthebowlofthepipeandbeganpuffingoutcloudsofsmokethatcurledinringsabovehishead。DorothythoughtthismadethelittlemonarchlookmorelikeSantaClausthanever;butOzmanowbeganspeaking，andeveryonelistenedintentlytoherwords。
"YourMajesty，"saidshe，"IamtheruleroftheLandofOz，andI
havecomeheretoaskyoutoreleasethegoodQueenofEvandhertenchildren，whomyouhaveenchantedandholdasyourprisoners。"
"Oh，no;youaremistakenaboutthat，"repliedtheKing。"Theyarenotmyprisoners，butmyslaves，whomIpurchasedfromtheKingofEv。"
"Butthatwaswrong，"saidOzma。
"AccordingtothelawsofEv，thekingcandonowrong，"answeredthemonarch，eyingaringofsmokehehadjustblownfromhismouth;"sothathehadaperfectrighttosellhisfamilytomeinexchangeforalonglife。"
"Youcheatedhim，though，"declaredDorothy;"fortheKingofEvdidnothavealonglife。Hejumpedintotheseaandwasdrowned。"
"Thatwasnotmyfault，"saidtheNomeKing，crossinghislegsandsmilingcontentedly。"Igavehimthelonglife，allright;buthedestroyedit。"
"Thenhowcoulditbealonglife？"askedDorothy。
"Easilyenough，"wasthereply。"Nowsuppose，mydear，thatIgaveyouaprettydollinexchangeforalockofyourhair，andthatafteryouhadreceivedthedollyousmasheditintopiecesanddestroyedit。
CouldyousaythatIhadnotgivenyouaprettydoll？"
"No，"answeredDorothy。
"Andcouldyou，infairness，askmetoreturntoyouthelockofhair，justbecauseyouhadsmashedthedoll？"
"No，"saidDorothy，again。
"Ofcoursenot，"theNomeKingreturned。"NorwillIgiveuptheQueenandherchildrenbecausetheKingofEvdestroyedhislonglifebyjumpingintothesea。TheybelongtomeandIshallkeepthem。"
"Butyouaretreatingthemcruelly，"saidOzma，whowasmuchdistressedbytheKing’srefusal。
"Inwhatway？"heasked。
"Bymakingthemyourslaves，"saidshe。
"Cruelty，"remarkedthemonarch，puffingoutwreathesofsmokeandwatchingthemfloatintotheair，"isathingIcan’tabide。So，asslavesmustworkhard，andtheQueenofEvandherchildrenweredelicateandtender，Itransformedthemallintoarticlesofornamentandbric-a-bracandscatteredthemaroundthevariousroomsofmypalace。Insteadofbeingobligedtolabor，theymerelydecoratemyapartments，andIreallythinkIhavetreatedthemwithgreatkindness。"
"Butwhatadreadfulfateistheirs！"exclaimedOzma，earnestly。"AndtheKingdomofEvisingreatneedofitsroyalfamilytogovernit。
Ifyouwillliberatethem，andrestorethemtotheirproperforms，I
willgiveyoutenornamentstoreplaceeachoneyoulose。"
TheNomeKinglookedgrave。
"SupposeIrefuse？"heasked。
"Then，"saidOzma，firmly，"Iamherewithmyfriendsandmyarmytoconqueryourkingdomandobligeyoutoobeymywishes。"
TheNomeKinglaugheduntilhechoked;andhechokeduntilhecoughed;
andhecougheduntilhisfaceturnedfromgrayish-browntobrightred。
Andthenhewipedhiseyeswitharock-coloredhandkerchiefandgrewgraveagain。
"Youareasbraveasyouarepretty，mydear，"hesaidtoOzma。"Butyouhavelittleideaoftheextentofthetaskyouhaveundertaken。
Comewithmeforamoment。"
HearoseandtookOzma’shand，leadinghertoalittledooratonesideoftheroom。Thisheopenedandtheysteppedoutuponabalcony，fromwhencetheyobtainedawonderfulviewoftheUndergroundWorld。
Avastcaveextendedformilesandmilesunderthemountain，andineverydirectionwerefurnacesandforgesglowingbrightlyandNomeshammeringuponpreciousmetalsorpolishinggleamingjewels。Allaroundthewallsofthecavewerethousandsofdoorsofsilverandgold，builtintothesolidrock，andtheseextendedinrowsfarawayintothedistance，asfarasOzma’seyescouldfollowthem。
WhilethelittlemaidfromOzgazedwonderinglyuponthisscenetheNomeKingutteredashrillwhistle，andatonceallthesilverandgolddoorsflewopenandsolidranksofNomesoldiersmarchedoutfromeveryone。Sogreatweretheirnumbersthattheyquicklyfilledtheimmenseundergroundcavernandforcedthebusyworkmentoabandontheirtasks。
Althoughthistremendousarmyconsistedofrock-coloredNomes，allsquatandfat，theywereclothedinglitteringarmorofpolishedsteel，inlaidwithbeautifulgems。Uponhisbroweachworeabrilliantelectriclight，andtheyboresharpspearsandswordsandbattle-axesofsolidbronze。Itwasevidenttheywereperfectlytrained，fortheystoodinstraightrows，rankafterrank，withtheirweaponshelderectandtrue，asifawaitingbutthewordofcommandtolevelthemupontheirfoes。
"This，"saidtheNomeKing，"isbutasmallpartofmyarmy。NoruleruponEarthhaseverdaredtofightme，andnorulereverwill，forI
amtoopowerfultooppose。"
Hewhistledagain，andatoncethemartialarrayfiledthroughthesilverandgolddoorwaysanddisappeared，afterwhichtheworkmenagainresumedtheirlaborsatthefurnaces。
Then，sadanddiscouraged，OzmaofOzturnedtoherfriends，andtheNomeKingcalmlyreseatedhimselfonhisrockthrone。
"Itwouldbefoolishforustofight，"thegirlsaidtotheTinWoodman。"ForourbraveTwenty-Sevenwouldbequicklydestroyed。I’msureIdonotknowhowtoactinthisemergency。
"AsktheKingwherehiskitchenis，"suggestedtheTiger。"I’mhungryasabear。"
"ImightpounceupontheKingandtearhiminpieces，"remarkedtheCowardlyLion。
"Tryit，"saidthemonarch，lightinghispipewithanotherhotcoalwhichhetookfromhispocket。
TheLioncrouchedlowandtriedtospringupontheNomeKing;buthehoppedonlyalittlewayintotheairandcamedownagaininthesameplace，notbeingabletoapproachthethronebyevenaninch。
"Itseemstome，"saidtheScarecrow，thoughtfully，"thatourbestplanistowheedlehisMajestyintogivinguphisslaves，sinceheistoogreatamagiciantooppose。"
"Thisisthemostsensiblethinganyofyouhavesuggested，"declaredtheNomeKing。"Itisfollytothreatenme，butI’msokind-heartedthatIcannotstandcoaxingorwheedling。Ifyoureallywishtoaccomplishanythingbyyourjourney，mydearOzma，youmustcoaxme。"
"Verywell，"saidOzma，morecheerfully。"Letusbefriends，andtalkthisoverinafriendlymanner。"
"Tobesure，"agreedtheKing，hiseyestwinklingmerrily。
"Iamveryanxious，"shecontinued，"toliberatetheQueenofEvandherchildrenwhoarenowornamentsandbric-a-bracinyourMajesty’spalace，andtorestorethemtotheirpeople。Tellme，sir，howthismaybeaccomplished。"
Thekingremainedthoughtfulforamoment，afterwhichheasked：
"Areyouwillingtotakeafewchancesandrisksyourself，inordertosetfreethepeopleofEv？"
"Yes，indeed！"answeredOzma，eagerly。
"Then，"saidtheNomeKing，"Iwillmakeyouthisoffer：Youshallgoaloneandunattendedintomypalaceandexaminecarefullyallthattheroomscontain。Thenyoushallhavepermissiontotouchelevendifferentobjects，pronouncingatthetimetheword’Ev，’andifanyoneofthem，ormorethanone，provestobethetransformationoftheQueenofEvoranyofhertenchildren，thentheywillinstantlyberestoredtotheirtrueformsandmayleavemypalaceandmykingdominyourcompany，withoutanyobjectionwhatever。Itispossibleforyou，inthisway，tofreetheentireeleven;butifyoudonotguessalltheobjectscorrectly，andsomeoftheslavesremaintransformed，theneachoneofyourfriendsandfollowersmay，inturn，enterthepalaceandhavethesameprivilegesIgrantyou。"
"Oh，thankyou！thankyouforthiskindoffer！"saidOzma，eagerly。
"Imakebutonecondition，"addedtheNomeKing，hiseyestwinkling。
"Whatisit？"sheenquired。
"IfnoneoftheelevenobjectsyoutouchprovestobethetransformationofanyoftheroyalfamilyofEv，then，insteadoffreeingthem，youwillyourselfbecomeenchanted，andtransformedintoanarticleofbric-a-bracoranornament。Thisisonlyfairandjust，andistheriskyoudeclaredyouwerewillingtotake。"
12。TheElevenGuessesHearingthisconditionimposedbytheNomeKing，Ozmabecamesilentandthoughtful，andallherfriendslookedatheruneasily。
"Don’tyoudoit！"exclaimedDorothy。"Ifyouguesswrong，youwillbeenslavedyourself。"
"ButIshallhaveelevenguesses，"answeredOzma。"SurelyIoughttoguessoneobjectinelevencorrectly;and，ifIdo，Ishallrescueoneoftheroyalfamilyandbesafemyself。Thentherestofyoumayattemptit，andsoonweshallfreeallthosewhoareenslaved。"
"Whatifwefail？"enquiredtheScarecrow。"I’dlookniceasapieceofbric-a-brac，wouldn’tI？"
"Wemustnotfail！"criedOzma，courageously。"Havingcomeallthisdistancetofreethesepoorpeople，itwouldbeweakandcowardlyinustoabandontheadventure。ThereforeIwillaccepttheNomeKing’soffer，andgoatonceintotheroyalpalace。"
"Comealong，then，mydear，"saidtheKing，climbingdownfromhisthronewithsomedifficulty，becausehewassofat;"I’llshowyoutheway。"
Heapproachedawallofthecaveandwavedhishand。Instantlyanopeningappeared，throughwhichOzma，afterasmilingfarewelltoherfriends，boldlypassed。
Shefoundherselfinasplendidhallthatwasmorebeautifulandgrandthananythingshehadeverbeheld。Theceilingswerecomposedofgreatarchesthatrosefaraboveherhead，andallthewallsandfloorswereofpolishedmarbleexquisitelytintedinmanycolors。
Thickvelvetcarpetswereonthefloorandheavysilkendraperiescoveredthearchesleadingtothevariousroomsofthepalace。Thefurniturewasmadeofrareoldwoodsrichlycarvedandcoveredwithdelicatesatins，andtheentirepalacewaslightedbyamysteriousrosyglowthatseemedtocomefromnoparticularplacebutfloodedeachapartmentwithitssoftandpleasingradiance。
Ozmapassedfromoneroomtoanother，greatlydelightedbyallshesaw。Thelovelypalacehadnootheroccupant，fortheNomeKinghadleftherattheentrance，whichclosedbehindher，andinallthemagnificentroomsthereappearedtobenootherperson。
Uponthemantels，andonmanyshelvesandbracketsandtables，wereclusteredornamentsofeverydescription，seeminglymadeoutofallsortsofmetals，glass，china，stonesandmarbles。Therewerevases，andfiguresofmenandanimals，andgravenplattersandbowls，andmosaicsofpreciousgems，andmanyotherthings。Pictures，too，wereonthewalls，andtheundergroundpalacewasquiteamuseumofrareandcuriousandcostlyobjects。
AfterherfirsthastyexaminationoftheroomsOzmabegantowonderwhichofallthenumerousornamentstheycontainedwerethetransformationsoftheroyalfamilyofEv。Therewasnothingtoguideher，foreverythingseemedwithoutasparkoflife。Soshemustguessblindly;andforthefirsttimethegirlcametorealizehowdangerouswashertask，andhowlikelyshewastoloseherownfreedominstrivingtofreeothersfromthebondageoftheNomeKing。Nowonderthecunningmonarchlaughedgoodnaturedlywithhisvisitors，whenheknewhoweasilytheymightbeentrapped。
ButOzma，havingundertakentheventure，wouldnotabandonit。Shelookedatasilvercandelabrathathadtenbranches，andthought：
"ThismaybetheQueenofEvandhertenchildren。"Soshetoucheditandutteredaloudtheword"Ev，"astheNomeKinghadinstructedhertodowhensheguessed。Butthecandelabraremainedasitwasbefore。
Thenshewanderedintoanotherroomandtouchedachinalamb，thinkingitmightbeoneofthechildrenshesought。Butagainshewasunsuccessful。Threeguesses;fourguesses;five，six，seven，eight，nineandtenshemade，andstillnotoneofthemwasright！
Thegirlshiveredalittleandgrewpaleevenundertherosylight;
fornowbutoneguessremained，andherownfatedependedupontheresult。
Sheresolvednottobehasty，andstrolledthroughalltheroomsoncemore，gazingearnestlyuponthevariousornamentsandtryingtodecidewhichshewouldtouch。Finally，indespair，shedecidedtoleaveitentirelytochance。Shefacedthedoorwayofaroom，shuthereyestightly，andthen，thrustingasidetheheavydraperies，sheadvancedblindlywithherrightarmoutstretchedbeforeher。
Slowly，softlyshecreptforwarduntilherhandcameincontactwithanobjectuponasmallroundtable。Shedidnotknowwhatitwas，butinalowvoiceshepronouncedtheword"Ev。"
Theroomswerequiteemptyoflifeafterthat。TheNomeKinghadgainedanewornament。Forupontheedgeofthetablerestedaprettygrasshopper，thatseemedtohavebeenformedfromasingleemerald。
ItwasallthatremainedofOzmaofOz。
InthethroneroomjustbeyondthepalacetheNomeKingsuddenlylookedupandsmiled。
"Next！"hesaid，inhispleasantvoice。
Dorothy，theScarecrow，andtheTinWoodman，whohadbeensittinginanxioussilence，eachgaveastartofdismayandstaredintooneanother’seyes。
"Hasshefailed？"askedTiktok。
"Soitseems，"answeredthelittlemonarch，cheerfully。"Butthatisnoreasononeofyoushouldnotsucceed。Thenextmayhavetwelveguesses，insteadofeleven，fortherearenowtwelvepersonstransformedintoornaments。Well，well！Whichofyougoesnext？"
"I’llgo，"saidDorothy。
"Notso，"repliedtheTinWoodman。"AscommanderofOzma’sarmy，itismyprivilegetofollowherandattemptherrescue。"
"Awayyougo，then，"saidtheScarecrow。"Butbecareful，oldfriend。"
"Iwill，"promisedtheTinWoodman;andthenhefollowedtheNomeKingtotheentrancetothepalaceandtherockclosedbehindhim。
13。TheNomeKingLaughsInamomenttheKingreturnedtohisthroneandrelightedhispipe，andtherestofthelittlebandofadventurerssettledthemselvesforanotherlongwait。TheyweregreatlydisheartenedbythefailureoftheirgirlRuler，andtheknowledgethatshewasnowanornamentintheNomeKing’spalace——adreadful，creepyplaceinspiteofallitsmagnificence。Withouttheirlittleleadertheydidnotknowwhattodonext，andeachone，downtothetremblingprivateofthearmy，begantofearhewouldsoonbemoreornamentalthanuseful。
SuddenlytheNomeKingbeganlaughing。
"Ha，ha，ha！He，he，he！Ho，ho，ho！"
"What’shappened？"askedtheScarecrow。
"Why，yourfriend，theTinWoodman，hasbecomethefunniestthingyoucanimagine，"repliedtheKing，wipingthetearsofmerrimentfromhiseyes。"Noonewouldeverbelievehecouldmakesuchanamusingornament。Next！"
Theygazedateachotherwithsinkinghearts。Oneofthegeneralsbegantoweepdolefully。
"Whatareyoucryingfor？"askedtheScarecrow，indignantatsuchadisplayofweakness。
"Heowedmesixweeksbackpay，"saidthegeneral，"andIhatetolosehim。"
"Thenyoushallgoandfindhim，"declaredtheScarecrow。
"Me！"criedthegeneral，greatlyalarmed。
"Certainly。Itisyourdutytofollowyourcommander。March！"
"Iwon’t，"saidthegeneral。"I’dliketo，ofcourse;butIjustsimplyWON’T。"
TheScarecrowlookedenquiringlyattheNomeKing。
"Nevermind，"saidthejollymonarch。"Ifhedoesn’tcaretoenterthepalaceandmakehisguessesI’llthrowhimintooneofmyfieryfurnaces。"
"I’llgo！——ofcourseI’mgoing，"yelledthegeneral，asquickasscat。
"Whereistheentrance——whereisit？Letmegoatonce！"
SotheNomeKingescortedhimintothepalace，andagainreturnedtoawaittheresult。Whatthegeneraldid，noonecantell;butitwasnotlongbeforetheKingcalledforthenextvictim，andacolonelwasforcedtotryhisfortune。
Thus，oneafteranother，allofthetwenty-sixofficersfiledintothepalaceandmadetheirguesses——andbecameornaments。
MeantimetheKingorderedrefreshmentstobeservedtothosewaiting，andathiscommandarudelyshapedNomeentered，bearingatray。ThisNomewasnotunliketheothersthatDorothyhadseen，butheworeaheavygoldchainaroundhisnecktoshowthathewastheChiefStewardoftheNomeKing，andheassumedanairofmuchimportance，andeventoldhismajestynottoeattoomuchcakelateatnight，orhewouldbeill。
Dorothy，however，washungry，andshewasnotafraidofbeingill;sosheateseveralcakesandfoundthemgood，andalsoshedrankacupofexcellentcoffeemadeofarichlyflavoredclay，brownedinthefurnacesandthengroundfine，andfounditmostrefreshingandnotatallmuddy。
Ofallthepartywhichhadstarteduponthisadventure，thelittleKansasgirlwasnowleftalonewiththeScarecrow，Tiktok，andtheprivateforcounsellorsandcompanions。OfcoursetheCowardlyLionandtheHungryTigerwerestillthere，butthey，havingalsoeatensomeofthecakes，hadgonetosleepatonesideofthecave，whileupontheothersidestoodtheSawhorse，motionlessandsilent，asbecameamerethingofwood。Billinahadquietlywalkedaroundandpickedupthecrumbsofcakewhichhadbeenscattered，andnow，asitwaslongafterbed-time，shetriedtofindsomedarkplaceinwhichtogotosleep。
PresentlythehenespiedahollowunderneaththeKing’srockythrone，andcreptintoitunnoticed。Shecouldstillhearthechatteringofthosearoundher，butitwasalmostdarkunderneaththethrone，sothatsoonshehadfallenfastasleep。
"Next！"calledtheKing，andtheprivate，whoseturnitwastoenterthefatalpalace，shookhandswithDorothyandtheScarecrowandbadethemasorrowfulgood-bye，andpassedthroughtherockyportal。
Theywaitedalongtime，fortheprivatewasinnohurrytobecomeanornamentandmadehisguessesveryslowly。TheNomeKing，whoseemedtoknow，bysomemagicalpower，allthattookplaceinhisbeautifulroomsofhispalace，grewimpatientfinallyanddeclaredhewouldsitupnolonger。
"Iloveornaments，"saidhe，"butIcanwaituntiltomorrowtogetmoreofthem;so，assoonasthatstupidprivateistransformed，wewillallgotobedandleavethejobtobefinishedinthemorning。"
"Isitsoverylate？"askedDorothy。
"Why，itisaftermidnight，"saidtheKing，"andthatstrikesmeasbeinglateenough。Thereisneithernightnordayinmykingdom，becauseitisundertheearth’ssurface，wherethesundoesnotshine。
Butwehavetosleep，justthesameastheup-stairspeopledo，andformypartI’mgoingtobedinafewminutes。"
Indeed，itwasnotlongafterthisthattheprivatemadehislastguess。Ofcourseheguessedwrongly，andofcourseheatoncebecameanornament。SotheKingwasgreatlypleased，andclappedhishandstosummonhisChiefSteward。
"Showthesegueststosomeofthesleepingapartments，"hecommanded，"andbequickaboutit，too，forI’mdreadfullysleepymyself。"
"You’venobusinesstositupsolate，"repliedtheSteward，gruffly。
"You’llbeascrossasagriffintomorrowmorning。"
HisMajestymadenoanswertothisremark，andtheChiefStewardledDorothythroughanotherdoorwayintoalonghall，fromwhichseveralplainbutcomfortablesleepingroomsopened。Thelittlegirlwasgiventhefirstroom，andtheScarecrowandTiktokthenext——althoughtheyneverslept——andtheLionandtheTigerthethird。TheSawhorsehobbledaftertheStewardintoafourthroom，tostandstifflyinthecenterofituntilmorning。EachnightwasratheraboretotheScarecrow，TiktokandtheSawhorse;buttheyhadlearnedfromexperiencetopassthetimepatientlyandquietly，sincealltheirfriendswhoweremadeoffleshhadtosleepanddidnotliketobedisturbed。
WhentheChiefStewardhadleftthemalonetheScarecrowremarked，sadly：
"Iamingreatsorrowoverthelossofmyoldcomrade，theTinWoodman。Wehavehadmanydangerousadventurestogether，andescapedthemall，andnowitgrievesmetoknowhehasbecomeanornament，andislosttomeforever。"
"Hewasal-waysanor-na-menttoso-ci-e-ty，"saidTiktok。
"True;butnowtheNomeKinglaughsathim，andcallshimthefunniestornamentinallthepalace。Itwillhurtmypoorfriend’spridetobelaughedat，"continuedtheScarecrow，sadly。
"Wewillmakerath-erab-surdor-na-ments，our-selves，to-mor-row，"
observedthemachine，inhismonotonousvoice。
JustthenDorothyranintotheirroom，inastateofgreatanxiety，crying：
"Where’sBillina？HaveyouseenBillina？Isshehere？"
"No，"answeredtheScarecrow。
"Thenwhathasbecomeofher？"askedthegirl。
"Why，Ithoughtshewaswithyou，"saidtheScarecrow。"YetIdonotrememberseeingtheyellowhensinceshepickedupthecrumbsofcake。"
"WemusthaveleftherintheroomwheretheKing’sthroneis，"
decidedDorothy，andatoncesheturnedandrandownthehalltothedoorthroughwhichtheyhadentered。Butitwasfastclosedandlockedontheotherside，andtheheavyslabofrockprovedtobesothickthatnosoundcouldpassthroughit。SoDorothywasforcedtoreturntoherchamber。
TheCowardlyLionstuckhisheadintoherroomtotrytoconsolethegirlforthelossofherfeatheredfriend。
"Theyellowheniswellabletotakecareofherself，"saidhe;"sodon’tworryabouther，buttrytogetallthesleepyoucan。Ithasbeenalongandwearyday，andyouneedrest。"
"I’llprob’lygetlotsofresttomorrow，whenIbecomeanorn’ment，"
saidDorothy，sleepily。Butshelaydownuponhercouch，nevertheless，andinspiteofallherworrieswassooninthelandofdreams。
14。DorothyTriestobeBraveMeantimetheChiefStewardhadreturnedtothethroneroom，wherehesaidtotheKing：
"Youareafooltowastesomuchtimeuponthesepeople。"
"What！"criedhisMajesty，insoenragedavoicethatitawokeBillina，whowasasleepunderhisthrone。"Howdareyoucallmeafool？"
"BecauseIliketospeakthetruth，"saidtheSteward。"Whydidn’tyouenchantthemallatonce，insteadofallowingthemtogoonebyoneintothepalaceandguesswhichornamentsaretheQueenofEvandherchildren？"
"Why，youstupidrascal，itismorefunthisway，"returnedtheKing，"anditservestokeepmeamusedforalongtime。"
"Butsupposesomeofthemhappentoguessaright，"persistedtheSteward;
"thenyouwouldloseyouroldornamentsandthesenewones，too。"
"Thereisnochanceoftheirguessingaright，"repliedthemonarch，withalaugh。"HowcouldtheyknowthattheQueenofEvandherfamilyareallornamentsofaroyalpurplecolor？"
"Buttherearenootherpurpleornamentsinthepalace，"saidtheSteward。
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