\"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：
+————————————————————————————+
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|OWNERABSENT。|
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|PleaseKnockattheThird|
|DoorintheLeftWing。|
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\"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。
