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But they're not as stuck up as the Frosted Jumbles," declared Mr.

Bunn, "who are people I really can't abide. I don't like to be suspicious

or talk scandal, but sometimes I think the Jumbles have too much

baking powder in them."

Just then a dreadful scream was heard, and Dorothy turned hastily

around to find a scene of great excitement a little way down the street.

The people were crowding around Toto and throwing at him everything

they could find at hand. They pelted the little dog with hard-tack,

crackers, and even articles of furniture which were hard baked and

heavy enough for missiles.

Toto howeled a little as the assortment of bake stuff struck him; but he

stood still, with head bowed and tail between his legs, until Dorothy ran

up and inquired what the matter was.

Matter!" cried a rye loafer, indignantly, "why the horrid beast has eaten

three of our dear Crumpets, and is now devouring a Salt-rising Biscuit!"

Oh, Toto! How could you?" exclaimed Dorothy, much distressed.

Toto's mouth was full of his salt-rising victim; so he only whined and

wagged his tail. But Billina, who had flown to the top of a cracker house

to be in a safe place, called out:

Don't blame him, Dorothy; the Crumpets dared him to do it."

Yes, and you pecked out the eyes of a Raisin Bunn--one of our best

citizens!" shouted a bread pudding, shaking its fist at the Yellow Hen.

What's that! What's that?" wailed Mr. Cinnamon Bunn, who had now

joined them. "Oh, what a misfortune--what a terrible misfortune!"

See here," said Dorothy, determined to defend her pets, "I think we've

treated you all pretty well, seeing you're eatables an' reg'lar food for us.

I've been kind to you and eaten your old wheelbarrows and pianos and

rubbish, an' not said a word. But Toto and Billina can't be 'spected to go

hungry when the town's full of good things they like to eat, 'cause they

can't understand your stingy ways as I do."

You must leave here at once!" said Mr. Bunn, sternly.

Suppose we won't go?" said Dorothy, who was now much provoked.

The Emerald City of Oz