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Ozma sent me word yesterday that the tunnel was all completed except

for a thin crust of earth at the end. When our enemies break through

this crust, they will be in the gardens of the royal palace, in the heart of

the Emerald City. I offered to arm all my Winkies and march to Ozma's

assistance; but she said no."

I wonder why?" asked Dorothy.

She answered that all the inhabitants of Oz, gathered together, were not

powerful enough to fight and overcome the evil forces of the Nome King.

Therefore she refuses to fight at all."

But they will capture and enslave us, and plunder and ruin all our

lovely land!" exclaimed the Wizard, greatly disturbed by this statement.

I fear they will," said the Tin Woodman, sorrowfully. "And I also fear

that those who are not fairies, such as the Wizard, and Dorothy, and her

uncle and aunt, as well as Toto and Billina, will be speedily put to death

by the conquerors."

What can be done?" asked Dorothy, shuddering a little at the prospect of

this awful fate.

Nothing can be done!" gloomily replied the Emperor of the Winkies. "But

since Ozma refuses my army I will go myself to the Emerald City. The

least I may do is to perish beside my beloved Ruler."

The Emerald City of Oz