www.freeclassicebooks.com

bodies like bears and heads like tigers--had once been fierce and

bloodthirsty, but even they were now nearly all tamed, although at times

one or another of them would get cross and disagreeable.

Not so tame were the Fighting Trees, which had a forest of their own. If

any one approached them these curious trees would bend down their

branches, twine them around the intruders, and hurl them away.

But these unpleasant things existed only in a few remote parts of the

Land of Oz. I suppose every country has some drawbacks, so even this

almost perfect fairyland could not be quite perfect. Once there had been

wicked witches in the land, too; but now these had all been destroyed;

so, as I said, only peace and happiness reigned in Oz.

For some time Ozma had ruled over this fair country, and never was

Ruler more popular or beloved. She is said to be the most beautiful girl

the world has ever known, and her heart and mind are as lovely as her

person.

Dorothy Gale had several times visited the Emerald City and experienced

adventures in the Land of Oz, so that she and Ozma had now become

firm friends. The girl Ruler had even made Dorothy a Princess of Oz, and

had often implored her to come to Ozma's stately palace and live there

always; but Dorothy had been loyal to her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry,

who had cared for her since she was a baby, and she had refused to

leave them because she knew they would be lonely without her.

However, Dorothy now realized that things were going to be different with

her uncle and aunt from this time forth, so after giving the matter deep

thought she decided to ask Ozma to grant her a very great favor.

A few seconds after she had made the secret signal in her little

bedchamber, the Kansas girl was seated in a lovely room in Ozma's

palace in the Emerald City of Oz. When the first loving kisses and

embraces had been exchanged, the fair Ruler inquired:

What is the matter, dear? I know something unpleasant has happened

to you, for your face was very sober when I saw it in my Magic Picture.

And whenever you signal me to transport you to this safe place, where

you are always welcome, I know you are in danger or in trouble."

Dorothy sighed.

The Emerald City of Oz