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Dorothy wanted to stay and play with the young chickens for awhile, but

Uncle Henry and Aunt Em had not seen the palace grounds and gardens

yet and were eager to get better acquainted with the marvelous and

delightful land in which they were to live.

I'll stay here, and you can go for a walk," said Dorothy. "You'll be

perfec'ly safe anywhere, and may do whatever you want to. When you

get tired, go back to the palace and find your rooms, and I'll come to you

before luncheon is ready."

So Uncle Henry and Aunt Em started out alone to explore the grounds,

and Dorothy knew that they couldn't get lost, because all the palace

grounds were enclosed by a high wall of green marble set with emeralds.

It was a rare treat to these simple folk, who had lived in the country all

their lives and known little enjoyment of any sort, to wear beautiful

clothes and live in a palace and be treated with respect and

consideration by all around them. They were very happy indeed as they

strolled up the shady walks and looked upon the gorgeous flowers and

shrubs, feeling that their new home was more beautiful than any tongue

could describe.

Suddenly, as they turned a corner and walked through a gap in a high

hedge, they came face to face with an enormous Lion, which crouched

upon the green lawn and seemed surprised by their appearance.

They stopped short, Uncle Henry trembling with horror and Aunt Em too

terrified to scream. Next moment the poor woman clasped her husband

around the neck and cried:

Save me, Henry, save me!"

Can't even save myself, Em," he returned, in a husky voice, "for the

animile looks as if it could eat both of us an' lick its chops for more! If I

only had a gun--"

Haven't you, Henry? Haven't you?" she asked anxiously.

Nary gun, Em. So let's die as brave an' graceful as we can. I knew our

luck couldn't last!"

I won't die. I won't be eaten by a lion!" wailed Aunt Em, glaring upon

the huge beast. Then a thought struck her, and she whispered, "Henry,

The Emerald City of Oz