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I beg your pardon, I'm sure," said the Wizard, regretfully. "I didn't know

you were so delicate."

We're not delicate!" retorted another soldier, raising his head from the

ground. "We are strong and healthy; but we can't stand draughts."

May I help you up?" asked Dorothy.

If you please," replied the end soldier. "But do it gently, little girl."

Dorothy carefully stood up the line of soldiers, who first dusted their

painted clothes and then saluted the visitors with their paper muskets.

From the end it was easy to see that the entire line had been cut out of

paper, although from the front the soldiers looked rather solid and

imposing.

I've a letter of introduction from Princess Ozma to Miss Cuttenclip,"

announced Dorothy.

Very well," said the end soldier, and blew upon a paper whistle that

hung around his neck. At once a paper soldier in a Captain's uniform

came out of a paper house near by and approached the group at the

entrance. He was not very big, and he walked rather stiffly and

uncertainly on his paper legs; but he had a pleasant face, with very red

cheeks and very blue eyes, and he bowed so low to the strangers that

Dorothy laughed, and the breeze from her mouth nearly blew the Captain

over. He wavered and struggled and finally managed to remain upon his

feet.

Take care, Miss!" he said, warningly. "You're breaking the rules, you

know, by laughing."

Oh, I didn't know that," she replied.

To laugh in this place is nearly as dangerous as to cough," said the

Captain. "You'll have to breathe very quietly, I assure you."

We'll try to," promised the girl. "May we see Miss Cuttenclip, please?"

You may," promptly returned the Captain. "This is one of her reception

days. Be good enough to follow me."

The Emerald City of Oz