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So the animal pranced into the forest and soon came trotting back to

them. When he drew near they found a soft-shell crab clinging fast to

the stiff hair of the zebra's head, where it held on by one claw.

Now then, Mr. Crab," said the zebra, "here are the people I told you

about; and they know more than you do, who lives in a pool, and more

than I do, who lives in a forest. For they have been travelers all over the

world, and know every part of it."

There is more of the world than Oz," declared the crab, in a stubborn

voice.

That is true," said Dorothy; "but I used to live in Kansas, in the United

States, and I've been to California and to Australia and so has Uncle

Henry."

For my part," added the Shaggy Man, "I've been to Mexico and Boston

and many other foreign countries."

And I," said the Wizard, "have been to Europe and Ireland."

So you see," continued the zebra, addressing the crab, "here are people

of real consequence, who know what they are talking about."

Then they know there's more water in the world than there is land,"

asserted the crab, in a shrill, petulant voice.

They know you are wrong to make such an absurd statement, and they

will probably think you are a lobster instead of a crab," retorted the

animal.

At this taunt the crab reached out its other claw and seized the zebra's

ear, and the creature gave a cry of pain and began prancing up and

down, trying to shake off the crab, which clung fast.

Stop pinching!" cried the zebra. "You promised not to pinch if I would

carry you here!"

And you promised to treat me respectfully," said the crab, letting go the

ear.

Well, haven't I?" demanded the zebra.

No; you called me a lobster," said the crab.

The Emerald City of Oz