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CHAPTER 20 - MORE SURPRISES

All that first day after the union of the two parties, our friends marched

steadily toward the wicker castle of Ugu the Shoemaker. When night came,

they camped in a little grove and passed a pleasant evening together, although

some of them were worried because Button-Bright was still lost.

Perhaps," said Toto as the animals lay grouped together for the night, "this

Shoemaker who stole my growl and who stole Ozma has also stolen Button-

Bright."

How do you know that the Shoemaker stole your growl?" demanded the

Woozy.

He has stolen about everything else of value in Oz, hasn't he?" replied the

dog.

He has stolen everything he wants, perhaps," agreed the Lion, "but what

could anyone want with your growl?"

Well," said the dog, wagging his tail slowly, "my recollection is that it was a

wonderful growl, soft and low and--and--"

And ragged at the edges," said the Sawhorse.

So," continued Toto, "if that magician hadn't any growl of his own, he might

have wanted mine and stolen it."

And if he has, he will soon wish he hadn't," remarked the Mule. "Also, if he

has stolen Button-Bright, he will be sorry."

Don't you like Button-Bright, then?" asked the Lion in surprise.

It isn't a question of liking him," replied the Mule. "It's a question of watching

him and looking after him. Any boy who causes his friends so much worry

isn't worth having around. I never get lost."

If you did," said Toto, "no one would worry a bit. I think Button-Bright is a

very lucky boy because he always gets found."

See here," said the Lion, "this chatter is keeping us all awake, and tomorrow

is likely to be a busy day. Go to sleep and forget your quarrels."

The Lost Princess of Oz