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Friend Lion," retorted the dog, "if I hadn't lost my growl, you would hear it

now. I have as much right to talk as you have to sleep."

The Lion sighed.

If only you had lost your voice when you lost your growl," said he, "you would

be a more agreeable companion."

But they quieted down after that, and soon the entire camp was wrapped in

slumber. Next morning they made an early start, but had hardly proceeded

on their way an hour when, on climbing a slight elevation, they beheld in the

distance a low mountain on top of which stood Ugu's wicker castle. It was a

good-sized building and rather pretty because the sides, roofs and domes were

all of wicker, closely woven as it is in fine baskets.

I wonder if it is strong?" said Dorothy musingly as she eyed the queer castle.

I suppose it is, since a magician built it," answered the Wizard. "With magic

to protect it, even a paper castle might be as strong as if made of stone. This

Ugu must be a man of ideas, because he does things in a different way from

other people."

Yes. No one else would steal our dear Ozma," sighed tiny Trot.

I wonder if Ozma is there?" said Betsy, indicating the castle with a nod of her

head.

Where else could she be?" asked Scraps.

Suppose we ask the Pink Bear," suggested Dorothy.

That seemed a good idea, so they halted the procession, and the Bear King

held the little Pink Bear on his lap and turned the crank in its side and asked,

Where is Ozma of Oz?"

And the little Pink Bear answered, "She is in a hole in the ground a half mile

away at your left."

Good gracious!" cried Dorothy.

Then she is not in Ugu's castle at all."

It is lucky we asked that question," said the Wizard, "for if we can find Ozma

and rescue her, there will be no need for us to fight that wicked and

dangerous magician."

The Lost Princess of Oz