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With a cry of delight, Dorothy rushed forward and embraced her. Scraps

turned gleeful flipflops all around the room. Button-Bright gave a low whistle

of astonishment. The Frogman took off his tall hat and bowed low before the

beautiful girl who had been freed from her enchantment in so startling a

manner. For a time, no sound was heard beyond the low murmur of delight

that came from the amazed group, but presently the growl of the big Lavender

Bear grew louder, and he said in a tone of triumph, "He never makes a

mistake!"

CHAPTER 25 - OZMA OF OZ

It's funny," said Toto, standing before his friend the Lion and wagging his tail,

but I've found my growl at last! I am positive now that it was the cruel

magician who stole it."

Let's hear your growl," requested the Lion.

G-r-r-r-r-r!" said Toto.

That is fine," declared the big beast. "It isn't as loud or as deep as the growl

of the big Lavender Bear, but it is a very respectable growl for a small dog.

Where did you find it, Toto?"

I was smelling in the corner yonder," said Toto, "when suddenly a mouse ran

out--and I growled."

The others were all busy congratulating Ozma, who was very happy at being

released from the confinement of the golden peach pit, where the magician

had placed her with the notion that she never could be found or liberated.

And only to think," cried Dorothy, "that Button-Bright has been carrying you

in his pocket all this time, and we never knew it!"

The little Pink Bear told you," said the Bear King, "but you wouldn't believe

him."

Never mind, my dears," said Ozma graciously, "all is well that ends well, and

you couldn't be expected to know I was inside the peach pit. Indeed, I feared I

would remain a captive much longer than I did, for Ugu is a bold and clever

magician, and he had hidden me very securely."

You were in a fine peach," said Button-Bright, "the best I ever ate."

The Lost Princess of Oz