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The magician was foolish to make the peach so tempting," remarked the

Wizard, "but Ozma would lend beauty to any transformation."

How did you manage to conquer Ugu the Shoemaker?" inquired the girl Ruler

of Oz.

Dorothy started to tell the story, and Trot helped her, and Button-Bright

wanted to relate it in his own way, and the Wizard tried to make it clear to

Ozma, and Betsy had to remind them of important things they left out, and all

together there was such a chatter that it was a wonder that Ozma understood

any of it. But she listened patiently, with a smile on her lovely face at their

eagerness, and presently had gleaned all the details of their adventures.

Ozma thanked the Frogman very earnestly for his assistance, and she advised

Cayke the Cookie Cook to dry her weeping eyes, for she promised to take her

to the Emerald City and see that her cherished dishpan was restored to her.

Then the beautiful Ruler took a chain of emeralds from around her own neck

and placed it around the neck of the little Pink Bear.

Your wise answers to the questions of my friends," said she, "helped them to

rescue me. Therefore I am deeply grateful to you and to your noble King."

The bead eyes of the little Pink Bear stared unresponsive to this praise until

the Big Lavender Bear turned the crank in its side, when it said in its squeaky

voice, "I thank Your Majesty."

For my part," returned the Bear King, "I realize that you were well worth

saving, Miss Ozma, and so I am much pleased that we could be of service to

you. By means of my Magic Wand I have been creating exact images of your

Emerald City and your Royal Palace, and I must confess that they are more

attractive than any places I have ever seen--not excepting Bear Center."

I would like to entertain you in my palace," returned Ozma sweetly, "and you

are welcome to return with me and to make me a long visit, if your bear

subjects can spare you from your own kingdom."

As for that," answered the King, "my kingdom causes me little worry, and I

often find it somewhat tame and uninteresting. Therefore I am glad to accept

your kind invitation. Corporal Waddle may be trusted to care for my bears in

my absence."

And you'll bring the little Pink Bear?" asked Dorothy eagerly.

The Lost Princess of Oz