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should not have been happy, for many days of quiet thought have shown me

that only those things one acquires honestly are able to render one content."

I guess that's so," said Trot.

Anyhow," said Betsy, "the bad man seems truly sorry, and if he has now

become a good and honest man, we ought to forgive him."

I fear I cannot become a good MAN again," said Ugu, "for the transformation I

am under will always keep me in the form of a dove. But with the kind

forgiveness of my former enemies, I hope to become a very good dove and

highly respected."

Wait here till I run for my Magic Belt," said Dorothy, "and I'll transform you

back to your reg'lar shape in a jiffy."

No, don't do that!" pleaded the dove, fluttering its wings in an excited way. "I

only want your forgiveness. I don't want to be a man again. As Ugu the

Shoemaker I was skinny and old and unlovely. As a dove I am quite pretty to

look at. As a man I was ambitious and cruel, while as a dove I can be content

with my lot and happy in my simple life. I have learned to love the free and

independent life of a bird, and I'd rather not change back."

Just as you like, Ugu," said Dorothy, resuming her seat. "Perhaps you are

right, for you're certainly a better dove than you were a man, and if you

should ever backslide an' feel wicked again, you couldn't do much harm as a

gray dove."

Then you forgive me for all the trouble I caused you?" he asked earnestly.

Of course. Anyone who's sorry just has to be forgiven."

Thank you," said the gray dove, and flew away again.

THE END

The Lost Princess of Oz