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Another great beast now appeared and asked to go along. This was none
other than the famous Cowardly Lion, one of the most interesting creatures in
all Oz. No lion that roamed the jungles or plains could compare in size or
intelligence with this Cowardly Lion, who--like all animals living in Oz--could
talk and who talked with more shrewdness and wisdom than many of the
people did. He said he was cowardly because he always trembled when he
faced danger, but he had faced danger many times and never refused to fight
when it was necessary. This Lion was a great favorite with Ozma and always
guarded her throne on state occasions. He was also an old companion and
friend of the Princess Dorothy, so the girl was delighted to have him join the
party.
"
I'm so nervous over our dear Ozma," said the Cowardly Lion in his deep,
rumbling voice, "that it would make me unhappy to remain behind while you
are trying to find her. But do not get into any danger, I beg of you, for danger
frightens me terribly."
"
We'll not get into danger if we can poss'bly help it," promised Dorothy, "but
we shall do anything to find Ozma, danger or no danger."
The addition of the Woozy and the Cowardly Lion to the party gave Betsy
Bobbin an idea, and she ran to the marble stables at the rear of the palace
and brought out her mule, Hank by name. Perhaps no mule you ever saw was
so lean and bony and altogether plain looking as this Hank, but Betsy loved
him dearly because he was faithful and steady and not nearly so stupid as
most mules are considered to be. Betsy had a saddle for Hank, and he
declared she would ride on his back, an arrangement approved by the Wizard
because it left only four of the party to ride on the seats of the Red Wagon--
Dorothy and Button-Bright and Trot and himself.
An old sailor man who had one wooden leg came to see them off and
suggested that they put a supply of food and blankets in the Red Wagon
inasmuch as they were uncertain how long they would be gone. This sailor
man was called Cap'n Bill. He was a former friend and comrade of Trot and
had encountered many adventures in company with the little girl. I think he
was sorry he could not go with her on this trip, but Glinda the Sorceress had
asked Cap'n Bill to remain in the Emerald City and take charge of the royal
palace while everyone else was away, and the one-legged sailor had agreed to
do so.
They loaded the back end of the Red Wagon with everything they thought they
might need, and then they formed a procession and marched from the palace
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