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From home," said the dog. "If you roll over, roll the other way so you won't

smash me."

Does Dorothy know you are here?" asked the Lion.

I believe not," admitted Toto, and he added a little anxiously, "Do you think,

friend Lion, we are now far enough from the Emerald City for me to risk

showing myself, or will Dorothy send me back because I wasn't invited?"

Only Dorothy can answer that question," said the Lion. "For my part, Toto, I

consider this affair none of my business, so you must act as you think best."

Then the huge beast went to sleep again, and Toto snuggled closer to the

warm, hairy body and also slept. He was a wise little dog in his way, and

didn't intend to worry when there was something much better to do.

In the morning the Wizard built a fire, over which the girls cooked a very good

breakfast. Suddenly Dorothy discovered Toto sitting quietly before the fire,

and the little girl exclaimed, "Goodness me, Toto! Where did YOU come from?"

From the place you cruelly left me," replied the dog in a reproachful tone.

I forgot all about you," admitted Dorothy, "and if I hadn't, I'd prob'ly left you

with Jellia Jamb, seeing this isn't a pleasure trip but stric'ly business. But

now that you're here, Toto, I s'pose you'll have to stay with us, unless you'd

rather go back again. We may get ourselves into trouble before we're done,

Toto."

Never mind that," said Toto, wagging his tail. "I'm hungry, Dorothy."

Breakfas'll soon be ready, and then you shall have your share," promised his

little mistress, who was really glad to have her dog with her. She and Toto

had traveled together before, and she knew he was a good and faithful

comrade.

When the food was cooked and served, the girls invited the old shepherd to

join them in the morning meal. He willingly consented, and while they ate he

said to them, "You are now about to pass through a very dangerous country,

unless you turn to the north or to the south to escape its perils."

In that case," said the Cowardly Lion, "let us turn, by all means, for I dread to

face dangers of any sort."

What's the matter with the country ahead of us?" inquired Dorothy.

The Lost Princess of Oz