www.freeclassicebooks.com

The inhabitants seemed to consider this proposition reasonable, for they

nodded their diamond-shaped heads in approval. So the broad one who had

been their spokesman said, "Follow me," and turning led the way along one of

the streets. The entire party followed him, the natives falling in behind. The

dwellings they passed were quite nicely planned and seemed comfortable and

convenient. After leading them a few blocks, their conductor stopped before a

house which was neither better nor worse than the others. The doorway was

shaped to admit the strangely formed bodies of these people, being narrow at

the top, broad in the middle and tapering at the bottom. The windows were

made in much the same way, giving the house a most peculiar appearance.

When their guide opened the gate, a music box concealed in the gatepost

began to play, and the sound attracted the attention of the High Coco-Lorum,

who appeared at an open window and inquired, "What has happened now?"

But in the same moment his eyes fell upon the strangers and he hastened to

open the door and admit them--all but the animals, which were left outside

with the throng of natives that had now gathered. For a small city there

seemed to be a large number of inhabitants, but they did not try to enter the

house and contented themselves with staring curiously at the strange

animals. Toto followed Dorothy.

Our friends entered a large room at the front of the house, where the High

Coco-Lorum asked them to be seated. "I hope your mission here is a peaceful

one," he said, looking a little worried, "for the Thists are not very good fighters

and object to being conquered."

Are your people called Thists?" asked Dorothy.

Yes. I thought you knew that. And we call our city Thi."

Oh!"

We are Thists because we eat thistles, you know," continued the High Coco-

Lorum.

Do you really eat those prickly things?" inquired Button-Bright wonderingly.

Why not?" replied the other. "The sharp points of the thistles cannot hurt us,

because all our insides are gold-lined."

Gold-lined!"

The Lost Princess of Oz