www.freeclassicebooks.com

CHAPTER 11 - BUTTON-BRIGHT LOSES HIMSELF

The Patchwork Girl, who never slept and who could see very well in the dark,

had wandered among the rocks and bushes all night long, with the result that

she was able to tell some good news the next morning. "Over the crest of the

hill before us," she said, "is a big grove of trees of many kinds on which all

sorts of fruits grow. If you will go there, you will find a nice breakfast awaiting

you." This made them eager to start, so as soon as the blankets were folded

and strapped to the back of the Sawhorse, they all took their places on the

animals and set out for the big grove Scraps had told them of.

As soon as they got over the brow of the hill, they discovered it to be a really

immense orchard, extending for miles to the right and left of them. As their

way led straight through the trees, they hurried forward as fast as possible.

The first trees they came to bore quinces, which they did not like. Then there

were rows of citron trees and then crab apples and afterward limes and

lemons. But beyond these they found a grove of big, golden oranges, juicy and

sweet, and the fruit hung low on the branches so they could pluck it easily.

They helped themselves freely and all ate oranges as they continued on their

way. Then, a little farther along, they came to some trees bearing fine, red

apples, which they also feasted on, and the Wizard stopped here long enough

to tie a lot of the apples in one end of a blanket.

We do not know what will happen to us after we leave this delightful

orchard," he said, "so I think it wise to carry a supply of apples with us. We

can't starve as long as we have apples, you know."

Scraps wasn't riding the Woozy just now. She loved to climb the trees and

swing herself by the branches from one tree to another. Some of the choicest

fruit was gathered by the Patchwork Girl from the very highest limbs and

tossed down to the others. Suddenly, Trot asked, "Where's Button-Bright?"

and when the others looked for him, they found the boy had disappeared.

Dear me!" cried Dorothy. "I guess he's lost again, and that will mean our

waiting here until we can find him."

It's a good place to wait," suggested Betsy, who had found a plum tree and

was eating some of its fruit.

The Lost Princess of Oz