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words necessary to undeceive the woman would force themselves to his lips in

spite of all his struggles. Finally, knowing that he must either remain dumb or

let the truth prevail, he gave a low groan of despair and said, "Cayke, I am

NOT the Wisest Creature in all the World; I am not wise at all."

Oh, you must be!" she protested. "You told me so yourself, only last evening."

Then last evening I failed to tell you the truth," he admitted, looking very

shamefaced for a frog. "I am sorry I told you this lie, my good Cayke, but if

you must know the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, I am not

really as wise as you are."

The Cookie Cook was greatly shocked to hear this, for it shattered one of her

most pleasing illusions. She looked at the gorgeously dressed Frogman in

amazement. "What has caused you to change your mind so suddenly?" she

inquired.

I have bathed in the Truth Pond," he said, "and whoever bathes in that water

is ever afterward obliged to tell the truth."

You were foolish to do that," declared the woman.

It is often very embarrassing to tell the truth. I'm glad I didn't bathe in that

dreadful water!"

The Frogman looked at his companion thoughtfully. "Cayke," said he, "I want

you to go to the Truth Pond and take a bath in its water. For if we are to

travel together and encounter unknown adventures, it would not be fair that I

alone must always tell you the truth, while you could tell me whatever you

pleased. If we both dip in the enchanted water, there will be no chance in the

future of our deceiving one another."

No," she asserted, shaking her head positively, "I won't do it, Your Honor. For

if I told you the truth, I'm sure you wouldn't like me. No Truth Pond for me.

I'll be just as I am, an honest woman who can say what she wants to without

hurting anyone's feelings."

With this decision the Frogman was forced to be content, although he was

sorry the Cookie Cook would not listen to his advice.

The Lost Princess of Oz