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"
"
We have not decided," answered the Cookie cook.
Our plan," explained the Frogman in his important way, "is to travel from
place to place until we learn where the thief is located and then to force him to
return the dishpan to its proper owner."
"
The plan is all right," agreed the woman, "but it may take you a long time
before you succeed, your method being sort of haphazard and indefinite.
However, I advise you to travel toward the east."
"
"
Why?" asked the Frogman.
Because if you went west, you would soon come to the desert, and also
because in this part of the Winkie Country no one steals, so your time here
would be wasted. But toward the east, beyond the river, live many strange
people whose honesty I would not vouch for. Moreover, if you journey far
enough east and cross the river for a second time, you will come to the
Emerald City, where there is much magic and sorcery. The Emerald City is
ruled by a dear little girl called Ozma, who also rules the Emperor of the
Winkies and all the Land of Oz. So, as Ozma is a fairy, she may be able to tell
you just who has taken your precious dishpan. Provided, of course, you do
not find it before you reach her."
"
This seems to be to be excellent advice," said the Frogman, and Cayke agreed
with him.
"
The most sensible thing for you to do," continued the woman, "would be to
return to your home and use another dishpan, learn to cook cookies as other
people cook cookies, without the aid of magic. But if you cannot be happy
without the magic dishpan you have lost, you are likely to learn more about it
in the Emerald City than at any other place in Oz."
They thanked the good woman, and on leaving her house faced the east and
continued in that direction all the way. Toward evening they came to the west
branch of the Winkie River and there, on the riverbank, found a ferryman who
lived all alone in a little yellow house. This ferryman was a Winkie with a very
small head and a very large body. He was sitting in his doorway as the
travelers approached him and did not even turn his head to look at them.
"
Good evening," said the Frogman.
The ferryman made no reply.
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