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PLEASE let us take the Pink Bear," begged Cayke. "I'm sure he would be a

great help to us."

The Pink Bear," said the King, "is the best bit of magic I possess, and there is

not another like him in the world. I do not care to let him out of my sight, nor

do I wish to disappoint you; so I believe I will make the journey in your

company and carry my Pink Bear with me. He can walk when you wind the

other side of him, but so slowly and awkwardly that he would delay you. But

if I go along, I can carry him in my arms, so I will join your party. Whenever

you are ready to start, let me know."

But Your Majesty!" exclaimed Corporal Waddle in protest, "I hope you do not

intend to let these prisoners escape without punishment."

Of what crime do you accuse them?" inquired the King.

Why, they trespassed on your domain, for one thing," said the Brown Bear.

We didn't know it was private property, Your Majesty," said the Cookie Cook.

And they asked if any of us had stolen the dishpan!" continued Corporal

Waddle indignantly. "That is the same thing as calling us thieves and robbers

and bandits and brigands, is it not?"

Every person has the right to ask questions," said the Frogman.

But the Corporal is quite correct," declared the Lavender Bear. "I condemn

you both to death, the execution to take place ten years from this hour."

But we belong in the Land of Oz, where no one ever dies," Cayke reminded

him.

Very true," said the King. "I condemn you to death merely as a matter of

form. It sounds quite terrible, and in ten years we shall have forgotten all

about it. Are you ready to start for the wicker castle of Ugu the Shoemaker?"

Quite ready, Your Majesty."

But who will rule in your place while you are gone?" asked a big Yellow Bear.

I myself will rule while I am gone," was the reply.

A King isn't required to stay at home forever, and if he takes a notion to

travel, whose business is it but his own? All I ask is that you bears behave

yourselves while I am away. If any of you is naughty, I'll send him to some girl

or boy in America to play with."

The Lost Princess of Oz