The Magic of Oz

in size, because the Wizard had transformed them from bumblebees into

the shapes and sizes that nature had formerly given them. The ugly roots

on their feet had disappeared with the transformation.

While Dorothy was hugging Trot, and Trot was softly crying because

she was so happy, the Wizard shook hands with Cap'n Bill and

congratulated him on his escape. The old sailor-man was so pleased that

he also shook the Lion's paw and took off his hat and bowed politely to the

cage of monkeys.

Then Cap'n Bill did a curious thing. He went to a big tree and, taking

out his knife, cut away a big, broad piece of thick bark. Then he sat down

on the ground and after taking a roll of stout cord from his pocket--which

seemed to be full of all sorts of things--he proceeded to bind the flat piece

of bark to the bottom of his good foot, over the leather sole.

What's that for?" inquired the Wizard.

I hate to be stumped," replied the sailor-man; "so I'm goin' back to

that island."

And get enchanted again?" exclaimed Trot, with evident disapproval.

No; this time I'll dodge the magic of the island. I noticed that my

wooden leg didn't get stuck, or take root, an' neither did the glass feet of

the Glass Cat. It's only a thing that's made of meat--like man an' beasts--

that the magic can hold an' root to the ground. Our shoes are leather, an'

leather comes from a beast's hide. Our stockin's are wool, an' wool comes

from a sheep's back. So, when we walked on the Magic Isle, our feet took

root there an' held us fast. But not my wooden leg. So now I'll put a

wooden bottom on my other foot an' the magic can't stop me."

But why do you wish to go back to the island?" asked Dorothy.

Didn't you see the Magic Flower in the gold flower-pot?" returned

Cap'n Bill.

Of course I saw it, and it's lovely and wonderful."

Well, Trot an' I set out to get the magic plant for a present to Ozma on

her birthday, and I mean to get it an' take it back with us to the Emerald

City."

That would be fine," cried Trot eagerly, "if you think you can do it,