The Magic of Oz

the top of its head, however, was a mass of delicate pink balls which

looked like jewels but were intended for brains. It had a heart made of

blood-red ruby. The eyes were two large emeralds. But, aside from these

colors, all the rest of the animal was of clear glass, and it had a spun-glass

tail that was really beautiful.

Here, wake up," said Cap'n Bill. "We want to talk to you."

Slowly the Glass Cat got upon its feed, yawned and then looked at the

three who stood before it.

How dare you disturb me?" it asked in a peevish voice. "You ought to

be ashamed of yourselves."

Never mind that," returned the Sailor. "Do you remember tellin' me

yesterday 'bout a Magic Flower in a Gold Pot?"

Do you think I'm a fool? Look at my brains--you can see 'em work.

Of course I remember!" said the cat.

"Well, where can we find it?"

You can't. It's none of your business, anyhow. Go away and let me

sleep," advised the Glass Cat.

Now, see here," said Dorothy; "we want the Magic Flower to give to

Ozma on her birthday. You'd be glad to please Ozma, wouldn't you?"

I'm not sure," replied the creature. "Why should I want to please

anybody?"

You've got a heart, 'cause I can see it inside of you," said Trot.

Yes; it's a pretty heart, and I'm fond of it," said the cat, twisting

around to view its own body. "But it's made from a ruby, and it's hard as

nails."

Aren't you good for ANYthing?" asked Trot.

Yes, I'm pretty to look at, and that's more than can be said of you,"

retorted the creature.

Trot laughed at this, and Dorothy, who understood the Glass Cat pretty

well, said soothingly:

You are indeed beautiful, and if you can tell Cap'n Bill where to find

the Magic Flower, all the people in Oz will praise your cleverness. The

Flower will belong to Ozma, but everyone will know the Glass Cat