The Magic of Oz

discovered it."

This was the kind of praise the crystal creature liked.

Well," it said, while the pink brains rolled around, "I found the Magic

Flower way up in the north of the Munchkin Country where few people

live or ever go. There's a river there that flows through a forest, and in the

middle of the forest there is a small island on which stands the gold pot in

which grows the Magic Flower."

How did you get to the island?" asked Dorothy. "Glass cats can't

swim."

No, but I'm not afraid of water," was the reply. "I just walked across

the river on the bottom."

Under the water?" exclaimed Trot.

The cat gave her a scornful look.

How could I walk OVER the water on the BOTTOM of the river? If

you were transparent, anyone could see YOUR brains were not working.

But I'm sure you could never find the place alone. It has always been

hidden from the Oz people."

But you, with your fine pink brains, could find it again, I s'pose,"

remarked Dorothy.

Yes; and if you want that Magic Flower for Ozma, I'll go with you

and show you the way."

That's lovely of you!" declared Dorothy. "Trot and Cap'n Bill will go

with you, for this is to be their birthday present to Ozma. While you're

gone I'll have to find something else to give her."

All right. Come on, then, Cap'n," said the Glass Cat, starting to move

away.

Wait a minute," begged Trot. "How long will we be gone?"

Oh, about a week."

Then I'll put some things in a basket to take with us," said the girl,

and ran into the palace to make her preparations for the journey.