The Magic of Oz

a circle of emeralds, just to set it off to good advantage. The clasp of the

girdle will be pure tin! Won't that be fine?"

I'm sure she'll like it," said Dorothy. "Do you know what I can give

her?"

I haven't the slightest idea, Dorothy. It took me three months to think

of my own present for Ozma."

The girl walked thoughtfully around to the back of the palace, and

presently came upon the famous Scarecrow of Oz, who has having two of

the palace servants stuff his legs with fresh straw.

What are you going to give Ozma on her birthday?" asked Dorothy.

I want to surprise her," answered the Scarecrow.

I won't tell," promised Dorothy.

Well, I'm having some straw slippers made for her--all straw, mind

you, and braided very artistically. Ozma has always admired my straw

filling, so I'm sure she'll be pleased with these lovely straw slippers."

Ozma will be pleased with anything her loving friends give her," said

the girl. "What I'M worried about, Scarecrow, is what to give Ozma that

she hasn't got already."

That's what worried me, until I thought of the slippers," said the

Scarecrow. "You'll have to THINK, Dorothy; that's the only way to get a

good idea. If I hadn't such wonderful brains, I'd never have thought of

those straw foot-decorations."

Dorothy left him and went to her room, where she sat down and tried

to think hard. A Pink Kitten was curled up on the window-sill and Dorothy

asked her:

What can I give Ozma for her birthday present?"

Oh, give her some milk," replied the Pink Kitten; "that's the nicest

thing I know of."

A fuzzy little black dog had squatted down at Dorothy's feet and now

looked up at her with intelligent eyes.

Tell me, Toto," said the girl; "what would Ozma like best for a

birthday present?"

The little black dog wagged his tail.