The Magic of Oz

Do you think they'll object?" asked the girl.

Yes; but perhaps we can argue them into it. Anyhow it's worth trying,

and I'll help you if you'll agree to let this Surprise Cake be a present to

Ozma from you and me together. I've been wondering what I could give

Ozma, and as I've got to train the monkeys as well as make them small, I

think you ought to make me your partner."

Of course," said Dorothy; "I'll be glad to do so."

Then it's a bargain," declared the Wizard. "We must go to seek those

monkeys at once, however, for it will take time to train them and we'll

have to travel a good way to the Gillikin forests where they live."

I'm ready to go any time," agreed Dorothy. "Shall we ask Ozma to let

us take the Sawhorse?"

The Wizard did not answer that at once. He took time to think of the

suggestion.

No," he answered at length, "the Red Wagon couldn't get through the

thick forests and there's some danger to us in going into the wild places to

search for monkeys. So I propose we take the Cowardly Lion and the

Hungry Tiger. We can ride on their backs as well as in the Red Wagon, and

if there is danger to us from other beasts, these two friendly champions

will protect us from all harm."

That's a splendid idea!" exclaimed Dorothy. "Let's go now and ask the

Hungry Tiger and the Cowardly Lion if they will help us. Shall we ask

Ozma if we can go?"

I think not," said the Wizard, getting his hat and his black bag of

magic tools. "This is to be a surprise for her birthday, and so she mustn't

know where we're going. We'll just leave word, in case Ozma inquires for

us, that we'll be back in a few days."