The Magic of Oz

Brains," remarked Cap'n Bill, "is of all kinds and work different ways.

But I've noticed that them as thinks that their brains is best is often

mistook."

Trot was a little disturbed by sounds from the forest, that night, for

many beasts seemed prowling among the trees, but she was confident

Cap'n Bill would protect her from harm. And in fact, no beast ventured

from the forest to attack them.

At daybreak they were up again, and after a simple breakfast Cap'n

Bill said to the Glass Cat:

Up anchor, Mate, and let's forge ahead. I don't suppose we're far from

that Magic Flower, are we?"

Not far," answered the transparent one, as it led the way into the

forest, "but it may take you some time to get to it."

Before long they reached the bank of a river. It was not very wide, at

this place, but as they followed the banks in a northerly direction it

gradually broadened.

Suddenly the blue-green leaves of the trees changed to a purple hue,

and Trot noticed this and said:

I wonder what made the colors change like that?"

It's because we have left the Munchkin Country and entered the

Gillikin Country," explained the Glass Cat. "Also it's a sign our journey is

nearly ended."

The river made a sudden turn, and after the travelers had passed

around the bend, they saw that the stream had now become as broad as a

small lake, and in the center of the Lake they beheld a little island, not

more than fifty feet in extent, either way. Something glittered in the

middle of this tiny island, and the Glass Cat paused on the bank and said:

There is the gold flower-pot containing the Magic Flower, which is

very curious and beautiful. If you can get to the island, your task is ended-

except to carry the thing home with you."

Cap'n Bill looked at the broad expanse of water and began to whistle a

low, quavering tune. Trot knew that the whistle meant that Cap'n Bill was

thinking, and the old sailor didn't look at the island as much as he looked