The Magic of Oz

CHAPTER 10. Stuck Fast

The day was nearly gone when, at last, the raft was ready.

It ain't so very big," said the old sailor, "but I don't weigh much, an'

you, Trot, don't weigh half as much as I do, an' the glass pussy don't

count."

But it's safe, isn't it?" inquired the girl.

Yes; it's good enough to carry us to the island an' back again, an' that's

about all we can expect of it."

Saying this, Cap'n Bill pushed the raft into the water, and when it was

afloat, stepped upon it and held out his hand to Trot, who quickly followed

him. The Glass Cat boarded the raft last of all.

The sailor had cut a long pole, and had also whittled a flat paddle, and

with these he easily propelled the raft across the river. As they approached

the island, the Wonderful Flower became more plainly visible, and they

quickly decided that the Glass Cat had not praised it too highly. The colors

of the flowers that bloomed in quick succession were strikingly bright and

beautiful, and the shapes of the blossoms were varied and curious. Indeed,

they did not resemble ordinary flowers at all.

So intently did Trot and Cap'n Bill gaze upon the Golden Flower-pot

that held the Magic Flower that they scarcely noticed the island itself until

the raft beached upon its sands. But then the girl exclaimed: "How funny it

is, Cap'n Bill, that nothing else grows here excep' the Magic Flower."

Then the sailor glanced at the island and saw that it was all bare

ground, without a weed, a stone or a blade of grass. Trot, eager to examine

the Flower closer, sprang from the raft and ran up the bank until she

reached the Golden Flower-pot. Then she stood beside it motionless and

filled with wonder. Cap'n Bill joined her, coming more leisurely, and he,

too, stood in silent admiration for a time.

Ozma will like this," remarked the Glass Cat, sitting down to watch

the shifting hues of the flowers. "I'm sure she won't have as fine a birthday

present from anyone else."