The Magic of Oz

I'm the Lonesome Duck," replied the bird. "I suppose you've heard of

me?"

No," said Trot, "I can't say I have. What makes you lonesome?"

Why, I haven't any family or any relations," returned the Duck.

Haven't you any friends?"

Not a friend. And I've nothing to do. I've lived a long time, and I've

got to live forever, because I belong in the Land of Oz, where no living

thing dies. Think of existing year after year, with no friends, no family,

and nothing to do! Can you wonder I'm lonesome?"

Why don't you make a few friends, and find something to do?"

inquired Cap'n Bill.

I can't make friends because everyone I meet--bird, beast, or person--

is disagreeable to me. In a few minutes I shall be unable to bear your

society longer, and then I'll go away and leave you," said the Lonesome

Duck. "And, as for doing anything, there's no use in it. All I meet are

doing something, so I have decided it's common and uninteresting and I

prefer to remain lonesome."

Don't you have to hunt for your food?" asked Trot.

No. In my diamond palace, a little way up the river, food is magically

supplied me; but I seldom eat, because it is so common."

You must be a Magician Duck," remarked Cap'n Bill.

Why so?"

Well, ordinary ducks don't have diamond palaces an' magic food, like

you do."

True; and that's another reason why I'm lonesome. You must

remember I'm the only Duck in the Land of Oz, and I'm not like any other

duck in the outside world."

Seems to me you LIKE bein' lonesome," observed Cap'n Bill.

I can't say I like it, exactly," replied the Duck, "but since it seems to

be my fate, I'm rather proud of it."

How do you s'pose a single, solitary Duck happened to be in the Land

of Oz?" asked Trot, wonderingly.

I used to know the reason, many years ago, but I've quite forgotten