The Magic of Oz

CHAPTER 17. A Remarkable

Journey

You see," explained the Glass Cat, "that Magic Isle where Trot and

Cap'n Bill are stuck is also in this Gillikin Country--over at the east side of

it, and it's no farther to go across-lots from here than it is from here to the

Emerald City. So we'll save time by cutting across the mountains."

Are you sure you know the way?" asked Dorothy.

I know all the Land of Oz better than any other living creature knows

it," asserted the Glass Cat.

"Go ahead, then, and guide us," said the Wizard. "We've left our poor

friends helpless too long already, and the sooner we rescue them the

happier they'll be."

Are you sure you can get 'em out of their fix?" the little girl inquired.

I've no doubt of it," the Wizard assured her. "But I can't tell what sort

of magic I must use until I get to the place and discover just how they are

enchanted."

I've heard of that Magic Isle where the Wonderful Flower grows,"

remarked the Cowardly Lion. "Long ago, when I used to live in the forests,

the beasts told stories about the Isle and how the Magic Flower was placed

there to entrap strangers--men or beasts."

Is the Flower really wonderful?" questioned Dorothy.

I have heard it is the most beautiful plant in the world," answered the

Lion. "I have never seen it myself, but friendly beasts have told me that

they have stood on the shore of the river and looked across at the plant in

the gold flower-pot and seen hundreds of flowers, of all sorts and sizes,

blossom upon it in quick succession. It is said that if one picks the flowers

while they are in bloom they will remain perfect for a long time, but if

they are not picked they soon disappear and are replaced by other flowers.

That, in my opinion, make the Magic Plant the most wonderful in

existence."