The Magic of Oz

feeling quite contented.

Having walked for an hour or two through the pretty country that is

ruled by King Bud, Kiki Aru decided he could travel faster and see more

as a bird, so he transformed himself into a white dove and visited the great

city of Nole and saw the King's palace and gardens and many other places

of interest. Then he flew westward into the Kingdom of Ix, and after a day

in Queen Zixi's country went on westward into the Land of Ev. Every

place he visited he thought was much more pleasant than the saucer-

country of the Hyups, and he decided that when he reached the finest

country of all he would settle there and enjoy his future life to the utmost.

In the land of Ev he resumed his own shape again, for the cities and

villages were close together and he could easily go on foot from one to

another of them.

Toward evening he came to a good Inn and asked the inn-keeper if he

could have food and lodging.

You can if you have the money to pay," said the man, "otherwise you

must go elsewhere."

This surprised Kiki, for in the Land of Oz they do not use money at all,

everyone being allowed to take what he wishes without price. He had no

money, therefore, and so he turned away to seek hospitality elsewhere.

Looking through an open window into one of the rooms of the Inn, as he

passed along, he saw an old man counting on a table a big heap of gold

pieces, which Kiki thought to be money. One of these would buy him

supper and a bed, he reflected, so he transformed himself into a magpie

and, flying through the open window, caught up one of the gold pieces in

his beak and flew out again before the old man could interfere. Indeed, the

old man who was robbed was quite helpless, for he dared not leave his pile

of gold to chase the magpie, and before he could place the gold in a sack

in his pocket the robber bird was out of sight and to seek it would be folly.

Kiki Aru flew to a group of trees and, dropping the gold piece to the

ground, resumed his proper shape, and then picked up the money and put

it in his pocket.

You'll be sorry for this!" exclaimed a small voice just over his head.