The Magic of Oz

We're in hard luck," shouted Cap'n Bill, in reply. "We're anchored

here and can't move till you find a way to cut the hawser."

What does he mean by that?" asked Dorothy.

We can't move our feet a bit!" called Trot, speaking as loud as she

could.

Why not?" inquired Dorothy.

They've got roots on 'em," explained Trot.

It was hard to talk from so great a distance, so the Wizard said to the

Glass Cat:

Go to the island and tell our friends to be patient, for we have come to

save them. It may take a little time to release them, for the Magic of the

Isle is new to me and I shall have to experiment. But tell them I'll hurry as

fast as I can."

So the Glass Cat walked across the river under the water to tell Trot

and Cap'n Bill not to worry, and the Wizard at once opened his black bag

and began to make his preparations.