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Dorothy wondered why the animals living in Foxville did not wear just their

own hairy skins as wild foxes do; when she mentioned it to King Dox he said

they clothed themselves because they were civilized.

But you were born without clothes," she observed, "and you don't seem to me

to need them."

So were human beings born without clothes," he replied; "and until they

became civilized they wore only their natural skins. But to become civilized

means to dress as elaborately and prettily as possible, and to make a show of

your clothes so your neighbors will envy you, and for that reason both civilized

foxes and civilized humans spend most of their time dressing themselves."

I don't," declared the shaggy man.

That is true," said the King, looking at him carefully; "but perhaps you are

not civilized."

After a sound sleep and a good night's rest they had their breakfast with the

King and then bade his Majesty good-bye.

You've been kind to us--'cept poor Button-Bright," said Dorothy, "and we've

had a nice time in Foxville."

Then," said King Dox, "perhaps you'll be good enough to get me an invitation

to Princess Ozma's birthday celebration."

I'll try," she promised; "if I see her in time."

It's on the twenty-first, remember," he continued; "and if you'll just see that

I'm invited I'll find a way to cross the Dreadful Desert into the marvelous Land

of Oz. I've always wanted to visit the Emerald City, so I'm sure it was

fortunate you arrived here just when you did, you being Princess Ozma's

friend and able to assist me in getting the invitation."

If I see Ozma I'll ask her to invite you," she replied.

The Fox-King had a delightful luncheon put up for them, which the shaggy

man shoved in his pocket, and the fox-captain escorted them to an arch at the

side of the village opposite the one by which they had entered. Here they

found more soldiers guarding the road.

Are you afraid of enemies?" asked Dorothy.

The Road to Oz