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"
"
It's Tik-tok and Billina; and oh! I'm so glad to see them again."
Wel-come to Oz," said the copper man in a monotonous voice.
Dorothy sat right down in the road, the yellow hen in her arms, and began to
stroke Billina's back. Said the hen:
"
"
Dorothy, dear, I've got some wonderful news to tell you."
Tell it quick, Billina!" said the girl.
Just then Toto, who had been growling to himself in a cross way, gave a sharp
bark and flew at the yellow hen, who ruffled her feathers and let out such an
angry screech that Dorothy was startled.
"
Stop, Toto! Stop that this minute!" she commanded. "Can't you see that
Billina is my friend?" In spite of this warning had she not grabbed Toto
quickly by the neck the little dog would have done the yellow hen a mischief,
and even now he struggled madly to escape Dorothy's grasp. She slapped his
ears once or twice and told him to behave, and the yellow hen flew to Tik-tok's
shoulder again, where she was safe.
"
What a brute!" croaked Billina, glaring down at the little dog.
"
Toto isn't a brute," replied Dorothy, "but at home Uncle Henry has to whip
him sometimes for chasing the chickens. Now look here, Toto," she added,
holding up her finger and speaking sternly to him, "you've got to understand
that Billina is one of my dearest friends, and musn't be hurt--now or ever."
Toto wagged his tail as if he understood.
"
The miserable thing can't talk," said Billina, with a sneer.
"
Yes, he can," replied Dorothy; "he talks with his tail, and I know everything
he says. If you could wag your tail, Billina, you wouldn't need words to talk
with."
"
Nonsense!" said Billina.
"
It isn't nonsense at all. Just now Toto says he's sorry, and that he'll try to
love you for my sake. Don't you, Toto?"
"
"
Bow-wow!" said Toto, wagging his tail again.
But I've such wonderful news for you, Dorothy," cried the yellow hen; "I've--"
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