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CHAPTER 20 - DOROTHY UPSETS THE CEREMONY OF THE ISLAND

"A caravan!" whistled the Comfortable Camel, lurching to his feet. "How

nice!"

"I doubt that!" The dromedary's eyes flew open, and he stared sleepily at the

magnificent procession of Silver Islanders.

First came the musicians, playing their shining silver trumpets and flutes.

The Grand Chew Chew and General Mugwump followed, attired in brilliant

silk robes of state. Then came the three Princes, glittering with jeweled

chains and medals, and the fifteen little Princes, like so many silver

butterflies in their satin kimonas. Next appeared a palanquin bearing the

veiled Princess Orange Blossom, followed by a whole company of splendid

courtiers and after them as many of the everyday Silver Islanders as the hall

would hold. There was a moment of silence. Then the whole assemblage,

contrary to the Scarecrow's edict, fell upon their faces.

"My!" exclaimed Dorothy, impressed in spite of herself. "Are you sure you

want to give up all this?"

Great Emperor, beautiful as the sun, wise as the stars, and radiant as the

clouds, the Ceremony of Restoration is about to begin!" quavered the Grand

Chew Chew, rising slowly. Then he paused, for he was suddenly confused by

the strange company around the Scarecrow's throne.

Treachery!" hissed the eldest Prince to the others. "We left him tied to the

bean pole. Ancient Papa Scarecrow needs watching! Who are these curious

objects he has gathered about him, pray?"

Now by some magic which even I cannot explain, the people from Oz found

they could understand all that was being said. When Dorothy heard herself

called an object and saw the wicked faces of the three Princes and the

stupid little grandsons, she no longer wondered at the Scarecrow's decision.

The Scarecrow himself bowed calmly. "First," said he cheerfully, "let me

introduce my friends and visitors from Oz."

The Silver Islanders, who really loved the Scarecrow, bowed politely as he

called out the names of Dorothy and the others. But the three Silver Princes

scowled and whispered indignantly among themselves.

"I am growing very wroth!" choked Sir Hokus to the Cowardly Lion.

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The Royal Book of Oz