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the hay, Sir Hokus and the Scarecrow placed some loose boards over the

opening around the bean pole and covered them with dirt and cornstalks.

"I will get Ozma to close it properly with the Magic Belt," said the Scarecrow

gravely. "It wouldn't do to have people sliding down my family tree and

scaring poor Tappy. As for me, I shall never leave Oz again!"

"I hope not," growled the Cowardly Lion, tenderly examining his scratched

hide.

But if you hadn't, I'd never have had such lovely adventures or found Sir

Hokus and the Comfortable Camel and Doubtful Dromedary," said Dorothy.

And what a lot I have to tell Ozma! Let's go straight to the Emerald City."

It's quite a journey," explained the Scarecrow to Sir Hokus, who was

cleaning off his armor with a handful of straw.

"I go where Lady Dot goes," replied the Knight, smiling affectionately at the

little girl and straightening the ragged hair ribbon which he still wore on his

arm.

"Don't forget me, dear Karwan Bashi," wheezed the Comfortable Camel,

putting his head on the Knight's shoulder.

You're a sentimental dunce, Camy. I doubt whether they'll take us at all!"

The Doubtful Dromedary looked wistfully at Dorothy.

Go to, now!" cried Sir Hokus, putting an arm around each neck. "You're

just like two of the family!"

"It will be very comfortable to go to now," sighed the camel.

"We're all a big, jolly family here," said the Scarecrow, smiling brightly, "and

Oz is the friendliest country in the world."

Right," said the Cowardly Lion, "but let's get started!" He stretched his tired

muscles and began limping stiffly toward the yellow brick road.

Wait," cried Dorothy, "have you forgotten the parasol?"

I wish I could," groaned the Cowardly Lion, rolling his eyes.

Sir Hokus, with folded arms, was gazing regretfully at the bean pole. "It has

been a brave quest," he sighed, "but now, I take it, our adventures are over!"

Absently, the Knight felt in his boot-top and drawing out a small red bean

popped it into his mouth. Just before reaching the top of the tube, he had

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The Royal Book of Oz