www.freeclassicebooks.com

imperial hat and was standing on his head to the great delight of the whole

court, and a host of little Silver Islander boys were peeking in at the

windows.

"Now doesn't that look cheerful?" asked the Scarecrow delightedly. "I knew

he'd make a good Emperor."

"I wish we would hear what he's saying," said Dorothy. "Oh, do look at Chew

Chew!" The Grand Chew Chew was standing beside the throne scowling

horribly.

I think I can arrange for you to hear," muttered the Wizard of Oz, and

taking a queer magic instrument from his pocket, he whispered

Aohbeeobbuy."

Instantly they heard the jolly voice of Happy Toko singing:

Oh shine his shoes of silver,

And brush his silver queue,

For I

am but an Emperor And he's the Grand Chew Chew!

Ozma laughed heartily as the picture faded away, and so did the others.

Indeed, there was so much to ask and wonder about that it seemed as if

they never would finish talking.

"Let's have a party--an old-fashioned Oz party," proposed Ozma when the

excitement had calmed down a bit. And an old-fashioned party it was, with

places for everybody and a special table for the Cowardly Lion, the Hungry

Tiger, Toto, the Glass Cat, the Comfortable Camel, the Doubtful Dromedary

and all the other dear creatures of that amazing Kingdom.

Sir Hokus insisted upon stirring up a huge pasty for the occasion, and there

were songs, speeches and cheers for everyone, not forgetting the Doubtful

Dromedary.

At the cheering he rose with an embarrassed jerk of his long neck. "In my

left-hand saddle-sack," he said gruffly, "there is a quantity of silken shawls

and jewels. I doubt whether they are good enough, but I would like Dorothy

and Queen Ozma to have them."

"Hear! Hear!" cried the Scarecrow, pounding on the table with his knife.

Then everything grew quiet as Ozma told how she, with the help of Glinda,

the Good Sorceress, had stopped the war between the Horners and Hoppers.

When she had finished, Sir Hokus sprang up impulsively. "I prithee, lovely

Lady, never trouble your royal head about wars again. From now on, I will

131

The Royal Book of Oz