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CHAPTER 11 - SIR HOKUS OVERCOMETH THE GIANT

"I don't believe we'll ever find the way out of this forest."

Dorothy stopped with a discouraged little sigh and leaned against a tree.

They had followed the road for several hours. First it had been fine and

wide, but it had gradually dwindled to a crooked little path that wound

crazily in and out through the trees. Although it was almost noonday, not a

ray of sun penetrated through the dim green depths.

"Methinks," said Sir Hokus, peering into the gloom ahead, "that a great

adventure is at hand."

The Cowardly Lion put back his ears. "What makes you methink so?" he

rumbled anxiously.

Hark thee!" said Sir Hokus, holding up his finger warningly. From a great

way off sounded a curious thumping. It was coming nearer and nearer.

Good gracious!" cried Dorothy, catching hold of the Cowardly Lion's mane.

This is worse than Pokes!"

Perchance it is a dragon," exulted the Knight, drawing his short sword. "Ah,

how it would refresh me to slay a dragon!"

"I don't relish dragons myself. Scorched my tongue on one once," said the

Cowardly Lion huskily. "But I'll fight with you, brother Hokus. Stand back,

Dorothy dear."

As the thuds grew louder, the Knight fairly danced up and down with

excitement. "Approach, villain!" he roared lustily.

"Approach till I impale thee on my lance. Ah, had I but a horse!"

"I'd let you ride on my back if it weren't for that hard tin suit," said the

Cowardly Lion. "But cheer up, my dear Hokus, your voice is a little hoarse."

Dorothy giggled nervously, then seized hold of a small tree, for the whole

forest was rocking.

How now!" gasped the Knight. There was a terrific quake that threw Sir

Hokus on his face and sent every hair in the lion's mane on end, and then a

great foot came crashing down through the treetops not three paces from

the little party. Before they could even swallow, a giant hand flashed down-

The Royal Book of Oz