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CHAPTER 12 - DOROTHY AND SIR HOKUS COME TO FIX CITY

The afternoon went pleasantly for the three travelers. The road was wide and

shady and really seemed a bit familiar. Dorothy rode comfortably on the

Cowardly Lion's back and to pass the time told Sir Hokus all about Oz. He

was particularly interested in the Scarecrow.

"Grammercy! He should be knighted!" he exclaimed, slapping his knee, as

Dorothy told how the clever straw man had helped outwit the Gnome King

when that wicked little rascal had tried to keep them prisoners in his

underground kingdom.

But, go to! Where is the gallant man now?" The Knight sobered quickly.

Mayhap in need of a strong arm! Mayhap at the mercy of some terrible

monster!"

Oh, I hope not!" cried Dorothy, dismayed at so dark a picture. "Why, oh

why, did he bother about his family tree?"

Trust the Scarecrow to take care of himself," said the Cowardly Lion in a

gruff voice. Nevertheless, he quickened his steps. "The sooner we reach the

Emerald City, the sooner we'll know where he is!"

The country through which they were passing was beautiful, but quite

deserted. About five o'clock, they came to a clear little stream, and after

Dorothy and Sir Hokus had washed their faces and the Cowardly Lion had

taken a little plunge, they all felt refreshed. Later they came to a fine pear

orchard, and as no one was about they helped themselves generously.

The more Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion saw of Sir Hokus, the fonder of

him they grew. He was so kind-hearted and so polite.

He'll be great company for us back in the Emerald City," whispered the

Cowardly Lion as the Knight went off to get Dorothy a drink from a little

spring. "That is, if he forgets this grammercy, bludgeon stuff."

"I think it sounds lovely," said Dorothy, "and he's remembering more of it all

the time. But I wonder why there are no people here. I do hope we meet

some before night." But no person did they meet. As it grew darker, Sir

Hokus' armor began to creak in a quite frightful manner. Armor is not

meant for walking, and the poor Knight was stiff and tired, but he made no

complaint.

The Royal Book of Oz