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Bump! Sir Hokus and Dorothy sat down quite suddenly. The settle had

arrived and hit them smartly behind the knees. The Cowardly Lion dodged

just in time and lay down with a growl beside it.

"Now that you're settled," began the King in a resigned voice, "we might try

again. What is your motto?"

This took even Sir Hokus by surprise, but before he could answer, the King

snapped out:

Come late and stay early! How's that?"

Very good," said Sir Hokus with a wink at Dorothy.

Next time, don't come at all," mumbled Sticken Plaster, his mouth full of

biscuit.

And you wanted?" the King asked uneasily.

Dinner for three," said the Knight promptly and with another bow.

Now that's talking." The King looked admiringly at Sir Hokus. "This Little

With D had matters all tangled up. One time at a thing! That's my motto!"

Leaning over, the King pressed another button. By this time, the Fixes had

lost interest in the visitors and went calmly on with their dinners. Three

tables came pattering up, and the settle drew itself up of its own accord.

Dorothy placed the Cowardly Lion's dinner on the ground, and then she and

Sir Hokus enjoyed the first good meal they had had since they left Pokes.

They were gradually becoming used to their strange surroundings.

"You ask him about the Scarecrow," begged Dorothy. Everybody had

finished, and the tables were withdrawing in orderly groups. The King was

leaning sleepily back in his chair.

"Ahem," began the Knight, rising stiffly, "has your Majesty seen aught of a

noble Scarecrow? And could your Supreme Fixity tell us aught--"

The King's eyes opened. "You're out of turn," he interrupted crossly. "We're

only to the second question. How will you spend the night?"

"In sleep," answered Sir Hokus promptly, "if your Majesty permits."

"I do," said the King solemnly. "That gets me out of entertaining. Early to

bed and late to rise, that's my motto. Next! It's your turn," he added irritably

as Sir Hokus did not immediately answer.

The Royal Book of Oz