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mountains. They were so high in the air that when they passed the crest of

the highest peak it seemed far below them. No sooner were they well across

the barrier than the Orks swooped downward and landed their passengers

upon the ground.

Here we are, safe in the Land of Oz!" cried the Scarecrow joyfully.

Oh, are we?" asked Trot, looking around her curiously.

She could see the shadows of stately trees and the outlines of rolling hills;

beneath her feet was soft turf, but otherwise the subdued light of the moon

disclosed nothing clearly.

Seems jus' like any other country," was Cap'n Bill's comment.

But it isn't," the Scarecrow assured him. "You are now within the borders of

the most glorious fairyland in all the world. This part of it is just a corner of

the Quadling Country, and the least interesting portion of it. It's not very

thickly settled, around here, I'll admit, but--"

He was interrupted by a sudden whir and a rush of air as the four Orks

mounted into the sky.

Good night!" called the shrill voices of the strange creatures, and although

Trot shouted "Good night!" as loudly as she could, the little girl was almost

ready to cry because the Orks had not waited to be properly thanked for all

their kindness to her and to Cap'n Bill.

But the Orks were gone, and thanks for good deeds do not amount to much

except to prove one's politeness.

Well, friends," said the Scarecrow, "we mustn't stay here in the meadows all

night, so let us find a pleasant place to sleep. Not that it matters to me, in the

least, for I never sleep; but I know that meat people like to shut their eyes and

lie still during the dark hours."

I'm pretty tired," admitted Trot, yawning as she followed the straw man along

a tiny path, "so, if you don't find a house handy, Cap'n Bill and I will sleep

under the trees, or even on this soft grass."

But a house was not very far off, although when the Scarecrow stumbled upon

it there was no light in it whatever. Cap'n Bill knocked on the door several

times, and there being no response the Scarecrow boldly lifted the latch and

walked in, followed by the others. And no sooner had they entered than a soft

The Scarecrow of Oz