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Chapter Seven - The Bumpy Man

The mountain on which they had alighted was not a barren waste, but had on

its sides patches of green grass, some bushes, a few slender trees and here

and there masses of tumbled rocks. The sides of the slope seemed rather

steep, but with care one could climb up or down them with ease and safety.

The view from where they now stood showed pleasant valleys and fertile hills

lying below the heights. Trot thought she saw some houses of queer shapes

scattered about the lower landscape, and there were moving dots that might

be people or animals, yet were too far away for her to see them clearly.

Not far from the place where they stood was the top of the mountain, which

seemed to be flat, so the Ork proposed to his companions that he would fly up

and see what was there.

That's a good idea," said Trot, "'cause it's getting toward evening and we'll

have to find a place to sleep."

The Ork had not been gone more than a few minutes when they saw him

appear on the edge of the top which was nearest them.

Come on up!" he called.

So Trot and Cap'n Bill began to ascend the steep slope and it did not take

them long to reach the place where the Ork awaited them.

Their first view of the mountain top pleased them very much. It was a level

space of wider extent than they had guessed and upon it grew grass of a

brilliant green color. In the very center stood a house built of stone and very

neatly constructed. No one was in sight, but smoke was coming from the

chimney, so with one accord all three began walking toward the house.

I wonder," said Trot, "in what country we are, and if it's very far from my

home in California."

Can't say as to that, partner," answered Cap'n Bill, "but I'm mighty certain

we've come a long way since we struck that whirlpool."

Yes," she agreed, with a sigh, "it must be miles and miles!"

Distance means nothing," said the Ork. "I have flown pretty much all over the

world, trying to find my home, and it is astonishing how many little countries

there are, hidden away in the cracks and corners of this big globe of Earth. If

The Scarecrow of Oz