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of these groves, he came out into the open and found himself face to face with

the Ork.

Hello!" said Button-Bright. "Where did you come from?"

From Orkland," was the reply. "I've found my own country, at last, and it is

not far from here, either. I would have come back to you sooner, to see how

you are getting along, had not my family and friends welcomed my return so

royally that a great celebration was held in my honor. So I couldn't very well

leave Orkland again until the excitement was over."

Can you find your way back home again?" asked the boy.

Yes, easily; for now I know exactly where it is. But where are Trot and Cap'n

Bill?"

Button-Bright related to the Ork their adventures since it had left them in

Jinxland, telling of Trot's fear that the King had done something wicked to

Cap'n Bill, and of Pon's love for Gloria, and how Trot and Button-Bright had

been turned out of the King's castle. That was all the news that the boy had,

but it made the Ork anxious for the safety of his friends.

We must go to them at once, for they may need us," he said.

I don't know where to go," confessed Button-Bright. "I'm lost."

Well, I can take you back to the hut of the gardener's boy," promised the Ork,

for when I fly high in the air I can look down and easily spy the King's castle.

That was how I happened to spy you, just entering the grove; so I flew down

and waited until you came out."

How can you carry me?" asked the boy.

You'll have to sit straddle my shoulders and put your arms around my neck.

Do you think you can keep from falling off?"

I'll try," said Button-Bright. So the Ork squatted down and the boy took his

seat and held on tight. Then the skinny creature's tail began whirling and up

they went, far above all the tree-tops.

After the Ork had circled around once or twice, its sharp eyes located the

towers of the castle and away it flew, straight toward the place. As it hovered

in the air, near by the castle, Button-Bright pointed out Pon's hut, so they

landed just before it and Trot came running out to greet them.

The Scarecrow of Oz