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That for your Ozma!" exclaimed the Giantess, snapping her fingers in

derision. "What do I care for a girl whom I have never seen and who has

never seen me?"

"But Ozma is a fairy," said the Tin Woodman, "and therefore she is very

powerful. Also, we are under Ozma's protection, and to injure us in any way

would make her extremely angry."

"What I do here, in my own private castle in this secluded Valley--where no

one comes but fools like you--can never be known to your fairy Ozma,"

returned the Giantess. "Do not seek to frighten me from my purpose, and do

not allow yourselves to be frightened, for it is best to meet bravely what

cannot be avoided. I am now going to bed, and in the morning I will give you

all new forms, such as will be more interesting to me than the ones you now

wear. Good night, and pleasant dreams."

Saying this, Mrs. Yoop rose from her chair and walked through a doorway

into another room. So heavy was the tread of the Giantess that even the

walls of the big stone castle trembled as she stepped. She closed the door of

her bedroom behind her, and then suddenly the light went out and the three

prisoners found themselves in total darkness.

The Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow didn't mind the dark at all, but Woot

the Wanderer felt worried to be left in this strange place in this strange

manner, without being able to see any danger that might threaten.

"The big woman might have given me a bed, anyhow," he said to his

companions, and scarcely had he spoken when he felt something press

against his legs, which were then dangling from the seat of the chair.

Leaning down, he put out his hand and found that a bedstead had

appeared, with mattress, sheets and covers, all complete. He lost no time in

slipping down upon the bed and was soon fast asleep.

During the night the Scarecrow and the Emperor talked in low tones

together, and they got out of the chair and moved all about the room, feeling

for some hidden spring that might open a door or window and permit them

to escape.

Morning found them still unsuccessful in the quest and as soon as it was

daylight Woot's bed suddenly disappeared, and he dropped to the floor with

a thump that quickly wakened him. And after a time the Giantess came

from her bedroom, wearing another dress that was quite as elaborate as the

one in which she had been attired the evening before, and also wearing the

pretty lace apron. Having seated herself in a chair, she said:

The Tin Woodman of Oz