 The Scarecrow of Oz, Chapter 9. The Kingdom of Jinxland. First rode with more comfort than she had expected, although the swing swayed so much that she had to hold on tight with both hands. Captain Bill's bird followed the orc, and Trot came next, with button-bright trailing behind her. It was quite an imposing procession, but unfortunately there was no one to see it, for the orc had headed straight for the great sandy desert, and in a few minutes after starting they were flying high over the broad waist, where no living thing could exist. The little girl thought this would be a bad place for the birds to lose strength or for the cloth ropes to give way, but although she could not help feeling a trifle nervous and fidgety, she had confidence in the huge and brilliantly plumaged bird that bore her, as well as in Captain Bill's knowledge of how to twist and fasten a rope so it would hold. That was a remarkably big desert. There was nothing to relieve the monotony of view, and every minute seemed an hour and every hour a day. Disagreeable fumes and gasses rose from the sands, which would have been deadly to the travellers had they not been so high in the air. As it was, Trot was beginning to feel sick when a breath of fresher air filled her nostrils, and on looking ahead she saw a great cloud of pink-tinted mist. Even while she wondered what it could be the orc plunged boldly into the mist, and the other birds followed. She could see nothing for a time, nor could the bird which carried her see where the orc had gone, but it kept flying as sturdily as ever, and in a few moments the mist was past, and the girl saw a most beautiful landscape spread out below her, extending as far as her eye could reach. She saw bits of forest, verger-clothed hills, fields of waving grain, fountains, rivers and lakes, and throughout the scene were scattered groups of pretty houses and a few grand castles and palaces. Over all this delightful landscape, which from Trot's high perch seemed like a magnificent painted picture, was a rosy glow such as we sometimes see in the west at sunset. In this case, however, it was not in the west only, but everywhere. No wonder the orc paused to circle slowly over this lovely country. The other birds followed his action, all eyeing the place with equal delight. Then, as with one accord, the four formed a group and slowly sailed downward. This brought them to that part of the newly discovered land which bordered on the desert's edge, but it was just as pretty here as anywhere, so the orc and the birds alighted, and the three passengers at once got out of their swings. Oh, Captain Bill, isn't this fine and dandy? exclaimed Trot rapturously. How lucky we were to discover this beautiful country! The country seemed rather high class, I would admit, Trot, replied the old sailor man, looking around him. Well, we don't know as yet what its people are like. No one could live in such a country without being happy and good, she said earnestly. Don't you think so, Buttonbride? I'm not thinking just now, answered the little boy. It tires me to think, and I never seem to gain anything by it. When we see the people who live here, we will know what they are like, and no amount of thinking will make them any different. That's true enough, said the orc, but now I want to make a proposal. While you are getting acquainted with this new country which looks as if it contains everything to make one happy, I would like to fly along all by myself, and see if I can find my home on the other side of the great desert. If I do, I will stay there, of course, but if I fail to find Orcland, I will return to you in a week to see if I can do anything more to assist you. They were sorry to lose their queer companion, but could offer no objection to the plan, so the orc bade them good-bye, and, rising swiftly in the air, he flew over the country and was soon lost to view in the distance. The three birds which had carried our friends now begged permission to return by the way they had come to their own homes, saying they were anxious to show their families how big they had become. So Captain Bill, and Trot, and Buttonbride all thanked them gratefully for their assistance, and soon the birds began their long flight toward the land of Moe. Being now left to themselves in this strange land, the three comrades selected a pretty pathway and began walking along it. They believed this path would lead them to a splendid castle which they aspired in the distance, the turrets of which towered far above the tops of the trees which surrounded it. It did not seem very far away, so they sauntered on slowly, admiring the beautiful ferns and flowers that lined the pathway, and listening to the singing of the birds and the soft chirping of the grasshoppers. Presently the path wound over a little hill, in a valley that lay beyond the hill was a tiny cottage surrounded by flower beds and fruit trees. On the shady porch of the cottage they saw, as they approached, a pleasant-faced woman sitting amidst a group of children to whom she was telling stories. The children quickly discovered the strangers and ran toward them with exclamations of astonishment, so that Trot and her friends became the centre of a curious group, while chattering excitedly. Captain Bill's wooden legs seemed to arouse the wonder of the children, as they could not understand why he had not two meat-legs. This attention seemed to please the old sailor, who patted the heads of the children kindly, and then, raising his hat to the woman, he inquired, "'Can you tell us, madam, just what country this is?' She stared hard at all three of the strangers, as she replied briefly, "'Jink's land.' "'Uh-oh,' exclaimed Captain Bill, with a puzzled look. "'And where is Jink's land, please?' "'In the quadling country,' said she. "'What?' cried Trot, in sudden excitement. "'Do you mean to say this is the quadling country of the land of Oz?' "'To be sure I do,' the woman answered. "'Every bit of land that is surrounded by the great desert is the land of Oz, as you ought to know as well as I do. But I'm sorry to say that Jink's land is separated from the rest of the quadling country by that row of high mountains you see yonder, which have such steep sides that no one can cross them. So we live here all by ourselves, and are ruled by our own king, instead of by Ozma of Oz.' "'I've been to the land of Oz before,' said Button Bright. "'But I've never been here.' "'Did you ever hear of Jink's land before?' asked Trot. "'Said Button Bright.' "'It is on the map of Oz, though,' asserted the woman. "'And it's a fine country, I assure you, if only,' she added, and then paused to look around her with a frightened expression. "'If only?' "'Here she stopped again, as if not daring to go on with her speech.' "'If only what, ma'am?' asked Captain Bill. The woman set the children into the house. Then she came closer to the strangers and whispered, "'If only we had a different king, we would be very happy and contented.' "'What's the matter with your king?' asked Trot curiously. But the woman seemed frightened to have said so much. She retreated to her porch, merely saying, "'The king punishes severely any treason on the part of his subjects.' "'What's treason?' asked Button Bright. "'In this case,' replied Captain Bill, "'treason seems to consist of knocking the king. But I guess we know his disposition now as well as if the lady had said more.' "'I wonder,' said Trot, going up to the woman, "'if you could spare us something to eat. We haven't had anything but popcorn and lemonade for a long time.' "'Bless your heart. Of course I can spare you some food,' the woman answered, and entering her cottage she soon returned with a tray loaded with sandwiches, cakes and cheese. One of the children drew a bucket of clear cold water from a spring, and the three wanderers ate heartily and enjoyed the good things immensely. When Button Bright could eat no more he filled the pockets of his jacket with cakes and cheese, and not even the children objected to this. Indeed, they all seemed pleased to see the strangers eat, so Captain Bill decided that no matter what the king of Jinxeland was like, the people would prove friendly and hospitable. "'Whose castle is that yonder, ma'am?' he asked, waving his hand toward the towers that rose above the trees. "'It belongs to His Majesty King Cruel,' she said. "'Oh, indeed. And does he live there?' "'When he is not out hunting with his fierce courtiers and war-captains,' she replied. "'Is he hunting now?' Trot inquired. "'I do not know, my dear. The less we know about the king's actions, the safer we are.' It was evident the woman did not like to talk about King Cruel, and so, having finished their meal, they said good-bye and continued along the pathway. "'Don't you think we better keep away from that king's castle, Captain?' asked Trot. "'Well,' said he, "'King Cruel would find out sooner or later that we are in his country, so we may as well face the music now. Perhaps he isn't quite so bad as that woman thinks he is. Kings aren't always popular with their people, you know. Even if they do their best, they know how.'" "'Osma's poplar,' said Buttonbrite. "'Osma is different from any other ruler from all I've heard,' remarked Trot, amusingly, as she walked beside the boy. "'And after all, we are really in a land of Oz, where Osma rules every king and everybody else. I never heard of anybody getting heard in her dominions, did you, Buttonbrite?' "'Not when she knows about it,' he replied. "'But those birds landed us in just the wrong place, seems to me. They might have carried us right on over that row of mountains to the Emerald City.' "'True enough,' said Captain Bill. "'But they didn't, and so we must make the best of Jynxland. Let's try not to be afraid.'" "'Oh, I'm not very scared,' said Buttonbrite, pausing to look at a pink rabbit that popped its head out of a hole in the field nearby.' "'Nor am I,' added Trot. "'Really, Captain, I'm so glad to be anywhere at all in the wonderful fairy land of Oz that I think I'm the luckiest girl in all the world. Dorothy lives in the Emerald City, you know, and so does the Scarecrow, and the Tin Woodman, and Tick-Tock, and the Shaggy Man, and all the rest of them that we've heard so much about, not to mention Osma, who must be the sweetest and loveliest girl in all the world.'" "'Take your time, Trot,' advised Buttonbrite. "'You don't have to say it all in one breath, you know, and you haven't mentioned half of the curious people in the Emerald City.'" "'That Emerald City,' said Captain Bill impressively, "'happens to be on the other side of those mountains, that we're told no one is able to cross. "'I don't want to discourage of you, Trot, but we're almost as much separated from your Osma and Dorothy as we were when we lived in California.'" There was so much truth in this statement that they all walked on in silence for some time. Finally they reached the grove of stately trees that bordered the grounds of the King's Castle. They had gone half-way through it, when the sound of sobbing, as of someone in bitter distress, reached their ears and caused them to halt abruptly. CHAPTER X It was Buttonbrite who first discovered, lying on his face beneath the broad-spreading tree near the pathway, a young man whose body shook with the force of his sobs. He was dressed in a long brown smock and had sandals on his feet, betokening one in humble life. His head was bare and showed a shock of brown curly hair. Buttonbrite looked down on the young man and said, Who cares anyhow? I do, cried the young man, interrupting his sobs to roll over, face upward, that he might see who had spoken. I care, for my heart is broken. Can't you get another one? asked the little boy. I don't want another one, wailed the young man. By this time Trot and Buttonbill arrived at the spot and the girl leaned over and said in a sympathetic voice, Tell us your troubles and perhaps we may help you. The youth sat up then and bowed politely. After which he got upon his feet, but still kept ringing his hands, as he tried to choke down his sobs. Trot thought he was very brave to control such awful agony so well. My name is Pawn. He began. I'm the gardener's boy. And the gardener of the king is your father, I suppose, said Trot. Not my father, but my master, was the reply. I do the work and the gardener gives the orders, and it was not my fault in the least that the Princess Gloria fell in love with me. Did she really? asked the little girl. I don't see why, remarked Buttonbrite, staring at the youth. And who may the Princess Gloria be? inquired Buttonbill. She is the niece of King Crawl, who is her guardian. The Princess lives in the castle and is the loveliest, sweetest maiden in all of Jinxland. She is fond of flowers and used to walk in the garden with her attendants. At such times, if I was working at my tasks, I used to cast down my eyes as Gloria passed me, but one day I glanced up and found her gazing at me with a very tender look in her eyes. The next day she dismissed her attendants and coming to my side began to talk with me. She said I had touched her heart as no other young man had ever done. I kissed her hand. Just then the king came around to bend in the walk. He struck me with his fist and kicked me with his foot. Then he seized the arm of the Princess and rudely dragged her into the castle. Wasn't he awful? Just trot indignantly. He is a very abrupt king, said Pon. So it was the least I could expect. Up to that time I had not thought of loving Princess Gloria, but realizing it would be impolite not to return her love, I did so. We met at evening, now and then, and she told me the king wanted her to marry a rich courtier named Googly Goo, who was old enough to be Gloria's father. Gloria has refused Googly Goo 39 times, but he still persists and has brought many rich presents to bribe the king. On that account King Crawl has commanded his niece to marry the old man, but the Princess has assured me time and again that she will wed only me. This morning we happened to meet in the Grape Arbor, and as I was respectfully saluting the cheek of the Princess, two of the king's guards seized me, and beat me terribly before the very eyes of Gloria, whom the king himself held back so she could not interfere. Why, this king must be a monster, cried Trot. He is far worse than that, said Pon mournfully. Let's see here, interrupted Captain Bill, who had listened carefully to Pon. This king may not be so much to blame, after all. Kings are proud, folks, because they are so high and mighty, and it isn't reasonable for a royal princess to marry a common gardener's boy. It isn't right, declared button-bright. A princess should marry a prince. I'm not a common gardener's boy, protested Pon. If I had my rights, I would be king instead of Crell. As it is, I'm a prince, and as royal as any man in Jinxland. How does that come? Asked Captain Bill. My father used to be king, and Crell was his prime minister, but one day while out hunting, king Fierce, that was my father's name, had a quarrel with Crell, and tapped him gently on the nose with the knuckles of his closed hand. This so provoked the wicked Crell that he tripped my father backward, so that he fell into a deep pond. At once, Crell threw in a mass of heavy stones, which so weighed down my poor father that his body could not rise again to the surface. It is impossible to kill anyone in this land, as perhaps you know. But when my father was pressed down into the mud at the bottom of the deep pool, and the stones held him so he could never escape, he was of no use to himself or the world than if he had died. Between this, Crell proclaimed himself king, taking possession of the royal castle and driving all my father's people out. I was a small boy then, but when I grew up I became a gardener. I have served king Crell without his knowing that I am the son of the same king Fierce, whom he so cruelly made away with. My, but that's a terribly exciting story. Said Trot, drawing a long breath. Tell us, Pawn, who was Gloria's father? Oh, he was the king before my father, replied Pawn. Father was prime minister for King Kyned, who was Gloria's father. She was only a baby when King Kyn fell into the great gulf that lies just this side of the mountains, the same mountains that separate Jinxland from the rest of the land of Oz. It is said the great gulf has no bottom, but, however that may be, King Kyned has never been seen again, and my father became king in his place. Seems to me, said Trot, that if Gloria had her rights she would be queen of Jinxland. Well, her father was a king. Admitted Pawn. And so was my father. So we are of equal rank, although she's a great lady, and I'm a humble gardener's boy. I can't see why we should not marry if we want to, except that King Krell won't let us. It's a sort of mixed up mess taken all together, remarked Captain Bill. But we are on our way to visit King Kul, and if we get a chance, young man, we'll put in a good word for you. Do, please! Beg Pawn. Was it the flogging you got that broke your heart? Inquired button-brite. Why, it helped to break it, of course, said Pawn. I'd get it fixed up if I were you. Advised the boy, tossing a pebble at a chipmunk in a tree. You ought to give Gloria just as good a heart as she gives you. That's common sense. Agreed, Captain Bill. So they left the gardener's boy standing beside the pass, and resumed their journey toward the castle. End of Chapter 10. The Scarecrow of Oz. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Chapter 11. The Wicked King and Googly Goo. Narrated by K.O. Munley. The Scarecrow of Oz. By L. Frank Baum. When our friends approached the great doorway of the castle, they found it guarded by several soldiers dressed in splendid uniforms. They were armed with swords and lances. Captain Bill walked straight up to them and asked, Does the king happen to be at home? His magnificent and glorious majesty King Cruel is at present inhabiting his royal castle. Was the stiff reply. Then I guess we'll go in and say howdy-doo. Captain Bill attempting to enter the doorway, but a soldier barred his way with the lance. Who are you? What are your names and where do you come from? Demanded the soldier. You wouldn't know if we told you. Returned to the sailor. Seeing as we're strangers in a strange land. Oh! If you are strangers you will be permitted to enter. Considered the soldier, lowering his lance. His majesty is very fond of strangers. Do many strangers come here? Asked Trot. You were the first that ever came to our country. Said the man. But his majesty has often said that if strangers ever arrived in Jing's land, he would see that they had a very exciting time. Captain Bill scratched his chin thoughtfully. He wasn't very favorably impressed by this last remark. But he decided that as there was no way of escape from Jing's land, it would be wise to confront the king boldly and try to win his favor. So they entered the castle, escorted by one of the soldiers. It was certainly a fine castle, with many large rooms all beautifully furnished. The passages were winding and handsomely decorated. And after following several of these, the soldier led them into an open court that occupied the very center of the huge building. It was surrounded on every side by high, turreted walls, and contained beds of flowers, fountains, and walks of many-colored marbles which were matched together in quaint designs. In an open space near the middle of the court they saw a group of courtiers and their ladies, who surrounded a lean man who wore upon his head a jeweled crown. His face was hard and sullen, and through the slits of his half-closed eyelids, the eyes glowed like coals of fire. He was dressed in brilliant satins and velvets, and was seated in a golden-throne chair. This personage was king-cruel, and as soon as Captain Bill saw him the old sailor knew at once that he was not going to like the king of Jing's land. Hello. Who's here? said his majesty, with a deep scowl. Strangers, sire, answered the soldier, bowing so low that his forehead touched the marble tiles. Strangers, eh? Well, well, what an unexpected visit. Advance, strangers, and give an account of yourselves. King's voice was as harsh as his features. Trot shut it a little, but Captain Bill calmly replied, There ain't much for us to say, except as we've arrived to look over your country and see how we like it. Judging from the way you speak, you don't know who we are, or you'd be jumping up to shake hands and offer receipts. Kings usually treat us pretty well in the great big outside world where we come from, but in this little kingdom, which don't amount to much anyhow, folks don't seem to have got much culture. The king listened with amazement to this bold speech, first with a frown, and then gazing at the two children and the old sailor with evident curiosity. The courtiers were done with fear, for no one had ever dared speak in such a manner to their self-willed cruel king before. His majesty, however, was somewhat frightened, for cruel people are always cowards, and he feared these mysterious strangers might possess magic powers that would destroy him unless he treated them well. So he commanded his people to give the new arrivals seats, and they obeyed with trembling haste. After being seated, Captain Bill lighted his pipe and began puffing smoke from it, a sight so strange to them that it filled them all with wonder. Presently, the king asked, How did you penetrate to this hidden country? Did you cross the desert or the mountains? Desert, answered Captain Bill, as if the tasks were too easy to be worth talking about. Indeed, no one has ever been able to do that before, said the king. Well, it's easy enough if you know how. Asserted Captain Bill so carelessly that it greatly impressed his ears. The king shifted in his throne uneasily. He was more afraid of these strangers than before. Do you intend to stay long in Jinxland? Was his next anxious question. Depends on how we like it. Said Captain Bill. Just now I might suggest to your majesty to order some rooms, got ready for us in your dinky little castle here, and a royal banquet with some fried onions and pickled trot would set easy on our stomachs and make us a bit happier than we are now. Your wishes shall be attended to, said King Cruel, but his eyes flashed from between their slits in a wicked way that made trot hope the food wouldn't be poisoned. At the king's command several of his attendants hastened away to give the proper orders to the castle servants, and no sooner were they gone than a skinny old man entered the courtyard and bowed before the king. This disagreeable personage was dressed in rich velvets with many furblows and laces. He was covered with golden chains, finely wrought rings and jeweled ornaments. He walked with mincing steps and glared at all the courtiers as if he considered himself far superior to any or all of them. Well, well, your majesty, what news, what news? He demanded in a shrill cracked voice. The king gave him a surly look. No news, Lord Googly-Goo, except that strangers have arrived, he said. Googly-Goo cast a contemptuous glance at Captain Bill, and a disdainful one at trot and button bright. Then he said, Strangers, do not interest me, your majesty, but the princess Gloria is very interesting, very interesting indeed. What does she say, Sire? Will she marry me? Ask her, retorted the king. I have many times, and every time she is refused. Well, said the king harshly, well, said Googly-Goo in a jaunty tone. A bird that can sing and won't sing must be made to sing. Sneered the king. That's easy with a bird, but a girl is harder to manage. Still, persisted Googly-Goo, we must overcome difficulties. The chief trouble is that Gloria fancies she loves that miserable gardener's boy, Pawn. Suppose we throw Pawn into the great gulf, your majesty? It would do you no good. Returned the king. She would still love him. Too bad, too bad, sighed Googly-Goo. I have laid aside more than a bushel of precious gems, each worth the king's ransom to present to your majesty on the day I wed Gloria. The king's eyes sparkled, for he loved wealth above everything, but the next moment he frowned deeply again. It won't help us to kill Pawn, he muttered. What we must do is kill Gloria's love for Pawn. That is better, if you can find a way to do it. Agreed Googly-Goo. Everything would come right if you could kill Gloria's love for that gardener's boy. Really, Sire, now that I come to think of it, there must be fully a bushel and a half of those jewels. Just then a messenger entered the court to say that the banquet was prepared for the strangers. So Captain Bill, Trot, and Button Bright entered the castle and were taken to a room where a fine feast was spread upon the table. I don't like that, Lord Googly-Goo. Remarked Trot as she was busily eating. Nor I, said Captain Bill, but from the talk we heard I guess the gardener's boy won't get the princess. Perhaps not, returned the girl, but I hope old Googly doesn't get her either. The king means to sell her for all those jewels. Observed Button Bright, his mouth half full of cake and jam. Poor princess. Side Trot. I'm sorry for her, although I've never seen her. But if she says no to Googly-Goo and means it, what can they do? Don't let us worry about a strange princess, advised Captain Bill. I've a notion we're not too safe ourselves with this cool king. The two children felt the same way, and all three were rather solemn during the remainder of the meal. When they had eaten, the servants escorted them to their rooms. Captain Bill's room was way to one end of the castle, very high up, and Trot's room was at the opposite end, rather low down. As for Button Bright, they placed him in the middle so that all were as far apart as they could possibly be. They didn't like this arrangement very well, but all the rooms were handsomely furnished, and being guests of the king they dared not complain. After the strangers had left the courtyard, the king and Googly-Goo had a long talk together, and the king said, I cannot force Gloria to marry you just now, because those strangers may interfere. I suspect that the wooden-legged man possesses great magical powers, or he would never have been able to carry himself and those children across the deadly desert. I don't like him. He looks dangerous. Answered Googly-Goo. But perhaps you are mistaken about his being a wizard. Why don't you test his powers? How? Asked the king. Send for the wicked witch. She will tell you in a moment whether that wooden-legged person is a common man or a magician. Ha! That's a good idea! Cried the king. Why didn't I think of the wicked witch before? But the woman demands rich rewards for her services. Never mind. I will pay her. Promised the wealthy Googly-Goo. So a servant was dispatched to summon the wicked witch, who lived but a few leagues from King Cruel's castle. While they awaited her, the withered old courtier proposed that they pay a visit to Princess Gloria and see if she was not now in a more complacent mood. So the two started away together and searched the castle over without finding Gloria. At last Googly-Goo suggested she might be in the rear garden, which was a large park filled with bushes and trees and surrounded by a high wall. And what was their anger when they turned a corner of the path to find in a quiet nook the beautiful princess and kneeling before her Pawn, the gardener's boy. With a roar of rage the king dashed forward. The Pawn had scaled the wall by means of a ladder, which still stood in its place. And when he saw the king coming he ran up the ladder and made good his escape. But this left Gloria confronted by her angry guardian, the king, and by old Googly-Goo, who was trembling with fury he could not express in words. Seizing the princess by her arm the king dragged her back to the castle. Pushing her into a room on the lower floor he locked the door upon the unhappy girl. At that moment the arrival of the wicked witch was announced. Hearing this the king smiled as a tiger smiles, showing his teeth. And Googly-Goo smiled as a serpent smiles, for he had no teeth except a couple fangs. And having frightened each other with these smiles the two dreadful men went away to the royal council chamber to meet the wicked witch. End of Chapter 11 The Scarecrow of Oz This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org. Chapter 12 The Wooden Legged Grasshopper Narrated by K. O. Munley The Scarecrow of Oz by L. Frank Baum Now it so happened that Trot, from the window of her room, had witnessed the meeting of the lovers in the garden, and had seen the king come and drag Gloria away. The little girl's heart went out in sympathy for the poor princess, who seemed to her to be one of the sweetest and loveliest young ladies she had ever seen, so she crept along the passages and from a hidden niche saw Gloria locked in her room. The key was still in the lock, so when the king had gone away, followed by Googly-Goo, Trot stole up the ladder, turned the key, and entered. The princess lay prone upon a couch, sobbing bitterly. Trot went up to her and smoothed her hair and tried to comfort her. Don't cry, she said. I've unlocked the door so you can go away any time you want to. It isn't that, sobbed the princess. I am unhappy, because they will not let me love Pon, the gardener's boy. Well, never mind. Pon isn't any great shakes anyhow, seems to me, said Trot soothingly. There are lots of other people you can love. Gloria rolled over on the couch and looked at the little girl reproachfully. Pon has won my heart, and I can't help loving him, she explained. Even with sudden indignation she added, But I'll never love Googly-Goo, never, as long as I live. I should say not, replied Trot. Pon may not be much good, but old Googly is very, very bad. Hunt around, and I'm sure you'll find someone worth your love. You're very pretty, you know, and almost anyone ought to love you. You don't understand, my dear, said Gloria, as she wiped the tears from her eyes with a dainty lace handkerchief bordered with pearls. When you are older, you will realize that a young lady cannot decide whom she will love, or choose the most worthy. Her heart alone decides for her, and whomsoever her heart selects, she must love, whether he amounts to much or not. Trot was a little puzzled by this speech, which seemed to her unreasonable, but she made no reply, and presently Gloria's grief softened, and she began to question the little girl about herself and her adventures. Trot told her how they had happened to come to Jinxland, and all about Captain Bill and the Orc and Pessim and the Bumpy Man. When they were thus conversing together, getting more and more friendly as they became better acquainted, in the council chamber the King and Googly-Goo were talking with the wicked witch. This evil creature was old and ugly. She had lost one eye and wore a black patch over it, so the people of Jinxland had named her Blinky. Of course, witches are forbidden to exist in the land of Oz. But Jinxland was so far removed from the center of Ozma's dominions, and so absolutely cut off from it by the steep mountains and the bottomless gulf that the laws of Oz were not obeyed very well in that country. So there were several witches in Jinxland who were the terror of the people, but King Cruel favored them and permitted them to exercise their evil sorcery. Blinky was the leader of all the other witches, and therefore the most hated and feared. The King used her witchcraft at times to assist him in carrying out his cruelties and revenge, but he was always obliged to pay Blinky large sums of money, or heaps of precious jewels before she would undertake an enchantment. This made him hate the old woman almost as much as his subjects did. But today Lord Googly-Goo had agreed to pay the witch's price, so the King greeted her with gracious favor. Can you destroy the love of Princess Gloria for the gardener's boy? inquired his majesty. The wicked witch thought about it before she replied, That's a hard question to answer. I can do lots of clever magic, but love is a stubborn thing to conquer. When you think you've killed it, it's liable to bob up again as strong as ever. I believe love and cats have nine lives. In other words, killing love is a hard job, even for a skillful witch, but I believe I can do something that will answer your purpose just as well. What is that? Ask the King. I can freeze the girl's heart. I've got a special incantation for that, and when Gloria's heart is thoroughly frozen, she can no longer love born. Just the thing. And Googly-Goo and the King was likewise much pleased. They bargained a long time as to the price, but finally the old courtier agreed to pay the wicked witch's demands. It was arranged that they should take Gloria to Blinky's house the next day, to have her heart frozen. Then King Kruel mentioned to the old hag the strangers who had that day arrived in Jinxland and said to her, I think the two children, the boy and the girl, are unable to harm me, but I have a suspicion that a wooden-legged man is a powerful wizard. The witch's face wore a troubled look when she heard this. If you are right, she said, this wizard might spoil my incantation and interfere with me in other ways. So it will be best for me to meet this stranger at once and match my magic against his, to decide which is the stronger. All right, said the King, come with me, and I will lead you to the man's room. Googly-Goo did not accompany them, as he was obliged to go home and get the money in jewels he had promised to pay old Blinky. So the other two climbed several flights of stairs and went through many passages until they came to the room occupied by Captain Bill. The sailor-man, finding his bed soft and inviting and being tired with the adventures he had experienced, had decided to take a nap. When the wicked witch and the King softly opened his door and entered, Captain Bill was snoring with such vigor that he did not hear them at all. Blinky approached the bed and with her one eye anxiously stared at the sleeping stranger. Ah! She said in a soft whisper, I believe you are right, King Cruel. The man looks to me like a very powerful wizard, but by good luck I have caught him asleep, so I shall transform him before he wakes up, giving him such a form that he will be unable to oppose me. Careful! Cautioned the King, also speaking low. If he discovers what you are doing, he may destroy you, and that would annoy me because I need you to attend to Gloria. But the wicked witch realized as well as he did that she must be careful. She carried over her arm a black bag from which she now drew several packets carefully wrapped in paper. Three of these she selected, replacing the others in the bag. Two of the packets she mixed together, and then she cautiously opened the third. Better stand back, Your Majesty! She advised, For if this powder falls on you, you might be transformed yourself. The King hastily retreated to the end of the room, as Blinky mixed the third powder with the others she waved her hands over it, mumbled a few words, and then backed away as quickly as she could. Some bill was slumbering peacefully, all unconscious of what was going on. Puff! A great cloud of smoke rolled over the bed and completely hid him from view. When the smoke rolled away, both Blinky and the King saw that the body of the stranger had quite disappeared, while in his place, crouching in the middle of the bed, was a little gray grasshopper. One curious thing about this grasshopper was that the last joint of its left leg was made of wood. Another curious thing, considering it was a grasshopper, was that it began talking, crying out in a tiny but sharp voice. Here, you people, what do you mean by treating me so? Put me back where I belong at once, or you'll be sorry. The cruel King turned pale at hearing the grasshopper's threats, but the wicked witch merely laughed into a region. Then she raised her stick and aimed a vicious blow at the grasshopper, but before the stick struck the bed, the tiny hopper made a marvelous jump. Marvelous indeed, when we consider that it had a wooden leg. It rose in the air and sailed across the room and passed right through the open window, where it disappeared from their view. Good, shouted the King. We are well rid of this desperate wizard. And then they both laughed heartily at the success of the incantation and went away to complete their horrid plan. After Trot had visited a time with Princess Gloria, the little girl went to Button Bright's room but did not find him there. Then she went to Captain Bill's room, but he was not there because the witch and the King had been there before her. So she made her way downstairs and questioned the servants. They said they had seen the little boy go out into the garden some time ago, but the old man with the wooden leg they had not seen at all. Therefore Trot, not knowing what else to do, rambled through the great gardens, seeking for Button Bright or Captain Bill and not finding either of them. This part of the garden, which lay before the castle, was not walled in but extended to the roadway and the paths were open to the edge of the forest. So, after two hours of vain search for her friends, the little girl returned to the castle. But at the doorway a soldier stopped her. I live here, said Trot. So it's all right to let me in. The King has given me a room. Well, he has taken it back again, was the soldier's reply. His Majesty's orders are to turn you away if you attempt to enter. I am also ordered to forbid the boy, your companion, to again enter the King's castle. How about Captain Bill? She inquired. Why, it seems he has mysteriously disappeared. Replied the soldier, shaking his head ominously. Where he has gone to I can't make out, but I can assure you he is no longer in this castle. I'm sorry, little girl, to disappoint you. Don't blame me. I must obey my master's orders. Now all her life Trot had been accustomed to depend on Captain Bill. So when this good friend was suddenly taken from her she felt very miserable and forlorn indeed. She was brave enough not to cry before the soldier, or even let him see her grief and anxiety. But after she was turned away from the castle she saw a quiet bench in the garden, and for some time sobbed as if her heart would break. It was Button Bright who found her at last, just as the sun had set and the shades of evening were falling. He also had been turned away from the King's castle when he tried to enter it, and in the park he came across Trot. Never mind, said the boy. We can find a place to sleep. I want Captain Bill. Wailed the girl. Well, so do I, was the reply. But we haven't got him. Where do you suppose he is, Trot? I don't suppose anything. He's gone, and that's all I know about it. Button Bright sat on the bench beside her and thrust his hands in the pockets of his knickerbockers. Then he reflected somewhat gravely for him. Captain Bill isn't around here. He said, letting his eyes wander over the dim garden. So we must go somewhere else if we want to find him. Besides it's fast getting dark, and if we want to find a place to sleep we must get busy while we can see where to go. He rose from the bench as he said this, and Trot also jumped up, drying her eyes on her apron. Then she walked beside him out of the grounds of the King's castle. They did not go by the main path, but passed through an opening in a hedge, and found themselves in a small but well-worn roadway. Following this for some distance, along a winding way, they came upon no house or building that would afford them refuge for the night. It became so dark that they could scarcely see their way, and finally Trot stopped and suggested that they camp under a tree. All right, said Button Bright. I've often found that leaves make a good warm blanket, but look there, Trot! Isn't that a light flashing over yonder? It certainly is, Button Bright. Let's go over and see if it's a house. Whoever lives there couldn't treat us worse than the King did. They reached the light they had to leave the road, so they stumbled over hillocks and brushwood, hand in hand, keeping the tiny speck of light always in sight. They were rather forlorn little waves, outcasts in a strange country and forsaken by their only friend and guardian, Captain Bill. So they were very glad when finally they reached a small cottage and, looking in through its one window, saw Pawn, the gardener's boy, sitting by a fire of twigs. As Trot opened the door and walked boldly in, Pawn sprang up to greet them. They told him of Captain Bill's disappearance and how they had been turned out of the King's castle. As they finished the story, Pawn shook his head sadly. King Cruel is plotting something mischief I fear, said he. For today he sent for old Blinky, the wicked witch, and with my own eyes I saw her come from the castle and hobble away towards her hut. She had been with the King and googly goo, and I was afraid they were going to work some enchantment on Gloria so she would no longer love me. But perhaps the witch was only called to the castle to enchant your friend, Captain Bill. Could she do that? Asks Trot horrified by the suggestion. I suppose so, for old Blinky can do a lot of wicked magical things. What sort of an enchantment could she put on Captain Bill? I don't know, but he has disappeared, so I'm pretty certain she has done something dreadful to him. But don't worry, if it has happened, it can't be helped. But if it hasn't happened, we may be able to find him in the morning. With this Pawn went to the cupboard and brought food for them. Trot was far too worried to eat, but Button Bright made a good supper from the simple foods and then lay down before the fire and went to sleep. The little girl and the gardener's boy, however, sat for a long time staring into the fire, busy with their thoughts. But at last Trot too became sleepy, and Pawn gently covered her with the one blanket he possessed. Then he threw more wood on the fire and laid himself down before it, next to Button Bright. Soon all three were fast asleep. They were in a good deal of trouble, but they were young and sleep was good to them, because for a time it made them forget. CHAPTER XIII That country is south of the Emerald City in the land of Oz, is known as the Quaddling Country, and in the very southernmost part of it stands a splendid palace in which lives Glenda the Good. Glenda is the royal sorceress of Oz. She has wonderful magical powers and uses them only to benefit the subjects of Ozma's kingdom. Even the famous Wizard of Oz pays tribute to her, for Glenda taught him all the real magic he knows, and she is his superior in all sorts of sorcery. Everyone loves Glenda, from the dainty and exquisite ruler Ozma, down to the humblest inhabitant of Oz, for she is always kindly and helpful and willing to listen to their troubles, however busy she may be. No one knows her age, but all can see how beautiful and stately she is. Her hair is like red gold and finer than the finest silken strands. Her eyes are blue as the sky and always frank and smiling. Her cheeks are the envy of peach blows, and her mouth is enticing as a rosebud. Glenda is tall, and wears splendid gowns that trail behind her as she walks. She wears no jewels, for her beauty would shame them. For attendance, Glenda has half a hundred of the loveliest girls in Oz. They are gathered from all over Oz, from among the Winkies, the Munchkins, the Gillikens and the Quadlings, as well as from Ozma's magnificent emerald city, and it is considered a great favor to be allowed to serve the royal sorceress. Among the many wonderful things in Glenda's palace is the great Book of Records. In this book is inscribed everything that takes place in all the world, just the instant it happens, so that by referring to its pages, Glenda knows what is taking place far and near, in every country that exists. In this way she learns when and where she can help in any distress or danger, and although her duties are confined to assisting those who inhabit the land of Oz, she is always interested in what takes place in the unprotected outside world. So it was that on a certain evening Glenda sat in her library, surrounded by a bevy of her maids who were engaging in spinning, weaving and embroidery, when an attendant announced the arrival at the palace of the Scarecrow. This personage was one of the most famous and popular in all the land of Oz. His body was merely a suit of Munchkin-clothed stuff with straw, but his head was a round sack filled with bran, with which the Wizard of Oz had mixed some magic brains of a very superior sword. The eyes, nose, and mouth of the Scarecrow were painted upon the front of the sack, as were his ears, and since this quaint being had been endowed with life, the expression of his face was very interesting, if somewhat comical. The Scarecrow was good all through, even to his brains, and while he was naturally awkward in his movements, and like the neat symmetry of other people, his disposition was so kind and considerate, and he was so obliging and honest, that all who knew him loved him, and there were few people in Oz who had not met our Scarecrow and made his acquaintance. He lived part of the time in Osmos Palace at the Emerald City, part of the time in his own corn-cob castle in the Winky Country, and part of the time he traveled over all Oz, sitting with the people and playing with the children whom he dearly loved. It was on one of his wandering journeys that the Scarecrow had arrived at Glenda's Palace, and the sorceress had once made him welcome. As he sat beside her, talking of his adventures, he asked, What's new, and the way of news? Glenda opened her great book of records and read some of the last pages. Here is an item quite curious and interesting. Glenda announced an accent of surprise in her voice. Three people from the big outside world have arrived in Jynxland. Where is Jynxland? inquired the Scarecrow. Very near here, a little to the east of us, she said. In fact, Jynxland is a little slice taken off the Quaddling Country, but separated from it by a range of high mountains, at the foot of which lies a wide, deep gulf that is supposed to be impassable. Then Jynxland is really a part of the land of Oz, said he. Yes. Returning Glenda. But Oz people know nothing of it, except what is recorded here in my book. What does the book say about it? Ask the Scarecrow. It is ruled by a wicked man called King Cruel, although he has no right to the title. Most of the people are good, but they are very timid and live in constant fear of their fierce ruler. There are also several wicked witches, who keep the inhabitants of Jynxland in a state of terror. Do those witches have any magical powers? inquired the Scarecrow. Yes, they seem to understand witchcraft in its most evil form, for one of them has just transformed a respectable and honest old sailor, one of the strangers who arrived there, to a grasshopper. This same witch, Blinky by name, is also planning to freeze the heart of a beautiful Jynxland girl named Princess Gloria. Why, that's a dreadful thing to do, exclaimed the Scarecrow. Glenda's face was very grave. She read in her book how trot and button-brite were turned out of the king's castle, and how they found refuge in the hut of Pawn, the gardener's boy. I'm afraid those helpless earth-people will endure much suffering in Jynxland, even if the wicked king and the witches permit them to live, said the good sorcerers thoughtfully. I wish I might help them. Can I do anything? asked the Scarecrow anxiously. If so, tell me what to do, and I'll do it. For a few moments Glenda did not reply, but sat musing over the records. Then she said, I am going to send you to Jynxland to protect trot and button-brite and cat and bill. All right, answered the Scarecrow in a cheerful voice. I know button-brite already, for he has been in the land of Oz before. You remember he went away from the land of Oz in one of our wizards' big bubbles. Yes. Said Glenda. I remember that. Then she carefully instructed the Scarecrow what to do, and gave him certain magical things which he placed in the pockets of his ragged munchkin coat. As you have no need to sleep, said she, you may as well start it once. The night is the same as day to me, he replied, except that I cannot see my way so well in the dark. I will furnish a light to guide you, promised the sorcerers. So this Scarecrow, Bader, could buy, and had once started on his journey. By morning he had reached the mountains that separated the quaddling country from Jinxland. The sides of these mountains were too steep to climb, but the Scarecrow took a small rope from his pocket and tossed one in upward into the air. The rope unwound itself for hundreds of feet until it caught upon a peak of rock at the very top of a mountain, for it was a magic rope furnished him by Glenda. The Scarecrow climbed the rope, and after pulling it up, led it down on the other side of the mountain range. When he descended the rope on this side, he found himself in Jinxland, but had his feet yon the great gulf which must be crossed before he could proceed any farther. The Scarecrow knelt down and examined the ground carefully, and in the moment he discovered a fuzzy brown spider that had rolled itself into a ball. So he took two tiny pills from his pocket, and laid them beside the spider, which unrolled itself and quickly ate up the pills. Then the Scarecrow said in a voice of command, SPIN! And the spider obeyed instantly. In a few moments the little creature had spun two slender but strong strands that reached way across the gulf, one being five or six feet above the other. When these were completed, the Scarecrow started across the tiny bridge, walking upon one strand as a personal walks upon a rope, and holding to the upper strand with his hands to prevent him from losing his balance and toppling over into the gulf, the tiny threads held him safely thanks to the strength given them by the magic pills. Presently he was safe across and standing on the plains of Jinxland. Far away he could see the towers of the King's Castle, and toward this he had once began to walk. CHAPTER XIV Narrated by Mr. Old Guy The Frozen Heart In the hut of Pawn, the gardener's boy, Button Bright was the first to awaken in the morning, leaving his companions still asleep. He went out into the fresh morning air and saw some black berries growing on bushes in a field not far away. Going to the bushes he found the berries ripe and sweet, so he began eating them. Four bushes were scattered over the fields, so the boy wandered on from bush to bush without paying any heed to where he was wandering. Then a butterfly fluttered by. He gave chase to it and followed it a long way. When finally he paused to look around him, Button Bright could see no sign of Pawn's house. Nor had he the slightest idea in which direction it lay. Well, I'm lost again. He remarked to himself, But never mind. I've been lost lots of times. Someone is sure to find me. Trot was a little worried about Button Bright when she woke and found him gone, knowing how careless he was. She believed that he had strayed away, but felt that he would come back in time because he had a habit of not staying lost. Pawn got the little girl some food for her breakfast, and then together they went out of the hut and stood in the sunshine. Pawn's house was some distance off the road, but they could see it from where they stood, and both gave a start of surprise when they discovered two soldiers walking along the roadway and escorting Princess Gloria between them. The poor girl had her hands bound together to prevent her from struggling, and the soldiers rudely dragged her forward when her steps seemed to lag. Behind this group came King Cruel, wearing his jeweled crown and swinging in his hand a slender golden staff, with a ball of clustered gems at one end. Where are they going? Asked Trot. To the house of the wicked witch, I fear. Pawn replied, Come! Let us follow them, for I'm sure they intend to harm my dear Gloria. Won't they see us? She asked timidly. We won't let them. I know a shortcut through the trees to Blinky's house, said he. So they hurried away through the trees, and reached the house of the witch ahead of the king and his soldiers. Hiding themselves in the shrubbery, they watched the approach of poor Gloria and her escort, all of whom passed so near to them that Pawn could have put out a hand and touched his sweetheart had he dared to. Blinky's house had eight sides, with a door and a window in each side. Smoke was coming out of the chimney, and as the guards brought Gloria to one of the doors, it was opened by the old witch in person. She chuckled with evil glee and rubbed her skinny hands together to show the delight with which she greeted her victim, for Blinky was pleased to be able to perform her wicked rites on one so fair and sweet as the princess. Gloria struggled to resist when they bade her enter the house, so the soldiers forced her through the doorway, and even the king gave her a shove as he followed close behind. Pawn was so incensed at the cruelty shown to Gloria that he forgot all caution and rushed forward to enter the house also. But one of the soldiers prevented him, pushing the gardener's boy away with violence and slamming the door in his face. Never mind. Said Trotsudently, as Pawn rose from where he had fallen. You couldn't do much to help the poor princess if you were inside. How unfortunate it is that you are in love with her. True. He answered sadly. It is indeed my misfortune. If I did not love her, it would be none of my business what the king did with his niece Gloria. But the unlucky circumstances of my loving her makes it my duty to defend her. I don't see how you can. Observe, Trot. No, I am powerless, for they are stronger than I, but we might peek in through the window and see what they are doing. Trot was somewhat curious, too, so they crept up to one of the windows and looked in. And it so happened that those inside the witch's house were so busy they did not notice that Pawn and Trot were watching them. Gloria had been tied to a stout post in the center of the room, and the king was giving the wicked witch a quantity of money and jewels, which Googly Goo had provided in payment. When this had been done, the king said to her, Are you perfectly sure you can freeze this maiden's heart, so that she will no longer love that low gardener's boy? Sure, as witchcraft, Your Majesty. Then get to work, said the king. There may be some unpleasant features about the ceremony that would annoy me, so I'll bid you good day and leave you to carry out your contract. One word, however. If you fail, I shall burn you at the stake. Then he beckoned to his soldiers to follow him, and throwing wide the door of the house walked out. This action was so sudden that King Cruel almost caught Trot and Pawn eavesdropping, but they managed to run around the house before he saw them. Away he marched up the road, followed by his men, heartlessly leaving Gloria to the mercies of old Blinky. Then they again crept up to the window. Trot and Pawn saw Blinky gloating over her victim. Although nearly fainting from fear, the proud princess gazed with haughty defiance into the face of the wicked creature. But she was bound so tightly to the post that she could do no more to express her loathing. Pretty soon Blinky went to a kettle that was swinging by a chain over the fire, and tossed into it several magical compounds. The kettle gave three flashes, and at every flash another witch appeared in the room. These hags were very ugly. But when one eyed Blinky whispered her orders to them, they grinned with joy as they began dancing around Gloria. First one, and then another, cast something into the kettle. When to the astonishment of the watchers at the window, all three of the old women were instantly transformed into maidens of exquisite beauty, dressed in the daintiest costumes imaginable. Only their eyes could not be disguised, and an evil glare still shone in their depths. But if the eyes were cast down or hidden, one could not help but admire these beautiful creatures, even with the knowledge that they were mere illusions of witchcraft. Not certainly admired them, for she had never seen anything so dainty and bewitching, but her attention was quickly drawn to their deeds instead of their persons, and then horror replaced admiration. Into the kettle old Blinky poured another mess from a big brass bottle she took from a chest, and this made the kettle begin to bubble and smoke violently. One by one the beautiful witches approached to stir the contents of the kettle, and to utter a magic charm. Their movements were graceful and rhythmic, and the wicked witch who had called them to her aid watched them with an evil grin upon her wrinkled face. Finally the incantation was complete. The kettle ceased bubbling, and together the witches lifted it from the fire. Then Blinky brought a wooden ladle and filled it from the contents of the kettle, going with the spoon to the Princess Gloria, she cried. Love no more! Magic arts now will freeze your mortal heart! With this she dashed the contents of the ladle full upon Gloria's breast. Trot saw the body of the Princess become transparent, so that her beating heart showed plainly, but now the heart turned from a vivid red to gray and then to white. A layer of frost formed about it, and tiny icicles clung to its surface. Then slowly the body of the girl became visible again, and the heart was hidden from view. Gloria seemed to have fainted, but now she recovered and, opening her beautiful eyes, stared coldly and without emotion at the group of witches confronting her. Blinky and the others knew by that one cold look that their charm had been successful. They burst into a chorus of wild laughter, and the three beautiful ones began dancing again, while Blinky unbound the Princess and set her free. Trot rubbed her eyes to prove that she was wide awake and seeing clearly, for her astonishment was great when the three lovely maidens turned into ugly crooked hags again, leaning on broomsticks and canes. They jeered at Gloria, but the Princess regarded them with cold disdain. Being now free, she walked to a door, opened it, and passed out, and the witches let her go. Trot and Pawn had been so intent upon this scene that in their eagerness they had pressed quite hard against the window. Princess Gloria went out of the house, the window sash broke loose from its fastenings, and fell with a crash into the room. The witches uttered a chorus of screams, and then, seeing that their magical incantation had been observed, they rushed for the open window with uplifted broomsticks and canes. But Pawn was off like the wind, and Trot followed at his heels. Fear lent them strength to run, to leap across ditches, to speed up the hills and to vault the low fences as a deer would. The band of witches had dashed through the window in pursuit, but Blinky was so old, and the others so crooked and awkward, that they soon realized they would be unable to overtake the fugitives. So the three who had been summoned by the wicked witch put their canes or broomsticks between their legs, and flew away through the air, quickly disappearing against the blue sky. Blinky, however, was so enraged at Pawn and Trot that she hobbled on in the direction they had taken, fully determined to catch them, in time, and to punish them terribly for spying upon her witchcraft. When Pawn and Trot had run so far that they were confident they had made good their escape, they sat down near the edge of a force to get their breath again. For both were panting hard from their exertions. Trot was the first to recover speech, and she said to her companion, "'Aye, wasn't it terrible?' "'The most terrible thing I ever saw,' Pawn agreed, "'and they froze Gloria's heart, so now she can't love you any more.' "'Well, they froze her heart, to be sure,' admitted Pawn, "'but I'm in hopes I can melt it with my love.' "'Where do you suppose Gloria is?' asked the girl after a pause. "'She left the witch's house just before we did. Perhaps she has gone back to the king's castle,' he said. "'I'm pretty sure she started off in a different direction.' "'Declared Trot.' "'I looked over my shoulder as I ran to see how close the witches were, and I'm sure I saw Gloria walking away slowly toward the north.' "'Then let us circle around that way,' proposed Pawn. "'And perhaps we shall meet her.'" Trot agreed to this, and they left the grove and began to circle around toward the north, thus drawing nearer and nearer to Old Blinky's house again. The wicked witch did not suspect this change of direction, so when she came to the grove she passed through it and continued on. Pawn and Trot had reached a place less than half a mile from the witch's house when they saw Gloria walking toward them. The princess moved with great dignity and with no show of haste whatever, holding her head high and looking neither to right nor left. Pawn rushed forward, holding out his arms to embrace her and calling her sweet names, but Gloria gazed upon him coldly and repelled him with a haughty gesture. At this the poor gardener's boy sank upon his knees and hid his face in his arms, weeping bitter tears. But the princess was not at all moved by his distress. Passing him by she drew her skirts aside as if unwilling they should touch him, and then she walked up the path away and hesitated as if uncertain were to go next. Pawn was grieved by Pawn's sobs and indignant because Gloria treated him so badly, but she remembered why. I guess your heart is frozen all right. She said to the princess, Gloria nodded gravely in reply and then turned her back upon the little girl. Can't you like even me? Asked Trot, half pleadingly. No, said Gloria. Your voice sounds like a refrigerator. Sighed the little girl. I'm awful sorry for you because you were sweet and nice to me before this happened. You can't help it, of course, but it's a dreadful thing just the same. My heart is frozen to all mortal loves. Announced Gloria calmly. I do not love even myself. That's too bad, said Trot. For if you can't love anybody, you can't expect anybody to love you. I do, cried Pawn. I shall always love her. Well, you're just a gardener's boy. Replied Trot. And I didn't think you mounted too much from the first. I can love the old princess, Gloria, with a warm heart and nice manners, but this one gives me the shivers. It's her icy heart. That's all, said Pawn. That's enough, insisted Trot. Seeing her heart isn't big enough to skein on, I can't see that she's of any use to anyone. For my part, I'm going to try and find Button Bright and Captain Bill. I will go with you, decided Pawn. It is evident that Gloria no longer loves me, and that her heart is frozen too stiff for me to melt with my own love. Therefore I may as well help you to find your friends. As Trot started off, Pawn cast one more imploring look at the princess, who returned it with a chilly stare. Slowly followed after the little girl. As for the princess, she hesitated a moment and then turned in the same direction the others had taken, but going far more slowly. She soon heard footsteps pattering behind her and upcame googly-goo a little out of breath with running. Stop, Gloria! He cried, I have come to take you back to my mansion where we are to be married. She looked at him wonderingly a moment, then tossed her head disdainfully and walked on. But googly-goo kept beside her. What does this mean? He demanded. Haven't you discovered that you no longer love that gardener's boy who stood in my way? Yes, I have discovered it. She replied. My heart is frozen to all mortal loves. I cannot love you or Pawn or the cruel king my uncle, or even myself. Go your way, googly-goo, for I will wed no one at all. He stopped in dismay when he heard this, but in another minute he exclaimed angrily, You must wed me, Princess Gloria, whether you want to or not. I paid to have your heart frozen. I also paid the king to permit our marriage. If you now refuse me it will mean that I have been robbed, robbed, robbed of my precious money and jewels. He almost wept with despair. But she laughed a cold, better laugh, and passed on. Googly-goo caught at her arm, as if to restrain her, but she whirled and dealt him a blow that sent him reeling into a ditch beside the path. Here he lay for a long time, half covered by muddy water, dazed with surprise. Finally the old courtier arose, dripping, and climbed from the ditch. The princess had gone. So muttering threats of vengeance upon her, upon the king, and upon Blinky, old Googly-goo hobbled back to his mansion to have the mud removed from his costly velvet clothes. CHAPTER XV Trot meets the scarecrow. Trot and Pon covered many leagues of ground, searching through forests in fields and in many of the little villages of Jinxland, but could find no trace of either Capnbill or Buttonbrite. Finally they paused beside a cornfield and sat upon a style to rest. Pon took some apples from his pocket and gave one to Trot. Then he began eating another himself. For this was their time for luncheon. When his apple was finished, Pon tossed the core into the field. CHUCK CHUCK! said a strange voice. What do you mean by hitting me in the eye with an apple core? Then rose up the form of the scarecrow, who had hidden himself in the cornfield while he examined Pon and Trot and decided whether they were worthy to be helped. Excuse me! said Pon. I didn't know you were there. How did you happen to be there anyhow? asked Trot. The scarecrow came forward with awkward steps and stood beside them. Ah! you are the gardener's boy, he said to Pon. Then he turned to Trot. And you are the little girl who came to Jinxland riding on a big bird, and who has had the misfortune to lose her friend, Captain Bill, and her chum, Button Bright. Why, how did you know all that? she inquired. I know a lot of things. replied the scarecrow, winking at her comically. My brains are the carefully assorted, double-distilled, high-efficiency sort that the Wizard of Oz makes. He admits himself that my brains are the best he ever manufactured. I think I've heard of you, said Trot slowly, as she looked the scarecrow over with much interest. But you used to live in the land of Oz. Oh! I do now! he replied chiefly. I've just come over the mountains from the quaddling country to see if I can be of any help to you. Who? Me? said Pon. No, the strangers from the big world. It seems they need looking after. I'm doing that myself, said Pon, a little ungraciously. If you will pardon me for saying so, I don't see how a scarecrow with painted eyes can look after any one. If you don't see that, you are more blind than the scarecrow, asserted Trot. He's a fairy-man Pon, and comes from the fairy land of Oz, so he can do most anything. I hope, she added, turning to the scarecrow. You can find Captain Bill for me. I will try, anyhow, he promised, but who is that old woman who is running toward us and shaking her stick at us? Trot and Pon turned around, and both uttered an exclamation of fear. The next instant they took to their heels and ran fast up the path. Freud was old Blinky, the wicked witch who had at last traced them to this place. Her anger was so great that she was determined not to abandon the chase of Pon and Trot until she had caught and punished them. The scarecrow understood at once that the old woman meant harm to his new friends, so as she drew near he stepped before her. His appearance was so sudden and unexpected that Blinky ran into him, and toppled him over, but she tripped on his straw body and went rolling in the path beside him. The scarecrow sat up and said, I beg your pardon, but she whacked him with her stick and knocked him flat again. Then furious with rage, the old witch sprang upon her victim and began pulling the straw out of his body. The poor scarecrow was helpless to resist, and in a few moments all that was left of him was an empty suit of clothes and a heap of straw beside it. Fortunately Blinky did not harm his head, Freud rolled into a little hollow and escaped her notice. Fearing that Pon and Trot would escape her, she quickly resumed the chase and disappeared over the brow of a hill, following the direction in which she had seen them go. Only a short time elapsed before a grey grasshopper with a wooden leg came hopping along and littered directly on the upturned face of the scarecrow's head. Pardon me, but you are resting yourself upon my nose. remarked the scarecrow. Oh! Are you alive? asked the grasshopper. That is a question I have never been able to decide. When my body is properly stuffed I have animation and can move around as well as any live person. The brains in the head you are now occupying as a throne are of very superior quality and do a lot of very clever thinking. But whether that is being alive or not I cannot prove to you, for one who lives is liable to death, while I am only liable to destruction. Seems to me, said the grasshopper, rubbing his nose with his front legs. That in your case it doesn't matter. Unless you destroy it already. I am not. All I need is restuffing. Declared the scarecrow. And if Pon and Trot escape the witch and come back here I am sure they will do me that favour. Tell me, aren't Trot and Pon around here? asked the grasshopper, its small voice trembling with excitement. The scarecrow did not answer at once, for both his eyes were staring straight upward at a beautiful face that was slightly bent over his head. It was indeed Princess Gloria, who had wandered to this spot very much surprised when she heard the scarecrow's head talk and the tiny grasshopper answer it. This, said the scarecrow, still staring at her, must be the Princess who loves Pon, the gardener's boy. All indeed! exclaimed the grasshopper, who of course was Captain Bill, as he examined the young lady curiously. No, said Gloria fritidly. I do not love Pon, or anyone else, for the wicked witch has frozen my heart. What a shame! cried the scarecrow. One so lovely should be able to love. But would you mind, my dear, stuffing that straw into my body again? The dainty Princess glanced at the straw and at the well-worn blue munchkin clothes and shrank back in disdain. But she was spared from refusing the scarecrow's request, by the appearance of Trot and Pon, who had hidden in some bushes just over the brow of the hill, and waited until old Blinky had passed them by. Their hiding-place was on the same side as the witch's blind eye, and she rushed on in the chase of the girl and the youth, without being aware that they had tricked her. Trot was shocked at the scarecrow's sad condition and at once began putting the straw back into his body. One at the sight of Gloria again appealed to her to take pity on him, but the frozen-hearted Princess turned coldly away, and with a sigh the gardener's boy began to assist Trot. Neither of them at first noticed the small grasshopper, which at their appearance had skipped off the scarecrow's nose and was now clinging to a whisper of grass beside the path, where he was not likely to be stepped upon. But until the scarecrow had been neatly restuffed and set upon his feet again, when he bowed to his restorers and expressed his thanks, did the grasshopper move from his perch. Then he leaped lightly into the path and called out, Trot! Trot! Look at me! I'm Captain Bill! See what the wicked witch has done to me! The voice was small, to be sure, but it reached Trot's ears and startled her greatly. She looked intently at the grasshopper, her eyes wide with fear at first. Then she knelt down and, noticing the wooden leg, she began to weep sorrowfully. Oh, Captain Bill! Dear Captain Bill, what a cruel thing to do! She sobbed. Don't cry, Trot! begged the grasshopper. It didn't hurt any, and it doesn't hurt now. But it's mighty inconvenient and humiliating to say the least. I wish," said the girl indignantly, while trying hard to restrain her tears, that I was big enough and strong enough to give that horrid witch a good beating. She ought to be turned into a toad for doing this to you, Captain Bill. Never mind, urged the scarecrow, in a comforting voice. Such a transformation doesn't last always, and as a general thing, there's some way to break the enchantment. I'm sure Glinda could do it in a jiffy. Who is Glinda? inquired Captain Bill. Then the scarecrow told him all about Glinda, not forgetting to mention her beauty and goodness and her wonderful powers of magic. He also explained how the royal sorceress had sent him to Jynxland especially to help the strangers, whom she knew to be in danger because of the wiles of the cruel king and the wicked witch. End of Chapter 15. The Scarecrow of Oz. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Chapters 16 and 17, narrated by Keira Belkin, Highland Park, New Jersey. The Scarecrow of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 16. Pond summons the king to surrender. Gloria had drawn near to the group to listen to their talk, and it seemed to interest her in spite of her frigid manner. They knew, of course, that the poor princess could not help being cold and reserved, so they tried not to blame her. I ought to have come a little sooner, said the Scarecrow regretfully. But Glinda sent me as soon as she discovered you were here, and were likely to get into trouble. And now that we are all together, except button-bright, over whom it is useless to worry, I propose we hold a council of war to decide what is best to be done. That seemed a wise thing to do, so they all sat down upon the grass, including Gloria, and the grass-hopper perched upon trot-shoulder and allowed her to stroke him gently with her hand. In the first place began the Scarecrow. This king-cruel is a usurper, and has no right to rule this kingdom of Jinxland. That is true, said Pond, eagerly. My father was king before him, and I— You are a gardener's boy, in charge of the Scarecrow. Your father had no right to rule either, for the rightful king of this land was the father of Princess Gloria. But only she is entitled to sit upon the throne of Jinxland. Good! Exclaimed Trot. But what do we do with king-cruel? I suppose he won't give up the throne unless he has to. No, of course not. Said the Scarecrow. Therefore it will be our duty to make him give up the throne. How? Asked Trot. Give me time to think. Was the reply? That's what my brains are for. I don't know whether you people ever think or not. But my brains are the best that the Wizard of Oz ever turned out. And if I give them plenty of time to work, the result usually surprises me. Take your time, then. Suggested Trot. There's no hurry. Thank you. Said the strawman, and sat perfectly still for half an hour. In this interval the grasshopper whispered in Trot's ear, to which he was very close, and Trot whispered back to the grasshopper sitting upon her shoulder. Pond cast loving glances at Gloria, who paid not the slightest heed to them. Finally the Scarecrow laughed aloud. Brains working? inquired Trot. Yes, they seem in fine order today. We will conquer King Cruel, and put Gloria upon his throne as Queen of Jynxland. Fine. Cried the little girl, clapping her hands together gleefully. But how? Leave the how to me, said the Scarecrow proudly. As a conqueror I'm a wonder. We will, first of all, write a message to send to King Cruel, asking him to surrender. If he refuses, then we will make him surrender. Why ask him, when we know he'll refuse? inquired Pond. Why we must be polite, whatever we do. exclaimed the Scarecrow. It would be very rude to conquer a king without proper notice. They found it difficult to write a message without paper pen and ink. None of which was at hand. So it was decided to send Pond as a messenger, with instructions to ask the king, politely but firmly, to surrender. Pond was not anxious to be the messenger. Indeed, he hinted that it might prove a dangerous mission. But the Scarecrow was now the acknowledged head of the army of conquest, and he would listen to no refusal. So off Pond started for the king's castle, and the others accompanied him as far as his hut, where they had decided to await the gardener's boy's return. I think it was because Pond had known the Scarecrow such a short time that he lacked confidence in the strawman's wisdom. It was easy to say, we will conquer King Cruel, but when Pond drew near to the great castle, he began to doubt the ability of a straw-stuffed man, a girl, a grasshopper, and a frozen-hearted princess to do it. As for himself, he had never thought of defying the king before. That was why the gardener's boy was not very bold when he entered the castle and passed through to the enclosed court, where the king was just then seated, with his favorite courtiers around him. None prevented Pond's entrance, because he was known to be the gardener's boy, but when the king saw him, he began to frown fiercely. He considered Pond to be to blame for all his trouble with Princess Gloria, who since her heart had been frozen, had escaped to some unknown place, instead of returning to the castle to what googly-goo, as she had been expected to do. So the king bared his teeth angrily as he demanded. What have you done with Princess Gloria? Nothing, Your Majesty. I've done nothing at all. Entered Pond in a faltering voice. She does not love me anymore, and even refuses to speak to me. Then why are you here, you rascal? Words the king. Pond looked first one way and then another, but saw no means of escape. So he plucked up courage. I am here to summon Your Majesty to surrender. What? Shouted the king. Surrender? Surrender to whom? Pond's heart sank to his boots. To the scarecrow. He replied. Some of the courtiers began to tear, but King Cruel was greatly annoyed. He sprang up and began to beat poor Pond with the golden staff he carried. Pond howled lustily and would have run away had not two of the soldiers held him, until his Majesty was exhausted with punishing the boy. Then they let him go and he left the castle and returned along the road, sobbing at every step, because his body was so sore and aching. Well, said the scarecrow. Did the king surrender? No, but he gave me a good rubbing. Sobbed poor Pond. Trot was very sorry for Pond, but Lauria did not seem affected in any way by her lover's anguish. The grasshopper leaped to the scarecrow's shoulder and asked him what he was going to do next. Conquer, was the reply. But I will go alone this time, for beatings cannot hurt me at all, nor can lance thrusts or sword-cuts or arrow-pricks. Why is that? Enquire, Trot. Because I have no nerves such as you meet people possess. Even grasshoppers have nerves, but straw doesn't. So whatever they do, except just one thing, they cannot injure me. Therefore, I expect to conquer King Cruel with ease. What is that one thing you accepted? Ask Trot. They will never think of it, so never mind. And now, if you will kindly excuse me for a time, I'll go over to the castle and do my conquering. You have no weapons! Pond reminded him. True. So the scarecrow? But if I carried weapons, I might injure someone. Perhaps seriously. And that would make me unhappy. I will just borrow that riding-whip, which I see in the corner of your hut, if you don't mind. It isn't exactly proper to walk with a riding-whip, but I trust you will excuse the inconsistency. Pond handed him the whip, and the scarecrow bowed to all the party and left the hut, proceeding leisurely along the way to the King's castle. End of Chapter 16. The Scarecrow of Oz This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Chapter 17, The Scarecrow of Oz by L. Frank Baum The Orc rescues Buttonbrite I must now tell you what had become of Buttonbrite since he wandered away in the morning and got lost. This small boy, as perhaps you have discovered, was almost as destitute of nerves as the scarecrow. Nothing ever astonished him much. Nothing ever worried him or made him unhappy. Good fortune or bad fortune, he accepted with a quiet smile, never complaining, whatever happened. This was the one reason why Buttonbrite was a favorite with all who knew him. And perhaps it was the reason why he so often got into difficulties or found himself lost. Today, as he wandered here and there, over hill and down dale, he missed Trot and Cat and Bill of whom he was fond, but nevertheless he was not unhappy. The birds sang merrily and the wildflowers were beautiful and the breeze had a fragrance of new moon hay. The only bad thing about this country is its king, he reflected. But the country isn't to blame for that. Our prairie dog stuck its round head out of a mound of earth and looked at the boy with bright eyes. Walk around my house, please, it said, and then you won't harm it or disturb the babies. All right, answered Buttonbrite, and took care not to step on the mound. He went on whistling merrily until a petulant voice cried, Oh, stop it. Please stop that noise. It's on my nerves. Buttonbrite saw an old gray owl sitting in the crotch of a tree, and he replied with a laugh, All by old fussy, and stopped whistling until he had passed out of the owl's hearing. At noon he came to a farmhouse where an aged couple lived. They gave him a good dinner and treated him kindly, but the man was deaf and the woman was dumb, so they could answer no questions to guide him on the way to Pond's house. When he left them, he was just as much lost as he had been before. Every grove of trees he saw from a distance he visited, for he remembered that the king's castle was near a grove of trees, and Pond's hut was near the king's castle. But always he met with disappointment. Finally, passing through one of these groves, he came out into the open and found himself face to face with the orc. Hello, said Buttonbrite. Where did you come from? From Orkland, was the reply. I 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 were 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 Captain Bale? Buttonbrite related to the orc their adventures, since it had left them in Jinxland, telling of Trotsphere that the king had done something wicked to Captain Bale, and of Pond's love for Gloria, and how Trot and Buttonbrite had been turned out of the king's castle. That was all the news that the boy had, but it may be 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. Come test Buttonbrite. I'm lost. Well, I can take you back to the hut of the gardener's boy. Promised be 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. I said Buttonbrite. So the orc squatted down and the boy took a seat and held on tight. Then the skinny creature's tail began whirling and up they went, far above all the treetops. After the orc had circled around once or twice, its sharp eyes located the towers of the castle and away it flew straight toward the palace. As it hovered in the air, nearby the castle, Buttonbrite pointed out Pond's hut, so they landed just before it, and Trot came running out to greet them. Gloria was introduced to the orc, who was surprised to find Cat and Bill transformed into a grasshopper. How do you like it? Asked the creature. Why, it worries me a good deal. Answered Cat and Bill, perched upon Trot's shoulder. I'm always afraid of being stepped on and I don't like the flavor of grass and can't seem to get used to it. It's my nature to eat grass, you know, but I begin to suspect it's an acquired taste. Can you give me lasses? Ask the orc. I guess I'm not that kind of grasshopper. Reply Cat and Bill. But I can't say what I might do if I was squeezed, which I hope I won't be. Well, it's a great pity, and I'd like to meet that cruel king and his wicked witch and punish them both severely. You're awfully small, Cat and Bill, but I think I would recognize you anywhere by your wooden leg. Then the orc and Buttonbrite were told all about Gloria's frozen heart and how the Scarecrow had come from the land of Oz to help them. The orcs seemed rather disturbed when it learned that the Scarecrow had gone alone to conquer King Cruel. I'm afraid he'll make a frizzle of it. And there's no telling what that terrible king might do to the poor Scarecrow, who seems like a very interesting person, so I believe I'll take a hand in this conquest myself. How? Ask Trot. Wait and see. Was the reply. But first of all, I must fly home again, back to my own country, so if you'll forgive me my leaving you so soon, I'll be off at once. Stand away from my tail, please, so that the wind from it when it revolves won't knock you over. It gave the creature plenty of room, and away it went like a flash, and soon disappeared in the sky. I wonder. Said Buttonbrite, looking solemnly after the orc. Whether he'll ever come back again. Of course he will. Returned Trot. The orcs are pretty good fellow, and we can depend on him, and mark my words Buttonbrite.