 The island of Rigos was ten miles wide and forty miles long, and it was ruled by a big and powerful king named Goss. Near to the shores were green and fertile fields, but farther back from the sea were rugged hills and mountains, so rocky that nothing would grow there. But in these mountains were mines of gold and silver, which the slaves of the king were forced to work. Being confined in dark underground passages for that purpose. In the course of time huge caverns had been hollowed out by the slaves, in which they lived and slept, never seeing the light of day. Cruel overseers with whips stood over these poor people who had been captured in many countries by the raiding parties of King Goss, and the overseers were quite willing to lash the slaves with their whips if they faltered a moment in their work. Between the green shores and the mountains were forests of thick-tangled trees, between which narrow paths had been cut to lead up to the caves of the mines. It was on the level green meadows, not far from the ocean, that the great city of Rigos had been built, wherein was located the palace of the king. This city was inhabited by thousands of the fierce warriors of Goss who frequently took to their boats and spread over the sea to the neighboring islands to conquer and pillage as they had done at Pinguri. When they were not absent on one of these expeditions, the city of Rigos swarmed with them and so became a dangerous place for any peaceful person to live in, for the warriors were as lawless as their king. The island of Corrigos lay close beside the island of Rigos, so close indeed that one might have thrown a stone from one shore to another. But Corrigos was only half the size of Rigos, and instead of being mountainous it was a rich and pleasant country, covered with fields of grain. The fields of Corrigos furnished food for the warriors and citizens of both countries, while the mines of Rigos made them all rich. Corrigos was ruled by Queen Cor, who was wedded to King Goss, but so stern and cruel was the nature of this queen that the people could not decide which of their sovereigns they dreaded most. Queen Cor lived in her own city of Corrigos, which lay on that side of her island facing Rigos, and her slaves who were mostly women were made to plow the land and to plant and harvest the grain. From Rigos to Corrigos stretched a bridge of boats set close together with planks laid across their edges for people to walk upon. In this way it was easy to pass from one island to the other, and in times of danger the bridge could be quickly removed. The native inhabitants of Rigos and Corrigos consisted of the warriors, who did nothing but fight and ravage, and the trembling servants who waited on them. King Goss and Queen Cor were at war with all the rest of the world. Other islanders hated and feared them, for their slaves were badly treated and absolutely no mercy was shown to the weak or ill. When the boats that had gone to Pingray returned, loaded with rich plunder and a host of captives, there was much rejoicing in Rigos and Corrigos, and the king and queen gave a fine feast to the warriors who had accomplished so great a conquest. This feast was set for the warriors in the grounds of King Goss's palace. While with them in the great throne room all the captains and leaders of the fighting men were assembled with King Goss and Queen Cor, who had come from her island to attend the ceremony. Then all the goods that had been stolen from the king of Pingray were divided according to rank, the king and queen taking half, the captains a quarter, and the rest being divided amongst the warriors. The day following the feast King Goss sent King Kidacut and all the men of Pingray to work in his mines under the mountains, having first chained them together so they could not escape. The gentle queen of Pingray and all her women, together with the captured children were given to Queen Cor, who set them to work in her grain fields. Then the rulers and warriors of these dreadful islands thought they had done forever with Pingray. Dispoiled of all its wealth, its houses torn down, its boats captured, and all its people enslaved, what likelihood was there that they might ever again hear of the desolated island? So the people of Rigos and Corrigos were surprised and puzzled when one morning they observed approaching their shores from the direction of the south, a black boat containing a boy, a fat man, and a goat. The warriors asked one another who these could be and where had they come from? No one ever came to those islands of their own accord that was certain. Prince Inga guided his boat to the south end of the island of Rigos, which was the landing place nearest to the city. And when the warriors saw this action they went down to the shore to meet him, being led by a big captain named Buzzab. Those people surely mean us no good, said Rinky Tink uneasily to the boy. Without doubt they intend to capture us and make us their slaves. Do not fear, sir. Answered Inga in a calm voice. Stay quietly in the boat with Bilbil until I have spoken with these men. He stopped the boat a dozen feet from the shore and standing up in his place made a grave bow to the multitude confronting him. Said the big captain Buzzab in a gruff voice. Well, little one, who may you be? And how dare you come, uninvited and all alone, to the island of Rigos? I am Inga, Prince of Pingaree. Return the boy. And I have come here to free my parents and my people whom you have wrongfully enslaved. When they heard this bold speech, a mighty laugh arose from the band of warriors. And when it had subsided, the captain said, You love to jest, my baby prince. And their joke is fairly good. But why did you willingly thrust your head into the lion's mouth? When you were free, why did you not stay free? We did not know we'd left a single person in Pingaree. But since you managed to escape us then, it is really kind of you to come here, of your own free will, to be our slave. Here is the funny fat person with you. It is his majesty, King Rinketank, of the great city of Gilgad. He has accompanied me to see that you render a full restitution for all you have stolen from Pingaree. Better yet, laughed buzzab, he will make a fine sleigh for queen Kaur, who loves to tickle fat men and see them jump. King Rinketank was filled with horror when he heard this, but the prince answered as boldly as before, saying, We are not to be frightened by bluster, believe me, nor are we so weak as you imagine. We have magic powers so great and terrible that no host of warriors can possibly withstand us. And therefore I call upon you to surrender your city and your island to us, before we crust you with our mighty powers. The boy spoke very gravely and earnestly, but his words only aroused another shout of laughter. So while the men of Rigos were laughing, Inga drove the boat well up onto the sandy beach and leaped out. He also helped Rinketank out, and when the goat had unaided, sprung to the sands, the king got upon Bilbil's back, trembling a little internally, but striving to look as brave as possible. There was a bunch of coarse hair between the goat's ears, and this Inga clutched firmly in his left hand. The boy knew the pink pearl would protect not only himself but all whom he touched from any harm, and as Rinketank was astride the goat and Inga had his hand upon the animal, the three could not be injured by anything the warriors could do. But Captain Buzov did not know this, and the little group of three seemed so weak and ridiculous that he believed their capture would be easy. So he turned to his men, and with a wave of his hand said, Seize the intrudas! Instantly two or three of the warriors stepped forward to obey, but to their amazement they could not reach any of the three. Their hands were arrested as if by an invisible wall of iron. Without paying any attention to these attempts at capture, Inga advanced slowly, and the goat kept pace with him. And when Rinketank saw that he was safe from harm, he gave one of his big merry laughs, and it startled the warriors and made them nervous. Captain Buzov's eyes grew big with surprise, as the three steadily advanced and forced his men backward, nor was he free from terror himself at the magic that protected these strange visitors. As for the warriors, they presently became terror-stricken and fled in a panic up the slope toward the city, and Buzov was obliged to chase after them and shout threats of punishment before he could halt them and form them into a line of battle. All the men of Rigo spore spears and bows and arrows, and some of the officers had swords and battle-axes, so Buzov ordered them to stand their ground and shoot and slay the strangers as they approached. Inga, being in advance, the warriors sent a flight of sharp arrows straight at the boy's breast while others casting their long spears at him. It seemed to Rinketank that the little prince must surely perish as he stood facing this hail of murderous missiles, but the power of the pink pearl did not desert him, and when the arrows and spears had reached to within an inch of his body, they bounded back again and fell harmlessly at his feet. Some more were Rinketank or Bilbil injured in the least, although they stood close beside Inga. Buzov stood for a moment looking upon the boy in silent wonder. Then, recovering himself, he shouted in a loud voice, Once again! All together, my men! Now one shall ever defy our might and live! Again a flight of arrows and spears sped toward the three, and since many more of the warriors of Rigos had by this time joined their fellows, the air was for a moment darkened by the deadly shafts. But again, all fell harmless before the power of the pink pearl, and Bilbil, who had been growing very angry at the attempts to injure him and his party, suddenly made a bolt forward, casting off Inga's hold and butted into the line of warriors who were standing amazed at their failure to conquer. Taken by surprise at the goat's attack, a dozen big warriors tumbled in a heap yelling with fear, and their comrades, not knowing what had happened but imagining that their foes were attacking them, turned about and ran to the city as hard as they could go. Bilbil, still angry, had just time to catch the big captain as he turned to follow his men, and buzz a first sprawled headlong upon the ground, then rolled over two or three times, and finally jumped up and ran yelling after his defeated warriors. This butting on the part of the goat was very hard upon King Rinky Tink, who nearly fell off Bilbil's back at the shock of encounter. But the little fat king wound his arms around the goat's neck, and shut his eyes, and clung on with all his might. It was not until he heard Inga say triumphantly, we have won the fight without striking a blow, that Rinky Tink dared open his eyes again. Then he saw the warriors rushing into the city of Rigos and barring the heavy gates. And he was very much relieved at the sight. Without striking a blow, said Bilbil indignantly, that is not quite true, Prince Inga. You did not fight, I admit, but I struck a couple of times to good purpose, and I claim to have conquered the cowardly warriors unaided. You and I together, Bilbil, said Rinky Tink mildly, but the next time you make a charge, please warn me in time so that I may dismount and give you all the credit for the attack. There being no one now to oppose their advance, the three walked to the gates of the city, which had been closed against them. The gates were of iron and heavily barred, and upon the top of the high walls of the city a host of the warriors now appeared armed with arrows and spears and other weapons. For Buzab had gone straight to the palace of King Goss and reported his defeat, relating the powerful magic of the boy, the fat king and the goat, and had asked what to do next. The big captain still trembled with fear, but King Goss did not believe in magic and called Buzab a coward and a weakling. At once the king took command of his men personally, and he ordered the walls manned with warriors and instructed them to shoot to kill if any of the three strangers approached the gates. Of course neither Rinky Tink nor Bilbil knew how they had been protected from harm, and so at first they were inclined to resent the boy's command that the three must always keep together and touch one another at all times. But when Inga explained that his magic would not otherwise save them from injury, they agreed to obey, for they had now seen enough to convince them that the prince was really protected by some invisible power. As they came before the gates another shower of arrows and spears descended upon them, and as before not a single missile touched their bodies. King Goss, who was upon the wall, was greatly amazed and somewhat worried, but he depended upon the strength of his gates and commanded his men to continue shooting until all their weapons were gone. Inga let them shoot as much as they wished while he stood before the great gates and examined them carefully. Perhaps Bilbil can batter down the gates, suggested Rinky Tink. No, replied the goat, my head is hard, but not harder than iron. Then, returned the king, let us stay outside especially as we can't get in. But Inga was not at all sure they could not get in. The gates opened inward, and three heavy bars were held in place by means of stout staples riveted to the sheets of steel. The boy had been told that the power of the blue pearl would enable him to accomplish any feat of strength, and he believed that this was true. The warriors, under the direction of King Goss, continued to hurl arrows and darts and spears and axes and huge stones upon the invaders, all without a veil. The ground below was thickly covered with weapons, yet not one of the three before the gates had been injured in the slightest manner. When everything had been cast that was available, and not a single weapon of any sort remained at hand, the amazed warriors saw the boy put his shoulder against the gates, and burst asunder the huge staples that held the bars in place. A thousand of their men could not have accomplished this feat, yet the small, slight boy did it with seeming ease. The gates burst open and Inga advanced into the city street, and called upon King Goss to surrender. But Goss now, as badly frightened as were his warriors, he and his men were accustomed to war and pillage, and they had carried terror into many countries. But here was a small boy, a fat man, and a goat who could not be injured by all his skill in warfare, his numerous army, and thousands of death-dealing weapons. Moreover, they not only defied King Goss's entire army, but they had broken in the huge gates of the city, as easily as if they had been made of paper. And such an exhibition of enormous strength made the wicked King fear for his life. Like all bullies and marauders, Goss was a coward at heart, and now a panic seized him, and he turned and fled before the calm advance of Prince Inga of Pingari. The warriors were like their master, and having thrown all their weapons over the wall and being helpless to oppose the strangers, they all swarmed after Goss, who abandoned his city and crossed the bridge of boats to the island of Corrigos. There was a desperate struggle among these cowardly warriors to get over the bridge, and many were pushed into the water and obliged to swim. But finally every fighting man of Rigos had gained the shore of Corrigos, and then they tore away the bridge of boats and drew them up on their own side, hoping the stretch of open water would prevent the magic invaders from following them. The humble citizens and serving people of Rigos, who had been terrified and abused by the rough warriors all their lives, were not only greatly astonished by this sudden conquest of their masters, but greatly delighted. As the King and his army fled to Corrigos, the people embraced one another and danced for very long, and then they turned to see what the conquerors of Rigos were like. CHAPTER VIII RINKE TINK MAKES A GREAT MISTAKE The fat king rode his goat through the streets of the Concord City, and the boy prince walked proudly beside him, while all the people bent their heads humbly to their new masters whom they were prepared to serve in the same manner they had King Goss. Not a warrior remained in all Rigos to oppose the triumphant three. The bridge of boats had been destroyed. Inga and his companions were free from danger, for a time at least. The jolly little king appreciated this fact, and rejoiced that he had escaped all injury during the battle. How it had all happened he could not tell, nor even guess, but he was content in being safe and free to take possession of the enemy's city. So, as they passed through the lines of respectful civilians on their way to the palace, the king tipped his crown back on his bald head, unfolded his arms, and sang in his best voice the following lines. Oh, here comes the army of King Rink-a-tink. It isn't a big one, perhaps you may think, but it scattered the warriors quicker than wing. Rink-a-tink, tink-a-tink, tink. Our billbills are heroine, so is his king. Our foemen have banished like birds on the wing. I guess that his fighters were quite the real thing. Rink-a-tink, tink-a-tink, tink. Why don't you give a little credit to Inga? Inquired the goat. If I remember her right, he did a little of the conquering himself. So he did. Responded the king. And that's the reason I'm sounding our own praise, Bilbil. Those who do the least often shout the loudest, and so get the most glory. Inga did so much that there is danger of his becoming more important than we are, and so we'd best say nothing about him. When they reached the palace, which was an immense building, furnished throughout in regal splendor, Inga took formal possession and ordered the Majordomo to show them the finest rooms the building contained. There were many pleasant apartments, but Rink-a-tink proposed to Inga that they share one of the largest bedrooms together. Boar! said he. We are not sure that old Gox will not return and try to recapture his city, and you must remember that I have no magic to protect me. In any danger, where I alone, I might be easily killed or captured, while if you were by my side you can save me from injury. The boy realized the wisdom of this plan, and selected a fine big bedroom on the second floor of the palace, in which he ordered two golden beds placed and prepared for King Rink-a-tink and himself. Bill Bill was given a suite of rooms on the other side of the palace, where servants brought the goat fresh-cut grass to eat, and made him a soft bed to lie upon. That evening the boy prince and the fat king dined in great state in the lofty domed dining-hall of the palace, where forty servants waited upon them. The royal chef, anxious to win the favour of the conquerors of Rigos, prepared his finest and most savoury dishes for them, which Rink-a-tink ate with much appetite, and found so delicious that he ordered the royal chef brought into the banquet hall, and presented him with a gilt button which the king cut from his own jacket. You are welcome to it, said he to the chef, because I have eaten so much that I cannot use the lower button at all. Rink-a-tink was mightily pleased to live in a comfortable palace again and to dine at a well-spread table. His joy grew every moment so that he came in time to be as merry and cheery as before Pingari was despoiled. And, although he had been much frightened during Inga's defiance of the army of King Goss, he now began to turn the matter into a joke. Why, my boy? said he. You whipped the big black-bearded king exactly as if you were a schoolboy, even though you used no warlike weapons at all upon him. He was cowed through fear of your magic, and that reminds me to demand from you an explanation. How did you do it, Inga? And where did the wonderful magic come from? Perhaps it would have been wise for the prince to have explained about the magic pearls. But at that moment he was not inclined to do so. Instead, he replied, Be patient, your majesty. The secret is not my own, so please do not ask me to divulge it. Is it not enough for the present that the magic saved you from death today? Do not think me ungrateful, answered the king earnestly. A million spears fell on me from the wall as several stones as big as mountains, yet none of them hurt me. The stones were not as big as mountains, sire. Said the prince with a smile. They were indeed no larger than your head. Are you sure about that? Asked Rinky Tink. Quite sure, your majesty. How deceptive those things are. Side the king. This argument reminds me of the story of Tom Tink, which my father used to tell me. I have never heard that story. Well, as he told it, it ran like this. When Tom walked out the sky to spy a naughty gnat flew in his eye, but Tom knew not it was a gnat. He thought at first it was a cat. And then it felt so very big. He thought it surely was a pig, till standing still to hear it grunt. He cried, Why, it's an elephant! But when the gnat flew out again, and Tom was free from all his pain, he said there flew into my eye a little teeny tiny fly. Indeed. Said Ingle Laughing. The gnat was much like your stones, that seemed as big as mountains. After their dinner they inspected the palace, which was filled with valuable goods stolen by King Goss from many nations. But the day's events had tired them, and they retired early to their big sleeping apartment. In the morning. The gnat said the boy to Rinky Tink as he was undressing for bed. I shall begin the search for my father and mother, and the people of Fingery. And when they are found and rescued, we will all go home again, and be as happy as we were before. They carefully bolted the door of their room, that no one might enter, and then got into their beds where Rinky Tink fell asleep in an instant. The boy lay awake for a while thinking over the day's adventures, but presently he fell sound asleep also. And so weary was he that nothing disturbed his slumber until he awakened next morning with a ray of sunshine in his eyes which had crept into the room through the open window by King Rinky Tink's bed. Resolving to begin the search for his parents without any unnecessary delay Ingle at once got out of bed and began to dress himself, while Rinky Tink in the other bed was still sleeping peacefully. But when the boy had put on both his stockings and began looking for his shoes he could find but one of them. The left shoe, that containing the pink pearl, was missing. Filled with anxiety at this discovery Ingle searched through the entire room, looking underneath the beds and the vans and chairs and behind the draperies and in the corners and every other possible place a shoe might be. He tried the door and found it still bolted. So with growing uneasiness the boy was forced to admit that the precious shoe was not in the room. With a throbbing heart he aroused his companion. King Rinky Tink said he, Do you know what has become of my left shoe? Your shoe? exclaimed the king, giving a wide yawn and rubbing his eyes to get the sleep out of them. Have you lost a shoe? Yes, said Ingle. I have searched everywhere in the room and cannot find it. But why bother me about such a small thing? inquired Rinky Tink. A shoe is only a shoe and you can easily get another one, but stay. Perhaps it was your shoe which I threw at the cat last night. The cat? cried Ingle. What do you mean? Why in the night? I explained Rinky Tink sitting up and beginning to dress himself. I was awakened by the mewing of a cat that sat upon a wall of the palace just outside my window. As the noise disturbed me I reached out in the dark and caught up something and threw it at the cat to frighten the creature away. I did not know what it was that I threw and I was too sleepy to care. But probably it was your shoe since it is now missing. Then? said the boy in a despairing tone of voice. Carelessness has ruined me as well as your self-king, Rinky Tink, for in that shoe was concealed the magic power which protected us from danger. The king's face became very serious when he heard this and he uttered a low whistle of surprise and regret. Why on earth did you not warn me of this? He demanded. And why did you keep such a precious power in an old shoe? And why didn't you put the shoe under a pillow? You are very wrong, my lad, in not confiding to me your faithful friend the secret, for in that case the shoe would not now be lost. To all this Inga had no answer. He sat on the side of his bed, with hanging head, utterly disconsolate, and seeing this Rinky Tink had pity for his sorrow. Come! cried the king. Let us go at once and look for the shoe which I threw at the cat and must even now be lying in the yard of the palace. This suggestion roused the boy to action. He at once through opened the door and in his stocking feet rushed down the staircase closely followed by Rinky Tink, but although they looked on both sides of the palace wall and in every possible crack and corner where a shoe might lodge they failed to find it. After a half hour's careful search the boy said sorrowfully, Someone must have passed by as we slept and taken the precious shoe, not knowing its value. To us, King Rinky Tink, this will be a dreadful misfortune, for we are surrounded by dangers from which we have now no protection. Luckily I have the others you left, within which is the magic power that gives me strength, so not all is lost. Then he told Rinky Tink, in a few words, the secret of the wonderful pearls, and how he had recovered them from the ruins and hidden them in his shoes, and how they had enabled him to drive King Goss and his men from Rigoson to capture the city. The King was much astonished, and when the story was concluded he said to Inga, What did you do with the other shoe? Why, I left it in our bedroom, replied the boy. Then I advised you to get it at once, continued Rinky Tink, for we can ill afford to lose the second shoe as well as the one I threw at the cat. You are right, cried Inga, and they hastened back to their bed-chamber. On entering the room they found an old woman sweeping and raising a great deal of dust. Where is my shoe? Asked the Prince anxiously. The old woman stopped sweeping and looked at him in a stupid way, for she was not very intelligent. Do you mean the one odd shoe that was lying on the floor when I came in? She finally asked. Yes. Yes. Answered the boy. Where is it? Tell me where it is. Why, I threw it on the dust-heap outside the back gate. Said she, for it being but a single shoe with no mate, it can be of no use to any one. Show us the way to the dust-heap at once. Commanded the boy sternly, for he was greatly frightened by this new misfortune which threatened him. The old woman hobbled away and they followed her, constantly urging her to hasten. But when they reached the dust-heap no shoe was to be seen. This is terrible. Wailed the young Prince, ready to weep at his loss. We are now absolutely ruined, and at the mercy of our enemies. Nor shall I be able to liberate my dear father and mother. Well... Replied rinky-tink, leaning against an old barrel and looking quite solemn. The thing is certainly unlucky, anyway, we look at it. I suppose someone has passed along here and, seeing the shoe upon the dust-heap, has carried it away, but no one could know the magic power the shoe contains, and so we'll not use it against us. I believe, Inga, that we must now depend upon our wits to get us out of the scrape we are in. With saddened hearts they returned to the palace, and entering a small room where no one could observe them or overhear them. The boy took the white pearl from its silken bag, and held it to his ear, saying, What shall I do now? Tell no one of your loss, answered the voice of the pearl. If your enemies do not know that you are powerless, they will fear you as much as ever. Keep your secret, be patient, and fear not. Inga heeded this advice, and also warned rinky-tink to say nothing to any one of the loss of the shoes and the powers they contained. He sent for the shoemaker of King Goss, who soon brought him a new pair of red leather shoes that fitted him quite well. When these had been put upon his feet, the prince, accompanied by the king, started to walk through the city. Wherever they went the people bowed low to the conqueror, although a few, remembering Inga's terrible strength, ran away in fear and trembling. They had been used to severe masters, and did not yet know how they would be treated by King Goss's successor. There being no occasion for the boy to exercise the powers he had displayed the previous day, his present helplessness was not suspected by any of the citizens of Rigos, who still considered him a wonderful magician. Inga did not dare to fight his way to the mines at present, nor could he try to conquer the island of Corrigos where his mother was enslaved. So he set about the regulation of the city of Rigos, and having established himself with great state in the royal palace, he began to govern the people by kindness, having consideration for the most humble. The king of Rigos and his followers sent spies across to the island they had abandoned in their flight, and these spies returned with the news that the terrible boy conqueror was still occupying the city. Nor none of them ventured to go back to Rigos, but continued to live upon the neighboring island of Corrigos, where they passed the days in fear and trembling, and sought to plot and plan ways how they might overcome the Prince of Pingaree and the Fat King of Gilgad. The End of Chapter 8 Rinky Tink in 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 9 Narrated by Kalinda Rinky Tink in Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 9 A Present For Zella Now it so happened that on the morning of that same day when the Prince of Pingaree suffered the loss of his priceless shoes, their chance to pass along the road that wound beside the royal palace, a poor charcoal burner named Nicobob, who was about to return to his home in the forest. Nicobob carried an axe and a bundle of torches over his shoulder, and he walked with his eyes to the ground, being deep in thought as to the strange manner in which the powerful King Goss and his city had been conquered by a boy Prince who had come from Pingaree. Suddenly the charcoal burner espied a shoe lying upon the ground, just beyond the high wall of the palace and directly in his path. He picked it up, and seeing it was a pretty shoe, although much too small for his own foot, he put it in his pocket. Soon after, on turning a corner of the wall, Nicobob came to a dust heap where, lying amidst a mass of rubbish, was another shoe, the mate to the one he had found before. This he also placed in his pocket, saying to himself, I have now a fine pair of shoes for my daughter Zella, who will be much pleased to find I have brought her present from the city. And while the charcoal burner turned into the forest and trudged along the path toward his home, Inga and Rinky Tink were still searching for the missing shoes. Of course they could not know that Nicobob had to found them, nor did the honest man think he had taken anything more than a pair of cast-off shoes which nobody wanted. Nicobob had several miles to travel through the forest before he could reach the little log cabin where his wife, as well as his little daughter Zella, awaited his return. But he was used to long walks and tramped along the path, whistling cheerfully to beguile the time. Few people, as I said before, ever passed through the dark entangled forests of Regos. Except to go to the mines in the mountain beyond, for many dangerous creatures lurked in the wild jungles, and King Goss never knew when he sent a messenger to the mines whether he would reach there safely or not. The charcoal burner, however, knew the wild forest well, and especially this part of it lying between the city and his home. It was the favorite haunt of the ferocious beast Chagunmugger, dreaded by every dweller in the island of Regos. Chagunmugger was so old that everyone thought it must have been there since the world was made. And each year of its life, the huge scales that covered its body grew thicker and harder, and its jaws grew wider, and its teeth grew sharper, and its appetite grew more keen than ever. In former ages there had been many dragons in Regos, but Chagunmugger was so fond of dragons that he had eaten all of them long ago. There had also been great serpents and crocodiles in the forest marshes, but all had gone to feed the hunger of Chagunmugger. The people of Regos knew well there was no use opposing the great beast, so when one unfortunately met with it, he gave himself up for lost. All this Nicobab knew well, but Fortune had always favored him in his journey through the forest, and although he had at times met many savage beasts and fought them with his sharp acts, he had never to this day encountered the terrible Chagunmugger. Indeed, he was not thinking of the great beast at all as he walked along, but suddenly he heard a crashing of broken trees and felt a trembling of the earth and saw the immense jaws of Chagunmugger opening before him. Then Nicobab gave himself up for lost and his heart almost ceased to beat. He believed there was no way of escape. No one ever dared oppose Chagunmugger, but Nicobab hated to die without showing the monster in some way that he was eaten only under protest, so he raised his axe and brought it down upon the red protruding tongue of the monster and cut it clean off. For a moment the charcoal burner scarcely believed what his eyes saw, for he knew nothing of the pearls he carried in his pocket or the magic power they lent his arm. His success, however, encouraged him to strike again, and this time the huge, scaly jaw of Chagunmugger was severed in twain and the beast howled in terrified rage. Nicobab took off his coat to give himself more freedom of action, and then he earnestly renewed the attack. But now the axe seemed blunted by the hard scales and made no impression upon them whatever. The creature advanced with glaring wicked eyes, and Nicobab seized his coat under his arm and turned to flee. That was foolish, for Chagunmugger could run like the wind. In a moment it overtook the charcoal burner and snapped its four rows of sharp teeth together. But they did not touch Nicobab, because he still held the coat in his grasp, close to his body, and in the coat pocket were Inga's shoes, and in the points of the shoes were the magic pearls. Finding himself uninjured, Nicobab put on his coat, again seized his axe, and in a short time had chopped Chagunmugger into many small pieces, a task that proved not only easy but very agreeable. I must be the strongest man in all the world, thought the charcoal burner, as he proudly resumed his way. For Chagunmugger has been the terror of Riga since the world began, and I alone have been able to destroy the beast. Yet it is singular that never before did I discover how powerful a man I am. He met no further adventure, and at midday reached a little clearing in the forest where stood his humble cabin. Great news! I have great news for you! He shouted, as his wife and little daughter came to greet him. King Goss has been conquered by a boy prince from the far island of Pinagri, and I have this day, unaided, destroyed Chagunmugger by the might of my strong arm. This was indeed great news! They brought Nicobab into the house, and set him in an easy chair, and made him tell everything he knew about the prince of Pinagri and the fat king of Gilgad, as well as the details of his wonderful fight with mighty Chagunmugger. And now, my daughter, said the charcoal burner, when all his news had been related for at least the third time. Here's a pretty present I have brought you from the city. With this he drew the shoes from the pocket of his coat and handed them to Zella, who gave him a dozen kisses in payment, and was much pleased with her gift. The little girl had never worn shoes before, for her parents were too poor to buy her such luxuries. So now the possession of these, which were not much worn, filled the child's heart with joy. She admired the red leather and the graceful curl of the pointed toes. When she tried them on her feet, they fitted as well as if made for her. All the afternoon, as she helped her mother with the housework, Zella thought of her pretty shoes. They seemed more important to her than the coming to Rhaegos of the conquering prince of Pinagri, or even the death of Chagunmugger. When Zella and her mother were not working in the cabin, cooking or sewing, they often searched the neighboring forest for honey, which the wild bees cleverly hid in hollow trees. The day after Nicobob's return, as they were starting out after honey, Zella decided to put on her new shoes, as they would keep the twigs that covered the ground from hurting her feet. She was used to the twigs, of course, but what is the use of having nice comfortable shoes if you do not wear them? So she danced along very happily, followed by her mother, and presently they came to a tree in which was a deep hollow. Zella thrust her hand and arm into the space and found that the tree was full of honey, so she began to dig it out with a wooden paddle. Her mother, who held the pail, suddenly cried in mourning. Look out, Zella, the bees are coming. And then the good woman ran fast toward the house to escape. Zella, however, had no more than time to turn her head when a thick swarm of bees surrounded her, angry because they had caught her stealing their honey and intent on stinging the girl as punishment. She knew her danger and expected to be badly injured by the multitude of stinging bees, but to her surprise, the little creatures were unable to fly close enough to her to stick their dart-like singers into her flesh. They swarmed about her in a dark cloud and their angry buzzing was terrible to hear, yet the little girl remained unharmed. When she realized this, Zella was no longer afraid, but continued to ladle out the honey until she had secured all that was in the tree. Then she returned to the cabin, where her mother was weeping and bemoaning the fate of her darling child, and the good woman was greatly astonished to find Zella had escaped injury. Again they went to the woods to search for honey, and although the mother always ran away whenever the bees came near them, Zella paid no attention to the creatures but kept at her work, so that before supper time came, the pails were again filled to overflowing with delicious honey. With such good fortune as we have had this day, said her mother, we shall soon gather enough honey for you to carry to Queen Cor. For it seems the wicked queen was very fond of honey, and it had been Zelda's custom to go, once every year, to the city of Coragos, to carry the queen a supply of sweet honey for her table. Usually she had but one pail. But now, said Zella, I shall be able to carry two pails full to the queen, who will, I am sure, give me a good price for it. True, answered her mother, and as the boy prince may take it into his head to conquer Coragos as well as Regos, I think it best for you to start on your journey to Queen Cor tomorrow morning. Do you not agree with me, Nicobob? She added, turning to her husband, the charcoal burner, who was eating his supper. I agree with you, he replied. If Zella must go to the city of Coragos, she may as well start tomorrow morning. CHAPTER X THE CUNNING OF QUEEN COR You may be sure the queen of Corregos was not well pleased to have King Goss and all his warriors living in her city after they had fled from their own. They were savage-natured and quarrelsome men at all times, and their tempers had not improved since their conquest by the Prince of Pinguri. Moreover, they were eating up queen-course provisions and crowding the houses of her own people, who grumbled and complained until their queen was heartily tired. SHAME ON YOU! She said to her husband, King Goss, to be driven out of your city by a boy, a roly-poly king and a billy goat. Why do you not go back and fight them? No human can fight against the powers of magic. Returned the king in a surly voice? That boy is either a fairy or under the protection of fairies. We escaped with our lives only because we were quick to run away. But should we return to Regos, the same terrible power that burst open the city gates would crush us all to atoms. Bah! You are a coward! cried the queen tauntingly. I am not a coward! said the big king. I have killed in battle scores of my enemies by the might of my sword and my good right arm. I have conquered many nations, all my life. People have feared me, but no one would dare face the tremendous power of the Prince of Pingarei. Boy, though he is, it would not be courage. It would be folly to attempt it. Then meet his power with cunning, suggested the queen, take my advice, and steal over to Regos at night when it is dark, and capture or destroy the boy while he sleeps. No weapon can touch his body. Was the answer? He bears a charmed life and cannot be injured. Does the fat king possess magic powers or the goat? Inquired core? I think not, said Goss. We could not injure them, indeed. Any more than we could the boy, but they did not seem to have any unusual strength, although the goat's head is harder than a battering ram. Well, mused the queen, there is surely some way to conquer that slight boy. If you are afraid to undertake the job, I shall go myself. By some stratagem I shall manage to make him my prisoner. He will not dare to defy a queen, and no magic can stand against a woman's cunning. Go ahead, if you like. Replied the king with an evil grin. And if you are hung up by the thumbs or cast into a dungeon, it would serve you right for thinking you could succeed where, skilled warrior, there's not make an attempt. I'm not afraid, answered the queen. It is only soldiers and bullies who are cowards. In spite of this assertion, Queen Cor was not so brave as she was cunning. For several days she thought over this plan and that, and tried to decide which was most likely to succeed. She had never seen the boy-prince, but had heard so many tales of him from the defeated warriors, and especially from Captain Buzub, that she had learned to respect his power. Put on by the knowledge that she would never get rid of her unwelcome guests until Prince Inga was overcome, and Rigos regained for Captain Goss, the queen of Corrigos finally decided to trust, to luck, and her native wit, to defeat a simple-minded boy, however powerful he might be. Inga could not suspect what she was going to do, because she did not know herself. She intended to act boldly and trust to chance to win. It is evident that had the cunning queen known that Inga had lost all his magic, she would not have devoted so much time to the simple matter of capturing him. But like all others she was impressed by the marvelous exhibition of power he had shown in capturing Rigos, and had no reason to believe the boy was less powerful now. One morning Queen Cor boldly entered a boat, and taking four men with her as an escort and bodyguard, was rode across the narrow channel to Rigos. Prince Inga was sitting in the palace playing checkers with King Rinkitink, when a servant came to him, saying that Queen Cor had arrived and desired an audience with him. With many misgivings lest the wicked queen discover that he had now lost his magic powers, the boy ordered her to be admitted, and she soon entered the room and bowed low before him in mock respect. Cor was a big woman, almost as tall as King Goss. She had flashing black eyes in the dark complexion you see on Gypsies. Her temper, when irritated, was something dreadful, and her face wore an evil expression which she tried to cover by smiling sweetly, often when she meant the most mischief. I have come, said she in a low voice. To render homage to the noble Prince of Pinnery, I am told that your highness is the strongest person in the world, and invincible in battle, and therefore I wish you to become my friend rather than my enemy. Now Inga did not know how to reply to this speech. He disliked the appearance of the woman, and was afraid of her, and he was unused to deception and did not know how to mask his real feelings, so he took time to think over his answer, which he finally made in these words. I have no quarrel with your majesty, and my only reason for coming here is to liberate my father and mother, and my people, whom you and your husband have made your slaves, and to recover the goods King Goss has plundered from the island of Pinnery. This I hope soon to accomplish, and if you really wish to be my friend, you can assist me greatly. While he was speaking Queen Cor had been studying the boy's face stealthily, from the corners of her eyes, and she said to herself, He is so small and innocent that I believe I can capture him alone, and with ease. He does not seem very terrible, and I suspect that King Goss and his warriors were frightened at nothing. Then, aloud, she said to Inga, I wish to invite you, mighty prince, and your friend, the great king of Gilgad, to visit my poor palace at Corrigos, where all my people shall do you honour. Will you come? At present, replied Inga uneasily, I must refuse your kind invitation. There will be feasting, and dancing girls, and games, and fireworks, said the queen, speaking as if eager to entice him, and at each word coming a step nearer to where he stood. I could not enjoy them while my poor parents are slaves, said the boy, sadly. Are you sure of that? asked Queen Cor, and by that time she was close beside Inga. Suddenly, she leaned forward and threw both of her long arms around Inga's body, holding him in a grasp that was like a vice. Now Rinky Tink sprang forward to rescue his friend, but Cor kicked out viciously with her foot and struck the king squarely on his stomach. A very tender place to be kicked, especially if one is fat. Then, still hugging Inga tightly, the queen called aloud, I've got him! Bring in the ropes! Instantly the four men she had brought with her sprang into the room and bound the boy hand and foot. Next they seized Rinky Tink, who was still rubbing his stomach, and bound him likewise. With a laugh of wicked triumph, Queen Cor now led her captives down to the boat and returned with them to Corrigos. Great was the astonishment of King Goss and his warriors when they saw that the mighty Prince of Pingaree, who had put them all to flight, had been captured by a woman. Hours as they were, they now crowded around the boy and jeered at him, and some of them would have struck him had not the queen cried out. Hands off! He is my prisoner, remember, not yours. Well, Cor, what are you going to do with him? Inquired King Goss. I shall make him my slave that he may amuse my idle hours, for he is a pretty boy and gentle, although he did frighten all of you big warriors so terribly. The king scowled at this speech, not liking to be ridiculed, but he said nothing more. He and his men returned that same day to Rigos after restoring the bridge of boats, and they held a wild carnival of rejoicing both in the king's palace and in the city, although the poor people of Rigos who were not warriors were all sorry that the kind young prince had been captured by his enemies and could rule them no longer. When her unwelcome guests had all gone back to Rigos and the queen was alone in her palace, she ordered Inga and Rinkitink brought before her and their bonds removed. They came sadly enough, knowing they were in serious straits and at the mercy of a cruel mistress. Inga had taken counsel of the white pearl, which had advised him to bear up bravely under his misfortune, promising a change for the better very soon. With this promise to comfort him, Inga faced the queen with a dignified bearing that indicated both pride and courage. Well, youngster," said she in a cheerful tone because she was pleased with her success, "'You played a clever trick on my poor husband and frightened him badly. But for that prank I am inclined to forgive you. Hereafter I intend you to be my page, which means that you must fetch and carry for me at my will, and let me advise you to obey my every whim without question or delay, for when I am angry I become ugly, and when I am ugly some one is sure to feel the lash. Do you understand me?" Inga bowed, but made no answer. Then she turned to rinky-tink and said, "'As for you, I cannot decide how to make you useful to me, as you are altogether too fat and awkward to work in the fields. It may be, however, that I can use you as a pin-cushion.' "'What?' cried rinky-tink in horror. "'Would you stick pins into the king of Gilgad?' "'Why not?' returned queen Cora. "'You are as fat as a pin-cushion, as you must yourself admit. And whenever I needed a pin I could call you to me.' Then she laughed at his frightened look and asked, "'By the way, are you ticklish?' This was the question rinky-tink had been dreading. He gave a moan of despair and shook his head. "'I should love to tickle the bottom of your feet with a feather,' continued the cruel woman. "'Please take off your shoes.' "'Oh, your majesty!' pleaded poor rinky-tink. "'I beg you to allow me to amuse you in some other way. I can dance or I can sing you a song.' "'Well,' she answered, shaking with laughter, "'you may sing a song, if it be a merry one. But you do not seem in a merry mood.' "'I feel merry. Indeed, your majesty, I do.' protested rinky-tink, anxious to escape the tickling. But even as he professed to feel merry, his round red face wore an expression of horror and anxiety that was really comical. "'Sing, then!' commanded Queen Cor, who was greatly amused. Rinky-tink gave a sigh of relief. And after clearing his throat and trying to repress his sobs, he began to sing this song, gently at first, but finally, roaring it out at the top of his voice. "'Oh, there was a baby tiger lived in a menagerie. "'Fizzy-fizzy-fuzzy, they wouldn't set him free. And everybody thought that he was gentle as could be. "'Fizzy-fizzy-fuzzy, baby tiger. "'Oh, they patted him upon his head and shook him by the paw. "'Fizzy-fizzy-fuzzy, he had a bone to gnaw. "'But soon he grew the biggest tiger that you ever saw. "'Fizzy-fizzy-fuzzy, what a tiger. "'Oh, one day they came to pet the brute and he began to fight. "'Fizzy-fizzy-fuzzy, how he did scratch and bite. "'He broke the cage and in a rage, he darted out of sight. "'Fizzy-fizzy-fuzzy was a tie guy.' "'And is there a moral to the song?' asked Queen Cor when King Rinky-tink had finished his song with great spirit. "'If there is,' replied Rinky-tink, "'it is a warning not to fool with tigers.' "'The little prince could not help smiling at this shrewd answer. "'But Queen Cor frowned and gave the king a sharp look.' "'Oh,' said she, "'I think I know the difference between a tiger and a lap dog. "'But I'll bear the warning in mind, just the same.' "'For after all her success in capturing them, "'she was a little afraid of these people who had once displayed "'such extraordinary powers.'" End of chapter 10 Zella Goes to Corrigos The forest in which Nicobob lived with his wife and daughter stood between the mountains and the city of Rigos, and a well-beaten path wound among the trees, leading from the city to the mines. This path was used by the king's messengers and captured prisoners were also sent by this way from Rigos to work in the underground caverns. Nicobob had built his cabin more than a mile away from this path that he might not be molested by the wild and lawless soldiers of King Goss. But the family of the charcoal burner was surrounded by many creatures scarcely less dangerous to encounter, and often in the night they could hear savage animals growling and prowling about the cabin. Because Nicobob minded his own business and never hunted the wild creatures to injure them, the beast had come to regard him as one of the natural dwellers in the forest and did not molest him or his family. Still Zella and her mother seldom wandered far from home, except on such errands as carrying honey to Corrigos, and at these times Nicobob cautioned them to be very careful. So when Zella sent out on her journey to Queen Cor with the two pales of honey in her hands, she was undertaking a dangerous adventure, and there was no certainty that she would return safely to her loving parents. But they were poor, and Queen Cor's money, which they expected to receive for the honey, would enable them to purchase many things that were needed. So it was deemed best that Zella should go. She was a brave little girl, and poor people are often obliged to take chances that rich ones are spared. A passing woodchopper had brought news to Nicobob's cabin that Queen Cor had made a prisoner of the conquering Prince of Pingaree, and that God's and his warriors were again back in their city of regos. But these struggles and conquests were matters which, however interesting, did not concern the poor charcoal burner or his family. They were more anxious so the report that the warriors had become more reckless than ever before, and delighted in annoying all the common people. So Zella was told to keep away from the beaten path as much as possible, that she might not encounter any of the King's soldiers. When it is necessary to choose between the warriors and the wild beasts, said Nicobob, the beasts will be found the more merciful. The little girl had put on her best attire for the journey, and her mother threw a blue silk shawl over her head and shoulders. Upon her feet with her pretty red shoes, her father had brought her from regos. Thus prepared, she kissed her parents goodbye and started out with a light heart, carrying the pales of honey in either hand. It was necessary for Zella to cross the path that led from the mines to the city. But once on the other side, she was not likely to meet with anyone, for she had resolved to cut through the forest and so reached the bridge of boats without entering the city of regos, which she might be interrupted. For an hour or two, she found the walking easy enough, but then the forest, which in this part was unknown to her, became badly tangled. The trees were thicker and creeping vines intertwined between them. She had to turn this way and that to get through it all, and finally she came to a place where a network of vines and branches effectively barred her farther progress. Zella was dismayed at first when she encountered this obstacle, but setting down her pales, she made an endeavor to push the branches aside. At her touch, they parted as if by magic, breaking a sunder like dried twigs, and she found she could pass freely. At another place, a great log had fallen across her way, but the little girl lifted it easily and cast it aside, although six ordinary men could scarcely have moved it. The child was somewhat worried at this evidence of a strength she had here to fore but ignorant that she possessed. In order to satisfy herself that it was no delusion, she tested her newfound power in many ways, finding that nothing was too big nor too heavy for her to lift. And naturally enough, the girl gained courage from these experiments and became confident that she could protect herself in any emergency. When presently a wild boar ran toward her, grunting horribly and threatening her with its great tusks, she did not climb a tree to escape as she'd always done before on meeting such creatures, but stood still and faced the boar. When it had come quite close, Anzela saw that it could not injure her, the fact that astonished both the beast and the girl, she suddenly reached down and seizing it by one ear through the great beast far off amongst the trees, where it fell headlong to the earth, grunting louder than ever with surprise and fear. The girl laughed merrily at this incident and picking up her pails resumed her journey through the forest. It is not recorded whether the wild boar told his adventure to the other beasts or they had happened to witness his defeat, but certain it is that Zela was not again molested. A brown bear watched her pass without making any movement in her direction and a great puma, a beast much dreaded by all men, crept out of her path as she approached and disappeared among the trees. Thus everything favored the girl's journey and she made such good speed that by noon she emerged from the forest's edge and found that she was quite near to the bridge of boats that led to Corrigos. This she crossed safely and without meeting any of the rude warriors she so greatly feared. And five minutes later, the dodger of the charcoal burner was sinking at Mittens at the back door of Queen Cor's palace. End of chapter 11. Rinky Tink and 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, narrated by Ed Good. Rinky Tink and Oz by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 12, The Excitement of Bill Bill the Goat. Our story must now return to one of our characters whom we have been forced to neglect. The temper of Bill Bill the Goat was not sweet under any circumstances. And whenever he had a grievance, he was inclined to be quite grumpy. So when his master settled down in the palace of King Goss for a quiet life with the boy prince and passed his time in playing checkers and eating and otherwise enjoying himself, he had no use whatever for Bill Bill and shut the goat in an upstairs room to prevent his wandering through the city and quarreling with the citizens. But this Bill Bill did not like at all. He became very cross and disagreeable at being left alone and he did not speak nicely to the servants who came to bring him food. Therefore those people decided not to wait upon him anymore, resenting his conversation and not liking to be scolded by a lame, scraggly goat, even though it belonged to a conqueror. The servants kept away from the room and Bill Bill grew more hungry and more angry every hour. He tried to eat the rugs and ornaments but found them not at all nourishing. There was no grass to be had unless he escaped from the palace. When Queen Core came to capture Inga and Rinkitink, both the prisoners were so filled with despair at their own misfortune that they gave no thought whatever to the goat who was left in his room. Nor did Bill Bill know anything of the chained fortunes of his comrades until he heard shouts and boisterous laughter in the courtyard below. Looking out of a window with the intention of rebuking those who dared thus to disturb him, Bill Bill saw the courtyard quite filled with warriors and knew from this that the palace had in some way again fallen into the hands of the enemy. Now, although Bill Bill was often exceedingly disagreeable to King Rinkitink, as well as to the Prince, and sometimes used harsh words in addressing them, he was intelligent enough to know them to be his friends and to know that King Goss and his people were his foes. In sudden anger provoked by the sight of the warriors and the knowledge that he was in the power of the dangerous men of Rigos, Bill Bill butted his head against the door of his room and burst it open. Then he rammed to the head of the staircase and saw King Goss coming up the stairs followed by a long lawn of his chief captains and warriors. The goat lowered his head, trembling with rage and excitement, and just as the King reached the top stair, the animal dashed forward and butted his majesty so fiercely that the big and powerful King, who did not expect an attack, doubled up and tumbled backward. His great weight knocked over the man just behind him and he in turn struck the next warrior and upset him. So that in an instant, the whole line of Bill Bill's foes was tumbling heels overhead to the bottom of the stairs, where they piled up in a heap, struggling and shouting and in the mix-up, hitting one another with their fists until every man of them was bruised and sore. Finally King Goss scrambled out of the heap and rushed up the stairs again, very angry indeed. Bill Bill was ready for him and a second time butted the King down the stairs. But now the goat also lost his balance and followed the King, landing full upon the confused heap of soldiers. Then he kicked out so viciously with his heels that he soon freed himself and dashed out of the doorway of the palace. Stop him! cried King Goss, running after. But the goat was now so wild and excited that it was not safe for anyone to stand in his way. None of the men were armed and when one or two tried to head off the goat, Bill Bill sent them sprawling upon the ground. Most of the warriors, however, were wise enough not to attempt to interfere with his flight. Coursing down the street, Bill Bill found himself approaching the bridge of boats and without pausing to think where it might lead him, he crossed over and proceeded on his way. A few moments later, a great stone building blocked his path. It was the palace of Queen Core and seeing the gates of the courtyard standing wide open, Bill Bill rushed through them without slackening his bead. End of Chapter 12. Rinky Tink in 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 13, narrated by Cura Belkin, Highland Park, New Jersey. Rinky Tink in Oz, by L. Frank Vaughn. Chapter 13. Zella saves the Prince. A wicked Queen of Coregos was in a very bad humor this morning. One of her slave-drivers had come from the fields to say that a number of slaves had rebelled and would not work. Bring them here to me! She cried savagely. A good whipping may make them change their minds. So the slave-driver went to fetch the rebellious ones, and Queen Core sat down to eat her breakfast, an ugly look on her face. Prince Inga had been ordered to stand behind his new mistress with a big fan of Peacock's feathers. But he was so unused to such service that he awkwardly brushed her ear with the fan. At once she flew into a terrible rage and slapped the Prince twice with her hand-lose that tingled too. Her hand was big and hard and she was not inclined to be gentle. Inga took the blows without shrinking or uttering a cry, although they stung his pride far more than his body. The King Rinky Tink, who was acting as the Queen's butler and had just brought in her coffee, was so startled at seeing the young Prince punished that he tipped over the urn and the hot coffee streamed across the lap of the Queen's best-morning gown. Core sprang from her seat with a scream of anger, and poor Rinky Tink would doubtless had been given a terrible beating, had not the slave driver returned at this moment and attracted the woman's attention. The overseer had brought with him all of the women's slaves from Pingary, who had been loaded down with chains and were so weak and ill they could scarcely walk, much less work in the fields. Prince Inga's eyes were dimmed with sorrowful tears when he discovered how his poor people had been abused. But his own plight was so helpless that he was unable to aid them. Fortunately, the boy's mother, Queen Garree, with not among these slaves, but Queen Core had placed her in the royal dairy to make butter. Why do you refuse to work? Demanded Core in a harsh voice as the slaves from Pingary stood before her, trembling and with downcast eyes. Because we lack strength to perform the tasks, your overseer's demand, answered one of the women. Then you shall be whipped until your strength returns, exclaimed the Queen, and turning to Inga, she commanded, Get me the whip with the seven lashes! As the boy left the room, wondering how he might manage to save the unhappy women from their undeserved punishment, he met a girl entering by the back way, who asked, Can you tell me where to find Her Majesty, Queen Core? She is in the chamber with the red dome where green dragons are painted upon the walls. Reply to Inga. But she is in an angry and ungracious mood today. Why do you wish to see her? I have honey to sell, answered the girl, who was Zella just come from the forest. The Queen is very fond of my honey. You may go to her if you so desire, said the boy, but take care not to anger the cruel Queen, or she may do you a mischief. Why should she harm me who brings her the honey she so dearly loves? Inquired the child innocently. But I thank you for your warning, and I will try not to anger the Queen. As Zella started to go, Inga's eyes suddenly fell upon her shoes, and instantly he recognized them as his own. For only in Pingaree were shoes shaped in this manner. High at the heel and pointed at the toes. Stop! He cried in an excited voice, and the girl obeyed wonderingly. Tell me. He continued, more gently. Where did you get those shoes? My father brought them to me from Regas. She answered. From Regos? Yes, are they not pretty? Asked Zella, looking down at her feet to admire them. One of them my father found by the palace wall and the other on an ash heap. So he brought them to me and they fit me perfectly. By this time Inga was trembling with eager joy, which of course the girl could not understand. What is your name, little maid? He asked. I am called Zella and my father is Nicobob, the charcoal burner. Zella is a pretty name. I am Inga, Prince of Pingaree. Said he. And the shoes you are now wearing, Zella, belong to me. They were not cast away as your father supposed, but were lost. Will you let me have them again? Zella's eyes filled with tears. Must I give up my pretty shoes then? She asked. They are the only ones I have ever owned. Inga was sorry for the poor child, but he knew how important it was that he regained possession of the magic pearls. So he said pleadingly. Please let me have them, Zella. See, I will exchange for them the shoes I now have on, which are newer and prettier than the others. The girl hesitated. She wanted to please the boy, Prince, yet she hated to exchange the shoes which her father had brought her as a present. If you will give me the shoes. Continued the boy anxiously. I will promise to make you and your father and mother rich and prosperous. Indeed, I will promise to grant any favors you may ask of me. He sat down upon the floor and drew off the shoes he was wearing and held them toward the girl. I'll see if they will fit me, said Zella, taking off her left shoe, the one that contained the pink pearl, and beginning to put on one of Inga's. Just then Queen Core, angry at being made to wait for her whip with the seven lashes, rushed into the room to find Inga. Seeing the boy sitting upon the floor beside Zella, the one sprang toward him to beat him with her clenched fists. But Inga had now slipped on the shoe and the Queen's blows could not reach his body. Then Core aspired the whip lying beside Inga and, snatching it up, she tried to lash him with it, all to no avail. While Zella sat horrified by this scene, the Prince, who realized he had no time to waste, reached out and pulled the right shoe from the girl's foot, quickly placing it upon his own. Then he stood up and, facing the furious but astonished Queen, said to her in a quiet voice. Madam, please give me that whip. I won't. Answered Core. I'm going to lash those pedigree women with it. The boy seized hold of the whip and, with irresistible strength, drew it from the Queen's hand. But she drew from her bosom a sharp dagger and, with the swiftness of lightning, aimed a blow at Inga's heart. He merely stood still and smiled for the blade rebounded and fell, clattering to the floor. Then, at last, Queen Core understood the magic power that had terrified her husband, but which she had ridiculed in her ignorance, not believing in it. She did not know that Inga's power had been lost and found again, but she realized the boy was no common foe and that, unless she could still manage to outwit him, her reign in the island of Coregos was ended. To gain time, she went back to the Red Dome Chamber and seated herself in her throne, before which were groups who weeping slaves from Pingari. Inga had taken Zella's hands and assisted her to put on the shoes he had given her in exchange for his own. She found them quite comfortable and did not know she had lost anything by the transfer. Come with me. Then, said the boy prince, and led her into the presence of Queen Core, who was giving Rinky Tink a scolding. To the overseer, Inga said, Give me the keys which unlock these chains that I may set these poor women at liberty. Don't you do it! Screams Queen Core. If you interfere, madam, said the boy, I will put you into a dungeon. By this, Rinky Tink knew that Inga had recovered his magic pearls and the little fat king was so overjoyed that he danced and capered all around the room. But the queen was alarmed at the threat and the slave driver, fearing the conqueror of Riga's crumblingly gave up the keys. Inga quickly removed all the shackles from the women of his country and comforted them, telling them they should work no more but would soon be restored to their homes in Pinguri. Then he commanded the slave driver to go and get all the children who had been made slaves and to bring them to their mothers. The man obeyed and left it once to perform his errand while Queen Core, growing more and more uneasy, suddenly sprang from her throne and before Inga could stop her, had rushed through the room and out into the courtyard of the palace, meaning to make her escape. Rinky Tink followed her, running as fast as he could go. It was at this moment that Bilbil, in his mad dash from Riga's, turned in at the gates of the courtyard and as he was coming one way and Queen Core was going the other, they bumped into each other with great force. The woman sailed through the air over Bilbil's head and landed on the ground outside the gates, where her crown rolled into a ditch and she picked herself up half days and continued her flight. Bilbil was also somewhat dazed by the unexpected encounter but he continued his rush rather blindly and so struck poor Rinky Tink, who was chasing after Queen Core. They rolled over one another a few times and then Rinky Tink set up and Bilbil set up and they looked at each other in amazement. Bilbil! Said the king. I'm astonished at you. Your majesty. Said Bilbil. I expected kinder treatment at your hands. You interrupted me. Said Rinky Tink. There was plenty of room without your taking my path. Declared the goat. And then Ingrid came running out and said, Where is the queen? Gone. Replied Rinky Tink. But she cannot go far as this is an island. However, I have found Bilbil and our party is again reunited. You have recovered your magic powers and again we are masters of the situation. So let us be thankful. Saying this, the good little king got upon his feet and limped back into the throne room to help comfort the women. Presently, the children of Pingaree who had been gathered together by the overseer were brought in and restored to their mothers. And there was great rejoicing among them, you may be sure. But where is Queen Goree? My dear mother. Question to Inga. But the women did not know. And it was some time where the overseer remembered that one of the slaves from Pingaree had been placed in the royal dairy. Perhaps this was the woman the boy was seeking. Inga at once commanded him to lead the way to the butter house. But when they arrived there, Queen Goree was nowhere in the place. Although the boy found a silk scarf which he recognized as one that his mother used to wear. Then they began a search throughout the island of Corregos but could not find Inga's mother anywhere. When they returned to the palace of Queen Goree, Rinky Tink discovered that the bridge of boats had again been removed, separating them from Rigos. And from this they suspected that Queen Goree had fled to her husband's islands and taken Queen Goree with her. Inga was much perplexed what to do and returned with his friends to the palace to talk the matter over. Zella was now crying because she had not sold her honey and was unable to return to her parents on the island of Rigos. But the boy prince comforted her and promised she should be protected until she could be restored to her home. Rinky Tink found Queen Goree's purse which she had had no time to take with her and gave Zella several gold pieces for the honey. Then Inga ordered the palace servants to prepare a feast for all the women and children of Pingaree and to prepare them beds in the great palace which was large enough to accommodate them all. Then the boy and the goat and Rinky Tink and Zella went into a private room to consider what should be done next. End of Chapter 13. Rinky Tink in 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 14. Narrated by Kalinda. Rinky Tink in Oz by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 14. The Escape. Our fault. Said Rinky Tink. Is that we conquer only one of these twin islands at a time? When we conquer Regos, our foes all came to Corregos and now that we have conquered Corregos, the queen has fled to Regos and each time they removed the bridge of boats so that we could not follow them. What has become of our own boat in which we came from Pingaree? Asked Bill Bill. We left it on the shore of Regos. Replied the prince. But I wonder if we could not get it again. Why don't you ask the white pearl? Suggested Rinky Tink. That is a good idea. Returned the boy and at once he drew the white pearl from its silken bag and held it to his ear. Then he asked, How may I regain our boat? The voice of the pearl replied, Go to the south end of the island of Corregos and clap your hands three times and the boat will come to you. Very good, cried Inga. And then he turned to his companions and said, We shall be able to get our boat whenever we please. But what then shall we do? Take me home in it. Pleaded Zella. Come with me to my city of Gilgad. Said the king. Where you'll be very welcome to remain forever. No, answered Inga. I must rescue my father and mother as well as my people. Already I have the women and children of Pingaree. But the men are with my father in the minds of Regos and my dear mother has been taken away by Queen Corre. Not until all are rescued will I consent to leave these islands. Quite right. exclaimed Bill Bill. On second thought, said Rinky Tink. I agree with you. If you are careful to sleep in your shoes and never take them off again, I believe you'll be able to perform the task you have undertaken. They cancelled together for a long time as to their mode of action and it was finally considered best to make the attempt to liberate King Kiddecut first of all and with him the men from Pingaree. This would give them an army to assist them and afterward they could march to Regos and compel Queen Corre to give up the Queen of Pingaree. Zella told them that they could go in their boat along the shore of Regos to a point opposite the mines, thus avoiding any conflict with the warriors of King Goss. This being considered the best course to pursue, they resolved to start on the following morning as night was even now approaching. The servants being all busy and caring for the women and children, Zella undertook to get a dinner for Inga and Rinky Tink and herself and soon prepared a fine meal in the palace kitchen where she was a good little cook and had often helped her mother. The dinner was served in a small room overlooking the gardens and Rinky Tink thought the best part of it was the sweet honey which he spread upon the biscuits that Zella had made. As for Bilbil, he wandered through the palace grounds and found some grass that made him a good dinner. During the evening, Inga talked with the women and cheered them promising soon to reunite them with their husbands who were working in the mines and to send them back to their own island of Pingaree. Next morning, the boy rose bright and early and found that Zella had already prepared a nice breakfast and after the meal, they went to the most southern point of the island which was not very far away. Rinky Tink riding upon Bilbil's back and Inga and Zella following behind them, hand in hand. When they reached the water's edge, the boy advanced and clapped his hands together three times as the white pearl had told him to do and in a few moments they saw in the distance the black boat with the silver lining coming swiftly toward them from the sea. Presently it grounded on the beach and they all got into it. Zella was delighted with the boat which was the most beautiful she had ever seen and the marvel of its coming to them through the water without anyone to row it made her a little afraid of the ferry-craft. But Inga picked up the oars and began to row and at once the boat shot swiftly in the direction of Régas. They rounded the point of that island where the city was built and noticed that the shore was lined with warriors who had discovered their boat but seemed undecided whether to pursue it or not. This was probably because they had received no commands what to do or perhaps they had learned to fear the magic powers of these adventurers from Pinguri and were unwilling to attack them unless their king ordered them to. The coast on the western side of the island of Régas was very uneven and Zella, who knew fairly well the location of the mines from the inland forest path, was puzzled to decide which mountain they now viewed from the sea was the one where the entrance to the underground caverns was located. First she thought it was this peak and then she guessed it was that so considerable time was lost through her uncertainty. They finally decided to land and explore the country to see where they were so Inga ran the boat into a little rocky cove where they all disembarked. For an hour they searched for the path without finding any trace of it and now Zella believed they had gone too far to the north and must return to another mountain that was nearer to the city. Once again they entered the boat and followed the winding coast south until they thought they had reached the right place. By this time however it was growing dark for the entire day had been spent in the search for the entrance to the mines and Zella had warned them that it would be safer to spend the night in the boat than on land where wild beasts were sure to disturb them. None of them realized at this time how fatal this day of search had been to their plans and perhaps if Inga had realized what was going on he would have landed and fought all the wild beasts in the forest rather than quietly remain in the boat until morning. However, knowing nothing of the cunning plans of Queen Kor and King Goss they anchored their boat in a little bay and cheerfully ate their dinner finding plenty of food and drink in the boat's lockers. In the evening the stars came out in the sky and tipped the waves around their boat with silver. All around them was delightfully still save for the occasional snarl of a beast on the neighboring shore. They talked together quietly of their adventures and their future plans and Zella told them her simple history and how hard her poor father was obliged to work burning charcoal to sell for enough money to support his wife and child. Nicobab might be the humblest man in all Regas but Zella declared he was a good man and honest and it was not his fault that his country was ruled by so wicked a king. Then Rinky Tink to amuse them offered to sing a song and although Bill Bill protested in his gruff way claiming that his master's voice was cracked and disagreeable the little king was encouraged by the others to sing his song which he did. So red sing fiddle come fiddle come fiddle said Ned I for my country bled sing fiddle come fiddle come fiddle instead of dying safe in bed sing fiddle come fiddle come fiddle if I had only fled instead I then had been ahead ahead sing fiddle come fiddle come fiddle I said to Ned Do stop your majesty. pleaded Bill Bill you're making my headache but the song isn't finished replied Rinky Tink and as for your head aching think of poor Ned who hadn't any head at all I can think of nothing but your dismal singing retorted Bill Bill why didn't you choose a cheerful subject instead of telling him how a man who was dead lost his red head really Rinky Tink I'm surprised at you I know a splendid song about a live man said the king then don't sing it begged Bill Bill Zella was both astonished and grieved by the disrespectful words of the goat for she had quite enjoyed Rinky Tink singing and had been taught a proper respect for kings and those high in authority but as it was now getting late they decided to go to sleep that they might rise early the following morning so they all reclined upon the bottom of the big boat and covered themselves with blankets which they found stored underneath the seats for just such occasions they were not long and falling asleep and did not waken until daybreak after a hurried breakfast for Inga was eager to liberate his father the boy rode the boat ashore and they all landed and began searching for the path Zella found it within the next half hour and declared they must be very close to the entrance to the mines so they followed the path toward the north Inga going first and then Zella following him while Rinky Tink brought up the rear riding upon Bill Bill's back before long they saw a great wall of rock towering before them in which was a low arched entrance and on either side of this entrance stood a guard armed with a sword and spear the guards of the mines were not so fierce as the warriors of King Goss their duty being to make the slaves work at their tasks and guard them from escaping but they were as cruel as their cruel master wished them to be and as cowardly as they were cruel Inga walked up to the two men at the entrance and said does this opening lead to the mines of King Goss it does replied one of the guards but no one is allowed to pass out who once goes in nevertheless said the boy we intend to go in and we shall come out whenever it pleases us to do so I am the prince of Pingary and I have come to liberate my people whom King Goss has enslaved now when the two guards heard this speech they looked at one another and laughed and one of them said the king was right for he said the boy was likely to come here and that he would try to set his people free also the king commanded that we must keep the little prince in the mines and set him to work together with his companions then let us obey the king replied the other man Inga was surprised at hearing this and asked when did King Goss give you this order his majesty was here in person last night replied the man and went away again but an hour ago he suspected you were coming here and told us to capture you if we could this report made the boy very anxious not for himself but for his father for he feared the king was up to some mischief so he hastened to enter the mines and the guards did nothing to oppose him or his companions their orders being to allow him to go in but not to come out the little group of adventurers passed through a long rocky corridor and reached a low wide cavern where they found a dozen guards and a hundred slaves the latter being hard at work with picks and shovels digging for gold while the guards stood over them with long whips Inga found many of the men from Pinguri among these slaves but King Kitikat was not in this cavern so they passed through it and entered another corridor that led to a second cavern here also hundreds of men were working but the boy did not find his father amongst them and so went on to a third cavern the corridors all slanted downward so that the farther they went the lower into the earth they descended and now they found the air hot and close and difficult to breathe flaming torches were stuck into the walls to give light to the workers and these added to the oppressive heat the third and lowest cavern was the last in the mines and here were many scores of slaves and many guards to keep them at work so far none of the guards had paid any attention to Inga's party but allowed them to proceed as they would and while the slaves cast curious glances at the boy and girl and man and goat they dared say nothing but now the boy walked up to some of the men of Pinguri and asked news of his father telling them not to fear the guards as he would protect them from the whips then he beamed that King Kitikat had indeed been working in this very cavern until the evening before when King Goss had come and taken him away still loaded with chains Seems to me said King Rinky Tink when he heard this report that Goss has carried your father away to Regals to prevent us from rescuing him he may hide poor Kitikat in a dungeon where we cannot find him Perhaps you are right answered the boy but I am determined to find him wherever he may be Inga spoke firmly and with courage but he was greatly disappointed to find that King Goss had been before him at the mines and had taken his father away however he tried not to feel disheartened believing he would succeed in the end in spite of all opposition turning to the guards he said Remove the chains from these slaves and set them free The guards laughed at this order and one of them brought forward a handful of chains saying His Majesty has commanded us to make you also a slave for you are never to leave these caverns again Then he attempted to place the chains on Inga but the boy indignantly seized them and broke them apart as easily as if they had been caught in cords When a dozen or more of the guards made a dash to capture him the prince swung the end of the chain like a whip and drove them into a corner where they cowered and begged for mercy Stories of the marvelous strength of the boy prince had already spread to the mines of Regals and although King Goss had told them that Inga had been deprived of all his magic power the guards now saw that this was not true so they deemed it wise not to attempt to oppose him The chains of the slaves had all been riveted fast to their ankles and wrists but Inga broke the bonds of steel with his hands and set the poor man free Not only those from Pingari but all who had been captured in the many wars and raids of King Goss They were very grateful as you may suppose and agreed to support Prince Inga in whatever action he commanded He led them to the middle cavern where all the guards and overseers fled in terror at his approach and soon he had broken apart the chains of the slaves who had been working in that part of the mines Then they approached the first cavern and liberated all there The slaves had been treated so cruelly by the servants of King Goss that they were eager to pursue and slay them in revenge but Inga held them back and formed them into companies each company having its own leader Then he called the leaders together and instructed them to march in good order along the path to the city of Regals where he would meet them and tell them what to do next They readily agreed to obey him and arming themselves with iron bars and pickaxes which they brought from the mines the slaves began their march to the city Zella at first wished to be left behind that she might make her way to her home but neither Rinkatingk nor Inga thought it was safe for her to wander alone through the forest so they induced her to return with them to the city The boy beached his boat this time at the same place as when he first landed at Regals and while many of the warriors stood on the shore and before the walls of the city not one of them attempted to interfere with the boy in any way Indeed they seemed uneasy and anxious and when Inga met Captain Buzab the boy asked if anything had happened in his absence A great deal has happened replied Buzab Our king and queen have run away and left us and we don't know what to do Run away exclaimed Inga Where did they go to? Who knows? said the man shaking his head despondently They departed together a few hours ago in a boat with 40 rowers and they took with them the king and queen of Pingaree End of chapter 14 Rinky Tink and 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 15 narrated by Ed Good Rinky Tink and Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 15 The Flight of the Rulers Now it seems that when Queen Core fled from her island to Regos she had wit enough although greatly frightened to make a stop at the Royal Dairy which was near to the bridge and to drag poor Queen Gary from the Butterhouse and across to Regos with her The warriors of King Goss had never before seen the terrible Queen Core frightened and therefore when she came running across the bridge of boats dragging the Queen of Pingaree after her by one arm the woman's great fright had the effect of terrifying the waiting warriors Quick! cried Core Destroy the bridge over your lost While the men were tearing away the bridge of boats the Queen ran up to the Palace of Goss where she met her husband That boy is a wizard! she gasped There is no standing against him Oh, have you discovered his magic at last? replied Goss, laughing in her face Who now is the coward? Don't laugh! cried Queen Core It is no laughing matter Both our islands are as good as conquered this very minute What shall we do, Goss? Come in, he said, growing serious and let us talk it over So they went into a room of the Palace and talked long and earnestly The boy intends to liberate his father and mother and all the people of Pingaree and to take them back to their island said Core He may also destroy our palaces and make us his slaves I can see but one way, Goss, to prevent him from doing all this and whatever else he pleases to do What way is that? asked King Goss We must take the boy's parents away from here as quickly as possible I have with me the Queen of Pingaree and you can run up to the mines and get the king Then we will carry them away in a boat and hide them where the boy cannot find them with all his magic We will use the King and Queen of Pingaree as hostages and send word to the boy wizard that if he does not go away from our islands and allow us to rule them undisturbed in our own way we will put his father and mother to death Also we will say that as long as we are let alone his parents will be safe although still safely hidden I believe, Goss, that in this way we can compel Prince Inga to obey us for he seems very fond of his parents It isn't a bad idea, said Goss reflectively But where can we hide the King and Queen so that the boy cannot find them In the country of the Gnome King on the mainland away at the south She replied The gnomes are our friends and they possess magic powers that will enable them to protect the prisoners from discovery If we can manage to get the King and Queen of Pingaree to the Gnome Kingdom before the boy knows what we are doing I am sure our plot will succeed Goss gave the plan considerable thought in the next five minutes And the more he thought about it the more clever and reasonable it seemed So he agreed to do as Quincor suggested and at once hurried away to the mines where he arrived before Prince Inga did The next morning he carried King Kitakot back to Rigos While Goss was gone Quincor busied herself from preparing a large and swift boat for the journey She placed in it several bags of gold and jewels which with to bribe the gnomes and selected 40 of the strongest oarsmen in Rigos to row the boat The instant King Goss returned with his royal prisoner all was ready for departure They quickly entered the boat with their two important captives and without a word of explanation to any of their people they commanded the oarsmen to start and were soon out of sight upon the broad expanse of the gnostic ocean Inga arrived at the city of Samours later and was much distressed when he learned that his father and mother had been spirited away from the islands I shall follow them, of course So the boy to Rinky take And if I cannot overtake them on the ocean I will search the world over until I find them But before I leave here I must arrange to send our people back to Pingari