 CHAPTER XIX THE KING OF EV If there were any shifting, rot-colored gnomes on the mountainside now, they were silent and respectful. For our adventurers were not annoyed, as before, by their impudent laughter. Really, the gnomes had nothing to laugh at since the defeat of their king. On the other side they found Osmos Golden Chariot standing as they had left it. Soon the lion and the tiger were harnessed to the beautiful chariot in which was enough room for Osma and the queen and six of the royal children. Little Evering preferred to ride with Dorothy upon the saw-horse, which had a long back. The prince had recovered from his shyness and had become very fond of the girl who had rescued him. So they were fast friends and chatted pleasantly together as they rode along. Osma was also perched upon the head of the wooden steed, which seemed not to mind the added weight in the least, and the boy was full of wonder that a hen could talk and say such sensible things. When they came to the gulf, Osma's magic carpet carried them all over in safety, and now they began to pass the trees, which birds were singing, and the breeze that was wafting to them from the farms of Ev was spicy with flowers and new moan hay, and the sunshine fell full upon them to warm them and drive away from their bodies the chill and dampness of the underground kingdom of the gnomes. He was a fine fellow, replied Tiktok, although his material was not very durable. Oh, Tin is an excellent material, the scarecrow hastened to say, and if anything ever happened to poor Nick Chopper, he was always easily soldered. Besides, he did not have to be wound up, and was not liable to get out of order. I sometimes wish, said Tiktok, that I was stuffed with straw as you are. It is hard to be made of copper. I have no reason to complain of my lot, replied the scarecrow. A little fresh straw now and then makes me as good as new, but I can never be the polished gentleman that my poor departed friend, the Tin Woodman, was. You may be sure the royal children of Ev and their queen mother were delighted at seeing again their beloved country, and when the towers of the palace of Ev came into view, they could not forbear cheering at the sight. Little Evering, riding in front of Dorothy, was so overjoyed that he took a curious tin whistle from his pocket and blew up shrill blasts that made the saw-horse leap and prance in sudden alarm. What is that? asked Bilna, who had been obliged to flutter her wings in order to keep her seat upon the head of the frightened saw-horse. That's my whistle, said Prince Evering, holding it out upon his hand. It was the shape of a little fat pig, made of tin and painted green. The whistle was in the tail of the pig. Where did you get it? asked the yellow hen, closely examining the toy with her bright eyes. Why, I picked it up in the Gnomes King's palace while Dorothy was making her guesses, and I put it in my pocket. answered the little prince. Bilna laughed, or at least she made the particular crackle that served her for a laugh. Bacca! Bacca! No wonder I couldn't find the tin woodman, she said, and no wonder the magic belt didn't make him appear, or the king couldn't find him either. What do you mean? questioned Dorothy. Why, the prince had him in his pocket. Bacca! Bacca! cried Bilna, crackling again. I did not. protested little Evering. I only took the whistle. Well then, watch me! Returned the hen, and reaching out her claw, she touched the whistle and said, Egg! Swish! Good afternoon! said the tin woodman, taking off his flannel cap and bowing to Dorothy and the prince. I think I must have been asleep for the first time since I was made of tin, for I do not remember our leaving the Gnomes King. You have been enchanted. Answered the girl, throwing an arm around her old friend and hugging him tight in her joy. But it's all right now. I want my whistle. said the little prince, beginning to cry. Cush! cautioned Bilna. The whistle is lost, but you may have another when you get home. The scarecrow had fairly thrown himself upon the bosom of his old comrade. So surprised and delighted was he to see him again, and TikTok squeezed the tin woodman's hand so earnestly that he dented some of his fingers. Then they had to make way for Osma to welcome the tin man, and the army caught sight of him, and sent up a cheer, and everyone was delighted and happy. For the tin woodman was a great favorite with all who knew him, and his sudden recovery after they thought he was lost to them forever was indeed a pleasant surprise. Before long the cavalcade arrived at the royal palace, where a great crowd of people had gathered to welcome their queen and her ten children. There was much shouting and cheering, and the people threw flowers in their path, and every face wore a happy smile. They found the princess Lackenwagner in her mirrored chamber where she was admiring one of her handsomest heads, one with rich chestnut hair, dreamy walnut eyes, and a shapely hickory nut nose. She was very glad to be relieved of her duties to the people of Ev, and the queen graciously permitted her to retain her rooms and her cabinet of heads as long as she lived. Then the queen took her eldest son out upon the balcony to overlook the crowd of subjects gathered below and said to them, Here is your future ruler, King Evardo XV. He is fifteen years of age, has fifteen silver buckles on his jacket, and is the fifteenth Evardo to rule the land of Ev. The people shouted their approval fifteen times, and even the wheelers, some of whom were of present, loudly promised to obey the new king. So the queen placed a big crown of gold set with rubies upon Evardo's head and threw an ermine robe over his shoulders, and proclaimed him king, and he bowed gratefully to all his subjects, and then went away to see if he could find any cake in the royal pantry. Osma of Oz and her people, as well as Dorothy, Tiktok, and Bilna, were splendidly entertained by the queen mother, who owed all her happiness to their kind offices, and that evening the yellow hen was publicly presented with a beautiful necklace of pearls and sapphires as a token of esteem from the new king. And of Chapter 19, recorded by Lyle Wilson. Chapter 20 of Osma of Oz Dorothy decided to accept Osma's invitation to return with her to the land of Oz. There was no greater chance of her getting home from Ev than from Oz, and the little girl was anxious to see once more the country where she had encountered such wonderful adventures. By this time Uncle Henry would have reached Australia in his ship, and had probably given her up for last. So he couldn't worry any more than he did if she stayed away from him for a little while longer. So she would go to Oz. They bade goodbye to the people of Ev, and the king promised Osma that he would ever be grateful to her and render the land of Oz any service that might lie within his power. And then they approached the edge of the dangerous desert, and Osma threw down the magic carpet, which at once unrolled far enough for all of them to walk upon it without being crowded. TikTok, claiming to be Dorothy's faithful follower because he belonged to her, had been permitted to join the party, and before they started the girl wound up his machinery as far as possible. And the copper man stepped off as briskly as any one of them. Osma also invited Bilna to visit the land of Oz, and the yellow hen was glad enough to go where new sights and scenes awaited her. They began the trip across the desert early in the morning, and as they stopped only long enough for Bilna to lay her daily egg, Before sunset they aspired the green slopes and wooded hills of the beautiful land of Oz. They entered it in the Munchkin territory, and the king of the Munchkins met them at the border and welcomed Osma with great respect, being very pleased by her safe return. For Osma of Oz ruled the king of the Munchkins, the king of the Winx, the king of the Quadlings, and the king of the Gulkons just as those kings ruled their own people, and this supreme ruler of the land of Oz lived in a great town of Rhone called the Emerald City, which was in the exact center of the four kingdoms of the land of Oz. The Munchkin king entertained them at his palace that night, and in the morning they set out for the Emerald City traveling over a road of yellow brick that led straight to the jewel-studded gates. Everywhere the people turned out to greet their beloved Osma, and to hail joyfully the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodmen, and the Cowardly Lion, who were popular favorites. Dorothy too remembered some of the people who had befriended her on the occasion of her first visit to Oz, and they were well pleased to see the little Kansas girl again and showered her with compliments and good wishes. At one place, where they stopped to refresh themselves, Osma accepted a bowl of milk from the hands of a pretty dairymaid. Then she looked at the girl more closely and exclaimed, Why, it's Ginger, isn't it? Yes, Your Highness. Was the reply as Ginger dropped a low curtsy, and Dorothy looking wonderingly at this lively appearing person who had once assembled an army of women to drive the Scarecrow from the throne of the Emerald City, and even fought a battle with the powerful army of Glinda the Sorceress. I've married a man who owns nine cows, said Ginger to Osma. And now I am happy and contented, and willing to lead a quiet life and mind my own business. Where is your husband? Asked Osma. He is in the house, nursing a black eye. Replied Ginger calmly. The foolish man would insist upon milking the red cow when I wanted him to milk the white one, but he will know better next time, I am sure. Then the party moved on again, and after crossing a broad river on a ferry, and passing many fine farm houses that were dome shaped and painted a pretty green color, they came in sight of a large building that was covered with flags and bunting. I don't remember that building, said Dorothy. What is it? That is the College of Art and Athletic Perfection, replied Osma. I had built it quite recently, and the Wogglebug is his president. It keeps him busy, and the young men who attend the college are no worse off than they were before. You see, in this country, there are a number of youths who don't like to work, and the college is a perfect place for them. And now they came in sight of the Emerald City, and the people flocked out to greet their lovely ruler. There were several bands and many officers and officials of the realm, and a crowd of citizens in their holiday attire. Thus the beautiful Osma was escorted by a brilliant procession to her royal city, and so great was the cheering that she was obliged to constantly bow to the right and left to acknowledge the greetings of her subjects. That evening there was a grand reception in the royal palace, attended by the most important persons of Oz. And Jack Pumpkinhead, who was a little overripe but still active, read an address congratulating Osma of Oz upon the success of her generous mission to rescue the royal family of a neighboring kingdom. Then magnificent gold medals set with precious stones were presented to each of the 26 officers, and the 10 woodmen was given a new axe studded with diamonds, and the scarecrow received a silver jar of complexion powder. Dorothy was presented with a pretty cornet and made a princess of Oz, and TikTok received two bracelets set with eight rows of very clear and sparkling emeralds. Afterward they sat down to a splendid feast, and Osma put Dorothy at her right and Vilna at her left, where the hen sat upon a golden roost and ate from a jeweled platter. Then or placed the scarecrow, the 10 woodmen, and TikTok with baskets of lovely flowers before them, because they did not require food. The 26 officers were at the lower end of the table, and the lion and the tiger also had seats and were served on golden platters that held half a bushel at one time. The wealthiest and most important citizens of the emerald city were proud to wait upon these famous adventures, and they were assisted by a sprightly little maid named Jelia Jam, whom the scarecrow pinched upon her rosy cheek and seemed to know very well. During the feast Osma grew thoughtful and suddenly she asked, Where's the private? Oh, he is sweeping out the barracks, replied one of the generals, who was busy eating a leg of turkey. But I have ordered him a dish of bread and molasses to eat when his work is done. Let him be sent for, said the girl ruler. While they waited for this command to be obeyed, she inquired. Have we any other privates in the armies? Oh, yes, replied the ten woodmen. I believe there are three altogether. The private now entered, saluting his officers and the royal Osma very respectfully. What is your name, my man? Asked the girl. Ambi Ambi. Answered the private. Then Ambi Ambi. Said she. I promote you to be captain general of all the armies of my kingdom and especially to be commander of my bodyguard at the royal palace. It is very expensive to hold so many offices. Said the private, hesitatingly. I have no money with which to buy uniforms. You shall be supplied from the royal treasury. Said Osma. Then the private was given a seat at the table where the other officers welcomed him cordially and the feasting and the merriment were resumed. Suddenly, Jelna Jam explained, There is nothing more to eat. The hungry tiger has consumed everything. But that's not the worst of it. Declared the tiger mournfully. Somewhere or somehow, I've actually lost my appetite. End of Chapter 20. Recording by Lyle Wilson. Haymarket, Virginia. August 2009. Chapter 21 of Osma of Oz. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Narration for this chapter is provided by Mark Smith of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Osma of Oz. By L. Frank Baum. Chapter 21. Dorothy's Magic Belt. Dorothy passed several very happy weeks in the land of Oz as the guest of the royal Osma who delighted to please and interest the little Kansas girl. Many new acquaintances were formed and many old ones renewed. And wherever she went, Dorothy found herself among friends. One day, however, as she sat in Osma's private room, she noticed hanging upon the wall a picture which constantly changed in appearance, at one time showing a meadow, and at another time a forest, a lake, or a village. How curious! She exclaimed after watching the shifting scenes for a few moments. Yes. Said Osma. That is really a wonderful invention in magic. If I wish to see any part of the world or any person living, I need only express the wish and it is shown in the picture. May I use it? Asked Dorothy eagerly. Of course, my dear. Then I'd like to see the old Kansas farm and Aunt M. Said the girl. Instantly the well-remembered farmhouse appeared in the picture and Aunt M. could be seen quite plainly. She was engaged in washing dishes by the kitchen window and seemed quite well and contented. The hired men and the teams were in the harvest fields behind the house and the corn and wheat seemed to the child to be in prime condition. On the side porch Dorothy's pet dog, Toto, was lying fast asleep in the sun and to her surprise old Speckles was running around with a brood of twelve new chickens trailing after her. Everything seems all right at home. Said Dorothy with a sigh of relief. No, I wonder what Uncle Henry is doing. The scene in the picture at once shifted to Australia where, in a pleasant room in Sydney, Uncle Henry was seated in an easy chair, solemnly smoking his briar pipe. He looked sad and lonely and his hair was now quite white and his hands and face thin and wasted. Oh! cried Dorothy in an anxious voice. I'm sure Uncle Henry isn't getting any better and it's because he is worried about me. Osma, dear, I must go to him at once. How can you? asked Osma. I don't know. replied Dorothy. But let us go to Glinda the Good. I'm sure she will help me and advise me how to get to Uncle Henry. Osma readily agreed to this plan and caused the saw-horse to be harnessed to a pretty green and pink Phaeton and the two girls rode away to visit the famous Sorceress. Glinda received them graciously and listened to Dorothy's story with attention. I have the magic belt, you know. said the little girl. If I buckled it around my waist and commanded it to take me to Uncle Henry, wouldn't it do it? I think so. replied Glinda with a smile. And then, continued Dorothy, if I ever wanted to come back here again the belt would bring me. In that you are wrong, said the Sorceress. The belt has magical powers only while it is in some fairy country such as the land of Oz or the land of Ev. Indeed, my little friend, were you to wear it and wish yourself in Australia with your uncle, the wish would doubtless be fulfilled because it was made in fairy land. But you would not find the magic belt around you when you arrived at your destination. What would become of it? asked the girl. It would be lost, as were your silver shoes when you visited Oz before and no one would ever see it again. It seems too bad to destroy the use of the magic belt in that way, doesn't it? Then, said Dorothy after a moment's thought, I will give the magic belt to Osma for she can use it in her own country and she can wish me transported to Uncle Henry without losing the belt. That is a wise plan. replied Glinda. So they rode back to the Emerald City and on the way it was arranged that every Saturday morning Osma would look at Dorothy in her magic picture wherever the little girl might chance to be. If she saw Dorothy make a certain signal, then Osma would know that the little Kansas girl wanted to revisit the land of Oz and by means of the gnome king's magic belt would wish that she might instantly return. This having been agreed upon, Dorothy bade good-bye to all her friends. Tick-tock wanted to go to Australia, too, but Dorothy knew that the machine man would never do for a servant in a civilized country and the chances were that his machinery wouldn't work at all. So she left him in Osma's care. Belina, on the contrary, preferred the land of Oz to any other country and refused to accompany Dorothy. The bugs and ants that I find here are the finest flavored in the world. And there are plenty of them. So here I shall end my days, and I must say, Dorothy, my dear, that you are very foolish to go back into that stupid hum-drum world again. Uncle Henry needs me, said Dorothy simply, and every one except Belina thought it was right that she should go. All Dorothy's friends of the land of Oz, both old and new, gathered in a group in front of the palace to bid her a sorrowful good-bye and to wish her long life and happiness. After much handshaking, Dorothy kissed Osma once more and then handed her the gnome king's magic belt, saying, Now, dear princess, when I wave my handkerchief, please wish me with Uncle Henry. I am awfully sorry to leave you, and the scarecrow, and the tin woodman, and the cowardly lion and tick-tock and—and everybody. But I do want my Uncle Henry. So good-bye, all of you. Then the little girl stood on one of the big emeralds which decorated the courtyard, and after looking once again at each of her friends, waved her handkerchief. No, said Dorothy. I wasn't drowned at all, and I've come to nurse you and take care of you, Uncle Henry, and you must promise to get well as soon as possible. Uncle Henry smiled and cuddled his little niece close in his lap. I'm better already, my darling, said he. End of Chapter 21 This is the end of Osma of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Thank you for listening.