 CHAPTER 19 KING KALAKO After the king had made good his escape, Phyls said to the dragon in a sad voice, Alas, why did you not come before? Because you were sleeping instead of conquering. The lovely rose princess has become a fiddle without a bow, while poor Shaggy sits there accuing dove. Don't worry, replied Quax. Didity Hoochu knows his business, and I have my orders from the great Jinjin himself. Bring the fiddle here, and touch it lightly to my pink ribbon. Phyls obeyed, and at the moment of contact with the ribbon the gnome king's charm was broken, and the rose princess herself stood before them as sweet and smiling as ever. The dove, perched on the back of the throne, had seen and heard all this, so without being told what to do, it flew straight to the dragon and alighted on the ribbon. Next instant Shaggy was himself again, and Quax said to him grumblingly, Please, get off my left toe, Shaggy-man, and be more in particular where you step. I beg your pardon, replied Shaggy, very glad to resume his normal form. Didy ran to lift the heavy diamond off Tiktok's chest, and to assist the clockwork man to his feet. Many thanks, said Tiktok. Where is the wicked king who wanted to melt me in a crucible? He has gone, and gone for good, answered Polychrome, who had managed to squeeze into the room beside the dragon, and had witnessed the occurrences with much interest. But I wonder where Betsy Bobbin and Hank can be, and if any harm has befallen them. We must search the cavern until we find them, declared Shaggy. But when he went to the door leading to the other caverns he found it shut, and marred. I have a pretty strong push in my forehead, said Quax, and I believe I can break down that door even though it's made of solid gold. But you are a prisoner, and the chains that hold you are fastened in some of the room so that we cannot release you, Files said anxiously. Oh, never mind that. Returned the dragon. I have remained a prisoner only because I wished to be one. And with this he stepped forward and burst the stout chains as easily as if they had been threads. But when he tried to push in the heavy metal door, even his mighty strength failed, and after several attempts he gave it up and squatted himself in a corner to think of a better way. I'll open the door, asserted TikTok, and going to the king's big gong he pounded upon it until the noise was almost deafening. Calico in the next cavern was wondering what had happened to Regido, and if he had escaped the eggs and outwitted the dragon. But when he heard the sound of the gong, which had so often called him into the king's presence, he decided that Regido had been victorious, so he took away the bar through open the door and entered the royal cavern. Great was his astonishment to find the king gone, and enchantments removed from the princess and Shaggy. But the eggs were also gone, and so Calico advanced to the dragon, whom he knew to be Tiddity Huchu's messenger, and bowed humbly before the beast. What is your will? he inquired. Where is Betsy, demanded the dragon. Safe in my own private room, said Calico. Go and get her, commanded Quax. So Calico went to Betsy's room and gave three wraps upon the door. The little girl had been asleep, but she heard the wraps and opened the door. You may come out now, said Calico. The king has flooded this grace and your friends are asking for you. So Betsy and Hank returned with the royal chamberlain to the throne cavern, where she was received with great joy by her friends. They told her what had happened to Ruggado, and she told them how kind Calico had been to her. Quax did not have much to say until the conversation was ended, but then he turned to Calico and asked, Do you suppose you could rule your gnomes better than a Ruggado has done? Me, stammered the chamberlain, greatly surprised by the question. Well, I couldn't be a worse king, I'm sure. Would the gnomes obey you, inquired the dragon? Of course, said Calico, they liked me better than ever they did Ruggado. Then hereafter you shall be the metal monarch, king of the gnomes, and Titi Huchu expects you to rule your kingdom wisely and well, said Quax. Hooray, cried Betsy, I'm glad of that, king Calico, I salute your majesty and wish you joy in your gloomial kingdom. We all wish him joy, said Polychrome, and then the others made haste to congratulate the new king. Will you release my dear brother, asked Shaggy? The ugly one, very willingly, replied Calico, I begged Ruggado a long ago to send him away, but he would not do so. I also offered to help your brother to escape, but he would not go. He is so conscientious, said Shaggy, highly pleased. All of our family have noble natures. But is my dear brother well? He added anxiously. He eats and sleeps very steadily, replied the new king. I hope he doesn't work too hard, said Shaggy. He doesn't work at all. In fact, there is nothing he can do in these dominions as well as our gnomes, whose numbers are so great that it worries us to keep them all busy, so your brother has only to amuse himself. Why, it's more like visiting than being a prisoner, asserted Betsy. Not exactly, returned Calico. A prisoner cannot go where or when he pleases and is not his own master. Where is my brother now? inquired Shaggy. In the metal forest. Where is that? The metal forest is in the great domed cavern, the largest in all our dominions, replied Calico. It is almost like being out of doors, it is so big, and Ruggado made the wonderful forest to amuse himself as well as to tire out his hard-working gnomes. All the trees are gold and silver, and the ground is strewn with precious stones, so it is a sort of treasury. Let us go there at once and rescue my dear brother, pleaded Shaggy earnestly. Calico hesitated. I don't believe I can find the way, said he. Ruggado made three secret passages to the metal forest, but he changes the location of these passages every week so that no one can get to the metal forest without his permission. However, if we look sharp, we may be able to discover one of these secret ways. That reminds me to ask, what has become a queen-end and the officers of Uggaboo? said Files. I am sure I can't say, replied Calico. Do you suppose Ruggado destroyed them? Oh no, I am quite sure he didn't. We fell into the big pit in the passage, and we put the cover on to keep them there. But when the executioners went to look for them, they had all disappeared from the pit and we could find no trace of them. That's funny, remarked Betsy thoughtfully. I don't believe Anne knew any magic, or she'd have worked it before. But to disappear like that seems like magic, now doesn't it? They agreed that it did, but no one could explain the mystery. However, said Shaggy, they are gone, that is certain, so we cannot help them or be helped by them. And the important thing just now is to rescue my dear brother from captivity. What do they call him, the ugly one, asked Betsy. I do not know, confessed Shaggy. I cannot remember his looks very well. It is so long since I have seen him, but all of our family are noted for the handsome faces. Betsy laughed, and Shaggy seemed rather hurt. But Polychrome relieved his embarrassment by saying softly, One can be ugly in looks, but lovely in disposition. Our first task, said Shaggy, a little comforted by this remark, is to find one of those secret passages to the Middle Forest. True, agreed Calico. So I think I will assemble the chief gnomes of my kingdom in this throne room and tell them that I am their new king. Then I can ask them to assist us in searching for the secret passages. That's a good idea, said the dragon, who seemed to be getting sleepy again. Calico went to the big gong and pounded on it just as Virgo used to do, but no one answered the summons. Of course not, said he, jumping up from the throne, where he had seated himself. That is my call, and I am still the royal chamberlain, and will be until I appoint another in my place. So he ran out of the room and found guff and told him to answer the summons of the king's gong. Having returned to the royal cavern, Calico first pounded the gong and then sat within the throne, wearing Ruggado's discarded ruby crown and holding in his hand the scepter which Ruggado had so often thrown at his head. When guff entered he was amazed. Better get out of that throne before old Ruggado comes back, he said, warningly. He isn't coming back, and I am now the king of gnomes in his stead, announced Calico. All of which is quite true, asserted a dragon, and all of those who stood around the throne bowed respectfully to the new king. Seeing this, guff also bowed, for he was glad to be rid of such a hard master as Ruggado. Then Calico in quite a kingly way informed guff that he was appointed the royal chamberlain, and promised not to throw the scepter at his head unless he deserved it. While this being pleasantly arranged, the new chamberlain went away to tell the news to all the gnomes of the underground kingdom, every one of whom would be delighted with the change in kings. End of chapter 19 King Calico. Chapter 20 of Tiktok of Oz This is LibriVox Recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by John Rose Tiktok of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter 20 Quax Quietly Quits When the chief gnomes assembled before their new king, they joyfully saluted him and promised to obey his commands, but when Calico questioned them, none knew the way to the mental forest, although all had assisted in its making. So the king instructed them to search carefully for one of the passages and to bring him the news as soon as they had found it. Meantime, Quax had managed to back out of the rocky corridor and so regained the open air and his old station on the mountainside, and there he lay upon the rocks sound asleep until the next day. The others of the party were all given as good rooms as the caverns of the gnomes afforded. For King Calico felt that he was indebted to them for his promotion, and was anxious to be as hospitable as he could. Much wonderment had been caused by the absolute disappearance of the sixteen officers of Uggaboo and their queen. Not a gnome had seen them, nor were they discovered during the search for the passages leading to the middle forest. Perhaps no one was unhappy over their loss, but all were curious to know what had become of them. On the next day, when our friends went to visit the dragon, Quax said to them, I must now bid you good-bye, for my mission here is finished and I must depart for the other side of the world where I belong. Will you go through the tube again, asked Betsy? To be sure, but it will be a lonely trip this time with no one to talk to, and I cannot invite any of you to go with me. Therefore, as soon as I slide into the hole, I shall go to sleep, and when I pop out at the other end I will wake up at home. They thanked the dragon for befriending them, and wished him a pleasant journey. Also they sent their thanks to the great Jinjin, whose just condemnation of Dregado had served their interests so well. Dragon Quax yawned and stretched himself and ambled over to the tube, into which he slid head foremost and disappeared. They really felt as if they had lost a friend, for the dragon had been both kind and sociable during their brief acquaintance with him, but they knew it was his duty to return to his own country. So they went back to the caverns to renew the search for the hidden passages that led to the forest, but for three days all efforts to find them proved in vain. It was Polychrome's custom to go every day to the mountain and watch for her father, the rainbow, for she was growing tired, was wandering upon the earth, and longed to rejoin her sisters in their sky palaces. And on the third day, while she sat motionless upon a point of rock, whom should she see slightly creeping up the mountain but Dregado? The former king looked very forlorn, his clothes re-soiled and torn, and he had no sandals upon his feet or hat upon his head. Having left his crown and scepter behind when he fled, the old gnome no longer seemed kingly but more like a beggarman. Several times had Dregado crept up to the mouth of the caverns, only to find the six eggs still on guard. He knew quite well that he must accept his fate and become a homeless wanderer, but his chief regret now was that he had neglected to fill his pockets with golden jewels. He was aware that a wanderer with wealth at his command would fare much better than one who was a pauper, so he still loitered around the caverns wherein he knew so much treasure was stored, hoping for a chance to fill his pockets. That was how he came to recollect the middle forest. Aha! he said to himself, I alone know the way to that forest, and once there I can fill my pockets with the finest jewels in all the world. He glanced at his pockets and was grieved to find them so small. Perhaps they might be enlarged so that they would hold more. He knew of a poor woman who lived in a cottage at the foot of a mountain, so he went to her and begged her to sew pockets all over his robe, peeing her with the gift of a diamond ring which he had worn upon his finger. The woman was delighted to possess so valuable a ring, and she sewed as many pockets on Raghido's robe as she possibly could. Then he returned up the mountain, and, after gazing cautiously around to make sure he was not observed, he touched the spring in a rock and it swung slowly backward, disclosing a broad passageway. This he entered, swinging the rock in place behind him. However, Raghido had failed to look as carefully as he might have done, for polychrome was seated only a little distance off and her clear eyes marked exactly the manner in which Raghido had released the hidden spring. So she rose and hurried into the cavern, where she told Calico and her friends of her discovery. I have no doubt that that is a way to the Middle Forest, exclaimed Shaggy. Come, let us follow Raghido at once and rescue my poor brother. They agreed to this, and King Calico called together a band of gnomes to assist them by carrying torches to light their way. The Middle Forest has a brilliant light of its own, said he, but the passage across the valley is likely to be dark. Polychrome easily found the rock and touched the spring, so in less than an hour after Raghido had entered they were all in the passage and following swiftly after the former king. He means to rob the forest, I'm sure, said Calico, but he will find he is no longer of any account in this kingdom, and I will have my gnomes throw him out. Then please throw him as hard as you can, said Bitsy, for he deserves it. I don't mind an honest, out-nought enemy who fights square, but changing girls into fiddles and ordering them put into slimy caves is mean and tricky, and Raghido doesn't deserve any sympathy, but you'll have to let him take as much treasure as he can get in his pockets, Calico. Yes, the Jinjin said so, but we won't miss it much. There is more treasure in the Middle Forest than a million gnomes could carry in their pockets. It was not difficult to walk through this passage, especially when the torches lighted the way, so they made good progress. But it proved to be a long distance, and Bitsy had tired herself with walking and was seated upon the back of the mule when the passage made a sharp turn, and a wonderful and glorious light burst upon them. The next moment they were all standing upon the edge of the marvelous Middle Forest. It lay under another mountain and occupied a great domed cavern, the roof of which was higher than a steeple. In this space the industrious gnomes had built, during many years of labor, the most beautiful forest in the world. The trees, trunks, branches, and leaves, were all of solid gold, while the bushes and underbrush were formed of filigree silver, virgin pure. The trees towered as high as natural life oaks do and were of exquisite workmanship. On the ground were thickly strewn precious gems of every hue and size, while here and there among the trees were paths pebbled with cut diamonds of the clearest water. Taken all together, more treasure was gathered in this Middle Forest than is contained in all the rest of the world, if we accept the land of Oz, where perhaps its value is equaled in the famous Emerald City. Our friends were so amazed at the sight that for a while they stood gazing in silent wonder. Then Shaggy exclaimed, My brother, my dear lost brother, is he indeed a prisoner in this place? Yes, replied Calica, the ugly one has been here for two or three years, to my appositive knowledge. But what could he find to eat, inquired Betsy? It's an awfully swell place to live in, but one can't breakfast on rubies and diamonds or even gold. One doesn't need to, my dear. Calica assured her, the Middle Forest does not feel all of this great cavern by any means. Beyond these gold and silver trees are other trees of the real sort, which bear foods very nice to eat. Let us walk in that direction, for I am sure we will find Shaggy's brother in that part of the cavern rather than in this. So they began to tramp over the diamond-pebbled paths, and at every step they were more and more bewildered by the wondrous beauty of the golden trees with their glittering foliage. Suddenly they heard a scream. Jewels scattered in every direction as someone hidden among the bushes scampered away before them. Then a loud voice cried, Halt! And there was a sound of a struggle. End of Chapter 20, Quarks Quietly Quits. With fast-beating hearts they all rushed forward, and beyond a group of stately-metal trees came full upon a most astonishing scene. There was Ruggedo in the hands of the officers of Uggaboo, a dozen of whom were clinging to the old gnome and holding him fast in spite of his efforts to escape. There also was Queen Anne, looking grimly upon the scene of strife, but when she observed her former companions approaching, she turned away in a shame-faced manner. Her Anne and her officers were indeed a sight to behold. Her Majesty's clothing, once so rich and gorgeous, was now worn and torn into shreds by her long crawl through the tunnel, which, by the way, had led her directly into the metal forest. It was indeed one of the three secret passages, and by far the most difficult of the three. Anne had not only torn her pretty skirt and jacket, but her crown had become bent and battered, and even her shoes were so cut and slashed that they were ready to fall from her feet. The officers had fared somewhat worse than their leader, for holes were worn in the knees of their trousers, while sharp points of rock in the roof and sides of the tunnel had made rags of every inch of their once brilliant uniforms. A more tattered and woeful army never came out of a battle than these harmless victims of the rocky passage. But it had seemed their only means of escape from the cruel gnome king, so they had crawled on regardless of their sufferings. When they reached the metal forest, their eyes beheld more plunder than they had ever dreamed of. Yet they were prisoners in this huge dome, and could not escape with the riches heaped about them. Perhaps a more unhappy and homesick lot of conquerors never existed than this band from Oogaboo. After several days of wandering in their marvelous prison, they were frightened by the discovery that Ruggedo had come among them. After desperate by their sad condition, the officers exhibited courage for the first time since they left home, and, aged enough the fact that Ruggedo was no longer king of the gnomes, they threw themselves upon him, and had just succeeded in capturing him when their fellow adventurers reached the spot. "'Goodness gracious,' cried Betsy, "'what has happened to you all?' And came forward to greet them, sorrowful and indignant. We were obliged to escape from the pit through a small tunnel, which was lined with sharpened jagged rocks,' said she, and not only was our clothing torn to rags, but our flesh is so bruised and sore that we are stiff and lame in every joint. To add to our troubles, we find we are still prisoners, but now that we have succeeded in capturing the wicked metal monarch, we shall force him to grant us our liberty. "'Ruggedo is no longer metal monarch, or king of the gnomes,' files informed her. He has been deposed and cast out of his kingdom by quacks, but here is the new king, whose name is Calico, and I am pleased to assure your majesty that he is our friend. "'Glad to meet your majesty,' I'm sure,' said Calico, bowing as courteously as if the queen still wore splendid raiment. The officers, having heard this explanation, now set Ruggedo free, but as he had no place to go, he stood by and faced his former servant, who is now king in his place in a humble and pleading manner. "'What are you doing here?' asked Calico sternly. "'Why, I was promised as much treasure as I could carry in my pockets,' replied Ruggedo, so I came here to get it, not wishing to disturb your majesty. "'You are commanded to leave the country of the gnomes forever,' declared Calico. "'I know, and I'll go as soon as I have filled my pockets,' said Ruggedo meekly. "'Then fill them and be gone,' returned the new king. Ruggedo obeyed. Stooping down, he began gathering up jewels by the handful and stuffing them into his many pockets. They were heavy things, these diamonds and rubies and emeralds and amethysts and the like, so before long Ruggedo was staggering with the weight he bore, while the pockets were not yet filled. When he could no longer stoop over without falling, Betsy and Polychrome and the Rose Princess came to his assistance, picking up the finest gems and tucking them into his pockets. At last these were all filled, and Ruggedo presented a comical sight, for surely no man ever before had so many pockets, or any at all filled with such a choice collection of precious stones. He neglected to thank the young ladies for their kindness, but gave them a certainly nod of farewell and staggered down the path by the way he had come. They let him depart in silence, for with all he had taken the masses of jewels upon the ground seemed scarcely to have been disturbed so numerous were they. Also they hoped they had seen the last of the degraded king. I'm awful glad he's gone, said Betsy, sighing deeply. If he doesn't get reckless and spend his wealth foolishly, he's got enough to start a bank when he gets to Oklahoma. But my brother, my dear brother, where is he, inquired Shaggy anxiously. Have you seen him, Queen Anne? What does your brother look like? asked the Queen. He hesitated to reply. But Betsy said, he's called the ugly one. Perhaps you'll know him by that. The only person we have seen in this cavern, said Anne, has run away from us whenever we approached him. He hides over yonder among the trees that are not gold, and we have never been able to catch sight of his face, so I cannot tell whether he is ugly or not. That must be my dear brother, exclaimed Shaggy. Yes, it must be, assented Calico. No one else inhabits this splendid dome, so there can be no mistake. But why does he hide among those green trees, instead of enjoying all these glittery golden ones? asked Betsy. Because he finds food among the natural trees, replied Calico, and I remember that he has built a little house there to sleep in. As for these glittery golden trees, I will admit they are very pretty at first sight. One cannot fail to admire them, as well as the rich jewels scattered beneath them. But if one has to look at them always, they become pretty tame. I believe that is true, declared Shaggy. My dear brother is very wise to prefer real trees to the imitation ones. But come, let us go there and find him. Shaggy started for the green grove at once, and the others followed him, being curious to witness the final rescue of his long-sought, long-lost brother. Not far from the edges of the grove, they came upon a small hut, cleverly made of twigs and golden branches woven together. As they approached the place, they caught a glimpse of a form that darted into the hut, and slammed the door tight shut after him. Shaggy-man ran to the door and cried aloud, Brother! Brother! Who calls? demanded a sad, hollow voice from within. It is Shaggy, your own loving brother, who has been searching for you a long time, and has now come to rescue you. Too late, replied the gloomy voice, no one could rescue me now. Oh, but you are mistaken about that, said Shaggy. There is a new king of the gnomes named Kaliko, in Ruggedo's place, and he has promised you shall go free. Free? I dare not go free, said the ugly one, in a voice of despair. Why not, brother, as Shaggy anxiously? Do you know what they have done to me? They came to answer through the closed door. No! Tell me, brother, what have they done? When Ruggedo first captured me, I was very handsome. Don't you remember, Shaggy? Not very well, brother, you were so young when I left home, but I remember that mother thought you were beautiful. She was right. I am sure she was right, wailed the prisoner. But Ruggedo wanted to injure me, to make me ugly in the eyes of all the world, so he performed a wicked enchantment. I went to bed beautiful, or you might say, handsome, to be very modest, I will merely claim that I was good-looking, and I waken the next morning the homeliest man in all the world. I am so repulsive that when I look in a mirror I frighten myself. Poor brother, said Shaggy softly, and all the others were silent from sympathy. I was so ashamed of my looks, continued the voice of Shaggy's brother, that I tried to hide, but the cruel king Ruggedo forced me to appear before all the legion of gnomes, to whom he said, Behold, the ugly one! But when the gnomes saw my face they all fell to laughing and jeering, which prevented them from working at their tasks. Seeing this, Ruggedo became angry, and pushed me into a tunnel, closing the rock entrance, so that I could not get out. I followed the length of the tunnel until I reached this huge dome, where the marvelous middle forest stands, and here I have remained ever since. Poor brother, repeated Shaggy, but I beg you now to come forth and face us, who are your friends? None here will laugh or jeer, however unhandsome you may be. No indeed, they all added pleadingly. But the ugly one refused the invitation. I cannot, said he. Indeed I cannot face strangers ugly as I am. Shaggy man turned to the group surrounding him. What shall I do? He asked in sorrowful tones. I cannot leave my dear brother here, and he refuses to come out of that house and face us. I'll tell you, replied Betsy, let him put on a mask. The very idea I was seeking exclaimed Shaggy joyfully, and then he called out, Brother, put a mask over your face, and then none of us can see what your features are like. I have no mask, answered the ugly one. Look here, said Betsy, he can use my handkerchief. Shaggy looked at the little square of cloths, and shook his head. It isn't big enough, he objected. I'm sure it isn't big enough to hide a man's face, but he can use mine. Saying this he took from his pocket his own handkerchief and went to the door of the hut. Here, my brother, he said, take this handkerchief and make a mask of it. I will also pass you my knife, so that you may cut holes for the eyes, and then you must tie it over your face. The door slowly opened. Just far enough for the ugly one to thrust out his hand to take the handkerchief and the knife. Then it closed again. Don't forget a hole for your nose, cried Betsy, you must breathe, you know. For a time there was silence. Queen Anne and her army sat upon the ground to rest. Betsy sat on Hank's back. Polychrome danced lightly up and down the jeweled paths, while files and the princess wandered through the groves arm in arm. Tick-tock, who never tired, stood motionless. By and by a noise sounded from within the hut. Are you ready? asked Shaggy. Yes, brother, came the reply, and the door was thrown open to allow the ugly one to step forth. Betsy might have laughed aloud had she not remembered how sensitive to ridicule Shaggy's brother was, for the handkerchief with which he had masked his features was a red one covered with big white polka dots. In this two holes had been cut in front of the eyes, while two smaller ones before the nostrils allowed the man to breathe freely. The cloth was then tightly drawn over the ugly one's face, and knotted at the back of his neck. He was dressed in clothes that had once been good, but now were sadly worn and frayed. His silk stockings had holes in them, and his shoes were stub-toed and needed blackening. But what can you expect, whispered Betsy, when the poor man has been a prisoner for so many years? Shaggy had darted forward and embraced his newly found brother with both his arms. The brother also embraced Shaggy, who then led him forward and introduced him to all the assembled company. This is the new-known king, he said when he came to Calico. He is our friend, and he has granted you your freedom. That is a kindly deed, replied ugly in a sad voice. But I dread to go back to the world in this direful condition, unless I remain forever masked, my dreadful face would curdle all the milk and stop all the clocks. Can't the enchantment be broken in some way? inquired Betsy. Shaggy looked anxiously at Calico, who shook his head. I am sure I can't break the enchantment, he said. Calico was fond of magic and learned a good many enchantments that we gnomes know nothing of. Perhaps Ruggedo himself might break his own enchantment, suggested Anne, but unfortunately we have allowed the old king to escape. Never mind, my dear brother, said Shaggy consolingly, I am very happy to have found you again, although I may never see your face. So let us make the most of this joyful reunion. The ugly one was affected to tears by this tender speech, and the tears began to wet the red handkerchief. So Shaggy gently wiped them away with his coat sleeve. End of Chapter 21 Chapter 22 of Tick Tock of Oz This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Ada Kerman. Chapter 22 Kindly Kisses Won't you be dreadful sorry to leave this lovely place, Betsy asked, the ugly one? No indeed, said he, jewels and gold are cold and heartless things, and I am sure I would presently have died of loneliness had I not found the natural forest at the edge of the artificial one. Anyhow, without these real trees I should soon have starved to death. Betsy looked around at the quaint trees. I don't just understand that, she admitted, what could you find to eat here? The best food in the world, ugly answered. Do you see that grove at your left? He added, pointing it out, well, such trees as those do not grow in your country or in any other place but this cavern. I have named them hotel trees because they bear a certain kind of table tote fruit called three-course nuts. That's funny, said Betsy, what are the three-course nuts like? Something like coconuts to look at, explained the ugly one. All you have to do is to pick one of them and then sit down and eat your dinner. You first unscrew the top part and find a cup full of good soup. After you have eaten that, you unscrew the middle part and find a hollow filled with meat and potatoes, vegetables, and a fine salad. Eat that and unscrew the next section that you come to the dessert in the bottom of the nut. That is pie and cake, cheese and crackers, and nuts and raisins. The three-course nuts are not all exactly alike in flavor or in contents, but they are all good and in each one may be found a complete three-course dinner. How about breakfasts, inquired Betsy? Why there are breakfast trees for that which grow over there at the right? They bear nuts like the others, only the nuts contain coffee or chocolate instead of soup. Oatmeal instead of meat and potatoes, and fruits instead of dessert. Sadness has been my life in this wonderful prison, I must admit that no one could live more luxuriously in the best hotel in the world than I have lived here. But I will be glad to get into the open air again and see the good old sun and the silvery moon and the soft green grass and the flowers that are kissed by the morning dew. How much more lovely are those blessed things than the glitter of gems or the cold gleam of gold? Of course, said Betsy, I once knew a little boy who wanted to catch the measles, because all the little boys in his neighborhood but him had them, and he was really unhappy because he couldn't catch them try as he would. So I'm pretty certain that the things we want and can't have are not good for us, isn't that true, Shaggy? Not always, my dear, he gravely replied, if we didn't want anything we would never get anything good or bad. I think our longings are natural and if we act as nature prompts us we can't go far wrong. For my part, said Queen Anne, I think the world would be a dreary place without the golden jewels. All things are good in their ways, said Shaggy, but we may have too much of any good thing, and I have noticed that the value of anything depends upon how scarce it is and how difficult it is to obtain. Pardon me for interrupting you, said King Calico, coming to their side, but now that we have rescued Shaggy's brother I would like to return to my royal cavern. Being the king of the gnomes, it is my duty to look after my restless subjects and see that they behave themselves. So they all turned and began walking through the metal forest to the other side of the great domed cave where they had first entered it. Shaggy and his brother walked side by side and both seemed rejoiced that they were together after their long separation. Betsy didn't dare look at the polka dot handkerchief, for fear she would laugh aloud. So she walked behind the two brothers and led Hank by holding fast to his left ear. When at last they reached the place where the passage led to the outer world, Queen Anne said, in a hesitating way that was unusual with her. I have not conquered this gnome country nor do I expect to do so, but I would like to gather a few of these pretty jewels before I leave this place. Help yourself, mams, at King Calico, and at once the officers of the army took advantage of his royal permission and began filling their pockets while Anne tied a lot of diamonds in a big handkerchief. This accomplished they all entered the passage, the gnomes going first to light the way with their torches. They had not proceeded far when Betsy exclaimed, why there are jewels here too? All eyes were turned upon the ground and they found a regular trail of jewels strewn along the rock floor. This is queer at Calico, much surprised. I must send some of my gnomes to gather up these gems and replace them in the metal forest where they belong. I wonder how they came to be here? All the way along the passage they found this trail of jewels but when they neared the end the mystery was explained. For they are squatted upon the floor with his back to the rock walls at Old Ruggedo, puffing and blowing as if he was all tired out. Then they realized it was he who had scattered the jewels from his many pockets which one by one had burst with the weight of their contents as he had stumbled along the passage. But I don't mind said Ruggedo with a deep sigh. I now realized that I could not have carried such a weighty load very far even had I managed to escape from this passage with it. The woman who sewed the pockets on my robe used poor threat for which I shall thank her. Have you any jewels left, inquired Betsy? He glanced into some of the remaining pockets. A few said he, but they will be sufficient to supply my wants and I no longer have any desire to be rich. If some of you will kindly help me to rise I'll get out of here and leave you for I know you all despise me and prefer my room to my company. Shaggy and Calico raised the old king to his feet when he was confronted by Shaggy's brother whom he now noticed for the first time. The queer and unexpected appearance of the ugly one so startled Ruggedo that he gave a wild cry and began to tremble as if he had seen a ghost. Who is this? he faltered. I am that helpless prisoner whom your cruel magic transformed from a handsome man into an ugly one, answered Shaggy's brother in a voice of stern reproach. Really Ruggedo said Betsy you ought to be ashamed of that mean trick. I am my dear admitted Ruggedo who is now as meek and humble as formerly he had been cruel and vindicative. Then returned the girl you better do some more magic and give the poor man his own face again. I wish I could answer the old king but you must remember that Titi Huchu has deprived me of all my magic powers. However I never took the trouble to learn just how to break the charm I cast over Shaggy's brother for I intended he should always remain ugly. Every charm remarked pretty polychrome has its antidote and if you knew this charm of ugly as Ruggedo you must have known how to dispel it. He shook his head. If I did I I've forgotten he stammered regretfully. Try to think pleaded Shaggy anxiously. Please try to think. Ruggedo ruffled his hair with both hands, sides slept his chest rubbed his ear and stared stupidly around the group. I have a faint recollection that there was one thing that would break the charms of he but misfortune has so addled my brain that I can't remember what it was. See here Ruggedo said Betsy sharply we've treated you pretty well so far but we won't stand for any nonsense and if you know what's good for yourself you'll think of that charm. Why he demanded turning to look wonderingly at the little girl? Because it means so much to Shaggy's brother he's dreadfully ashamed of himself the way he is now and you're to blame for it. Fact is Ruggedo you've done so much wickedness in your life that it won't hurt you to do a kind act now. Ruggedo blinked at her inside again and then tried very hard to think. I seem to remember dimly said he that a certain kind of a kiss will break the charm of ugliness. What kind of a kiss? What kind? Why it was either the kiss of a mortal maid or the kiss of a mortal maid who had once been a fairy or the kiss of one who is still a fairy. I can't remember which but of course no maid mortal or fairy would ever consent to kiss a person so ugly so dreadfully fearfully terribly ugly as Shaggy's brother. I'm not so sure if that's a Betsy with admirable courage. I'm a mortal maid and if it is my kiss that will break this awful charm I'll do it. Although you really couldn't protest it ugly I would be obliged to remove my mask and when you saw my face nothing could induce you to kiss me generous as you are. Well it's for that said the little girl I didn't see your face at all. Here's my plan you stay in this dark passage and we'll send away the gnomes with their torches. Then you'll take off the handkerchief and I'll kiss you. This is awfully kind of you Betsy said Shaggy gratefully. Well it surely won't kill me sure replied and if it makes you and your brother happy I'm willing to take some chances. So Calico ordered the torch bearers to leave the passage which they did by going through the rock opening. Queen Anne and her army also went out but the others were so interested in Betsy's experiment that they remained grouped at the mouth of the passageway. When the big rocks swung into place closing tight the opening they were left in total darkness. Now then called Betsy in a cheerful voice have you got that handkerchief off your face ugly? Yes he replied. Well where are you then? She asked reaching out her arms. Here's at he. You'll have to stoop down you know. He found her hands and clasping them in his own stooped until his face was near to that of the little girl. The others heard a clear smacking kiss and then Betsy exclaimed There I've done it and it didn't hurt a bit. Tell me dear brothers is the charm broken? Asked Shaggy. I do not know was the reply. It may be or it may not be I cannot tell. Has anyone a match inquired Betsy? I have several said Shaggy. Then let Ruggedo strike one of them and look at your brother's face while we all turn our backs. Ruggedo made your brother ugly so I guess he can stand the horror of looking at him if the charm isn't broken. Agreeing to this Ruggedo took the match and lighted it. He gave one look and then blew out the match. Ugliest ever he said with a shutter so it wasn't the kiss of a mortal maid after all. Let me try and propose the Rose Princess in her sweet voice. I am a mortal maid who was once a fairy but perhaps my kiss will break the charm. Files did not wholly approve of this but he was too generous to interfere. So the Rose Princess felt her way through the darkness to Shaggy's brother and kissed him. Ruggedo struck another match while they all turned away. No one else the former king. That didn't break the charm either. It must be the kiss of a fairy that is required or else my memory has failed me altogether. Polly said Betsy pleadingly won't you try? Of course I will answer Polychrome with a merry laugh. I've never kissed a mortal man in all the thousands of years I have existed. But I'll do it to please our faithful Shaggy man whose unselfish affection for his ugly brother deserves to be rewarded. Even as Polychrome was speaking she tripled lightly to the side of the ugly one and quickly touched his cheek with her lips. Oh thank you, thank you he fervently cried. I've changed this time. I know I can feel it. I'm different. Shaggy, dear Shaggy. I am myself again. Files who was near the opening touched the spring that released the big rock and it suddenly swung backward and let in a flood of daylight. Everyone's motion was staring hard at Shaggy's brother, who no longer masked by the polka dot handkerchief and had their gaze with a glad smile. Well said Shaggy man, breaking the silence at last and drawing a long deep breath of satisfaction. You are no longer the ugly one, my dear brother. But to be entirely frank with you the face that belongs to you is no more handsome than it ought to be. I think he's rather good-looking, remarked Betsy, gazing at the man critically. In comparison with what he was at King Calico he is really beautiful. You who never beheld his ugliness may not understand that, but it was my misfortune to look at the ugly one many times. And I say again that in comparison with what he was the man is now beautiful. All right, return Betsy briskly. We'll take your work for it, Calico, and now let us get out of this tunnel and into the world again. End of Chapter 22, Kindly Kisses Recording by Ada Kerman, Portland, Oregon, USA Chapter 23 of Tick Tock 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. Recording by Ada Kerman Tick Tock of Oz by L. Frank Mount Chapter 23, Ruggedo Reforms Ruggedo Reforms It did not take them long to regain the royal cavern of the gnome king, where Calico ordered, served to them the nicest refreshments the place afforded. Ruggedo had come trailing along after the rest of the party, and while no one paid any attention to the old king, they did not offer any objection to his presence or command him to leave them. He looked fearfully to see if the eggs were still guarding the entrance, but they had now disappeared, so he crept into the cavern after the others and humbly squatted down in a corner of the room. There, Betsy discovered him. All of the little girls' companions were now so happy at the success of Shaggy's quest for his brother, and the laughter and merriment seemed so general, that Betsy's heart softened toward the friendless old man who had once been their bitter enemy, and she carried to him some of the food and drink. Ruggedo's eyes filled with tears at this unexpected kindness. He took the child's hand in his own and pressed it gratefully. Look here, Calico, said Betsy, addressing the new king. What's the use of being hard on Ruggedo? All his magic power is gone, so he can't do any more harm, and I'm sure he's sorry he acted so badly to everybody. Are you? asked Calico, looking down at his former master. I am, said Ruggedo. The girl speaks truly. I'm sorry, and I'm harmless. I don't want to wander through the wide world on top of the ground, for I'm a gnome. No gnome can ever be happy any place but underground. That being the case, said Calico, I will let you stay here as long as you behave yourself. But if you try to act badly again, I shall drive you out, as Tiddi T. Huchu has commanded, and you'll have to wander. Never fear, I'll behave, promised Ruggedo. It is hard work being a king, and harder still to be a good king. But now that I am a common gnome, I am sure I can lead a blameless life. They were all pleased to hear this, and to know that Ruggedo had really reformed. I hope he'll keep his word, whispered Betsy to Shaggy, but if he gets bad again, we will be far away from the gnome kingdom, and Calico will have to tend to the old gnome himself. Polychrom had been a little restless during the last hour or two. The lovely daughter of the rainbow knew that she had now done all in her power to assist her earth friends, and so she began to long for her sky home. I think she said after listening intently that it is beginning to rain. The rain king is my uncle, you know, and perhaps he has read my pots and is going to help me. Anyway, I must take a look at the sky and make sure. So she jumped up and ran through the passage to the outer entrance, and they all followed after her and grouped themselves on a ledge of the mountainside. Sure enough, dark clouds had filled the sky, and a slow, drizzling rain had set in. We can't last for long, so Shaggy looking upward, and when it stops, we shall lose the sweet little fairy we have learned to love. Alas, he continued after a moment. The clouds are already breaking in the west, and see, isn't that the rainbow coming? Betsy didn't look at the sky. She looked at Polychrom, whose happy smiling face surely foretold the coming of her father to take her to the cloud palaces. A moment later, a gleam of sunshine flooded the mountain, and a gorgeous rainbow appeared. With a cry of gladness, Polychrom sprang upon a point of rock and held out her arms. Straightway, the rainbow descended until its end was at her very feet, when with a graceful leap, she sprang upon it and was at once clasped in the arms of her radiant sisters, the daughters of the rainbow. But Polychrom released herself to lean over the edge of the glowing arch and nod, and smiled through a dozen kisses to her late comrades. Goodbye, she called, and they all shouted, Goodbye, in return, and waved their hands to their pretty friend. Slowly, the magnificent bow lifted and melted into the sky until the eyes of the earnest watchers, so only fleecy clouds flitting across the blue. I'm dreadful sorry to see Polychrom go, said Betsy, who felt like crying, but I suppose she'll be a good deal happier with her sisters in the sky palaces. To be sure, returned shaggy, nodding gravely, it's her home you know, and those poor wanderers who, like ourselves have no home, can realize what that means to her. Once, said Betsy, I too had a home. Only, only dear old Hank. She twined her arms around her shaggy friend who was not human, and he said he haw in a tone that showed he understood her mood. And the shaggy friend who was human struck the child's head tenderly and said, You're wrong about that, Betsy dear, I will never desert you. Nor I exclaimed shaggy's brother in earnest tones. The little girl looked up at them gratefully and her eyes smiled through their tears. All right, she said, it's raining again, so let's go back into the cavern. Rather soberly, for all left Polychrom and would miss her, they re-entered the dominions of the no-king. End of Chapter 23. Ruggedo reforms. Chapter 24. TikTok Evolves This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, all to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Lucy Burgoyne. TikTok Evolves, by Al Frank Bourne. Chapter 24. Dorothy is delighted. Well, said Queen Anne, when all were again seated in Calico's royal cavern. I wonder what we shall do next. If I could find my way back to Oogaboo, I'd take my army home at once, for I'm sick and tired of these dreadful hardships. Don't you want to conquer the world? Ask Betsy. No, I've changed my mind about that. Admitted the Queen. The world is too big for one person to conquer, and I was happier with my own people in Oogaboo. I wish, oh, how earnestly I wish, that I was back there this minute. So do I, yelled every officer, in a fervent tone. Now, it is time for the reader to know that in the faraway land of Oz, the lovely ruler, Osmar, had been following the adventures of her shaggy man, and TikTok, and all the others they had met. Day by day, Osmar, with the wonderful wizard of Oz, seated beside her, had gazed upon a magic picture in a radium frame, which occupied one side of the realest cozy boudoir in the palace of the Emerald City. The singular thing about this magic picture was that it showed whatever scene Osmar wished to see, with the figures all in motion, just as it was taking place. So Osmar and the wizard had watched every action of the adventures from the time shaggy had met shipwreck Betsy and Hank in the Rose Kingdom, at which time the Rose Princess, a distant cousin of Osmar, had been exiled by her heartless subjects. When Anne and her people so earnestly wished to return to Oogaboo, Osmar was sorry for them, and remembered that Oogaboo was a corner of the land of Oz. She turned to her attendant and asked, Can not your magic take these unhappy people to their old home, wizard? It can, your Highness, replied the little wizard. I think the poor queen has suffered enough in her misguided effort to conquer the world, said Osmar, smiling at the absurdity of the undertaking. So no doubt she will hereafter be contented in her own little kingdom. Please send her there, wizard, and with her the offices and files. How about the Rose Princess, asked the wizard. Send her to Oogaboo with files, answered Osmar. I have become such good friends that I am sure it would make them unhappy to separate them. Very well, said the wizard, and without any fuss or mystery whatever he performed a magical rite that was simply and effective. Therefore those seated in the known king's cabin were both startled and amazed when all the people of Oogaboo suddenly disappeared from the room and with them the Rose Princess. At first they could not understand it at all. But presently Shaggy suspected the truth and believing that Osmar was now taking an interest in the party he drew from his pocket a tiny instrument which he placed against his ear. Osmar, observing this action in her magic picture at once caught up a similar instrument from a table beside her and held it to her own ear. The two instruments recorded the same delicate vibrations of sound and formed a wireless telephone, an invention of the wizard. Those separated by any distance were thus enabled to converse together with perfect ease and without any wire connection. Do you hear me Shaggy man? Asked Osmar. Yes, Your Highness, he replied. I have sent the people of Oogaboo back to their own little valley announced the ruler of Os so do not worry over their disappearance. That was very kind of you said Shaggy but Your Highness must permit me to report that my own mission here is now ended. I have found my lost brother and he is now beside me freed from the enchantment of ugliness which Ruggedo cast upon him. Tiktok has served me and my comrades faithfully as you requested him to do and I hope you will now transport the clockwork man back to your fairy land of Oz. I will do that replied Osmar but how about yourself Shaggy? I have been very happy in Oz he said that my duty to others forces me to exile myself from that delightful land. I must take care of my new found brother for one thing and I have a new comrade in a dear little girl named Betsy Bobbin who has no home to go to and no other friends but me and a small donkey named Hank. I have promised Betsy never to desert her as long as she needs a friend and so I must give up the delights of the land of Oz forever. He said this with a sigh of regret and Osmar made no reply but laid the tiny instrument on her table thus cutting off all further communication with the Shaggy man but the lovely ruler of Oz still watched her magic picture with a thoughtful expression upon her face and the little wizard of Oz watched Osmar and smiled softly to himself. In the cabin of the gnome king Shaggy replaced the wireless telephone in his pocket and turning to Betsy said in as cheerful a voice as he could muster well little comrade what shall we do next? I don't know I'm sure she answered with a puzzled face I'm kind of sorry our adventures are over for I enjoyed them and now the Queen Anne and her people are gone and Polychrome is gone and dear me where's Tiktok Shaggy? He also has disappeared said Shaggy looking around the cabin and nodding wisely by this time he is in Osmose Palace in the land of Oz which is his home isn't it your home too? asked Betsy it used to be my dear but now my home is wherever you and my brother are we are wanderers you know I am sure we shall have a good time then said the girl let us get out of this stuffy underground cabin and go in search of new adventures I'm sure it has stopped raining I'm ready said Shaggy and then they bade good-bye to King Calico and thanked him for his assistance and went out to the mouth of the passage now clear and a brilliant blue in colour the sun shone brightly and even this rugged rocky country seemed delightful after their confinement underground there were but four of them now Betsy and Hank and Shaggy and his brother and the little party made their way down the mountain and followed a faint path that led toward the south west during this time Osmar had been holding a conference with the wizard and later with Tiktok whom the magic of the wizard had quickly transported to Osmar's palace Tiktok had only words of praise for Betsy Bobbin who he said is almost as nice as Dorothy herself let us send for Dorothy said Osmar and her favourite maid who was named Jelia Jam she asked her to request Princess Dorothy to attend her at once so a few moments later Dorothy entered Osmar's room and greeted her and the wizard and Tiktok with the same gentle smile and simple manner that had won for the little girl the love of everyone she met did you want to see me Osmar she asked yes dear I am puzzled how to act and I want your advice I don't believe it's worth much replied Dorothy but I'll do the best I can what is it all about Osmar you all know said the girl ruler addressing her three friends what a serious thing it is to admit there are many mortals into this fairy land of Oz it is true I have invited several mortals to make their home here and all of them have proved true and loyal subjects indeed no one of you three was a native of Oz Dorothy and the wizard came here from the United States and Tiktok came from the land of Ebb but of course he is not a mortal Shaggy is another American and he is the cause of all my worry for our dear Shaggy will not return here and desert the new friends he has found in his recent adventures because he believes they need his services Shaggy man was always kind hearted remark Dorothy but who are these new friends he has found one is his brother who for many years has been a prisoner of the Nome King our old enemy Raggedo this brother seems a kindly honest fellow that he has done nothing to entitle him to a home in the land of Oz who else asked Dorothy I have told you about Betsy Bobbin the little girl who was shipwrecked in the same way you once were and has since been following the Shaggy man in his search for his lost brother you remember her do you not oh yes exclaimed Dorothy I have often watched her and Hank in the magic picture you know she is a dear little girl an old Hank is a darling where are they now look and see she is a child Osmar with a smile at her friends enthusiasm Dorothy turned to the picture which showed Betsy and Hank with Shaggy and his brother trudging along the rocky paths of a barren country seems to me she said musingly that there a good way from any place to sleep or any nice things to eat you are right I have been in that country and it is a wilderness it is the country of the gnomes explain the wizard who are so mischievous that no one cares to live near them I'm afraid Shaggy and his friends will endure many hardships before they get out of that rocky place unless he turned to Osmar and smiled unless I ask you to transport them all here she asked yes your highness could your magic do that inquired Dorothy I think so said the wizard well said Dorothy as far as Betsy and Hank are concerned I'd like to have them here in Os it would be such fun to have a girl playmate of my own age you see and Hank is such a dear little mule Osmar laughed at the wistful expression in the girl's eyes and then she drew Dorothy to her and kissed her am I not your friend and playmate she asked Dorothy flushed you know how dearly I love you Osmar she cried but you are so busy that we can't always be together I know dear my first duty is to my subjects and I think it would be a delight to us all to have Betsy with us there's a pretty suite of rooms just opposite your own where she can live and I'll build a golden stall for Hank in the stable where the saw horse lives then we'll introduce the mule the elderly lion and the hungry tiger and I'm sure they will all soon become firm friends but I cannot very well admit Betsy and Hank into Os unless I also admit Shaggy's brother and unless you admit Shaggy's brother you will keep out poor Shaggy whom we are all very fond of said the wizard well why not demanded tiktok the land of Oz is not a refuge for all mortals in distress explained Osmar I do not wish to be unkind to Shaggy man but his brother has no claim on me the land of Oz isn't crowded suggested Dorothy then you advise me to admit Shaggy's brother inquired Osmar well we can't afford to use our Shaggy man can we no indeed returned Osmar what do you say wizard I'm getting my magic ready to transport them all and you tiktok Shaggy's brother is a good fellow and we can't spare Shaggy so then the question is settled decided Osmar he did so placing a silver plate upon a small standard and pouring upon the plate a small quantity of pink powder which was contained in a crystal vial then he muttered a rather difficult incantation which the sorceress Glinda the good had taught him and it all ended in a puff of perfume smoke from the silver plate this smoke was so pungent that it made both Osmar and Dorothy rub their eyes for a moment you must pardon these disagreeable fumes said the wizard I assure you the smoke is a very necessary part of my wizardry look cried Dorothy pointing to the magic picture they're gone all of them are gone and now showed the same rocky landscape as before but the three people and the mule had disappeared from it they are gone said the wizard polishing the silver plate and wrapping it in a fine cloth because they are here at that moment Jellier Jam entered the room your highness she said to Osmar the Shaggy man the other man are in the waiting room and asked to pay their respects to you Shaggy is crying like a baby but he says they are tears of joy send them here at once Jellier commanded Osmar also continued the maid a girl and a small sized mule had mysteriously arrived but they don't seem to know where they are or how they came here shall I send them here too? oh no exclaimed Dorothy eagerly jumping up from her chair I'll go to meet Betsy myself for she'll feel awful strange in this big palace and she ran down the stairs two at a time to greet her new friend Betsy Bobbin End of Chapter 24 Chapter 25 Tiktok 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 This reading by Lucy Burgoyne Tiktok of Oz by Al Frank Borm Chapter 25 The Land of Love Well, is he or all you are able to say inquired the saw-horse as he examined Hank with his not eyes and slowly wagged the branch that served him for a tail They were in a beautiful stable in the rear of Osmo's palace where the wooden saw-horse very much alive lived in a golden panelled stall and where there were rooms for the cowardly lion and the hungry tiger which were filled with soft cushions for them to lie upon and golden troughs for them to eat from Beside the stall the saw-horse had been placed another for Hank the mule This was not quite so beautiful as the other for the saw-horse was Osmo's favourite steed but Hank had a supply of cushions for a bed which the saw-horse did not need because he never slept and all this luxury was so strange to the little mule that he could only stand still and regard his surroundings and his queer companions with wonder and amazement The cowardly lion looking very dignified was stretched out upon the marble floor of the stable eyeing Hank with a calm and critical gaze while nearby crouched the huge hungry tiger who seemed equally interested in the new animal that had just arrived The saw-horse standing stiffly before Hank repeated his question Is he or all you are able to say? Hank moved his ears in an embarrassed manner I have never said anything else until now he replied and then he began to tremble with fright to hear himself talk I can well understand that remarked the lion wagging his great head with a swaying motion Strange things happen in this land of Oz as they do everywhere else I believe you came here from the cold caused outside world did you not? I did replied Hank one minute I was outside of Oz and the next minute I was inside that was enough to give me a nervous shock as you may guess but to find myself able to talk as Betsy does is a marble that staggers me that is because the land of Oz said the saw-horse all animals talk in this favoured country and you must admit it it is more sociable than to bray your dreadful he or which nobody can understand mules understand it very well declared Hank oh indeed then there must be other mules in your outside world said the tiger coming sleepily there are a great many in America said Hank are you the only tiger in Oz? no acknowledge the tiger I have many relatives living in the jungle country but I am the only tiger living in the emerald city there are other lions too said the saw-horse but I am the only horse of any description in this favoured land that is why this land is favoured said the tiger you must understand friend Hank that the saw-horse puts on airs because he is shot with plates of gold and because our beloved ruler Ozmar of Oz likes to ride upon his back Betsy rides upon my back declared Hank loudly who is Betsy the dearest sweetest girl in all the world the saw-horse gave an angry snort and stamped his golden feet the tiger crouched and growled slowly the great lion rose to his feet his main bristling friend Hank said he either you are mistaken for me trying to deceive us the dearest sweetest girl in the world is our Dorothy and I will fight anyone animal or human who dares to deny it so will I snulled the tiger showing two rows of enormous white teeth you are all wrong asserted the saw-horse in a voice of scorn no girl living can compare with my mistress Ozmar of Oz Hank slowly turned around until his heels were toward the others then he said stubbornly I am not mistaken in my statement nor will I admit there can be a sweeter girl alive than Betsy bobbin if you want to fight come on I'm ready for you while they hesitated eyeing Hank's heels doubtfully a merry peel of laughter startled the animals and turning their heads they beheld three lovely girls standing just within the richly carved entrance to the stable in the centre was Ozmar her arms encircling the wastes of Dorothy and Betsy who stood on either side of her Ozmar was nearly half a head taller than the two other girls who were almost of one size unobserved they had listened to the talk of the animals which was a very strange experience indeed to little Betsy bobbin you foolish beasts exclaimed the ruler of Oz in a gentle but chiding voice why should you fight and thus who were all three loving friends and in no sense rivals answer me she continued as they beheld their heads sheepishly I have the right to express my opinion your highness pleaded the lion and so have the others replied Ozmar I am glad you and the hungry tiger loved Dorothy best for she was your first friend and companion also I am pleased that my sore horse loves me best for together we have endured both joy and sorrow Hank has proved his faith and loyalty by defending his own little mistress and so you are all right in one way but wrong in another our land of Oz and the blood and here friendship outranks every other quality unless you can all be friends you cannot retain our love they accepted this rebuke very meekly all right said the sore horse quite cheerfully shake hoofs friend mule Hank touched his hoof to that of the wooden horse let us be friends said the tiger so Hank modestly rubbed noses with the big beast the lion merely nodded and said as he crouched before the mule any friend of a friend of our beloved ruler is a friend of the cowardly lion that seems to cover your case if ever you need help or advice friend Hank call on me why this is as it should be said Osmar highly pleased to see them so fully reconciled then she turned to her companions come my dears let us resume our walk as they turned away Betsy said wonderingly do all the animals in Oz talk as we do almost all answer Dorothy there's a yellow hen here and she can talk and so can her chickens and there's a pink kitten upstairs in my room who talks very nicely but I have a little fuzzy black dog named Toto who has been with me in Oz a long time and he's never said a single word but bow well do you know why asked Osmar why he's a Kansas dog I suppose he's different from these fairy animals replied Dorothy Hank isn't a fairy animal any more than Toto said Osmar yet as soon as he came under the spell of our fairy land he found he could talk it was the same with Belina the yellow hen whom you brought here at one time the same spell has affected Toto I assure you that he's a wise little dog and while he knows everything that he said to him he prefers not to talk goodness me exclaimed Dorothy I never suspected Toto was feeling me all this time then she drew a small silver whistle from her pocket and blew a shrill note upon it a moment later there was a sound a scurrying footsteps and a shaggy black dog came running up the path Dorothy knelt down before him and shaking her finger just above his nose she said Toto haven't I always been good to you Toto looked up at her with his bright black eyes and waved his tail bow well and Betsy knew at once that meant yes as well as Dorothy and Osman knew it for there was no mistaking the tone of Toto's voice that's a dog answer said Dorothy how would you like it Toto if I said nothing to you but bow well Toto's tail was wagging furiously now but otherwise he was silent really Dorothy said Betsy he can talk with his bark and his tail just as well as we can don't you understand such dog language of course I do replied Dorothy but Toto's got to be more sociable see here sir she continued addressing the dog I've just learned for the first time you can say words if you want to don't you want to Toto woof said Toto and that meant no not just one word Toto to prove you're as any other animal in Oz woof just one word Toto and then you may run away he looked at her steadily a moment go he said and darted away as swift as an arrow Dorothy clapped her hands in delight while Betsy and Osmar both laughed heartily at her pleasure and the success of her experiment arm in arm they sauntered away through the beautiful gardens of the palace where magnificent flowers bloomed in abundance and fountains their silvery sprays far into the air and by and by as they turned a corner they came upon shaggy man and his brother who were seated together upon a golden bench the two arose to bow respectfully as the ruler of Oz approached them how are you enjoying our land of Oz Osmar asked the stranger I am very happy here your highness replied shaggy's brother also I am very grateful to you for permitting me to live in this delightful place you must thank shaggy for that said Osmar being his brother I have made you welcome here when you know brother better said shaggy earnestly you will be glad he has become one of your loyal subjects I am just getting acquainted with him myself and I find much in his character to admire leaving the brothers Osmar and the girls continued their walk presently Betsy exclaimed shaggy's brother can't ever be as happy in Oz as I am do you know Dorothy I didn't believe any girl could ever have such a good time anywhere as I am having now I know and said Dorothy I felt that way myself lots of times I wish continued Betsy dreamily that every little girl in the world could live in the land of Oz and every little boy too Osmar laughed at this it is quite fortunate for us Betsy your wish cannot be granted said she for all that army of girls and boys would crowd us so that we would have to move away yes agreed Betsy after a little thought I guess that's true end of Tiktok of Oz by L. Frank Form