 CHAPTER XX The scarecrow appeals to glender the good. Hooray! shouted the scarecrow gaily. We can now leave this miserable Jack Doe's nest whenever we please. But it is nearly dark, said the tin woodman, and unless we wait until morning to make our flight, we may get into more trouble. I don't like these night trips, for one never knows what will happen. So it was decided to wait until daylight, and the adventurers abused themselves in the twilight by searching the Jack Doe's nest for treasures. The wagglebug found two handsome bracelets of wrought gold, which fitted his slender arms very well. The scarecrow took a fancy for rings, of which there were many in the nest. Before long he had fitted a ring to each finger of his padded gloves, and not being content with that display he added one more to each thumb. As he carefully chose those rings set with sparkling stones, such as rubies, amethysts, and sapphires, the scarecrow's hands now presented the most brilliant appearance. This nest would be a picnic for Queen Ginger, said he musingly, for as nearly as I can make out, she and her girls conquered me merely to rob my city of its emeralds. The tin woodman was content with his diamond necklace, and refused to accept any additional decorations. But Tip secured a fine gold watch, which was attached to a heavy fob, and placed it in his pocket with much pride. He also pinned several jeweled brooches to Jack Pumpkinhead's red waistcoat, and attached a larnette by means of a fine chain to the neck of the saw-horse. It's very pretty, said the creature, regarding the larnette approvingly. But what is it for? None of them could answer that question, however. So the saw-horse decided it was some rare decoration, and became very fond of it. That none of the party might be slighted, they ended by placing several large seal rings upon the points of the gump's antlers, although that odd personage seemed by no means gratified by the attention. Darkness soon fell upon them, and Tip and the waggle-bug went to sleep, while the others sat down to wait patiently for the day. Next morning they had cause to congratulate themselves upon the useful condition of the gump, for with daylight a great flock of Jack Dawes approached to engage one more battle for the possession of the nest. But our adventurers did not wait for the assault. They tumbled into the cushioned seats of the sofas as quickly as possible, and Tip gave the word to the gump to start. At once it rose into the air, the great wings flopping strongly and with regular motions, and in a few moments they were so far from the nest that the chattering Jack Dawes took possession without any attempt at pursuit. The thing flew due north, going in the same direction from whence it had come. At least, at least that was the Scarecrow's opinion, and the others agreed that the Scarecrow was the best judge of direction. After passing over several cities and villages, the gump carried them high above a broad plain, where houses became more and more scattered until they disappeared altogether. Next came the wide sandy desert separating the rest of the world from the land of Oz, and before noon they saw the domed-shaped houses that proved they were once more within the borders of their native land. But the houses and fences are blue, said the tin woodman, and that indicates we are in the land of the Munchkins, and therefore a long distance from Glinda the Good. What shall we do? Ask the boy, turning to their guide. I don't know, replied the Scarecrow, frankly. If we were at the Emerald City we could then move directly southward, but we dare not go to the Emerald City, and the gump is probably carrying us further in the wrong direction with every flop of its wings. Then the Wogelberg must swallow another pill, said Tip, decidedly, and wishes headed in the right direction. Very well. Returned the highly magnified one. I'm willing. But when the Scarecrow searched in his pocket for the pepper box containing the two silver wishing-pills, it was not to be found. Filled with anxiety, the voyagers hunted throughout every inch of the thing for the precious box, but it had disappeared entirely. And still the gump flew onward, carrying them they knew not where. I must have left the pepper-box in the Jack-door's nest, said the Scarecrow at length. It is a great misfortune. The ten woodmen declared, But we are no worse off than before we discovered the wishing-pills. We are better off. Reply, Tip. For the one pill we used has enabled us to escape the horrible nest. Yet the loss of the other two is serious, and I deserve a good scouting for my carelessness. The Scarecrow rejoined, penitently. For in such an unusual party as this accidents are liable to happen any moment, and even now we may be approaching a new danger. No one dared contradict this, and a dismal silence ensued. The gump flew steadily on. Suddenly, Tip uttered an exclamation of surprise. We must have reached the South Country. He cried, For below us everything is red. Immediately they all leaned over the backs of the sofas to look, all except Jack, who was too careful of his pumpkin-head to risk it slipping off his neck. Sure enough, the red houses and fences and trees indicated they were within the domain of Glinda the Good, and presently, as they glided rapidly on, the tin woodmen recognized the roads and buildings they passed, and altered slightly the flight of the gump, so that they might reach the palace of the celebrated sorcerers. Good! cried the Scarecrow, delightedly. We do not need the lost wishing-pills now, for we have arrived at our destination. Gradually the thing sank lower and nearer to the ground, until at length it came to rest within the beautiful gardens of Glinda, settling upon a velvety green lawn close by a fountain, which sent sprays of flashing gems, instead of water, high into the air, whence they fell with a soft tinkling sound into a carved marble basin placed to receive them. Everything was very gorgeous in Glinda's gardens, and while our voragers gazed about with admiring eyes, a company of soldiers silently appeared and surrounded them. But these soldiers of the great sorcerers were entirely different from those of Ginger's Armory of Revolt, although they were likewise girls. For Glinda's soldiers wore neat uniforms and bore swords and spears, and they marched with a skill and precision that proved them well trained in the arts of war. The captain commanding this troop, which was Glinda's private bodyguard, recognized the Scarecrow and the tin woodmen at once, and greeted them with respectful salutations. Good day! said the Scarecrow, garrantly removing his hat, while the woodmen gave a soldierly salute. We have come to request an audience with your fair ruler. Glinda is now within her palace awaiting you. Returned the captain. For she saw you coming long before you arrived. That is strange! said Tip, wondering. Not at all! answered the Scarecrow. For Glinda the good is a mighty sorceress, and nothing that goes on in the land of Ours escapes her notice. I suppose she knows why we came as well as we do ourselves. Then what was the use of our coming? asked Jack stupidly. To prove you are a pumpkin-head. Retarded the Scarecrow. But if sorceress expects us, we must not keep her waiting. So they all clambered out of the sofas and followed the captain toward the palace, even the saw-horse taking his place in the queer procession. Upon her throne a finely wrought gold sat Glinda, and she could scarcely repress a smile as her peculiar visitors entered and bowed before her. Both the Scarecrow and the tin woodmen she knew and liked, but the awkward pumpkin-head and highly magnified waggle-bug where creatures she had never seen before, and they seemed even more curious than the others. As for the saw-horse, he looked to be nothing more than an animated chunk of wood, and he bowed so stiffly that his head bumped against the floor, causing a ripple of laughter among the soldiers, in which Glinda frankly joined. I beg to announce to your glorious highness, began the Scarecrow in a solemn voice, that my emerald city has been overrun by a crowd of impudent girls with knitting needles, who have enslaved all the men, robbed the streets and public buildings of all their emerald jewels, and usurped my throne. They also threatened to destroy me, as well as all the good friends and allies you see before you, continued the Scarecrow, and had we not managed to escape their clutches, our days would long since have ended. I know it, repeated Glinda. Therefore I have come to beg your assistance, resumed the Scarecrow, for I believe you are always glad to succour the unfortunate and oppressed. That is true, replied the sorceress, slowly. But the emerald city is now ruled by General Ginger, who has caused herself to be proclaimed queen. What right have I to oppose her? Why, she stole the throne from me, said the Scarecrow. And how came you to possess the throne, asked Glinda? I got it from the Wizard of Wars, and by the choice of the people. Returned the Scarecrow, uneasy at such questioning. And where did the Wizard get it? She continued gravely. I am told he took it from Pistoria, the former king, said the Scarecrow, becoming confused under the intent look of the sorceress. Then, declared Glinda, the throne of the emerald city belongs neither to you nor to Ginger, but to this pastoria from whom the Wizard usurped it. That is true. Acknowledged the Scarecrow humbly. But Pistoria is now dead and gone, and someone must rule in his place. Pastoria had a daughter, who is the rightful heir to the throne of the emerald city. Did you know that? Questioned the sorceress. No, replied the Scarecrow. But if the girl still leaves, I will not stand in her way. It will satisfy me as well to have Ginger turned out, as an imposter, as to regain the throne myself. In fact, it isn't much fun to be king, especially if one has good brains. I have known for some time that I am fitted to occupy a far more exalted position. But where is the girl who owns the throne, and what is her name? Her name is Asma. Answered Glinda. But where she is, I have tried in vain to discover. For the Wizard of Oz, when he stole the throne from Asma's father, hid the girl in some secret place, and by means of a magical trick, with which I am not familiar, he also managed to prevent her being discovered, even by so experienced a sorceress as myself. That is strange. Interrupted the Wagglebug pompously. I have been informed that the wonderful Wizard of Oz was nothing more than a humbug. Nonsense. Explained the Scarecrow, much provoked by this speech. Didn't he give me a wonderful set of brains? There's no humbug about my heart. Announced the Ted Woodman, glaring indignantly at the Wagglebug. Perhaps I was misinformed. Stammered the insect, shrinking back. I never knew the Wizard personally. Well, we did. Retorted the Scarecrow. And he was a very great Wizard, I assure you. It is true he was guilty of some slight impostures, but unless he was a great Wizard, how, let me ask, could he have hidden this girl, Osma, so securely, that no one can find her? I give it up. Replied the Wagglebug meekly. That is the most sensible speech you've made. Said the Ted Woodman. I must really make another effort to discover where this girl is hidden. Resumed the sorcerers thoughtfully. I have in my library a book in which is inscribed every action of the Wizard while he was in our land of Oz, or at least every action that could be observed by my spies. This book I will read carefully to-night, and try to single out the acts that may guide us in discovering the lost Osma. In the meantime, pray amuse yourselves in my palace and command my servants as if they were your own. I will grant you another audience to-morrow. With this gracious speech Glinda dismissed the adventurers, and they wandered away through the beautiful gardens, or they passed several hours enjoying all the delightful things with which the Queen of the Southland had surrounded her royal palace. On the following morning they again appeared before Glinda, who said to them, I have searched carefully through the records of the Wizard's actions, and among them I can find but three that appear to have been suspicious. He ate beans with a knife, made three secret visits to Old Mombi, and limped slightly on his left foot. Ah! That last is certainly suspicious! exclaimed the pumpkin-head. Not necessarily. Said this guy a crow. He may have had corns. Now it seems to me that eating beans with a knife is more suspicious. Perhaps it is a polite custom in Omaha from which great country the Wizard originally came. Suggested the Tin Woodman. He may be. Admitted the sky-crow. But why? Asked Glinda. Did he make three secret visits to Old Mombi? Ah! Why, indeed! Accord the woggle-bug impressively. We know that the Wizard taught the old woman many of his tricks of magic. Continued Glinda. And this he would not have done had she not assisted him in some way. So he may suspect, with good reason, that Mombi aided him to hide the girl Asma, who was the real heir to the throne of the Emerald City, and a constant danger to the usurper. For if the people knew that she lived, they would quickly make her their queen, and restore her to her rightful position. Enable argument. Cried the scarecrow. I have no doubt that Mombi was mixed up in this wicked business, but how does that knowledge help us? We must find Mombi. Replied Glinda. And force her to tell where the girl is hidden. Mombi is now with Queen Ginger in the Emerald City. Said Tip. It was she who threw so many obstacles in our pathway, and made Ginger threaten to destroy my friends, and give me back into the Old Witch's power. Then. Decided, Glinda? I will march with my army to the Emerald City, and take Mombi prisoner. After that we can perhaps force her to tell the truth about Asma. She is a terrible old woman. Remarked Tip, with a shudder at the thought of Mombi's black kettle. And an obstinate, too. I am quite obstinate myself. Returned the sorceress with a sweet smile. So I do not fear Mombi in the least. Today I will make all necessary preparations, and we will march upon the Emerald City at daybreak tomorrow. Chapter 21 The Tin Woodman Plucks of Rose The army of Glinda the Good looked very grand and imposing when it assembled at daybreak before the palace gates. The uniforms of the girl soldiers were pretty and of gay colors, and their silver-tipped spears were bright and glistening, the long shafts being inlaid with mother of pearl. All the officers were sharp, gleaming swords, and shields edged with peacock feathers. And it really seemed that no foe could by any possibility defeat such a brilliant army. The sorceress rode in a beautiful palanquin, which was like the body of a coach, having doors and windows with silk and curtains. But instead of wheels, which a coach has, the palanquin rested upon two long horizontal bars, which were born upon the soldiers of twelve servants. The scarecrow and his comrades decided to ride in the gump in order to keep up with the swift march of the army. So, as soon as Glinda had started and her soldiers had marched away to the inspiring strains of music played by the royal band, our friends climbed into the sofas and followed. The gump flew along slowly at a point directly above the palanquin in which rode the sorceress. Be careful! said the tin woodman to the scarecrow who was leaning far over the side to look at the army below. You might fall! It wouldn't matter. remarked the educated waggle-bug. He can't get broke so long as he is stuffed with money. Didn't I ask you? began tip in a reproachful voice. You did. said the waggle-bug promptly. And I beg your pardon. I will really try to restrain myself. You'd better. declared the boy. That is, if you wish to travel in our company. Oh! I couldn't bear to part with you now. murmured the insect feelingly. So tip let the subject drop. The army moved steadily on, but night had fallen before they came to the walls of the emerald city. By the dim light of the new moon, however, Glinda's forces silently surrounded the city and pitched their tents of scarlet silk upon the greensward. The tent of the sorceress was larger than the others, and was composed of pure white silk with scarlet banners flying above it. A tent was also pitched for the scarecrow's party, and when these preparations had been made, with military precision and quickness, the army retired to rest. Great was the amazement of Queen Ginger next morning when her soldiers came running to inform her of the vast army surrounding them. She at once climbed to a high tower of the royal palace, and saw banners waving in every direction, and the great white tent of Glinda standing directly before the gates. We are surely lost! cried Ginger in despair. For how can our knitting needles avail against the long spears and terrible swords of our foes? The best thing we can do, said one of the girls, is to surrender as quickly as possible before we get hurt. Not so. Returned Ginger, more bravely. The enemy is still outside the walls, so we must try to gain time by engaging them in parley. Go you with a flag of truce to Glinda, and ask her why she has dared to invade my dominions, and what are her demands? So the girl passed through the gates, bearing a white flag to show she was on a mission of peace, and came to Glinda's tent. Tell your Queen, said the sorceress to the girl, that she must deliver up to me, old Mumby, to be my prisoner. If this is done, I will not molest her father. Now, when this message was delivered to the Queen, it filled her with dismay, for Mumby was her chief councillor, and Ginger was terribly afraid of the old hag. But she sat for Mumby, and told her what Glinda had said. I see trouble ahead for all of us. But at the old witch, after glancing into a magic mirror, she carried in her pocket. But we may even yet escape by deceiving this sorceress clever as she thinks herself. Don't you think it will be safer for me to deliver you into her hands? Asked Ginger nervously. If you do, it will cost you the throne of the Emerald City. Answered the witch positively. But if you will let me have my own way, I can save us both very easily. Then do as you please, replied Ginger. For it is so aristocratic to be a Queen, that I do not wish to be obliged to return home again, to make beds and washed dishes for my mother. So Mumby called Jelly a jam to her, and performed a certain magical rite with which she was familiar. As a result of the enchantment, Jelly took on the form and features of Mumby, while the old witch grew to resemble the girl so closely, that it seemed impossible anyone could guess the deception. Now, said old Mumby to the Queen, Let your soldiers deliver up this girl to Glinda. She will think she has the real Mumby in her power, and so will return immediately to her own country in the south. Therefore Jelly, hobbling along like an aged woman, was led from the city gates and taken before Glinda. Here's the person you demanded, said one of the guards, and our Queen now begs you will go away, as you promised, and leave us in peace. That I will surely do, replied Glinda, much pleased. If this is really the person she seems to be. It is certainly old Mumby, said the guard, who believed she was speaking the truth, and then Ginger's soldiers returned within the city's gates. The sorceress quickly summoned the scarecrow and his friends to her tent, and began to question the supposed Mumby about the lost girl, Asma. But Jelly knew nothing at all of this affair, and presently she grew so nervous, under the questioning, that she gave way and began to weep to Glinda's great astonishment. Here is some foolish trickery, said the sorceress, her eyes flashing with anger. This is not Mumby at all, but some other person who has been made to resemble her. Tell me! she demanded, turning to the trembling girl. What is your name? This Jelly a dared not tell, having been threatened with death by the witch, if she confessed the fraud. But Glinda, sweet and fair though she was, understood magic better than any other person in the land of Oz. So, by uttering a few potent words and making a peculiar gesture, she quickly transformed the girl into her proper shape, while at the same time, old Mumby, far away in Ginger's palace, suddenly resumed her own crooked form and evil features. Why, it's Jelly a jam! cried the scarecrow, recognizing in the girl one of his old friends. It's our interpreter! said the pumpkin head, smiling pleasantly. Then Jelly a was forced to tell of the trick Mumby had played, and she also begged Glinda's protection, which the sorceress readily granted. But Glinda was now really angry and sent word to Ginger that the fraud was discovered and she must deliver up the real Mumby, or suffer terrible consequences. Ginger was prepared for this message, for the witch well understood, when her natural form was thrust upon her, that Glinda had discovered her trickery. But the wicked old creature had already thought up a new deception, and had made Ginger promise to carry it out. So the Queen said to Glinda's messenger, Tell your mistress that I cannot find Mumby anywhere, but that Glinda is welcome to enter the city and search herself for the old woman. She may also bring her friends with her if she likes, but if she does not find Mumby by sundown, the sorceress must promise to go away peaceably, and bother us no more. Glinda agreed to these terms, well knowing that Mumby was somewhere within the city walls. So Ginger crossed the gates to be thrown open, and Glinda marched in at the head of a company of soldiers, followed by the scarecrow and the tin woodman, while Jack Pumpkinhead rode astride the sore horse, and the educated, highly magnified woggle-bug sauntered behind in a dignified manner. Tip walked by the side of the sorceress, for Glinda had conceived a great liking for the boy. Of course, old Mumby had no intention of being found by Glinda. So while her enemies were marching up the street, the witch transformed herself into a red rose growing upon a bush in the garden of the palace. It was a clever idea, and a trick Glinda did not suspect, so several precious hours were spent in a vain search for Mumby. As sundown approached, the sorceress realized she had been defeated by the superior cunning of an ageate witch. So she gave the command to her people to march out of the city and back to their tents. The scarecrow and his comrades happened to be searching in the garden of the palace just then, and they turned with disappointment to obey Glinda's command. But before they left the garden, the tin woodman, who was fond of flowers, chanced to a spy a big red rose growing upon a bush, so he plucked the flower and fastened it securely in the tin button-hole of his tin bosom. As he did this, he fancied he heard a low moan proceed from the rose, but he paid no attention to the sound, and Mumby was thus carried out of the city and into Glinda's camp without anyone having a suspicion that they had succeeded in their quest. End of Chapter Twenty-One Chapter Twenty-Two Of the Marvelous Land of Oz This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum Chapter Twenty-Two The Transformation of Old Mumby The witch was at first frightened at finding herself captured by the enemy, but soon she decided that she was exactly as safe as the tin woodman's button-hole as growing upon the bush. For no one knew the rose and Mumby to be one, and now that she was without the gates of the city, her chances of escaping altogether from Glinda were much improved. But there is no hurry, thought Mumby. I will wait a while and enjoy the humiliation of this sorceress when she finds I have outwitted her. So throughout the night the rose lay quietly on the woodman's bosom, and in the morning, when Glinda summoned her friends to a consultation, Nick Chopper carried his pretty flower with him to the white silk tent. For some reason, said Glinda, we have failed to find this cunning old Mumby, so I fear our expedition will prove a failure. And for that I am sorry, because without our assistance Little Asma will never be rescued and restored to her rightful position as Queen of the Emerald City. Do not let us give up so easily, said the pumpkin head. Let us do something else. Something else must really be done, replied Glinda with a smile. Yet I cannot understand how I have been defeated so easily by an old witch who knows far less of magic than I do myself. While we are on the ground, I believe it would be wise for us to conquer the Emerald City for Princess Osma and find the girl afterward. And while the girl remains hidden, I will gladly rule in her place, for I understand the business of ruling much better than Ginger does. But I have promised not to molest Ginger. Objected, Glinda. Suppose you all return with me to my kingdom, or empire rather. Said the Tin Woodman, politely including the entire party in a royal wave of his arm. It will give me great pleasure to entertain you in my castle, where there is room enough and to spare. And if any of you wish to be nickel-plated, my valet will do it free of all expense. While the Woodman was speaking, Glinda's eyes had been noting the rose in his buttonhole, and now she imagined she saw the big red leaves of the flower tremble slightly. This quickly aroused her suspicions, and in a moment more the sorceress had decided that the seeming rose was nothing else than a transformation of old Mombi. At the same instant Mombi knew she was discovered and must quickly plan an escape. And as transformations were easy to her, she immediately took the form of a shadow, and glided along the wall of the tent toward the entrance, thinking thus to disappear. But Glinda had not only equal cunning, but far more experience than the witch, so the sorceress reached the opening of the tent before the shadow, and with a wave of her hand closed the entrance so securely that Mombi could not find a crack big enough to creep through. The scarecrow and his friends were greatly surprised at Glinda's actions, for none of them had noted the shadow, but the sorceress said to them, Remain perfectly quiet, all of you, for the old witch is even now with us in this tent, and I hope to capture her. These words so alarmed Mombi that she quickly transformed herself from a shadow to a black ant, in which shape she crawled along the ground, seeking a crack or crevice in which to hide her tiny body. Fortunately, the ground where the tent had been pitched, being just before the city gates, was hard and smooth, and while the ant still crawled about, Glinda discovered it, and ran quickly forward to affect its capture. But just as her hand was descending, the witch, now fairly frantic with fear, made her last transformation, and in the form of a huge griffin sprang through the wall of the tent, tearing the silk asunder in her rush, and in a moment had darted away with the speed of a whirlwind. Glinda did not hesitate to follow, she sprang upon the back of the saw-horse, and cried, Now you shall prove that you have a right to be alive! Run! Run! Run! The saw-horse ran, like a flash he followed the griffin, his wooden legs moving so fast, that they twinkled like the rays of a star. Before our friends could recover from their surprise, both the griffin and the saw-horse had dashed out of sight. Come, let us follow! cried the scarecrow. They ran to the place where the gump was lying and quickly tumbled aboard. Fly! commanded Tip eagerly. Where to? asked the gump in its calm voice. I don't know. Returned Tip, who was very nervous at the delay. But, if you mount into the air, I think we can discover which way Glinda is gone. Very well. Returned the gump quietly, and it spread its great wings and mounted high into the air. Far away, across the meadows, they could now see two tiny specks speeding one after the other, and they knew these specks must be the griffin and the saw-horse. So Tip called the gump's attention to them, and bade the creature try to overtake the witch and the sorceress. But, swift as was the gump's flight, the pursued and pursuer moved more swiftly yet, and within a few moments were blotted out against the dim horizon. Let us continue to follow them, nevertheless, said the scarecrow. For the land of Oz is of small extent, and sooner or later they must both come to a halt. Old Mambi had thought herself very wise to choose the form of a griffin, for its legs were exceedingly fleet, and its strength more enduring than that of other animals. But she had not reckoned on the untiring energy of the saw-horse, whose wooden limbs could run for days without slacking their speed. Therefore, after an hour's hard running, the griffin's breath began to veil, and it panted and gasped painfully, and moved more slowly than before. Then it reached the edge of the desert, and began racing across the deep sands, but its tired feet sank far into the sand, and in a few minutes the griffin fell forward, completely exhausted, and lay still upon the desert waste. Glinda came up a moment later, riding the still vigorous saw-horse, and having unwound a slender golden thread from her girdle, the sorceress threw it over the head of the panting and helpless griffin, and so destroyed the magical power of Mambi's transformation. For the animal, with one fierce shudder, disappeared from view, while in its place was discovered the form of the old witch, glaring savagely at the serene and beautiful face of the sorceress. CHAPTER XXXIII You are my prisoner, and it is useless for you to struggle any longer, said Glinda in her soft, sweet voice. Lie still a moment, and rest yourself, and then I will carry you back to my tent. Why do you seek me? asked Mambi, still scarce able to speak plainly for lack of breath. What have I done to you to be so persecuted? You have done nothing to me, answered the gentle sorceress. But I suspect you have been guilty of several wicked actions, and if I find it is true that you have so abused your knowledge of magic, I intend to punish you severely. I defy you, croaked the old hag. You dare not harm me? Just then the gump flew up to them and alighted upon the desert sands beside Glinda. Our friends were delighted to find that Mambi had finally been captured, and after a hurried consultation it was decided they should all return to the camp in the gump. So the saw-horse was tossed aboard, and then Glinda, still holding an end of the golden thread that was around Mambi's neck, forced her prisoner to climb into the sofas. The others now followed, and Tip gave the word to the gump to return. The journey was made in safety, Mambi sitting in her place with a grim and sullen air, for the old hag was absolutely helpless so long as the magical thread encircled her throat. The army hailed Glinda's return with loud cheers, and the party of friends soon gathered again in the royal tent, which had been neatly repaired during their absence. Now, said the sorceress to Mambi, I want you to tell us why the wonderful Wizard of Oz paid you three visits, and what became of the child Osma, which so curiously disappeared. The witch looked at Glinda defiantly, but said not a word. Answer me, cried the sorceress, but still Mambi remained silent. Perhaps she doesn't know. Remarked Jack. I beg you, Heat Quiet, you might spoil everything with your foolishness. Very well, dear father. Returned the pumpkin head meekly. How glad I am to be a wogglebug. Memored the highly magnified insect softly. No one can expect wisdom to flow from a pumpkin. Well, said the scarecrow, what shall we do to make Mambi speak? Unless she tells us what we wish to know, her capture will do us no good at all. Suppose we try kindness, suggested the tin woodman. I've heard that anyone can be conquered with kindness, no matter how ugly they may be. At this the witch turned to glare upon him so horribly that the tin woodman shrank back abashed. Glinda had been carefully considering what to do, and now she turned to Mambi and said, You will gain nothing, I assure you, by thus defying us, for I am determined to learn the truth about the girl Osma, and unless you tell me all that you know, I will certainly put you to death. Oh no, don't do that, exclaimed the tin woodman. It would be an awful thing to kill anyone, even all Mambi. But it is merely a threat, returned Glinda. I shall not put Mambi to death, because she will prefer to tell me the truth. Oh, I see, said the tin man, much relieved. Suppose I tell you what you wish to know, said Mambi, speaking so suddenly that she startled them all. What will you do with me then? In that case, replied Glinda, I shall merely ask you to drink a powerful draft, which will cause you to forget all the magic you have ever learned. Then I would become a helpless old woman. But you would be alive, suggested the pumpkin-head consolingly. Do try to keep silence, said Tip nervously. I'll try, responded Jack, but you will admit that it's a good thing to be alive, especially if one happens to be thoroughly educated. Added the waggle-bug, nodding approval. You may make your choice, Glinda said to old Mambi. Between death, if you remain silent, and the loss of your magical powers, if you tell me the truth. But I think you will prefer to live. Mambi cast an uneasy glance at the sorceress, and saw that she was in earnest and not to be trifled with. So she replied, slowly, I will answer your questions. That is what I expected. Said Glinda, pleasantly. You have chosen wisely, I assure you. She then motioned to one of her captains, who brought her a beautiful golden casket. From this the sorceress drew an immense white pearl, attached to a slender chain which she placed around her neck, in such a way that the pearl rested upon her bosom directly over her heart. Now, said Gee, I will ask my first question. Why did the wizard pay you three visits? Because I would not come to him. Answered Mambi. That is no answer. Said Glinda, sternly. Tell me the truth. Well? Returned Mambi with downcast eyes. He visited me to learn the way I make tea biscuits. Look up. Commanded the sorceress. What is the color of my pearl? Demanded Glinda. Mambi obeyed. Why? It is black. Replied the old witch in a tone of wonder. Then you have told me of falsehood. Cried Glinda, angrily. Only when the truth is spoken will my magic pearl remain a pure white in color. Mambi now saw how useless it was to try to deceive the sorceress. So she said, meanwhile, scowling at her defeat. The wizard brought to me the girl Osma. Who was then no more than a baby, and begged me to conceal the child. That is what I thought. Declared Glinda, calmly. What did he give you for thus serving him? He taught me all the magical tricks he knew. Some were good tricks and some were only frauds. But I have remained faithful to my promise. What did you do with the girl? Asked Glinda. And at this question everyone bent forward and listened eagerly for the reply. I enchanted her. Answered Mambi. In what way? I transformed her into... into... Into what? Demanded Glinda as the witch hesitated. Into a boy. Said Mambi in a low tone. A boy! Echoed every voice. And then, because they knew that this old woman had reared tip from childhood, all eyes were turned to where the boy stood. Yes. Said the old witch, nodding her head. That is the Princess Osma. The child brought to me by the wizard who stole her father's throne. That is the rightful ruler of the Emerald City. And she pointed her long bony finger straight at the boy. I... Cried tip in amazement. Why, I'm no Princess Osma. I'm no a girl. Glinda smiled and, going to tip, she took his small brown hand within her dainty white one. You are not a girl just now, said she gently, because Mambi transformed you into a boy. But you were born a girl, and also a princess, so you must resume your proper form, that you may become queen of the Emerald City. I'll let Ginger be queen. Exclaimed tip, ready to cry. I want to stay a boy and travel with the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman and the Wogglebug and Jack. Yes, and my friends, the Zahorst and the Gump, I don't want to be a girl. Never mind, old chap. Said the Tin Woodman soothingly. It don't hurt to be a girl, I'm told. And we will all remain your faithful friends just the same. And to be honest with you, I've always considered girls nicer than boys. They're just as nice anyway. Added the Scarecrow, patting tip affectionately upon the head. And they're equally good students. Proclaimed the Wogglebug. I should like to become your tutor when you are transformed into a girl again. But see here, said Jack Pumpkinhead with a gasp. If you become a girl, you can't be my dear father anymore. No. Answered tip, laughing in spite of his anxiety. And I shall not be sorry to escape the relationship. Then he added, hesitatingly, as he turned to Glinda. I might try it for a while, just to see how it seems, you know. But if I don't like being a girl, you must promise to change me back into a boy again. Really? said the sorceress. That is beyond my magic. I never deal in transformations, for they are not honest. And no respectable sorceress likes to make things appear to be what they are not. Only unscrupulous witches use the art. And therefore I must ask Mombi to effect your release from her charm and restore you to your proper form. It will be the last opportunity she will have to practice magic. Now that the truth about Princess Ozma had been discovered, Mombi did not care what became of tip. But she feared Glinda's anger, and the boy generously promised to provide for Mombi in her old age, if he became the ruler of the Emerald City. So the witch consented to effect the transformation. And preparations for the event were at once made. Glinda ordered her own royal couch to be placed in the center of the tent. It was piled high with cushions covered with rose-colored silk, and from a golden railing above hung many folds of pink gossamer, completely concealing the interior of the couch. The first act of the witch was to make the boy drink a potion, which quickly sent him into a deep and dreamless sleep. Then the tin woodman and the waggle-bug bore him gently to the couch, placed him upon the soft cushions, and drew the gossamer hangings to shunt him from all earthly view. The witch squatted upon the ground and kindled a tiny fire of dried herbs, which she drew from her bosom. When the blaze shot up and burned clearly, old Mombi scattered a handful of magical powder over the fire, which straight way gave off a rich violet vapor, filling all the tent with its fragrance, and forcing the saw-horse to sneeze, although he had been warned to keep quiet. Then, while the others watched her curiously, the hag chanted a rhythmical verse in words which no one understood, and bent her lean body seven times back and forth over the fire. And now the incantation seemed complete, for the witch stood upright and cried the one word in a loud voice. The vapor floated away, the atmosphere became clear again, a whiff of fresh air filled the tent, and the pink curtains of the couch trembled slightly, as if stirred from within. Glinda walked to the canopy and parted the silken hangings. Then she bent over the cushions, reached out her hand, and from the couch arose the form of a young girl, fresh and beautiful as a May morning. Her eyes sparkled as two diamonds, and her lips were tinted like a tourmaline. All down her back floated tresses of ruddy gold, with a slender jewel-circuit confining them at the brow. Her robes of silk and gauze floated around her like a cloud, and dainty satin slippers shawed her feet. At this exquisite vision tips old comrades stared in wonder for the space of a full minute, and then every head bent low in honest admiration of the lovely Princess Osma. The girl herself cast one look into Glinda's bright face, which glowed with pleasure and satisfaction, and then turned upon the others, speaking the words with sweet diffidence. She said, I hope none of you will care less for me than you did before. I'm just the same tip, you know, only, only, only you're different, said the pumpkin head, and everyone thought it was the wisest speech she had ever made. End of Chapter 23 Chapter 24 Of the Marvelous Land of Oz This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Chapter 24 The Bridges of Content When the wonderful tidings reached the ears of Queen Ginger, how mamby the witch had been captured, how she had confessed her crime to Glinda, and how the long-lost Princess Osma had been discovered in no less a personage than the boy-tip, she wept real tears of grief and despair. To think, she moaned, that after having ruled as queen and lived in a palace, I must go back to scrubbing floors and churning butter again. It is too horrible to think of. I will never consent. So when her soldiers, who spent most of their time making fudge in the palace kitchens, counseled Ginger to resist, she listened to their foolish prattle, and sent a sharp defiance to Glinda the Good and the Princess Osma. The result was a declaration of war, and the very next day, Glinda marched upon the Emerald City with pennants flying and bands playing, and a forest of shining spears, sparkling brightly beneath the sun's rays. But when it came to the walls, this brave assembly made a sudden halt, for Ginger had closed and barred every gateway, and the walls of the Emerald City were build at high and thick with many blocks of green marble. Finding her advance thus baffled, Glinda burnt her brows in deep thought, while the waggle-bug said, in his most positive tone, We must lay siege to the city and starve it into submission. It is the only thing we can do. Not so, answered the scarecrow. We still have the gump, and the gump can still fly. The sorceress turned quickly at this speech, and her face now wore a bright smile. You are right, she exclaimed, and certainly have reason to be proud of your brains. Let us go to the gump at once. So they passed through the ranks of the army until they came to the place near the scarecrow's tent, where the gump lay. Glinda and Princess Asma mounted first, and sat upon the sofas. Then the scarecrow and his friends climbed aboard, and still there was room for a captain and three soldiers, which Glinda considered sufficient for a guard. Now, at a word from the princess, the queer thing they had called the gump, flopped its palm leaf wings and rose into the air, carrying the party of adventurers high above the walls. They hovered over the palace, and soon perceived Ginger reclining in a hammock in the courtyard, where she was comfortably reading a novel with a green cover and eating green chocolates, confident that the walls would protect her from her enemies. Obeying a quick command, the gump alighted safely in this very courtyard, and before Ginger had time to do more than scream, the captain and three soldiers leaped out and made the former queen a prisoner, locking strong chains upon both her wrists. That act really ended the war, for the army of revolt submitted as soon as they knew Ginger to be a captive, and the captain marched in safety through the streets and up to the gates of the city, which she threw wide open. Then the bands played their most stirring music, while Glinda's army marched into the city, and Harold's proclaimed the conquest of the audacious Ginger and the accession of the beautiful Princess Osma to the throne of her royal ancestors. At once the men of the Emerald City cast off their aprons, and it is said that the women were so tired eating of their husbands cooking that they all hailed the conquest of Ginger with joy. Certain it is that, rushing one and all to the kitchens of their houses, the good wives prepared so delicious a feast for the weary men that harmony was immediately restored in every family. Osma's first act was to oblige the army of revolt to return to her every Emerald and every other gem stolen from the public streets and buildings, and so great was the number of precious stones picked from their settings by these vain girls, that every one of the royal jewelers worked steadily for more than a month to replace them in their settings. Meanwhile the army of revolt was disbanded and the girls sent home to their mothers. On promise of good behavior Ginger was likewise released. Osma made the loveliest queen the Emerald City had ever known, and although she was so young and inexperienced she ruled her people with wisdom and justice, for Glinda gave her good advice on all occasions, and the Wogglebug, who was appointed to the important post of public educator, was quite helpful to Osma when her royal duties grew perplexing. The girl, in her gratitude to the Gump for its services, offered the creature any reward it might name. Then replied the Gump, Take me to pieces. I did not wish to be brought to life and I am greatly ashamed of my conglomerate personality. Once I was a monarch of the forest as my antlers fully prove, but now in my present upholstered condition of servitude I am compelled to fly through the air my legs being of no use to me whatever, therefore I beg to be dispersed. So Osma ordered the Gump taken apart. The antlered head was again hung over the mantle piece in the hall, and the sofas were untied and placed in the reception parlours. The broom-tail resumed its accustomed duties in the kitchen, and finally the scarecrow replaced all the clothes-lines and ropes on the pegs from which he had taken them on the eventful day when the thing was constructed. You might think that that was the end of the Gump, and so it was as a flying machine, but the head over the mantle piece continued to talk whenever it took a notion to do so, and it frequently startled, with its abrupt questions, the people who waited in the hall for an audience with the Queen. The saw-horse, being Osma's personal property, was tenderly cared for, and often she rode the queer creature along the streets of the Emerald City. She had its wooden legs shod with gold to keep them from wearing out, and the tinkle of these golden shoes upon the pavement always filled the Queen's subjects with awe as they thought upon this evidence of her magical powers. The wonderful wizard was never so wonderful as Queen Osma. The people said to one another in whispers, for he claimed to do many things he could not do, whereas our new Queen does many things no one would ever expect her to accomplish. Jack Pumpkinhead remained with Osma to the end of his days, and he did not spoil as soon as he had feared, although he always remained as stupid as ever. The Wackelbug tried to teach him several arts and sciences, but Jack was so poor a student that any attempt to educate him was soon abandoned. After Glinda's army had marched back home, and peace was restored to the Emerald City, the Tin Woodman announced his intention to return to his own kingdom of the Winkies. It isn't a very big kingdom, but for that very reason it is easier to rule, and I have called myself an Emperor because I am an absolute monarch, and no one interferes in any way with my conduct of public or personal affairs. When I get home I shall have a new coat of nickel plate, for I have become somewhat marred and scratched lately, and then I shall be glad to have you pay me a visit. Thank you, replied Osma. Someday I may accept the invitation, but what is to become of the Scarecrow? I shall return with my friend the Tin Woodman, said the staffed one seriously. We have decided never to be parted in the future, and I have made the Scarecrow my royal treasurer, explained the Tin Woodman, for it has occurred to me that it is a good thing to have a royal treasurer who is made of money. What do you think? I think, said the little queen, smiling, that your friend must be the richest man in all the world. I am, returned the Scarecrow, but not on account of my money, for I consider brains far superior to money in every way. You may have noticed that if one has money without brains he cannot use it to advantage, but if one has brains without money they will enable him to live comfortably to the end of his days. At the same time, declared the Tin Woodman, you must acknowledge that a good heart is a thing that brains cannot create and that money cannot buy. Perhaps, after all, it is I who am the richest man in all the world. You are both rich, my friends, said Osma, gently. But your riches are the only riches worth having, the riches of contents. End of chapter 24. End of the Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum