Classic Audiobook Collection - Handy Mandy in Oz by Ruth Plumly Thompson ~ Full Audiobook [fantasy]

Episode Date: May 5, 2023

Handy Mandy in Oz by Ruth Plumly Thompson audiobook. Genre: fantasy On many a day had Handy, the Goat Girl of Mern, pursued her goats up and down the rocky eminences of her native mountain. And never—NEVER—in her fourteen or so years' experience had she been blown up by a mountain spring. But there comes, in every one's experience a day which is unlike every other day, and so it was with the Goat Girl. As she was pursuing What-a-butter, her favorite goat, there was a sudden crash, a whish, and up flew the slab of rock on which she was standing, up and away. The adventures into which she was carried by this simple though awefull beginning take a whole book to relate. How she met Nox the Royal Ox of Keretaria, how together they went in search of little King Kerry, how at last they rescued him and found themselves feted guests of Ozma of Oz, all these things you must read for yourselves. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 01 (00:07:50) Chapter 02 (00:15:54) Chapter 03 (00:32:02) Chapter 04 (00:46:44) Chapter 05 (01:01:57) Chapter 06 (01:17:11) Chapter 07 (01:32:18) Chapter 08 (01:48:34) Chapter 09 (02:01:35) Chapter 10 (02:17:38) Chapter 11 (02:24:02) Chapter 12 (02:32:07) Chapter 13 (02:43:52) Chapter 14 (02:51:05) Chapter 15 (02:59:04) Chapter 16 (03:14:19) Chapter 17 (03:23:09) Chapter 18 (03:30:46) Chapter 19 (03:43:00) Chapter 20 (03:52:22) Chapter 21 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Handy Mandy in Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson Chapter 1 Mandy leaves the mountain Wadda butter! Wada butter! High and clear above the peaks of Mount Mern floated the voice of the goat girl calling the finest, fattest, but most troublesome of her flock. All the other goats were winding obediently down toward the village that perched precariously on the edge of the mountain.

but of Wada Butter there was not a single sign nor whisker Serves me right for spoiling that contrary creature panted Mandy pushing back her thick yellow braids with her second best hand Always wants her own way that goat so she does What a butter I say what a butter come down here this instant But only the tantalizing tinkle of the goat's silver bell came to end answer her, for Wadabutter was climbing up, not down, and there was nothing for Mandy to do but go after her.

Muttering dire threats, which she was much too soft-hearted ever to carry out, the rosy-cheeked mountain lass scrambled over crags and stones, pulling herself up steep precipices, the goat always managing to keep a few jumps ahead, till soon they were almost at the top of the mountain. Here, stopping on a jutting rock to catch her breath and remove the burrs from her stockings, Mandy heard a dreadful roar, and felt an ominous rumbling beneath her feet. Water-butter, on a narrow ledge just above, heard it too, and cocked her head anxiously on one side. Perhaps she had best jumped down to Mandy. After all, the great silly girl did feed and pet her, and from the sound of things a storm was brewing.

If there was one thing the goat feared more than another, it was a thunderstorm. So, rolling her eyes as innocently as if she had not dragged Mandy all over the mountain, she stretched her nose down toward her weary mistress. B'a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-leaded water-butter affectionately. "'Oh, by yourself!' fumed Mandy, making an angry snatch for Nanny Goat's beard. Pets and children are all alike. Never appreciate a body till they have a stomachache or a thunderstorm is coming.

Now then, Malas, be quick with you. Holding out her strong arms, Mandy made ready to catch the goat as he jumped off the ledge. But before Wadda Butter could stir, there was a perfectly awful crash and explosion and upshy, the slab of rock on which Mandy was standing, up, up, and out of sight entirely. Where the mountain girl had been, a crystal column of water spurted viciously into the air, so high the bulging eyes of the goat could see no end to it. Rearing up on her hind legs, Wadda butter turned round and round in a frantic effort to catch a glimpse of her vanishing mistress.

Then, thinking suddenly what would happen should the torrent turn and fall upon her, the goat sprang off the ledge and ran madly down the mountain, bleeding like a whole herd of banshees. And Mandy, as you can well believe, was as frightened as water-butter, and with twice as much reason. The first upheaval as the rock left the earth flung her flat on her nose, grasping the edges of the slab. with all hands. Mandy hung on for dear life, and as a stinging shower of icy water sprayed her from head to foot, wondered what under the earth had happened to her.

Thorns and thistles! Could the thunderstorm really have come up instead of down? Certainly it was raining up, and whatever was carrying her aloft with such terrible force and relentlessness. How could the goat girl know? that a turbulent spring pent up for thousands of years in the center of Mount Mern had suddenly burst its weight of freedom?

And you have no idea of the tremendous power in a mountain spring once it uncoils and lets itself go. Mandy's rock might just as well have been shot into the air by a magic cannon. First it tore upward as if it meant to knock a hole in the sky, then, still traveling at incalculable speed, began to arch and take a horizontal course over the mountains, hills and valleys west of Mern. All poor Mandy knew was that she was hurtling through space at breakneck speed with nothing to save or stop her.

The long yellow braids of the goat girl streamed out like penance, while her striped shirt and voluminous petticoats snapped and fluttered like banners in the wind. "'Wadder! Oh, what a-butter!' moaned Mandy, gazing wildly over the edge of the rock. "'But for sure, what was the use of calling? "'Wadda-butter, even if she heard, could not fly after her through the air, "'and when she herself came down, not even her own goat would recognize her. "'At this depressing thought, Mandy dropped her head on her arms and began to weep bitterly, for she was quite sure she would never see her friends, her home, or her goats again.

But the rough and frugal life on Mount Mern had made the goat-girl both brave and resourceful. So she soon dried her tears, and as the rock still showed no sign of slowing up nor dashing down, she began to take heart, and even a desperate sort of interest in her experience. slowly and cautiously she pulled herself to a sitting position, and still clutching the edges of the rock, dare to look down to the countries and towns flashing away below. After all, sniffed the reckless maiden, nothing very dreadful has happened yet. I've always wanted to travel, and now I am traveling. Not many people have flown through the air on a rock.

"'Why, it's really a rocket,' decided Mandy with a nervous giggle. "'And that, I suppose, makes me the first rocket rider in the country. "'And the last, too. "'She finished soberly, as she measured with her eye the distance she would plunge "'when her rocks started earthward. "'Now if we just come down in that blue lake below, "'I might have a chance. Perhaps I could jump.' "'But by the time Mandy made up her mind to jump,

The lake was far behind and nothing but a great desert of smoking sand stretched beneath her. End of Chapter 1 Chapter 2 of Handy Mandi and Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson. This Libre Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 2. The End of the Ride The sky, from the rosy pink of late afternoon, had faded to a depressing gray, and Mandy could not help thinking longingly of the appetizing little supper she had set out for herself before going up to call the goats. Who would eat it now, or even know she was flying through the air like a comet?

No one, she concluded drearily, for Mandy was an orphan and lived all by herself in a small cottage on Mount Mern, high above the village of Vistikins. In a day or two, some of her friends in the village might be. Search the cottage and find her gone. But now, now there was nothing to do but sit tight and hope for the best. Mandy's next glance down was more encouraging. Instead of the dangerous-looking desert, she was sailing over misty blue hills and valleys, dotted with many small towns and villages.

High as she was, she could even hear the church bells tolling the hour, and this made Mandy feel more lost and lonely than ever. All these people below were safely at home and about to eat their suppers while she was flying high and far from everything she knew and loved best. Hungrily, the goat girl cast her eyes over the rock she was riding, thinking to find a small sprig of mountain berries or even a blade of grass to nibble. At first glance the rock seemed bare. Baron, then sticking out of a narrow crevice, Mandy spied a tiny blue flower.

Poor little posy, it's as far from home as I am, murmured the goat-girl, and, carefully breaking the stem, she lifted the blue flower to her nose. Its faint fragrance was vaguely comforting, and Mandy had just begun to count the petals, when the rock gave a sickening lurch and started to start to the rock. to pitch down so fast, Mandy's braids snapped like jumping ropes, and her skirts bellied out like a parachute in a gale. Now for it, gasped the goat girl, closing her eyes and clenching her teeth. Oh, my poor little shins! Mandy's shins were both stout and sturdy, but even so we cannot blame Mandy for pitying them. Stouter shins than hers would have splintered us.

such a fall. Hardly knowing what she was doing, Mandy began to pull the petals from the blue flower, calling in an agonized voice as she pulled each one the names of her goats and friends. She had just come to speckle the smallest member of her flock when the end came. "'Kiminy, Jiminy, was this all?' Opening one eye the goat-girl looked fearfully about her. she was sitting on top of a haystack.

No, not a haystack, but a heap of soft blue flower petals, as soft as down. Opening the other eye, she saw the rock on which she had traveled so far, bump over a golden fence and fall with a satisfied splash into a shimmering lake.

But what lay beyond the lake made Mandy forget all her troubles and fairly moaned with surprise and pleasure. A castle, exalted the goat-girl, putting one hand over her heart. Oh, I've always wanted to see a castle, and now I am. And this castle, let me tell you, was well worth anyone seeing. A castle of lacy blue marble carved and decorated with precious stones, in a way to astonish the eyes of a simple mountain lass.

From the tallest tower, a silken pendant floated lazily in the evening breeze. K-E-R-E-T-A-R-I-A, Mandy spelled out slowly. Sliding off the heap of flower petals, she stood for a long, delicious moment lost in admiration. Then, giving herself a business-like shape, to be sure she was not broken or bent by her amazing flight and tumble,

Mandy turned to examine the rest of her surroundings. When she looked at the spot on which she had fallen, the stack of blue petals had disappeared, but there, twinkling up cheerfully, was the blue flower as much at home as if it had grown there in the first place. Thoroughly puzzled, Mandy picked the little flower a second time and slipped it into the pocket of her apron. Even without the mystery of the blue flower,

it was astonishing enough to find herself in the stately park of this gorgeous blue castle. There was a tree-lined avenue and velvety lawns splashed with star-shaped flower beds, stretched in every direction. Only the small patch of land on which she was standing was bare and uncultivated. And evidently someone was at once.

work here, for a great white ox with golden horns, yoked to a gold plow, stood with his back to Mandy, dozing cozily in the pleasant dusk. At the sight of the ox, Mandy gave a little sigh of relief and content. Long ago an old mountain woman had given her this sensible piece of advice. When you do not know what to do next, do the first useful piece of work that comes to hand. Now here, right at hand, was a useful piece of work, and while she was trying to figure out the whole puzzle of the flying rock and strange blue flower, she might just as well be plowing. Then when the owner of the castle saw her working so industriously, he might invite her to supper. So, grasping the tail of the ancient plow, Mandy clicked her tongue in a cheerful signal for the ox to start. The white ox, who had not seen nor heard the goat-girl till this minute,

turned his head in a lordly fashion and gave her a long, haughty look. Not really believing what he saw. He took another look. And then, with a bellow of fright and outrage, went charging across the park, pulling the startled goat-girl behind him. Mandy might have let go, but she just did not think of it, and with pounding heart and flying braids held fast to the pitching plow as it tore through flower beds, ripped up lawns, and cut fearful furrows in the pebbled paths. Clouds of earth, stones, and whole plants uprooted ruthlessly from their beds showered round her ears, and as they reached the palace, a hard metal object hit her squarely between the eyes.

Putting up a hand, Mandy caught the flying missile and mechanically slipped it into her pocket. And the next instant, the ox, lunging through an open French window, dragged her into the magnificently furnished throne room of the castle. Not only into the throne room, mind you, but into the lap of royalty itself. End of Chapter 2. Chapter 3 of Handy Mandy and Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson This Libri Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 3

The King of Carataria The white ox in his mad dash across the throne room Had run violently into a marble pillar Hurling Mandy straight into the arms of a very tall, very stern, and very blue-looking monarch. Pages and courtiers tripped and fell left and right in a scramble to get out of the way, while the ox, snorting and trembling, looked balefully over his shoulder at the goat-girl. What is the meaning of this outrageous intrusion?

panted the king. And hand me, woman, remove your finger from my eye and your arms. Your arms! High, hath, the king's sentence ended in three frightened squeaks. Is this a girl or an octopus? He puffed, heaving up his chest in an endeavor to dislodge Mandy. Hi, ah, hi, are you going to allow this clumping savage to insult my majesty in this high-handed manner?

As the goat-girl, by this time, scarlet from anger and mortification, jumped off the king's lap. Three very high officials of the court of Caritaria darted forward. The high quick questioner, the imperial persuader, and the lord high upper-dupper of the realm. Bald a page, having delivered himself of this impressive announcement, the page bolted back of a curtain and from there peered with astonished eyes at the visitor. Everyone in the grand blue throne room looked frightened and ready to run at a moment's notice.

Wondering what could be the matter with them all, Mandy, with many misgivings, watched the counselors of Caritaria advance in a threatening row. Now then, not a move! Thunder the high questioner, tapping her sharply on the shoulder, with a golden staff shaped like a huge interrogation. point. It is my duty to question all strangers who ride, fall, fly, or break into our kingdom, and you, the haughty nobleman gave Mandy a cold blue stare, you are stranger than any stranger who has ever come to Carotaria. It is my duty to persuade you to do as his majesty commands, stated the imperial persuader. raising his gold-spiked club.

And it is my duty to put you in your place, sniffed the Lord High Upper Dubber, rattling a bunch of keys that hung from his belt. Well, if you ask me, puffed the ox, rolling his eyes wildly round at the goat-girl. Her place is in a museum, and the sooner you lock her upper-dupper, the better. Now, Mandy was so astonished to hear the ox,

speaking, she gave a loud cry and flung up her hands every single seven of them. "'Help, help!' yelped the couriers scurrying like mice into corners and corridors. Only the white ox, the king, and his counsellors kept their places. "'How dare you come into a king's presence armed in this barbarous fashion?' gasped the high quick questioner, taking a step toward the goat-girl, but too frightened to touch her. Pigs! cried Mandy, suddenly losing her temper. Can I help my seven arms? All of us on Mount Mern have seven arms and hands, and you with your skinny, too, seem far funnier than I. I am Mandy the goat-girl, as anyone in his senses can see.

The girl is right, observed the ox-cais-es-y-y-y-y-y-y-y-law. seeing more attentively at Mandy, and now speaking quite calmly. She can no more help those seven arms than you can help those seven warts on your nose, Questo. I tell you this maiden is a real curiosity. And if you three high boys will cease rattling your teeth and your clubs, perhaps she will explain why she came to Carataria. I myself shall call her Handy Mandy.

Why? "'The beast has more sense than its masters,' thought the goat-girl in surprise. "'Well,' rumbled the king ungraciously, "'if you have anything to say before we lock you up, say it. But do not wave your arms about, please.' Swallowing nervously, clasping four of her hands behind her back, and stuffing the other three into convenient pockets in her apron, Mandy began to speak. I was driving my goats home from the mountain, Your Majesty, when the rock on which I was standing exploded suddenly into the air, flew like a bird over hill, valley and desert, and dropped me into your garden.

"'Hen! Not a bruise nor a bump to show for it,' grunted the imperial persuader, elevating his nose to show he was not taken in by such a tail. In spite of his suspicious glance, Mandy decided to say nothing of the blue flower that had so miraculously softened her fall. "'And since when have rocks flown through the air?' inquired the Lord High Upper Dupper, sarcastically. "'Ham! In the Garden,' continued Mandy, undaunted by the two interruptions, I saw this great white ox, and thinking to do a bit of honest work for my supper, grasped the plow, but— "'That was a little oxenant,' murmured the great beast in a jovial voice.

For, catching sight of a seven-armed maiden all at once and without warning, I took to my heels and landed her in her present unpleasant predicament. Is that not so, malas?' Looking at the ox with round eyes, Mandy nodded. But she has still not explained all these arms, complained the imperial persuader. Whoever heard of a seven-handed maiden. I have, asserted Mandy stoutly. And what prey is there to explain?

This iron hand, the goat-girl raised it slowly and thoughtfully as she spoke. I use for ironing, lifting hot pots from the stove, and all hard sort of hard work. This leather hand I keep for beating rugs, dusting, sweeping, and so on. This wooden hand I use for churning and digging in the garden. These two red rubber hands for dishwashing and scrubbing, and my two fine white hands I keep for holding and braiding my hair. With all seven hands extended before her, Mandy smiled engagingly up at the king.

"'Undoubtedly a witch,' whispered the imperial persuader darkly, as the king, in spite of himself, gazed curiously down at his seven-armed visitor. "'A dangerous character, Your Majesty,' hissed the high quick questioner, shaking his head disapprovingly. "'To the dungeons with her,' rasped the Lord High Upper Dupper, rattling his keys like castanets. What? Ball the White Ox, stamping all his gold-shod feet in rapid succession. You mean to consign this marvel of skill and efficiency to a dungeon? What a set of dunces you are!

Come handy, I myself will take you for a slave out of my way, donts! Swaggering a bit, and with the golden plow, still clanking and bumping behind him, The ox ambled at a dignified pace toward the door. Mandy, though she did not relish the idea of becoming his slave, was greatly relieved at the interest the ox was taking in her case. But before following him, she looked inquiringly up at the king. "'Yes, go,' commanded his majesty harshly. "'I hereby give you into the care and service of Knox the royal ox of Carataria.

"'Harm one hair of his head, and you will pay for it with your life and perish, I promise you most ignominiously.' "'Mercie!' muttered Mandy, tiptoeing nervously after her new master. "'Doesn't the fellow know any short words? "'How queer everything is on this side of the mountain? "'People with only two arms? "'Animals talking and giving orders to kings? "'Suppose the ghosts at home started bossing the foscing the fursing the fursing

villagers. And what would the villagers think of her strange flight and reception in Caritaria? Well, from what she herself had seen of royalty decided the goat-girl, she much preferred her goats or even the company of this haughty white ox. Stepping briskly beside him, Mandy resolved to humor the creature till she saw a bit more of the country or found some safe way back to her mountain. Knox, swinging along at his own indolent gate, paid no further attention to the goat-girl. But when they reached his royal quarters, which to Mandy looked more like a castle than a stable, he began bawling so fiercely for the stable boys, she decided uncomfortably that being his slave

might prove both unpleasant and dangerous. However, when six little boys, dressed in blue overalls and aprons, ran out, the royal ox addressed them quite kindly. The first, without waiting for instructions, unhitched the plow and lifted the yoke from the royal shoulders. "'Prepare Carey's quarters from my new slave,' directed Knox, turning to the second and third. "'You others, bring dinner for two, and mind you, fetch handy-mandy everything they have at the king's table.' With a playful nudge, Knox started them smartly on their way,

then moved grandly into the huge stone stable and along to his own luxurious gold-paved stall. "'My eye!' exclaimed the goat-girl, sinking breathlessly to a three-legged stool. "'How grand and eloquent you are here! My eye! I wish what a butter could see this!' "'One of your goats?' murmured Knox, burying his nose in the huge marble bowl he used for a drinking-and-a-drued. Mandy nodded. "'Ah, I wish you were here now!' she added, with a rapturous little sigh.

"'Well, I don't.' Deliberately the Royal Ox licked the water from his lips. "'Do you suppose I'd allow a miserable goat in my sapphire-trimmed stall?' "'Miserable!' squealed Mandy, springing off the stool. "'What a-butter's the smartest goat on the mountain. She wouldn't give two bleats and a bough for any old hoop-a-dupe like you. Hoopadoop? repeated the ox in a dazed whisper.

Do you mean to stand there and call the Royal Ox of Carotaria a hoop-a-dupe? Yes, said Mandy firmly, but backing off a bit as she spoke. What makes you think you're so much better than a goat, even if you do talk, put on airs, and have golden horns. Well, and to Mandy's surprise and relief, Knox cleared his throat and grinned quite amiably. After all, I am the Royal Ox, you know, more precious to the king than all his court and subjects.

Everyone jumps at my least command, so why shouldn't I put on a few airs? Besides, do you think it's polite to call me an old hoopadoo, when I've just saved you from a dungeon?" "'No,' admitted Mandy, resuming her seat thoughtfully. "'I don't suppose it is.' "'Maybe you are as good as the goat,' she added with a little burst of generosity. "'Oh, thank you. Thank you very much.'

Through half-closed eyes the Royal Ox looked quizzically at the goat-girl. "'I believe we shall get on famously. malas, famously. The truth is, you amuse me no end, and so long as you amuse me, everything will be smooth as silk. But, of course, if you bore me, I will bore you, oh, positively. Lowering his head, Knox shook his horns playfully. Now, I shouldn't try that, if I were you, advised Mandy, raising her iron hand and cracking the fingers warningly, for if you do I might throw things. Ha, ha, I believe you would. The enormous beast, charmed by so much spirit and independence, fairly beamed upon his new slave.

I take it you are pretty good at throwing things? Yes, and at catching them, too. Reaching up, Mandy took seven of the dozen brushes off the shelf above her head. Tossing them all into the air with three of her hands, she caught them easily with the other four. Then, dragging her stool closer, she began brushing the coat of her royal charge so hard and vigorously he blinked with pleasure and astonishment.

"'Will you have your tail plain, curled or plaited?' asked Mandy in a business-like voice. "'A plain, thank you.' With admiration and some alarm, Knox regarded the whirling arms of the goat-girl, but the four little stable boys, appearing at that moment, stared at her in glassy-eyed fright and consternation. For Knox, they had brought a tray heaped high with corn and oats, and another with fresh-slice apples.

For Mandy, there were two trays of gold dishes, containing a sample of everything from the royal table. Dropping her brushes, Mandy seized all the trays at once in her various hands, which so frightened the stable boys they took to their heels, yelling at the top of their voices. Winking at the Royal Ox, Mandy set his supper on the gold stand meant for that purpose. Then dropping to the floor before her own two trays,

began her first dinner in a strange land. And what a strange land, mused Mandy, helping herself from the gold dishes with first one hand and then another. Well, Malaz! inquired Knox, daintily nibbling his oats and apples. Is this not better than bread and water in a junction cell? Too full for utterance, Mandy rapturously nodded. End of Chapter 3.

Chapter 4 of Handy Mandi and Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson. This Libre Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 4. The Message in the Horn After the goat girl had finished her supper and the stable boys had hurried off with the trays, Knox showed his new slave to her quarters. Handy Mandy, who had expected nothing better than a heap of straw in the corner of an empty stall, decided that for a slave she was faring pretty well.

A small but complete apartment had been built in the wing next to Knox's stall, with not only a comfortable bedroom in bath, but a small sitting-room as well. The bed was a huge gold four-poster with blue silk sheets and comforters. Never in her hard and simple life had handy dreamed of such elegance. "'Here, try the chairs,' urged Knox, trotting almost briskly into the sitting-room. This Mandy was only too willing to do, and the pretty little room with its bookshelves, lamps, and pictures seemed to the honest-goat-girls. much more desirable than the palace.

"'All belong to Carrie,' mumbled the royal ox, settling himself largely on a white rug beside her. "'Was Carrie one of your slaves?' asked Mandy, rocking herself cheerfully to and fro with all her hands resting quietly in her lap. "'Slave!' the ox spoke sharply. "'I should say not. Carrie was a king, our own little king, up to a few, few years ago. And what a lad he was! What a lad!

Was! exclaimed Mandy. Why? What happened to him? He disappeared, Knox told her sadly. Nobody knows how or where. Just disappeared, my girl, on a hunting trip. And this blue-nosed scoundrel, who claims to be his uncle, came to rule over Caritaria. Since then, Knox lowered his voice cautiously. Everything is different and changed. The people are treated no better than dogs, dogs, repeated the Royal Ox bitterly. Of course, this fellow cannot interfere with me, nor take any chances, for there is a prophecy on the west wall of the castle that has stood for a thousand years. What does it say? asked Mandy. leaning forward and clasping the arms of the rocker with all hands.

Impressively, Knox repeated the prophecy. So long as the Royal Ox of Carotaria is in good health and spirits, so long and no longer shall the present king rule over the land. But who wrote it? Mandy's rocker stopped with a surprised squeak. Nobody knows, answered Knox soberly. But it has come true dozens and dozens of times. Each time a new king is crowned in Caritaria,

a new ox appears mysteriously at the royal coronation. If anything happens to the royal ox, the king also is destroyed. My eye! The goat-girl now rocked very fast indeed. So that's the reason they take such good care of you, old toggins. But tell me, Where do all of you royal oxen come from in the first place? And how is it you can speak?

None of the beasts on Mount Mern can say a word. Oh, that, the royal ox lifted his head lazily. Carataria is in the wonderful land of Oz, my dear handy, and all ours creatures can talk, even the mice and squirrels. But what part of Oz we white oxen really come from I myself cannot rightly say. I seemed to remember a great blue forest in many happy days there. Then one evening a silver cloth was thrown over my head,

and I fell into a deep and immediate slumber. When I awakened, I was here in Carotaria, and on that same day little King Carey was crowned king of the realm. From the attendants in courtiers I soon learned of this strange prophet, But the young boy King was so devoted to me and I to him, I did not miss the forest or my former freedom. To be near me, Curie had this apartment built in the stable, and spent more than half his time in my company.

My life being easy and pleasant, I gave little thought to the past or to the future, but spent all my energies enjoying the present. Once in a while just for the looks of the thing, I appeared in a little thought to the past, I appeared in the royal processions, and each day at sundown I was yoked for an hour to the golden plow, and required to stand for an hour in the royal garden, but I never did any real work or plowing, till you my reckless handy came along to-day. But what about the little king? begged the goat-girl, as Knox lapsed into a thoughtful silence, and seemed to have forgotten

all about her. He disappeared, just as I told you. The royal ox rolled his big eyes mournfully upward. On this day, as on many others, I carried him on my back to the edge of the wood. There, mounting his favorite steed, he rode away with the royal huntsman for an hour's sport. As I returned to the castle, someone struck me a terrific blow that felled me to the earth, where I lay for several hours, in complete unconsciousness. Whoever struck me down evidently thought I was finished, for when I finally did regain my senses,

I was buried beneath a heap of loose earth and leaves. Still dazed and hardly knowing what I was about, I struggled out and staggered back to the courtyard. One of my horns had been bent during the encounter, and my expression was so wild and distracted no one recognized me as Boz, the royal ox of Little King Kerry. The whole castle was in an uproar, for a new king had taken possession of the throne, and thinking, of course, I was the next a new royal ox, this rascally imposter named me Nux. The Caritarians, without daring to inquire what had become of their former ruler, "'prowned me with daisies and laurel,

"'and hurried to do the bidding of their new ruler.' "'Why, the big cowards!' said Handy-Mandy, "'clinching all her fists. "'And do you mean to tell me "'nothing has been heard of the little king since then?' "'Nothing.' "'The royal ox moved his head grarily from side to side. "'The people think the royal prophecy

"'has been fulfilled again, "'and what can they do?' "'A farmer's boy brought word that Boz, the royal ox, had been struck down and spirited away, so naturally they felt sure that Kerry had been destroyed or taken prisoner. Then no one suspects you are really Boz and not Knox? questioned the girl, now on the very edge of her chair. Oh, my eye, don't you see?

If you are still the same ox who came to Carreteria with King Kerry, and you are still all right, he must be all right. right too. That is, if the prophecy means anything. Sh, Warren Knox, looking about nervously, someone might hear you. That is what keeps me here, he went on seriously. I felt if I stay quietly in my place, Kerry would someday return, claim his own throne, and drive this miserable tyrant out of the country. Stay quietly here, when the little fellow may be needing you, cried Handy a guest.

Oh, why don't you go look for him, you great big ox you? Come on, what are we waiting for? Why, I'll drag that old rascal off the throne with my own hands, promised the goat girl indignantly waving her arms. Wait, stop! Knox sprang up with surprising lightness from one usually so ponderous and slow. Do you realize that I am treasured and watched more closely than the crown jewels? At this very moment twenty guardsmen stalk round and round the stable.

I have as much chance of leaving Caritaria as a goldfish has of flying through the forest. As if to prove his words, a tall soldier in a blue shako thrust his head suddenly through the window from the outside. Is everything in order and as you wish your husband? Highness, puffed the guard, looking suspiciously at the goat girl's revolving arms. Everything is lovely, murmured the ox in a sleepy voice. My slave here is doing her exercises, and when she finishes she will polish my horns. At his warning wink, Handy Mandy dropped all her arms at her side. Well, well, a pleasant evening to you, mumbled the soldier, withdrawing his head with

another disapproving look at the goat-girl. For a moment after he had disappeared, neither spoke. Then Handy Mandy, snatching a silk cover from one of the pillows, fell to polishing Knox's left horn for very dear life. I can always think faster when I'm working, she observed earnestly. Think away, replied the ox, closing his eyes, so as not to see the numerous hands flashing past his nose. But be careful which you say.

and do. If you rouse the suspicions of old King Kerr, you'll be flung into a dungeon in spite of all my influence. Now don't you be worrying about me, chartled handy with a little wink and nod. I've been taking care of myself and a flock of goats for ten years. Say, this is a bend for sure. The goat-girl ran her rubber fingers curiously along the curve in the ox's left horn, and then, with one of her sudden and kind-hearted impulses, tried to straighten the quirk with a quick twist of her wrist. Imagine, then, if you can, her horror and surprise, when the golden horn came off in her hand.

"'Oh, my goats and my goodness!' shuddered handy, hopping from one foot to the other. "'What'll I do? Where's some glue-ho? My, I'm mighty sorry.' Sorry? Gulp the royal ox, glaring at the goat-girl with rolling eyes and lashing-tail. But before he could lunge forward as he certainly intended to do, Handy gave a little scream of excitement. Oh, look! she panted, pointing all thirty-five fingers at the base of Knox's horn. Oh, my dear ear, it screws on.

There are regular grooves. Wait, I'll have it back in a jiffy." Knox, who couldn't possibly see the top of his own head, merely gave a grunt. But handy-mandy, lifting the horn in her wooden hand, screamed again and then began to shake the horn violently. At her second shake, two silver balls tumbled out and rolled away into a corner. Scambling after them, with Knox now as interested as she, the goat-girl recovered them both dropped breathlessly on a sofa. On closer examination,

Handy discovered the balls would open as easily as cardboard Easter eggs, and with Knox's head resting heavily on her shoulder, she gave the first a quick turn. It came apart at once, and in the hollow center lay a small folded paper. Spreading it out on her knees, Handy read, in a hoarse whisper, "'Go to the Silver Mountain of Oz.'

"'Silver Mountain? "'Do you know where that is?' exclaimed the goat-girl, "'looking wildly round at Knox. "'No, but I'll wager my head. "'It has something to do with Kerry. "'Quick molass, open the other ball.' "'With trembling fingers of her good white hand, "'the goat-girl obeyed.

"'Inside the second sphere "'lay a small, silver key. After they had examined this and read the message all over again, Handy carefully tucked the two articles back in the silver balls and returned the balls to the golden horn. Then hastily screwing the horn back on its base, the two began whispering earnestly together. Mean to say you never knew your horn came off? questioned Handy, clasping and unclasping her hands.

Mean to say you never heard of this silver mountain? "'Ah, no, to both questions,' answered the ox with an anxious little sigh. "'But now that we do know, we must start off at once to search for it and see for ourselves, whether Carrie is imprisoned there by his enemies. Though how we'll escape these guards or ever get away with half the kingdom watching I cannot imagine.' "'Never fear, we'll manage,' promised handy easily. "'Why, with your horns and my hands it will take an army to stop a-up. us. Now get your rest, ox, dear, and in the morn's morning, we'll be journeying.

You're right, breathe the ox, starting obediently toward his stall. I more than half believe you. Good night, then, call the goat-girl softly. Don't talk in your sleep and give our plans away. End of Chapter 4. Chapter 5 of Handy Mandy and Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson. This Libre Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 5. Out of Cariteria. Knox was asleep on a heap of white flower petals in the corner of his stall, asleep and dreaming of the Silver Mountain of Oz,

when a sharp tap on the shoulder rudely awakened him. "'Come!' whispered an urgent voice. "'Time to start. Come, I've managed everything!' Lurching to his feet, and still in a daze, The Royal Ox looked askance, and with no great favor at the goat-girl. "'Why, it's not even light,' he moaned feebly. "'Of course not,' admitted Handy Mandy, guardedly. But I poked my nose out the door a moment ago and saw all the guards were a bit drowsy-ish,

so I tapped them on the head with this. Handy Mandy raised her iron hand, and with a little grimace beckoned for an ox to hurry. come along now we can be out of here before they know what's what or who so knox with a regretful look round his comfortable stall and a sigh for his morning bath and breakfast moved quietly after her while the royal creature had spent most of his time during the past two years thinking of ways to rescue his young master now that he was actually starting out he was filled with doubt and dismay How could they ever find this silver mountain and overcome the enemies that most certainly would beset them? The sight of the twenty guards, lying in a stiff row, somewhat reassured the downhearted beast, and in the dim light of early morning he looked thoughtfully up at the sturdy mountain lass, stepping so resolutely beside him.

In each hand Mandy carried a different weapon, and resting on her broad shoulders was a rake, an axe, one guard's gun, another guard's sword, a spade, and a long-handled groom. Noting his astonished glance, the goat-girl grinned, and with her one free hand, touched her fingers to her lips. So, silently, and without exchanging a word, the two crossed the stable-yard, the royal park, hurried through a little wood, and came out on a daze. dusty blue highway.

Now, said Handy, looking up and down the road to make sure no one was coming. Now we can talk and decide which direction to take. How can we do that? objected Knox, panting a little from the unaccustomed exertion before breakfast, when neither of us knows where the Silver Mountain is. Well, we have tongues, haven't we? And can ask, can't we? "'Handy-mandy rattled her weapons impatiently. "'But before we worry about the Silver Mountain, "'we must get out of Carataria,

"'which is the quickest way to the border.' "'Oh, North,' answered Knox promptly, "'Cariteria is in the upper part of the Munchkin country of Oz, "'and once we cross the northern branch of the Munchkin River, "'we'll be entirely out of the country. "'Fine, then we'll go north.' "'And we'll go north.' And what lies beyond the Munchkin River?

Inquired the goat-girl, shifting the axe to her left shoulder. "'I've never crossed myself,' admitted Knox, moving along in his slow and dignified manner. "'But I have heard there are many mountains, and if we go far enough, the purple land of the Gilligan's.' "' Sounds interesting,' decided handy, Mandy. And who knows, among all those mountains we may find the one we are looking for. By the way, am I to call you Boz, Knox, or Goldyhorns? But I believe I'll call you Knox, for somehow I like Knox the Ox best. "'Anything you say,' yawned her companion, switching his tail negligently.

"'But I shall always call you handy-mandy. It suits you, my lass, and you need no longer consider yourself a slave.' "'Oh, I never did,' roared the same. the goat girl, glancing cheerfully down at her lordly companion. That was just a joke, wasn't it? You know, everything in this land of Oz is extremely funny and peculiar. Two armed natives, animals talking, kings disappearing, and mysterious messages and prophecies. People always think a new country strange, observed the ox philosophically.

To us it seems quite right and natural. But I dare say if I were to find myself on Mount Mern, I'd consider everything there very odd and upsetting, rocks flying through the air, for instance, and landing one soft and light as a daisy in a strange king's garden. But all of our rocks don't fly. In fact, I never knew one to do such a thing before. And no wonder I landed as soft as a daisy. There was a blue daisy under me or I'd have been splintered to smithereens. "'Daisy?' Knox licked his lips hungrily.

"'You never said anything about a daisy?' "'Oh, I never tell all I know,' confided handy, "'especially to high quay cockadoodlems like the king and his counsellors. "'But there was a daisy, growing on the rock, and I picked it. "'As I started to fall, I began pulling off the petals, and when I landed I came down on a high, huge pile of them, a heap as high as the haystack, continued Handy-Mandy dreamily. So I slid off the stack and turned to look at the castle,

and when I looked again the petals were gone. But there was the daisy itself, growing up as pert as you please in this strange garden. So what did I do but pick it again, and here it is! triumphantly Handy pulled the blue flower from her pocket. "'My, what a dear little daisy!' murmured the ox. "'How delicious it would taste!' "'No, no!' cried Handy, as an ox rolled his long tongue out toward the flower.

"'It's too pretty to eat!' "'Nothing's too pretty to eat,' replied the ox, plaintively. "'Funny it hasn't wilted, though.' "'Well, I'm not so pretty to eat.' "'Well, I believe it's magic,' stated the goat-girl, with a positive little shake of her head. As she returned the daisy to her pocket, Handy felt the hard metal object that had hit her in the forehead

when she and Knox plowed through the king's garden. "'Look, what do you suppose this is?' she queried, tapping the ox sharply on the shoulder, for he was walking sleepily along with his eyes closed. "'This is what we dug up when we rushed through the garden.' garden, you know. How should I know? Grunted the ox indifferently, opening one eye.

Just a silver hammer, isn't it? Maybe we can trade it for a good breakfast when we cross the river. My eye, how you talk, scolded handy. We're not going to trade it at all. See, there's an initial on it. A big W. Now, what would W stand for? Who want which where?

Oh, why worry, mumbled the ox, plotting residedly along beside her. Well, anyway, it will make a splendid potato-masher, concluded the goat-girl, returning the hammer to her pocket. Yes, if we had any potatoes! The ox sighed heavily as he spoke, looking off into the distance with such a mournful eye, handy-mandy laughed a little all to herself. "'Oh, cheer up!' sniffed the goat-girl. "'You're not starved yet.

"'And hurry up, too, the sun's going higher every moment, "'and we'd better pass those farms before the people waken.' "'It was against Knox's nature to hurry. "'But realizing the wisdom of the goat-girl's advice, "'he broke into an awkward gallop. "'In spite of his great weight, "'the royal creature was light as a daisy on his feet, "'and except for the faint rattle of Handy's weapons,

they made little noise as they ran past the dome-shaped blue houses and barns of the munchkin farmers. Couldn't we stop for a few greens? Puffed Knox, looking longingly over the fence at a field of cabbages. Not here, de'ir. Red-faced and breathless, the goat-girl ran on. Wait till we cross this river, ever. But I'm not used to this sort of thing, complained Knox peevishly. races before breakfast on an empty stomach. No bath, no brush, no rub down. Well, here's your brush. Gaffed handy, picking her way through a dense thicket as the highway ended in a small wood. And yonder's your bath, Mr. My eye, what a blue river. Everything's blue in the Munchkin country of Oz, Knox told her sulkily, as sharp briars and

thorns reached out to scratch his satiny hide. Even the Royal Ox of Carataria, hinted handy with a sly wink. Oh, the river is blue, and the houses are blue, and even the wind blue. Ho, ho, ho! come on! Don't try to be funny. With heaving sides, the ox stopped on the edge of the gleaming blue stream. Don't try to be funny, I beg. Oh, I don't have to try.

I am. laughed Handy, flinging the axe, the rake, the spade, the sword, the gun, and the broomstick across the river. Wait, snorted the ox, as Handy, having got rid of her load, raised all of her hands above her head and prepared to dive in. Wait, can you swim? I don't know, but I'll soon find out, cried Handy. And before Knox could prevent it, the goat-girl leapt off the bank and down. disappeared beneath the blue waters of the Munchkin River. For once, Knox forgot his dignity, and the Royal Station, and plunged frantically after his

reckless companion. Swimming around with his head underwater, he finally located Handy Mandy, and, gripping her yellow plates firmly in his teeth, dragged her to the opposite bank. The goat girl was so full of water, she had little to say, and lay sogally on the grass, while Knox looked down at her with mingled admiration and concern. "'Oh, never do such a thing again!' he weezed severely, as Handy finally sat up, and began wringing the water from her voluminous skirts. Swimming is an art and must be learned and practiced.

But for Oates' sake, why didn't you flap all those arms when you hit the water?' he finished irritably. "'Oh, is that what you're supposed to do?' this way? Before Knox could step a step, the goat-girl had jumped into the river again. This time, instead of going down, she splashed and whirled her seven arms so fast and furiously she just managed to keep her head above water. But Knox, now thoroughly annoyed, and without giving her a chance to get far from shore, waded in and determinedly dragged her back.

to dry land. What in sky-blue onions are you trying to do? He sputtered angrily. Drown yourself? No, I'm trying to swim, coughed the goat-girl, struggling to get away from the angry ox. Do you suppose I'm going to let this munchkin river get the best of me? Yes, and while you are swimming, or rather practicing your swimming, some of these charitarians will come and capture us, gurgled Knox.

Are we escaping or are we swimming? Quick now, make up your mind. Knox's earnest words brought handy quickly to her senses, and as the Royal Ox let go her skirts, she snatched up her weapons, and without waiting to wring out her clothes, started briskly across the meadows. Never mind, you'll be a fine swimmer some day,

said Knox, trotting more, amiably beside her. The cool river water had refreshed the royal creature, and Handymandy's determination and courage made him a little ashamed of his own complaints. Takes a little practice, that's all. "'Practice!' repeated handy, dripping water from every platt and poor.

"'Well, just wait till we come to the next river. I'll show you. But look, here are more blue houses, so we must still be in the Munchkin. country. Yes, but we're out of Caritaria, Knox reminded her cheerfully. What's that signpost say, my girl? Hurrying forward, Handy squinted up at the rough board,

nailed to a blue spruce, and then began to clinch and unclinch for one free fist. Turn here, directed the sign. Turn here and go straight back where you came from. Well, I'll be buttered. cried the goat-girl, throwing down every one of her weapons. I'll be churned and buttered. But what had we butter do?

muttered the Royal Ox, so taken aback by the saucy message that even his tongue was twisted. Why, we'll go straight on, of course, declared Handy-Bandy, tossing her yellow plaits defiantly. Who are whoever they are to tell us our business? and recovering her weapons one by one, the goat-girl tramped down the crooked lane directly ahead of them, the royal ox with lifted nose and horns stepping warily behind her. End of Chapter 5

Chapter 6 of Handy and Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson. This Libre Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 6. Turn Town Determined as she was, Handy found it impossible to go straight on, for the lane curved and twisted this way and that, ending finally in a perfect corkscrew turn. The trees on both sides were now so dense, Handy and the Royal Ox could not have left

the road even had they wished to do so. "'We're going round and round and getting nowhere,' said Knox in an abused voice. "'Of all the roads and Knox, why did we have to pick this one?' "'Because it dared us, I suppose. "'Hie-ye!' exclaimed Handy, leaning against a tree to rest. "'I'm dizzy as a bat and hungry as a goat.' "'Too bad you're not a goat,' murmured Knox, "'who had stopped to nibble the lower branches of a maple.

"'These leaves are quite tender.' "'Well, I may come to them,' sighed Handy, looking at him enviously. "'But shall we go on? "'I think one more turn will bring us up. of here. Handy was right for one more round brought them to the end of corkscrew lane, but only to find themselves facing a high, forbidding wall. There was a gate and turnstile in the wall, and beyond the goat-girl caught a glimpse of

a confused, whirling village, where everything seemed to be turning round or over. It's just because I'm so dizzy, thought Handy, clutching her head with her one free hand. But Knox, peering over her shoulder, gave a loud and indignant bellow, as a house on the corner of the street nearest them, turned completely over and began spinning merrily on its chimney. While the fence, running round the bakery shop next door, started really to run around, kicking up its posts with great glee and abandoned.

Huh, what kind of silly place is this? Rumble the ox, backing hastily away. But Handy Mandy had seen a whole row of little pies in the bake-shop window, and motioning vigorously for Knox to follow, stepped over the style and through the movable gate. It was too much of a squeeze for Knox, but determined not to be left behind, he jumped neatly over. A revolving sign on one of the large public buildings caught their attention at once, but as the building was going one way in the sign another, it was several minutes before they could discover what it said. "'Turntown,' read the goat-girl in some surprise. "'So that's where we are.

"'And would you look? "'Every house on every street is going round or over. "'Merccy on us. "'And where do you suppose the people are?' "'Turning over and over in their beds, I take it. "'It is still quite early, you know,' whispered the Royal Ox, speaking cautiously, out of the corner of his mouth. But come on, the streets are not turning, and perhaps if we hurry we can go through before they awaken and turn on us.

Hurry, hurry, what are you waiting for? Food, sighed handy wistfully. I thought I might catch us a few pies, old talkins. Here, watch my stuff, and I'll bring us each some. Knox looked sharply up and down the street. as the goat-girl set down her axe, rake, spade, gun, broom, and sword, and started off toward the bakery. Not only the fence, but the shop itself was turning now.

Handy, quite clearly waited till the gate came opposite her and dashed through, but the open door of the shop kept going by so rapidly she was knocked down several times before she finally darted inside. As she disappeared, Knox gave an uneasy snort, but cheered up as the shop window came past, and he saw handy with a pie in every hand smile at him reassuringly. But, alas, the whirling floor of the shop was too much for the goat-girl, and as she started out, there was a clatter of broken china and falling furniture. Great Gazoo, what she'd done now?

Mowned Knox, as Handy leaped through the door and fell sprawling in the little garden. She still had six of the pies clutched in her various hands. But as she jumped up and raced through the garden gate, windows all up and down the street were flung open. From the right side up ones and the downside down ones, kinky black heads came popping out. by the hundred. Turn out, turn out, topseys turn out!

Yell the excited citizens, their voices going higher and higher, thieves, robbers, tramps, and stancillions. Here, gasped the goat-girl, reaching knocks in one bound, eat these quick and destroy the evidence. Stuffing one of the tarts into her own mouth, Handy made a wry face. Ugh, turnips! choked the goat girl, dropping the other five in huge disgust. "'Who ever heard of turn-up turnovers?' "'I'll eat them,' offered Knox, "'lapping up the little pies in his stride.

"'But run, hurry, here come the natives!' But beforehand he could snatch up her weapons. The topsy's, hurling out of windows and doors, came whirling down upon them. Startled though she was, the goat girl could not disguise her interest and curiosity. With one arm round Knox's neck and the other six stretched stiffly before her to keep back the screeching crowd, she stared with round and fascinated eyes, and no wonder. The top seas were about as tall as children, but where their feet should have been,

They had sharp, horny pegs. Another peg of the same description sprang from each kinky head. With their plump hands, the small black and blue men and women spun themselves along by cords attached to their round little middles, and they kept reversing themselves, spinning first on one end and then another, in a manner very upsetting and confusing to their visitors. The hum made by the topseys spinning and their loud raucous cries filled the early morning air, and as Handy tried to push her way through the crowd, several butted her with their sharp pegs. "'Oh, stop that!' bellowed Knox, who had been butted to.

Keep still, malice, and sooner or later these little pests will run down. Turn them out. Turn them out. Turn them round. Turn them over. shrieked the topsies hysterically. In the midst of the dreadful confusion, a topsy, taller than all the rest,

came zooming down the middle of the street. Look! Stan Stillians! shouted a round little spinster waving both arms. Travelers with legs instead of pegs, robbers, thieves, and tramps here at Topstice? Yes, and they have broken into my shop and stolen all my turn. of turn-over's, screamed the topsy-baker, spinning round in indignant circles.

Aha, you wait, here comes tip-topper. Now you'll catch it. You, you, turn over snatchers you. Now you'll catch it, trilled all the rest of the topsy's, spinning faster and faster, till Handy and Knox were dizzy from just looking at them. Except for his size and a flag fluttering from the peg on his head. tip-topper looked just like his subjects. "'Spin, spin!' he whistled angrily.

"'What do you mean standing still in the middle of Turntown? Don't you realize you are breaking every one of our rotary laws? Why are you here? Did you come to do us a good turn or a bad?' "'Turn them down, turn them out, turn them over, turn them round,' insisted the town people shrilly. Between the revolving houses and the spinning-topsies, Handy Mandy scarcely knew which foot she was standing on. As for Knox, he gave a great groan and closed his eyes,

left everything to his companion. Handy put two hands over her ears and raising all the others, addressed tip-topper in a firm and reasonable manner. Tell your people to stand back, directed the goat-girl. calmly. All we wish is to pass quietly through your city and never return. Never, she repeated emphatically. It was hard to speak to a person who kept going round and round, but at every third turn Handy managed to catch tip-topper's eye, and at last he seemed to catch your idea. Very well then, go, he commanded haughtily, and at once. But when Handy, without

stopping to pick up her weapons started forward. Perfect shrieks of anger rose on all sides. Not that way! Not that way! Turn! Turn! yelled the topsies. And, getting back of handy in the Royal Ox, they tried to push them round by main force. Stop, stop, it's no use, panted tip-topper, as Knox, letting out a frightful bellow, laid seven-topper. by the pegs with his left foot, and Handy with a sweep of her arms, swept down ten more.

They're all made wrong. Fetch the turn-coat, drive them to the turning-point, and we'll turn them to to topsies in two shakes of a tent-pole. Um, um, did you hear what I heard? Knox peered desperately round at Handy, who was now spinning dizzily herself, as she was flung and pushed from one group to another. "'Could they really turn us to Toppsies?' "'I don't know. I don't know. Oh, my head, my head!' moaned the goat-girl, clutching it with all hands. It's going round and round.' "'Fine, fine, that's the way,' cheered the topsies heartily.

"'You'll be spinning circles before you know it, and have beautiful wool like the rest of us.' "'Wole!' gasped Handy. who was extremely proud of her shiny yellow braids. Oh, I will not. That's just too much. Stand back, you little buzzards, and I'll show you a turn or two myself. Go ahead, said Turn Uppins,

who seemed next in importance to Tip Tapper himself. It's your turn, anyway. Stand back, Topsy's, and let this waddling wongus show us what she can do. At a signal from their leader, the turn-towners fell back a pace, and spinning in a loud, agitated circle, impatiently waited for the boat-girl to take her turn. First Handy shook her head to dispel the dizziness. Then, with a loud screech, she flung her arms and heels into the air in such a succession of handsprings that even the topsy's were impressed. The seventh brought her back to the royal ox, and in the center of a now cheering and admiring circle, she turned fifty more so fast that she looked like an animated cartwheel with arms and legs for spokes. A loud buzz of applause went up as Handy finally fell over from sheer exhaustion, but then they began pointing accusing fingers at Knox.

Look, look at the stupid gumful ox. Why, he hasn't turned a single hair. How about turning on, then, raged knox, and tossing a few dozen on my horns? Hop on my back, my lass, and we'll make a run for it. No, no, there are too many. We'll be perfectly punctured, worried handy, as seven topsees prodded the royal ox sharply in the flank. We might run right into that turning-point, too. Wait, wait, I'll think of something.

We don't want to spin on here forever, whatever happens. Hugh, Huey, what a dust the little pests kick up. I'd give my best hand for a drink. I'm choking with thirst. Oh, oh, I wish I were in a river right this minute. Steadying herself by holding to Knox's right horn, Handy faced the angry multitude. "'Turn, turn, take your turn!' shouted the topsees incessantly.

"'Can't you even turn your head, old foreleg?' "'Of course he can,' shouted Handy Mandy, "'clapping six of her hands for silence. "'Not only his head, but his horns. "'Watch this, my friends!' "'The goat-girl gave the horn she was leaning on, a sharp twist. "'Not that one! Not that one!' "'Fumed the ox anxiously.

"'Quick, the other. the other one I tell you. Oh, my hide hair in heavens. Ope-Gurgle! And Lop-Gurgle, Ope! It was with everyone. For it handy-mandy second turn, Knox's horn came completely off, and as the goat-girl held it up for the Topsy's to sea, outspurted a perfect torrent of water that flooded the whole city, till every Turner and Topsy-Turvy house in. it was a wash or afloat.

In wild and astodd its voices, the kinky-headed little citizens called out to each other as they bobbed up and down like corks on the raging tide. And, just as wet and surprised as the topsies, the goat-girl and knocks were swept along by the impetuous flood. End of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 of Handy Mandi and Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson. This Librivox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 7. A Horn of Plenty.

After the first awful ducking, handy without losing a second, began to practice her swimming. Striking out with strength and purpose and her seven good arms, she managed to keep abreast of Knox, who was moving easily along in the center of the torrent. Bothersome as the topsy's had been. The goat girl could not help feeling sorry for the little turn towners. At first she feared they would all go down, but then they just spun round like waterbugs on the surface, and, while they made no progress, seemed in little danger of drowning. In fact, they could no more sink than corks or kindling.

So busy with her own struggles, Handy dismissed them from her mind and tried to figure out the reason for the sudden and overwhelming rush of water that had deluged the city. At any rate, it was fine to be rid of the topsy's, she reflected philosophically, and when the flood did recede, turn town would be good as new and twice as clean. The current was racing along so swiftly now. The last topsie had long since disappeared, leaving only herself and knocks in the broad, tumbling expanse of water. Knox had not uttered a word since his first outcry when the flood had overtaken them.

But he looked so glum and disagreeable that handy, thrashing along beside him, wondered what would be the best way to start a conversation. As it happened, the Royal Beast saved her the trouble by starting one himself. Well, he snorted bitterly. I see you still have it. "'What?' gulped the goat-girl, forgetting to use her arms for a moment, and in consequence, shipping about a bucket of water. "'Wa-l-l-l-b-have what!' "'My horn—horn!' gurgled knox, glaring at her angrily over a wave.

"'And if in the future you will keep your hands—all of them off my horns, it will be better for us.' This seemed to handy a very unjust and unreasonable attitude for Knox to take, but she was too occupied keeping afloat to stop and argue the matter. "'Swim closer and I'll screw it back,' she offered, obligingly holding up the wooden hand in which she still clutched the right half of the royal headgear. But at this poor Knox was deluged by a robust stream that still poured for from the golden horn. Hastily plunging it under the surface again,

Handy watched her fellow adventurer emerge, sputtering and furious from the depths. "'Well, of all the stupid tricks!' gasped the ox, swimming rapidly away from her. "'Stop, keep off. Don't you dare come near me!' "'But see here,' panted Handy, going after him in real exasperation. "'After all, it is your horn.

"'And am I to blame if there is a river inside? "'What do you want me to do? "'Throw it away?' "'No, no,' bellowed the ox, "'stopping short and looking frantically over his shoulder. "'If you throw it away, I'll look like a fool. "'If you keep holding it, we'll spend the rest of our lives "'swimming round in this torrent.

"'If you screw it back on my head, "'it will probably give me water on the brain. Oh, what shall we do? Think of something, can't you, before we both drown in your stupid old river? My river? Handy Mandy was so indignant that for a moment she was perfectly speechless. Yes, your river, roared Knox, treading water angrily. Didn't you wish for a river just before you jerked off my horn?

"'Well, this is it, and I hope you'll like it.' "'Why, Knox? How clever of you to guess!' "'Bubbled the goat-girl, a great light breaking over her wet head. "'I remember now. I was thirsty and wished for a drink. "'Then a whole river, and lo! A river was here!' "'You mean high it was here!' "'Raged Knox beginning to swim again. "'But look!' cried Handy, beating and slapping the water exultantly with her many hands.

"'If that is so, all we have to do is wish it away again. I'm still holding the horn and there's magic in it, old toddy wax. Magic! I hear and now wish this river away!' Handy yelled her wish in a booming voice that almost split the ox's eardrums, and both were so sure the wish would be granted, they stopped swimming. So both had a fine ducking as the river continued to rush merrily

and unconcernedly over their heads. Bosch! It wasn't magic after all. My eye... If I ever get out of here, I'll never go swimming again as long as I live, sobbed handy, pushing her arms and legs

wearily through the water. Oh, I think I'll just sink can be done with it, moaned the ox, churning breathlessly along beside her. "'You think you'll sink?' exclaimed Handy, popping her head up indignantly. "'Don't you dare sink and leave me here all alone? Besides, we set out to find that little king, and we're going to find him. Where's your sporting blood?' "'What heard?' gurgled the royal ox in a faint voice.

"'Good-bye, molass.' but you probably did it all for the best. It seemed to the goat-girl that Knox was really sinking, so, flinging out her leather hand, she grasped him firmly by his left horn. Then, acting quickly before he could object, Handy pushed his head underwater and quickly screwed his right horn in place.

"'I wish this dumb river would go straight back where it came from,' Quavered Handy as Knox bellowing and bubbling backed indignantly away. And this time the river went. So suddenly and completely the goat-girl and the ox were dropped forty feet to the bottom of a rocky gorge through which the torrent had been tumbling. For a long moment they lay where they had fallen. Then stiffly they arose and peered anxiously around them. Handy, thanks to her voluminous petticoats, was saved from serious injury, and Knox, who had landed in a patch of brush, was not dangerously hurt either.

But they both were so shocked, shaken, and worn out from their long swim, they were perfectly content to stay where they were. "'You see,' sighed Handy, wringing out her skirts with four hands, and smoothing back her hair with the other three, the magic is in the horn, and only works when you are wearing it. As soon as I screwed it back and made the wish, everything was all right. Oh, was it? Scowling round at his scratched flanks and skinned shins, the Rarlock shook his head dubiously. And just think, continued the goat girl brightly, if your horn really is a wishing horn,

as soon as we decide where we want to go, all we have to do is wish ourselves there. No, no, absolutely no more of that, squealed knox, lashing his tail and flashing his eyes dangerously. Your last wish nearly killed me, and if any more wishing is to be done, I'll attend to it myself. But how can you unscrew or even touch your own horn all by yourself? inquired handy reasonably. You see, you need my hands, and I need your horns.

Throwing back her head, Handy burst into a loud chuckle, thinking how comical she would look if she actually wore an ox's golden headgear. Oh, why not go on the way we started? asked the ox, querulously. I'd rather travel on my feet than my horn any day, and had you noticed Handy that these rocks are purple? Your river has carried us clear into the Gillican country, where there are mountains galore, and even a silver one, for all we know. Yes, but is there anything to eat?

Ask the goat-girl in a hollow voice. If these rude little topsy's had just given us some breakfast. I expect all they eat is spinach or turnips, sniffed Knox, and you would not have cared for either. Well, at any rate we're even. You certainly turn the tide on them, alas. Knox, who was beginning to feel more cheerful, began to shake all over. I'll wager my tale.

They'll be more polite to travelers in the future. Well, it all turned out so well. Let's make another wish, proposed Handy Mandy, practically. Let's wish ourselves out of here. Now you're scrambling over all these rocks when all we have to do is to wish ourselves to the spot where your little king happens to be. Hmm, hmm, mused, Knox, half-closing his eyes. Nothing is as easy as that, and I cannot help feeling.

Neither can I, said Handy, and, stepping briskly up to the Royal Ox, she gave his right horn a determined twist at the same time, saying softly, I wish myself and Knox with Carrie the rightful ruler of Caritaria. Knox twitched his ears nervously as his horn came off in the goat girl's best white hand, and handy herself, with all her arms outspread as if she were a bird about to take flight, weighted and rapturous expectation for her wish to take effect. But this time nothing at all happened. Neither she nor the ox moved an inch.

"'There you are. I told you it wouldn't work,' grumbled Knox, looking at her crossly. "'It's probably not magic at all.' "'Oh, yes, it is,' insisted Handy, screwing up her eye and peering down into the hollow interior. "'It gave us a river when we asked for it, and you can't get away from that.' "'We certainly had a hard enough time getting away from it,' agreed her companion. "'Come now, be a good girl. back that horn and let's be starting on. But I just cannot understand why it grants some wishes and not others, muttered handy,

discontentedly. When I was thirsty and wished for a river, I got a river. Aha! I have it! This horn gives you things, but does not take you places. Now let's see. What do we need the most? Breakfast, suggested the oxen and interest advice.

Oats and apples for me, eggs rolls and coffee for you. But for goats sake, be careful how you wish, molass. We don't want too much even of a good thing. And one can drown in coffee or smother in oats. Remember the river and be exact as to size and quantity. My eye. This wishing is dreadfully common. complicated.

Rubbing her forehead with one hand after the other, handy-mandy prepared to order breakfast. First she screwed the right horn back on the head of the ox, then pursing her lips firmly she spoke, I wish for knox two measures of oats and apples, for myself two plates of eggs and rolls and one cup of coffee. Turning the horn round till it came off once more. The goat girl almost held her breath as the two breakfasts were set promptly and noiselessly down on the rock at her feet. Now you're getting the idea. Happily Knox advanced upon his breakfast. Say, isn't this simply manubius? cried Handy, snapping her 35 fingers for sheer joy.

Why, Knox, your horn is a real horn of plenty. "'And plenty of trouble if you don't watch your wishes,' mumbled her partner, already up to his ears and oats. "'Oh, I'll be careful, never fear,' promised Handy, "'screwing the horn back on its base and falling upon her breakfast with a right goodwill and appetite. "'Won't the eyes of the villages at home stick out when I tell them about this?' "'Yes, provided you ever get home,' observed the ox, who seemed to always take a dark view of the future. But Handy Mandy, popping the last of the biscuits into her mouth,

scarcely hurt him. Now that they no longer needed worry about provisions for the journey, she felt that they would safely reach the Silver Mountain, wherever it might be, rescue the little king from his enemies, and restore him to his throne. Then, after seeing all she wished of the marvelous country of Oz, she would return to Mount Mern and startle the country folk with the amazing story of her travels. Come along, she called Galey. Let's climb out of here.

With some astonishment, they watched the empty containers and dishes vanish away. And then, saying very little but thinking a great deal, the two adventurers began to scramble up the rocky sides of the gorge. End of Chapter 7. Chapter 8 of Handy Mandy in Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson. This Librivox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 8 Handy Mandy learns about Oz. Handy, who had climbed up and down mountains all her life,

reached the top of the gorge first, and with her various hands, tugged knocks up the last steep incline. "'So this is the Gilligan Country,' panted the goat-girl, staring away over the heather-covered highlands. "'Now, about the natives, do they spin, bounce, or tumble?' "'That I really couldn't say,' gasped Knox, leaning against a tree to regain his wind. "'But as you can see, my girl, all the hills, trees, and vegetation's shade from violet to purple. lovely color, purple. I suppose purple would appeal to a royal ox like you, resting her hands on her hips.

Handy Mandy squinted critically about her. Now, as for me, I prefer the more cheerful colors. Red, yellow, or green, for instance. Then you'd like the quadling and winky countries, murmured mocks, nibbling languidly at the tops of the heather, or the Emerald City. We have all color countries in Oz, and a body can take his choice. Oh, we'll just take them as they come, decided the goat-girl sensibly, or at least till we can find your young master and this silver mountain. But tell me, Knox, is each country in Oz a different color,

and is there really an emerald city? Moving slowly through the heather, the Royal Ox nodded his lordly head. Take that stick, he directed. Coming to a ponderous stop, and I'll show you how Oz looks. See? On that level bit of sand there, just draw an oblong. Quite interested. Handy marked out an oblong with the point of the stick.

Connect the corners, breathe the ox, lifting his forefoot complacently, and what have you? Four triangles, answered the goat girl promptly. Put a circle in the center where all the triangle. meet. Knox fairly radiated pride and importance as his geosophy lesson progressed. "'Then what?' demanded Handy, the stick-up raised in her rubber hand. "'That's all! Tossing back his horns, the ox surveyed his pupil triumphantly. Simple, isn't it?'

"'That triangle on the west is the blue munchkin country we have just left. The triangle to the north is the purple Gilligan country we are just entering. Over there on the east we have the yellow empire of the Winkies, and to the south the red lands of the quadlings. In the circle is the Emerald City of Oz, and surrounding the whole kingdom is a deadly desert of burning sand. My eye, marveled the goat-girl, clasping all her hands but one behind her back. "'The desert I crossed when I fell in Cariteria?'

"'Of course,' answered Knox, snapping lazily at a purple dragonfly. Mount Murn must lie to the west of Oz, on the other side of the deadly desert. "'There are many countries beyond the desert, "'but I know very little about them "'as there are only Oz maps in the castle at home.' "'Then I suppose the king of Cariteria

"'is king of the Munchkins,' said Handy, looking thoughtfully down at her map. Oh, my, no! The Royal Ox positively chuckled at such an idea. Carreteria is just one of the small countries of the West. Chirio Bed is king of the Munchkins, and he lives in the Sapphire City, 70 leagues below our southernmost borderline.

Glenda the Good Sorcerous rules all the small kingdoms in the Quatling Country. The Tin Woodman of Oz is Emperor of the Winky, and Joe King governs the Gillikins. Besides these, there are kings, queens, and princes galore, but most important of all is Osma, the young fairy who lives in the Emerald City, for Osma is supreme sovereign of the entire kingdom of Oz. Dear, what a lot to remember, groaned the goat-girl.

And all these other kings and queens have to do what Osma says? However, does she keep track of them all? I'll bet they're worse than a flock of goats. Oh, she manages, said the ox, beginning to move slowly forward. Being a fairy and having a wizard right in her own castle, Osma knows what is going on without even turning her head. Even where we are going?

exclaimed Handy Mandy indignantly. Hi-ye, what a little busy body! I just know I won't like her. Well, in that case, she will just have to give up her throne and throw her crown out the window, I suppose. Better have a care, Malas. You're speaking of a powerful fairy, you know. Knox looked so stern as he went plowing through the heather,

and he began to feel a little uneasy herself. But how could a fairy in the center of Oz see way off here? She demanded scornfully. "'Magick, that's how,' explained Knox, looking very calm and superior. In her castle, Osma has a magic picture that shows her everything she wishes to see. "'I don't believe it,' scoffed the goat-girl, swinging all her arms recklessly. "'And besides, why would she wish to see us in this particular piece of country at this particular minute?' "'I'm sure I don't know,' said the Royal Ox haughtily.

"'But I do say, be careful. "'There, what did I tell you?' "'Framed in the woodwork of a small summer-house they were approaching was a large poster. "'You are now in the land of Oz,' stated the poster, pleasantly enough. "'Be good to us and we'll be good to you. keep our laws and practice no magic, either for good or evil, by order of her Imperial Highness Queen Osma of Oz. Below was the bright green seal of Oz, and a picture of its pretty dark-haired ruler.

Why, she's nothing but a little girl, cried Handy, positively aghast at such a state of affairs. How could a little mite like that rule a whole country and be so well? bossy. Oh, hush, begged Knox, rolling his eyes anxiously. Might or not, Osma is a mighty, powerful and important fairy. Well, we're pretty important ourselves, sniffed the goat-girl, squinting at the poster with all her arms akimbo. And besides, Handy lifted her chin defiantly, we've broken the law already when we used your

gold horn of plenty. "'Practice no magic. "'Huh. What does she expect us to do with good magic right at hand? "'Starve. "'But ho, ho, we can get around that, old talkins. "'After all, we are not practicing magic. "'We don't have to practice it. "'Our magic is perfect.

"'So put that in your pipe and smoke it, Miss Osma, to Basma.' "'Satching up a rock in each of her seven hands. "'Handy flung them hilarious, over a clump of prune trees. Yes, prunes already wrinkled grow in the land of Oz. There was an uncomfortable little silence after Handy's rash outburst. Then a perfect tempest of shrieks and screeches. Now see what you've done, gulp the ox, switching his tail nervously.

Quick, quick, jump on my back and we'll rush by. These chaps look dangerous. Why, they have hook noses, sputtered Handy, too startled to move, as a band of kilted Highlanders came racing down toward them. The noses of these singular hillmen were long and thin, curving out and up far above their foreheads. On these hooks hung dangerous-looking rings, almost as large as barrel hoops. While Handy was wondering what they could be far,

The nearest hooker pulled a ring from his nose and flung it with all his might at her head. "'Up, up!' bellowed Knox, pawing the ground in its agitation. "'Are you going to stand there till you are pegged like a top?' The iron ring missed handy by mere inches, and grasping Knox's horn, she pulled herself to his back. There were about sixty of the hooked noses, and swinging to the left, Knox tried to skirt the warlike tribe, but they were too quick for him, and spreading out in a long line they began hurling their wicked whizzing weapons. One caught neatly on the horn of the Royal Ox. Another hit handy a horrid blow on the knee, and as Knox, snorting and furious turned to run, a dozen more came wanging down about their ears. dodging left and right.

Handy-mandy leaned forward and began to unscrew Knox's right horn. "'Be good to us and we'll be good to you, huh, like fun you will,' muttered the goat-girl, catching six of the flying missiles in her clever hands and tossing them back with all her might. "'Take that and these and them and those!' Pulling off the ox's horn with the only hands she had left, she added desperate, I wish a barrel of molasses over the head of each hook nose in this band. Cats, bats, and billy-goats they got me. And they had, too, for just as Handy finished her wish, down flashed an iron ring, pinioning her arms tightly to her sides.

Still grasping the precious horn, Handy dug her heels into Knox. "'Hugh!' grunted the ox, leaping forward. "'Not hurt, just hooked and humiliated. "'Can't move a muzzle,' raged the goat-girl. "'But, ha, ha, neither can they. Look!' "'Nox, who had been bellowing too hard to hear Handy's wish, or miss his horn, glanced back hurriedly. "'Why, what's come over them?' he weased in astonishment. "'Who snuffed them out with barrels, and what's that sticky fluid running all around?'

"'Malasses,' Handy told him, with extreme satisfaction, as she's. tried vainly to wriggle out of her ring. I wished barrels of molasses on their heads, and we'd better dash on while they're stopped and stuck with it. "'Then you're breaking the law again,' reproached Knox, dodging in and out and around their frantic enemies. "'Well, as between broken heads and broken laws, I choose the laws. Besides, look what they did to me!' exclaimed the goat-girl indignantly.

I may never get this hoop off or be able to lift a hand again. Nice people, you have an Oz, I must say. If you hadn't hit them with stones, they wouldn't have hit us with hoops, Knox reminded her sternly, at the same time, breaking into a gallop to put as much distance as possible between himself and the troublesome Gillikins. A few had managed to lift the barrels from their heads, but most of them were rolling over and over on the ground, half choked with rage and molasses. When we stop, I think I can help you, promised Knox, looking anxiously at handy,

who was now quite purple in the face from her struggles with the hoop. Just forget it, can't you, and think of the interesting people we are meeting. I'll wager you have no hook-noses on Mount Mern. I should say not, spluttered the goat-girl in disgust, and then realized she was making no progress with the ring, sensibly gave up the attempt to free herself. Somewhat comforted by the thought that the hook-noses were probably as uncomfortable as she was, Handy kept a sharp lookout for natives.

If they ran into any more, she wanted to be sure of seeing them first. But the rocky hills and glades were entirely deserted, and at every step the way became more mummobile. mountainous and lonely. Knox, panting and wheezing from the long pull, slackened his pace to a walk. Handy-Mandy, with some difficulty, managed to dismount, and the ox, slipping his horn under the offending ring, gently forced it upward till the goat-girl was able to wiggle free. Then together they climbed up the flinty inclines, up and up, till they came to a wide ledge and a sparkling waterfall. waterfall. Here they had a drink without having to wish for one, Knox sticking his head right

into the water, and Handy, cupping three pairs of her hands to hold enough to satisfy her thirst. "'Oh, hum!' sighed the ox. "'I wonder how much farther we'll have to go before we can find anyone who can direct us to this silver mountain. I'm sure I saw some castles when we were below.' "'So did I,' said Handy. growing his right horn back with a business-like flourish. Ma I seems a long time since we started from Caritaria. Do you suppose they have missed us yet? Probably, yawned the ox,

scratching his back against a rock, while Handy, suddenly deciding she needed another drink, stepped close to the waterfall. But, instead of quenching her thirst, the goat girl spilled water all over her feet. "'Knocks! knocks!' she screamed, "'jurking her thumbs in his direction. "'Come, look here.

"'There's a big hollow behind this waterfall. "'A high wall of rock with a door in it. "'I can see it.' "'Well,' sniffed the ox, rubbing his back luxuriously. "'Does it say come in? "'Must we try every door we come to?' "'Yes,' handy Mandy told him firmly. "'We must.'

"'Where there's a door, there's bound to be a doorkeeper, "'or at least someone who might tell us where we are. "'Now then, I'll jump through the waterfall first and knock on the door. "'There wouldn't be room for you on the ledge until the door is open.' "' Sounds risky,' objected the Royal Ox, putting back his ears. "'What kind of people would live behind a waterfall? "'Ask yourself that.' "'But the goat-girl, without stopping to ask herself anything,

had already plunged through the misty sheet of water, and gasping and sputtering was hammering on the door with all seven of her fists. End of Chapter 8. Chapter 9 of Handy Mandy and Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson. This Libre Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 9. The Magic Hammer There was no answer to Handy's loud knocks, and pausing to catch your breath.

and blow on her fingers, the goat girl wondered what to try next. Then, in spite of Knox's warning bellow, she began to shove and pushed the wet planks with her shoulder. But that did no good either. So she felt in her pocket for something to use as a wedge. Almost at once her fingers closed on the silver hammer they had plowed up in Caritaria. While the hammer would not do for a wedge, it would at least see a wedge. save her knuckles. So, lifting it high above her head, Handy Mandy brought it down with a resounding

whack. A shower of silver sparks followed the hammer blow, and Knox, peering through the waterfall, saw a gnarled and crooked elf with a purple beard dancing madly round the startled girl. I am the elf of the hammer who must do whatever you ask me to, saying the elf between his high leaps and prances. Then open this door, directed Handy, spinning round in a circle herself to get a good look at the little fellow. My, how funny Oz is. Magic horns, topsies, hooked noses, and now you, don't tell me a little body like you can

really open this great heavy door. Pick up the hammer and doubt no more. Himself the elf will now open the door. In a day's handy, handy my name. Mandy picked up the hammer and put it back in her pocket. And Knox, thunderstruck by the whole proceeding, thrust his head through the waterfall just in time to see the knobby little gnome pushed the door open with one thump of his brown fist.

Quick as a flash. Handy was on the other side. Come on, come on, she called hoarsely to Knox. Can't you see its closing? Oh, mercy, Ercie. Do you want to leave me here all alone?' "'Yes,' snorted Knox in an exasperated voice, but jumping as he snorted.

I like nothing better. As he came to better, he landed on the other side of the waterfall and skidded through the open door into the mountain. He had just time to tuck in his tail when the door, with an ominous creek slammed shut. Now see what you've done, gasped knox, eyeing the gloomy interior with distaste and foreboding. I thought you were going to be a help to me, and all you do is get me into trouble. What sort of place is this anyway?

A cave, quavered handy, wrapping all her arms tightly around herself. my eye, it's so high, I can hardly see the top. Where's that elf? Gone, sighed the ox, taking a cautious step forward. But I expect he'll come back at the first tap of that hammer. All very puzzling, if you ask me. Well, shall I call him back? Asked Handy uneasily.

It's kind of lonely in here, and maybe himself could tell us where we are. Better wait till we need him, advised the ox. After all, we know we are in a cave, seems to be of silver rock, too. Just cast your eyes at those stalactites, molasse. So that's what you call them. The goat-girl glanced curiously up at the silver icicles, hanging in jagged points from the ceiling. We have caves on Mount Mern, but nothing like this.

She looked apprehensively round the silent can. cavern, from which a perfect honeycomb of passageways branched off in all directions. A fine place to get lost, I'd call it, she shivered, moving as close as she could to her companion. What makes this lavender light? I see no lamps. Jules, confided the ox in a hushed voice. See?

There are hundreds of amethysts embedded in those rocks, each glowing like an eye, finished Handy nervously. And all watching us, I dare say, my eye, do you suppose anyone lives here? But they must. Unwinding her arms, Handy suddenly began snapping all thirty-five of her fingers. Nox! Nox! she cried excitedly. I've just thought of something.

Can't you think without shouting? asked Knox, flashing his eyes suspiciously. from left to right. No, said Handy triumphantly, for this is something to shout about. Look, old Toggins, if this is a silver cave, why wouldn't a silver mountain be on top?

All we have to do is open that door and start climbing again. As I remember there was a sheer precipice back of the waterfall. How could we climb that? No, no. The best thing for us to do is to try, travel down one of these passageways and hope it will bring us out on the side of the mountain itself." Yes, but which one? demanded the goat-girl.

There are about a hundred, it seems to me. Let's try that first one to the right, proposed the ox judiciously. Their voices echoed and reverberated back and forth so uncannily in the big hollow cavern that almost without realizing it, they began to talk in whispers and trillions. as softly as thieves in the night. Half-way to their destination they stopped, rigid with horror and consternation. Thumping footsteps were coming toward them from the labyrinth on the left. "'Someone does live here after all,' said the goat-girl.

Someone who weighs a ton. Hark to that. "'Watch yourself,' warned Knox, planting all four feet and making ready to charge. if the cave-dweller proved unfriendly. Oh, my aunt! A giant! With a shrill scream, hand defung all her arms round Knox's neck and buried her face in his shoulder.

Poor Knox, nearly strangled by the goat-girl's embrace, could neither move nor speak and could scarcely breathe. With rolling eyes and quaking legs, he watched the monster approach. The giant's body, almost ten times the size of a grizzly bear, was encased in a tight purple uniform with bells instead of buttons that jingled whenever he moved.

He wore a huge silver helmet, and his neck, almost a foot long, kept darting up and down as he shot his head in this direction and that. Oh, there you are! He roared suddenly, catching sight of the two travelers, trembling together in the center of the cavern? How dare you enter the cave of the king of the Silver Mountain without invitation or permission? Then this really is the Silver Mountain?

Marvelled Handy, twisting her apron nervously in her wooden fingers. Of course, yelled the giant, thumping the floor with an enormous silver club. And I snorpe the giant. Snorpus the mighty, am keeper of the hidden door. I am outkeeper for this whole mountain. He boasted truculently, expanding his chest and looking complacently down at the two midgets at his feet. But something in his manner began to reassure the goat-girl.

I'll bet he's dumb as he's big, she confided hurriedly to Knox. Then raising her voice in all of her arms, she called up loudly, then you must indeed be strong and sturdy." "'Oh, I am!' bawled the giant, twirling his silver mustache and fixing handy for a moment with his glittering eye. "'Snarpus the doorkeeper is strong as an ox!' There was something very peculiar about the eye of the giant. It seemed to revolve on a moving belt, peering out as it passed.

through the four wide-open lids, set at intervals around the top of his head, so that half the time he was looking the other way. "'Did you ever see an ox?' inquired Handy politely, as the eye of Snorpus again flashed by. "'No, but I'd like to,' admitted the giant, shooting his head out to the side. "'Well, this is an ox,' cried Handy, tapping the anxious beast at her side, with their rubber hand. And if you are strong as an ox, you are strong as nox and nothing much can stop you."

"'How strong is he?' asked Snorpus, lowering himself stiffly to one knee, in order to get a look at what he at first supposed to be a small and insignificant animal. "'So strong,' explained the goat-girl impressively, as she pointed with all hands to the of the cave, that if he so much as bumped into that wall yonder, the whole cavern would collapse like a pack of cards. Then I hope he'll be very careful, faltered Snorpus, taking out a huge silk handkerchief to mop his forehead. It would annoy the king frightfully if you destroyed his cavern, and I might even lose my head

in position here. Oh, he'll be careful, promised Handy Mandy generously. He being an ox and you being strong as an ox makes us all friends, doesn't it? I, I suppose so, muttered Norpus, tapping his knee uncertainly with his club. But just the same, I am still the outkeeper and must do my duty at all hazards, at all hazards, he shouted, standing up to give himself courage and puffing out his cheeks like a purpose. "'But you have done your duty,' bellowed Knox in a voice even louder than the doorkeepers.

"'If we were outside the mountain, it would be your plain duty to keep us there. But since we are already inside, you have nothing more to do with us. Isn't that so?' Lowering his head, Knox made a little lunge at the giant's shins. And backing away, Snarpus gave the pair several long, puzzled looks. "'Well, then,' he decided finally, "'If I have nothing more to do with you, you had best come along to the king.' "'That is exactly what we wish to do,' answered the goat-girl promptly. "'My, you are brave, aren't you?'

The giant's eye flashed for a moment in real admiration upon Handy Mandy. Then picking up his club, he began clumping away to the left. Now I wonder what he meant by that, puffed Knox, for they both had to run to even keep the giant in sight. I don't know, gasped Handy, but never mind what he means. We still have your golden horn and the silver hammer and we'll manage somehow. But imagine getting right inside the silver mountain and... never knowing it. Yes, and we may go out the same way,

predicted the Royal Ox gloomily, following the giant down the wide glittering corridor. I never did like these tunnel-y places or people. End of Chapter 9. Chapter 10 of Handy and Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson. This Libre of Ox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 10 The King of the Silver Mountain.

I hear water, worried handy as Snorpus suddenly vanished around a bend at the corridor. Oh, dear ear, I do hope we won't have to go swimming again. Then mind your manners, warned the Royal Ox, giving his horns a little shake. Remember, it is safer to keep on the right side of kings and giants, and if we are to learn anything about Kerry, we must be extremely patient and polite. A loud gasp interrupted Knox's speech, for Handy Mandy, well in the lead, had also stepped round the bend. Hastening to catch up with her, the Ox, too, gave an involuntary exclamation of wonder

and astonishment. The silver corridor had brought them into a second cavern, smaller than the entrance cave, but so light and lacy, so bright and beautiful, for once Handy Mandy stood perfectly Beaseless. The silver sides of the dome-shaped grotto had been carved to show all the historical figures and characters of ancient Oz. Wizards, giants, knights, witches, huntsmen, robbers, kings, queens, and their patient subjects marched in a splendid procession round the walls.

Sparkling lavender sand covered the floor, and a lake of shimmering quicksilver took up the entire center, lapping the shore with its swift, soundless waves. On a small island of purest amethyst in the middle of this lake, the King of Silver Mountain reclined at ease. His back was toward the newcomers, and he seemed lost in some deep and entirely satisfactory contemplation. "'A, King, if ever I saw one,' breathed Knox moistily in handies here. With a wordless nod, the goat-girl agreed, for in this long, indolent yet majestic figure,

Handy felt she was seeing royalty for the first time. The unusual height of the silver monarch was at once apparent, and his tight-fitting suit of deepest purple, without ornaments save for his jeweled belt and sword, set off his handsome figure to the best advantage. His hair, of an astonishing thickness, was as silver as his cavern. When he turned his head as he presently did at a little cough from Snorpus, Handy saw that his eyes were of a clear and piercing violet. Quietly and without hurry, the silver king rose and picking up his filigree crown, set it firmly

on his head. Then retrieving a long, dimmed pipe from a crevice in the rock. He established himself in a seat carved from the amethyst and looked inquiringly across at his visitors. So he whistled his eyes sparkling with lively interest as they rested for a long moment on the goat girl. Two very, very clever travelers.

Why do you say that? Blurted out handy, and was instantly overcome at her own boldness in speaking to so grand a person. The fact that you are here in this cavern proves you are clever, answered the king, leaning over to fill his pipe in the quick silver lake. You have opened the door in the mountain that does not open. Past the impassable guardian and keeper of that door, Snarp us!

The king's pleasant voice, chained so quick and cruelly, Handy almost lost her balance. What have you to say for yourself, you lazy Boswoke? Roared his majesty, his eyes flashing flinty sparks of purple. I'll have you potted for this. Potted and reduced to a smithering smith, do you hear? Poor Snarpus, who could not have helped hearing the king's booming sentence, dropped to his knees and began pleading,

explaining and blubbering all in the same breath. Even Knox, startled as he was, tried to put in a good word for him. But the muttering monarch, paying no attention to any of them, had lifted his silver pipe to his lips, and an enormous bubble was rising from the bowl. Handy, with chattering teeth, watched the bubble grow larger and larger, float off the pipe and hover over the unlucky head of the giant. As Snarpus tried in vain to dodge, the bubble broke with the sound of a doomsday bell, enveloping him in a cloudy mist. When it cleared away, the giant was indeed reduced, coming now scarcely to Handy's shoulder.

"'How about it? Shall we run?' whispered the goat-girl as the king began to blow another bubble. "'Boy, do I feel a draft?' "'But he's not mad at us,' answered the ox, bucking nervously, as the second bubble soared over their heads. Wait, be patient. Remember the little king. As Knox finished speaking, the bubble sailed off and away down one of the silver corridors,

leading away from the royal cavern. Presently they heard a bell ringing in the distance as the bubble broke, and before you could say Pop Robinson, 70 silver-jacketed little bellboys came trotting into the cave. Take this poor failure to Nifflepock, and see that he is potted, directed the king sternly, setting down his bubble-pipe. Have Timano guard the mountain door, and see that I am not disturbed. Important matters have come up this morning. Important matters!

Yes, yes, your highness, it shall be done, your excellency, mumbled the bell-boys, pushing poor snorpress ahead of them. Watch yourselves, watch yourselves, warned the little giant as he was rudely hustled out of the royal presence. Now, smile the Silver King, positively beaming upon his visitors. Now we can proceed with our conversation. Sorry to trouble you with this small matter, but discipline, as the old army officers will tell you, discipline must be maintained. Hniffed Handy-Mandy under her breath, looking with dislike and disillusion at the royal figure on the rocks.

The giant was right. You're a fellow who bear watching. Fortunately, her words did not carry. And lazily glancing at them through his long purple lashes, the silver king continued his speech. Since you have so easily entered my mountain, he observed blandly, I assume you have some powerful magic treasure or appliance in your possession, am I right?" At the sudden forward lurch of the royal ox, and handy-mandy surprised expression, the king gave a satisfied little nod.

"'Fine, he chuckled, rubbing his hands together briskly, and now let us waste no more time. Who sent you? What have you to offer? As you doubtless know, the wizard of what pays well for magic treasures and formulas. Wizard, choked Handy Mandy carelessly, clapping her iron hand to her forehead and knocking herself over backward. Wizard, she repeated, dazedly picking herself up. But I thought you were a king. I am both, stated the owner of the cavern proudly.

I am king of the Silver Mountain and also the Wizard of Wurtson. What's? Second in importance only took Linda and the Wizard of Oz. And, ha-ha, it won't be long before I am the only wizard, the soul supreme, and only Wizard of Oz. Not long, not long. Again the Silver King rubbed his hands exultantly together. I have my secret agents in every kingdom in this country, and even in the Emerald City of Oz. He told him impressively, I already have the record book of Glenda, the good sorceress, and many more of the magic treasures of Oz,

and soon I will have them all. All! My agents are clever, and I have trained them well. But I thought magic was against the law, cried Knox with an outraged snort. I understood no one was allowed to practice magic, but Osma, Glenda, and the Wizard of Oz. Then why are you here? demanded what's sternly.

You have been practicing magic or you could not have entered this mountain. Come now, let us stop all this nonsense and get down to silver tax in business. What have you to offer? Who sent you? 36, nine, five, or eleven? As you can imagine, this was perfect jargon to Knox and the goat girl. But handy-mandy, convinced by this time that the Silver King was both sly and dangerous, resolved to fall in with his little supposition and see what would come of it.

Nine sent us, she answered boldly, while Knox looked across at her in perfect stupefaction. You don't say. I rather thought you came from the Muncheon country, mused the wizard. Something in the way the ox talked, though you yourself are not a native. of Ozian. No, Handy said uncommittedly, and rather pleased that she had chosen nine since this number had something to do with the Munchkins. Did nine say anything about the silver hammer? asked the king, twinkling his eyes at the goat girl.

He told us nothing, stated Handy, quite truthfully this time. That's nine for you, fume the king discontentedly. He's the slowest and most unsubed. satisfactory agent I have. Two years searching for that hammer and no report yet. I have a good notion to kick him out and put little King Harry back on the throne. A bargain's a bargain, and I've kept my part. Besides, I've got to have that hammer before I can make myself supreme ruler in Oz.

Why, it's the second most important magic in the four kingdoms! At this surprising statement, Handy pricked up her ears. What did you say about Kerry? Panted Knox, almost stepping into the quicksilver lake at mention of the little king. Nothing, I was talking about nine, scowled the wizard. If that fellow does not show some action soon, I'll—I'll—the king clenched his fists and looked so terribly angry that Handy was afraid he was going to blow bubbles again. But instead he glared across the lake and demanded impatiently. Well, if you didn't bring the silver hammer, what did you bring?"

A magic flower! exclaimed the goat-girl hurriedly, and before Knox could give away the fact that they did have the silver hammer. She could guess from the expression in his eyes that he was about to offer the hammer in exchange for Kerry. A flower? Bald what's, his face turning from red to purple. My caves are full of flowers. Frosted silver lilies, long stemmed.

sterling roses, daisies, and violets with jewel cinders. I can grow any kind of flower I wish. How dare you take up my time with a flower? Pah! Go back and tell nine you had better look out. He's flirting with dismissal and destruction. But this flower saves you from injury when you fall, stammered handy, harshly wishing she had never gotten herself into such a controversy.

Fall! Sneered the Silver King. simply bounding off his throne, I never fall! And had hardly finished speaking, before he caught his toe on a jutting amethyst and pitched headlong to the rocks. Horrified and without waiting for the irate monarch to regain his feet,

Handy and Knox began to run toward one of the outgoing corridors. The goat girl colliding as she ran with a plump little dignitary in a jeweled robe and high hat. "'Your highness, your highness,' puffed the little fat man, stopping long enough to glare at handy-mandy. "'All our last efforts are to be crowned with success. Five has but this moment arrived with—with what?' demanded the king, springing lightly as a cat to his feet. "'With a jug!' exulted the little fat man, tossing his high hat into the air, with a jug that was rug and the magic picture of Queen Osba herself.

Ah, splendid, beamed the monarch, who could turn his smiles and rages on and off like electric lights. That will be a lesson to those Emerald Cityites. Then, suddenly remembering Handy and Knox and his undignified fall, he shouted shrilly, Stop those impostors! Stop them, Niffelpock! And lock them up in the prison pits till I have time to demolish them. Ha! We'll pot the ox's tongue, make soup of his tail, Saddles in boots of his hide, and use his head for a hat-rack.

As for that seven-armed monstrosity, she shall work in the polishing caves for the rest of her stupid life. I'll polish your nose first, promised Handy, shaking all her fists at the king. Better come quiet, warned Niffelpock, looking so worried Handy felt a little sorry for him. What's a little blow bubbles if you make him too mad? And that'll be much worse than being locked up, you know."

Oh, let's go with a little high hat, groaned Knox, blinking his eyes at handy, to remind her they still had his horns and the silver hammer. For my part, I'd like a little peace and quiet. Take him away, take him away, Art of the King, stamping up and down his rocky island. Send in five. Send in five at once. "'Come along, then,' said Neffelpock, being careful to keep out of the way of Knox's horns. "'Come, give me your hand, maiden. Not that one, not that one!'

He howled dismally as the goat-girl clasped his outstretched fingers in her iron hand. "'Let go, let go!' "'Let's go, let's go!' chuckled Handy-Mandy, mischievously, and squealing with pain, the little minister hurried them down a long, dim passageway. end of chapter ten chapter eleven of handy mandy and aze by ruth plummy thompson this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter eleven down in the prisoner's pit oh oh give me another hand and i'll do my best to help you spluttered nifflepock as handy mandy ruthlessly continued to squeeze his fingers we'll help ourselves thank you retorted the goat-girl tartly then relenting a little she relaxed her hold for she could not help pitying niffelpock and all the subjects of this cruel king where are these prison pits she asked impatiently for she was anxious to be alone with knox if you are going to lock us up do hurry along with it yes yes absolutely yes moaned niffelpock

glancing nervously over his shoulder to be sure the white ox was not going to tread on his heels you'll be there in no time-no time at all he assured them earnestly step over here please moving a sliding door in the wall of the corridor the king's assistant waved them toward a smooth wheelless silver carriage it looked to handy a lot like an old-fashioned sleigh and as there were seats in front and especially face and back large enough for the ox. She let go Nifflepock's hand, and quite willingly climbed aboard. Knox, grunting a little, stepped over the side and settled himself behind her. "'Well, good-bye,' sniffled Nifflepock, rubbing his bruised fingers tenderly. "'You'll find everything you need below. Not that you'll be needing anything,' he added mournfully as he pulled out a silver switch.

"'Good-bye. I'm sorry for you.' He shouted as the car with a lurch that almost loosened Handy's teeth, shot down a sliding runway to the deep pits of darkness below. Now you and I, who were used to scenic railways, and have enjoyed the thrills of shoot-to-shoots for years, would have been less startled by the wild, dizzy leaps, the swoops, curves, and climbs, and the sickening drops of the Silver King's chariot. but neither the goat-girl nor the royal ox had ever heard of a scenic railway, much less written in one,

and the underground car of the silver monarch was more like a shoot-to-shoots than anything else. Sometimes the two travelers were in complete darkness. At other times they whirled by the narrow well-lighted ledges of a queer cave city, where the subjects of the mountain king lived in cell-like apertures in the silver rock like the cliff-dwellers of old. Then, without warning, the car would plunge to the work caverns below, past the gloomy shafts of the silver mines, or dart up to the living quarters in grottoes of the king himself. Kay's so lavishly furnished and glowing with jewels, Handy let out little shrieks of astonishment. In the king's subterranean gardens, silver swallows bathed in the silver fountains, silver maples,

rustle their lacy branches in the lavender-scented breezes. Silver-petalled flowers with jeweled scinters grew as riotously as daisies and buttercups in the upstairs world. The mountaineers themselves, working listlessly with pick and shovel in the mines, are walking soberly along the ledges beside their little cliff dwellings, seemed undersized and unhappy to the goat-girl. Not that she caught more than a flying glimpse. of them as the silver car tore by.

In fact, she was so frantically busy holding on to the front rail of the car with all her various hands, and catching her breath after each dizzy swoop, that her mind was in a perfect whirl. The groans and snorts of knocks were far from reassuring, but afraid to look back, lest she herself be flung out, handy clung desperately to the rail, wondering when the wild ride would end, and where under the mountain the silver cart was taking them. The last words of Niffelpock rang unpleasantly in her ears, and, as they raced by a cave marked Potter's den, the goat-girl positively shuddered.

Here, set out in vast silver pots, and buried to their chins in the silver earth, were scores of the king's pale-faced prisoners. A grim-looking gardener was watering them from a milk-can, and, from the hungry way they lapped up the few drops that fell to them, Handy concluded that this was probably their only food. First I shot over a mountain, and now I'm shooting through one, moaned the distracted goat-girl, trying to collect her spinning thoughts and faculties. "'Oh, my, I, we're going to pot for sure.

Oh, this time we really are done for.' Then, all at once, Handy's good common sense began to assert itself. And as their strange chariot with a sudden increase of speed and power again dashed down into the darkness, she snatched the precious blue flower from her pocket. And at the exact moment the silver-courer, turned over and flung them into space. Handy began pulling the petals from the flower, and letting them drift down ahead of her

own rapidly falling body. It was just light enough for her to see Knox, with bristling horns and quivering nostrils, fall past. When she herself started to turn so many and such dizzying somersaults, she lost all count of time and distance. End of Chapter 11. Chapter 12. of Handymandy and Oz by Bruce Plummy Thompson.

This Librivox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 12. Prisoners of the Wizard What seemed to be hours later, though in reality it was only a few moments, the two luckless prisoners found themselves side by side on a heap of soft blue flower petals. They were in a small, small circular pit with one amethyst burning dimly in the grating that covered the top.

The goat-girl had no recollection of her final landing, and, gazing up at the grilled ceiling, wondered dully how they had come through without being cut to pieces. "'It tilted,' weased the royal ox, answering the unspoken question in Handy's eyes. "'Just tilted and slid us down. "'Ah, a fortunate thing you kept that magic flower molasse. "'Ah, wheeckly and still trembling in every limb, "'nox tried to rise, but his legs gave way beneath him, "'and for a good fifteen minutes he and the goat-girl

"'rested on the flower-petals saying never a word. "'The tapping of footsteps in the corridor "'brought handy quickly to her feet, And as Knox managed to heave himself upright, the blue petals vanished, leaving only a tiny flower on the floor. Handy had just time to stuff it into her pocket, when an invisible door in the side of the pit opened, and twelve depressed workmen in silver-cloth caps and overalls stepped inside. They carried brooms, smops, and dust-pans, and stood staring in dissoning. May at the seven-armed goat-girl and angry-looking ox.

We were sent to brush up, stuttered the first workman, touching his cap uneasily, but there seems to be nothing to brush, finished handy sarcastically. Sorry to disappoint you, now get out, ordered the goat-girl furiously, and seizing buckets, brooms and mops from their nerveless fingers, Handy pummeled them left and right with her seven hands. "'Get out and don't come back till Christmas,' she panted, as the workmen, tumbling over one another, clawed open the door and banged it too behind them. The knob was on the other side of the pit, and not even the edges of the door were now visible.

"'What a place!' groaned Handy Mandy, leaning dejectedly against the side of their prison. What a king! And he looks so nice, grieved the goat-girl, sliding down to a sitting position and holding her head in all of her hands. Never mind, said the ox, settling on the floor beside her. He hasn't got the best of us yet. It was pretty clever of you to remember that flower, but what I can't understand is why you. you did not tell him at once that we did have this silver hammer he is so anxious to possess, then we could have traded the hammer for the release of Kerry.

I don't trust him, answered the goat girl, somberly. Why should I trust that wizard as far as a goat can butt? Didn't you hear him say the hammer was the second most important magic in Oz? Didn't you hear him say he was stealing and planning to? to steal the best magic from all the four kingdoms to make himself supreme ruler of Oz? Well, now that Five has brought him this jug-a-rug or whatever it is and Osma's own magic picture, he's probably well on the way to realizing his ambitions. But he's not going to get our silver hammer.

I found it, and I'm going to keep it, for it's far safer with me than with him. Do you suppose we're going to help an old Bozy Wog like that? What good would it do to put Cary back on his throne, if What's is to be ruler of Oz? He'd probably pot all the kings and keep everything for himself." "'Mary probably,' agreed Knox, swagging his head mournfully. But what are we to do? Are we an army to fight a mountain full of silver moles and minions? Are we magicians to risk our necks with this wizard?

Besides, Knox's face grew thin and anxious. If What's has treated Kerry the way he has treated us, the boy needs us right now and this very minute. But didn't you hear him say he'd put Kerry back on the throne if nine did not soon find the hammer? Put in handy patiently. That proves the little king is still here and safe. Of course we must find him and get him out of this miserable mountain.

But we're not going to give Watts our hammer or any help at all. And he can put that in his silver pipe and blow bubbles till he bursts, said Handy vindictively. Now the thing to do is to rest and eat, then set ourselves to find the way out of this pit and this mountain. Watts and Nifflepock think we're all swept away by this time. besides they'll be too busy talking with five to bother us. So first to eat and then to think, proposed handy in a business-like manner. "'Perhaps you're right,' sighed the ox. "'But I'll not have an easy moment till we're out of this magic mountain.

That's right!' Knox lashed his tail and rolled his eyes at the mere thought of their dashed down the underground railway. "'Did you experience anything like it in your life?' "'Well,' grinned handy, "'it's one way of seeing the country, I suppose. But let's not look back, old talkins. Let's look ahead. Remember, we still have the dwarf of the hammer on our side, and when we are ready to leave he'll surely show us the way.'

"'Not before I put a few gores in that wizard's pants and plants,' rumbled Knox belligerently. I'll teach him to take liberties with the Royal Ox of Carataria. "'Hie, that's the old Oz spirit,' cheered handy, reaching out to touch his golden horn. "'Horn, dear, just served two dinners and no fooling.' Unscrewing Knox's horn of plenty as she spoke, the goat girl held it quietly in her wooden hand. And there was certainly no fooling about the two splendid d'clock. dinners the horn delivered in answer to Handy's wish. Never had she eaten a more appetizing repast, and half of the prison pit was taken up by the

fresh hay, fruit and grains, brought to satisfy the hunger of the royal ox. So, forgetting for a time their awful danger and their disagreeable imprisonment, the two adventurers refreshed themselves, and after the dishes and containers had disappeared, settled down to evolve some plan to outwit the wizard of wots. End of Chapter 12. Chapter 13 of Handy Mandy and Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson. This Libri-Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 13.

In the Imperial City of Oz. Ten days before the goat girl left Mount Mern. A weary and foot-sore pilgrim arrived in the Emerald City. At least he gave that impression to all who saw him shuffling with his long staff and becker's cup along the shining streets of the capital. The man's head was clean-shaven, and his small cap, coarse-beltered robe and sandals, marked him as a monk of some old and ancient ardor.

He nodded gently to each person he passed, and seemed, in spite of his many years and wrinkles, innocent and harmless as a child. The splendor and magnificence of the capital astonished and bewildered the old gentleman, and in a sort of stupefied disbelief, he stared at the emeralds, thudded streets and houses, and gazed up at the lofty peaks and spires of the royal palace.

And this was not strange, for of all the fairy cities out of the world, the Emerald City of Oz is the most dazzling and beautiful. But its citizens are kindly and simple for all that, and many stopped to drop emeralds in the Pilgrim's Cup and asked him if there was anything else that he needed. To all, he mumbled in a strange and indistinguishable tongue, and seeing that he was bound for the palace

and sure that Osmer herself would know best how to deal with him, the Emerald Cityites let him go his way unmolested. The afternoon was warm and pleasant, and Osma and some of her favorites were having a lazy game of croquet in the Royal Garden. The click of the gold mallets as they tapped the gold balls presently attracted the attention of the old wayfarer, who paused to peer curiously over the hedge. The simple summer dresses of the girls in the garden seemed out of all keeping with their majestic surroundings.

Except for Osma's frock, which was longer, the emerald crown on her dark curls and the golden circlet's worn by her three companions, they might have been any four little girls playing croquet in a garden. But all around them were the unmistakable signs of rank and royalty. At ease, under a lime tree,

stood a tall soldier with green whiskers leaning on his gun. Three footmen in satin, uniforms stood stiffly beside an emerald-topped tea-table, ready at a moment's notice to serve azade and frosted cake. On a gold bench nearby, a straw-stuffed scarecrow was quietly reading the paper, and walking arm in arm down a little path, talking composedly together, were an energetic little man with a bald head, and a curious fellow who seemed to be constructed entirely of copper.

To all who are familiar with the quaint and merry folk at Osma's court, there would be nothing odd about a live scarecrow or a mechanical man, and most of us would have recognized Osma's companions at once as Dorothy, Betsy, and Trot, three mortal girls who long ago came to live in the royal palace. It was Dorothy, who had discovered the scarecrow on her first visit to Oz, lifting him down from his pole and traveling in his gay and carefree company. all the way to Emerald City. In those days, the Wizard of Oz had been ruler of the country,

he himself having flown in a balloon from Omaha. Astonished by the circus tricks of this little fellow, the Ozians believed him to be a real wizard, making him their sovereign, and, under his wise rule and direction, built the now-famous city of emeralds. The sight of Dorothy had made the hunt humbug wizard homesick. And after presenting the scarecrow with a fine set of brains,

he flew off to America in a balloon of his own construction, leaving the straw man to rule in his place. Afterward, when Osma was disenchanted and proved to be the rightful ruler of Oz, the scarecrow had cheerfully resigned. But he still spends most of his time in the palace and is one of Osma's most trusted friends and counselors. Later the wizard himself returned to Oz, and this time took up the study of magic with such zeal and earnestness. He was soon famous from one end of the country to the other. This made him exceedingly valuable to the young fairy ruler,

and he, like the scarecrow, is an old and honored member of Osma's cabinet. It was the wizard who was now talking to him. so earnestly to Tick-Tock. The metalman was another of Dorothy's discoveries. She met Tick-Tock on her second visit to Oz and brought him to the Emerald City for safekeeping. TikTok, made by the firm of Smith and Tinker, is a completely mechanical man and a loyal and dependable citizen when he is properly wound up and oiled. Betsy and Trot, like Dorothy, arrived more or less by wind.

wind wave an accident in the land of Oz. They liked it so well and proved so gay and amusing. Osma begged them to stay with her and Dorothy in the green castle and help rule the many merry kingdoms that make up her wonderful empire. This they were only too happy to do, so here they are, princesses in their own right and living in the most gorgeous city out of the world. Besides these celebrities in the garden, there are numerous other important people at Osma's court. For instance, there is Herbie, the medicine man, whose chest is really a medicine chest full of pills, cures, and ointments.

Then there is scraps, a lively girl made from a patchwork quilt by a wizard's wife, and brought to life by the wizard. And there is Picassus, a flying pig. There's a doubtful dromedary, a cowardly lion, a hungry tiger, and Dorothy's little dog, Toto, a glass cat belonging to scraps, a wooden saw-horse belonging to Osma, an iffin, whom Jack Pumpkin had discovered near the land of Barons, had a dozen more unique and unusual characters. The old pilgrim seemed to find the group in the garden surprising enough, for he watched them closely and silently. for almost ten minutes, cupping his hand behind his ear in an endeavor to catch what the wizard was saying. "'It is just as I have told you,' the little wizard was remarking earnestly to Tick-Tock. The great record book of Glinda has vanished from her castle without trace or reason,

and even with my powerful searchlight and looking-glasses, I have been able to discover any signs of it. Word of the theft came yesterday by Pitchin-post. "'Someone has stolen it for no good purpose,' answered the metalman solemnly. But the old man, leaning over the hedge, heard none of this, for the two were conversing in a low and guarded tones. So after a long puzzled look at the scarecrow, the pilgrim took up his staff and shuffled along the gold-pebbled path to the palace itself.

A pompous footman in golden green came to answer his timid, had knocked at the door. "'What name, please, what business, and why in the wood does a fellow like you come begging at the door of a castle?' inquired the footman in a loud, displeased voice. "'There, there, puff up,' admonished a rosy-cheat maid in a ribboned cap and apron, peering around the wide shoulders of the footman. "'Don't be so shouting proud. you frightened the old gentleman half out of his wits.

Can't you see he is tired and hungry and probably in need of a lunch? At the little maid's kind speech, the pilgrim bowed at least a dozen times, nodding his head energetically to show that she was perfectly right in her conjecture. Come along with you, urged Jellia Jam, giving him a friendly wink. Edging nervously past the muttering footman, the old beggar followed Jellia into the castle's spacious and splendid dining hall. Wait right here, and I'll bring you some cake and applesauce, an omelette, and a pot of tea,

promised the obliging girl. How will that be? Jellia Jam, who was Osma's own personal maid and a privileged character around the castle, grinned cheerfully at her ancient visitor, and though the old monk pretended not to understand a word that she, said. He nevertheless seated himself at the table, and with round eyes, watch her skip through the swinging door into the pantry. No sooner had Jolia disappeared, then the old rascal sprang nimbly to his feet, and began to peer eagerly all around him. Passing hurriedly over a rich gold

service on the sideboard, he pounced upon an earthen jug on a crystal stand, and tucking it under his robe, slipped silently as a shadow out of the dining hall, up the green carpeted stairs, and straight into the private sitting-room of Osba of Oz. Once there, and without losing a moment, he walked to the west wall, took down a large gold-framed picture, blew upon it with a small glass tube, till it was no larger than a cake of chocolate, and thrust it into an inner pocket. Then, holding his robe high above his skinny shins and with the jug clasped tightly in his arms, he galloped down the stairs and out an open window into the garden,

reaching a large clump of snowball bushes without encountering anyone. Hiding himself well in the bushes, he tore off the monk's robe, turned it inside out, dragged a white wig from his sock, and presently emerged as dignified and plausible. an old grandmother as anyone would wish to see. The other side of his monk's robe was green and made up in a style much affected by old ladies in the capital, so that now he attracted no attention whatever. The jug, in a large string bag, dangled carelessly from his wrist,

and smiling and nodding amiably he hurried through the garden, passed rapidly down one street and another, through the high city gates, on and on, till he was far out in the country, walking faster and faster and less like a monk or an old lady at every step. End of Chapter 13. Chapter 14 of Handy Mandy and Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson. This Libri-Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 14. The robbery is discovered.

Prunes and peppermints, ejaculated the scarecrow, springing up from his bench as Jellia Jam, with streaming eyes and cap ribbons, came flying across the garden. Peanuts and pretzels! Dorothy, about to hit the pole and win the game, dropped her mallet at Jellia's fire-siren screeches, while Osma and the others swung round in amazement as the little waiting-maid, sobbing and panting, rushed into their midst. "'Oh, that beggar! Oh, that pilgrim! That old monk or whatever he was!' wailed Jelia, wiping her eyes on the corner of her apron.

"'He's gone and stodding the jug—I mean rug, and Oz knows what will become of us.' "'There, there, my girl, stop crying. Begin at the beginning and tell us just what happened,' begged the scarecrow, patting Jolia clumsily on the shoulder. "'But this is serious. Very serious, muttered the wizard, who had at once realized the importance of the little maid's news. If regetto is released from that jug and enchantment, he'll be up to his old tricks in no time, and doing anything in his power to hurt and destroy us. But who could have known we turn regetto into a jug or where the jug was kept?

And why would anyone steal an old earthenware pitcher when there are so many other rare and beautiful, objects in the palace. Osma, looking anxious and troubled, seated herself on the bench beside the scarecrow. The same person who knew the value of Glinda's record book and stole that, answered the wizard gloomily. Dark forces are at work in Oz, my dear, dark forces. Just how did this rascal look, Jellia? Like an old monk with a beggar's cup, said the little maid with a sorrowful sniff. He seemed so poor and hungry, I went off to get him something to eat, and no sooner was my back turned than he grabbed the jug and ran off, though he shuffled slowly enough when he came into the palace. Disguised, of course, observed the scarecrow, raising one eyebrow, and no more a monk than I am. But what was he monkeying around here for? And what could he want with that jug, even if he knew it was the old-nome-been-lawed.

King. Really, you know, you shouldn't let perfect strangers into the palace, Delia. Just what I was telling her, weased Puff-up, breathlessly adding himself to the group on the lawn. And I hope this will be a lesson to you, miss. If we just knew where the old villain came from, worried the wizard, tapping his fingers absently on TikTok's copper arm. Or where he was going, finished Dorothy, pushing back her crown. Why not look in the magic picture? proposed the machine man calmly.

The picture would show us where he is now. Of course it would, Osma rewarded Tick-Tock with a bright smile, and jumping up the little fairy hurried across the garden and into the palace, with the others just a few steps behind her. But when they reached the small sitting-room where the magic picture was hung, of course it was not there. And now in real distress and consternation, they all sat down to discuss the mysterious forces working against them.

I thought Ruggetto was the only enemy I had left, sighed Osma, leaning wearily back in her satin-tofted armchair. I thought when we turned the gnome king to a jug, all our troubles would be over. Whoever stole the jug knows that Rheedo was once the powerful metal monk, Nork, who tried again and again to conquer Oz, rasped Tick-Tock in his slow and precise fashion. Right, agreed the wizard, striding up and down with his hands clasped behind his back. And whoever stole that jug and the magic picture plans to do that.

disenchant the gnome king and learn from him the best way to destroy us. But that will be pretty difficult, asserted the little wizard, thrusting out his chin. That transformation was one of the best you ever made, my dear Osma, one of the best. It will take a pretty smart wizard to turn that jug back to rug again. Whoever stole the jug and Osama's magic picture was pretty smart. Betsy Bobbin reminded him seriously. And without the picture, how are we going to find out who it is? Can't you do something, whiz, dear?

Or do we just have to sit around and wait to be conquered? I shall go to my laboratory at once, decided the wizard, importantly. And thereby some magic means. I'll try to discover who is at the bottom of all this wretched plotting and thievery. Lock up the magic treasures in your safe asthma, especially the Gnome King's magic belt, and have them guarded day and night. Briskly the little wizard rushed out of the room, returning in a moment to repeat gloomily, day and night.

And I'll go and drill the army, declared the scarecrow, stepping recklessly out an open French window, and falling flat, but undaunted, in a flower-bed below. And I'd better call Teague and the cowardly lion, said Dorothy, who had always found the lion a splendid fighter in spite of his cowardice and the hungry tiger ready at the drop of a handkerchief to protect his royal patrons with tooth and claw they can sit right here beside the safe and i'd just like to see anyone get by them maybe it will be someone they cannot see shivered betsy peering out into the darkening garden oh my isn't it too exciting Trot, bouncing up and down on a small sofa, leaned over to touch Asma on the knee. It reminds me of the time Ogoo the shoemaker stole all the magic treasures in Oz, remember?

Osma, looking at the space where her magic picture had hung, nodded her head sorrowfully, satined and sobered by the thought that she still had dangerous and unscrupulous enemies in Oz. End of Chapter 14 Chapter 15 of Handymandianaz by Ruth Plummy Thompson This Libre Vox recording is in the public domain Chapter 15 The Pilgrim Returns to the Mountain Traveling northward by foot and as quickly as he could

Number five had come to the Silver King's Mountain just a few moments after Knox and Handy Mandy. Now, dressed in the silver armor and helmet worn by all the wizard's M. Men, he waged in great agitation for the wizard to appear. Niffelpock had at once taken five to the den where Wutz carried on all his magic experiments and kept his valuable treasures, and, quite sure none of the other agents had been as successful as he, five, paced impatiently up and down, fancying himself. already co-ruler with the wizard in Oz.

So there you are at last. Entering from an invisible door in the back of his workshop, What's stared coldly at five. Well, what trash is it that you have stolen? He was asked finally. The wizard always pretended the discoveries of his agents were of little use and importance. But when five, completely taken aback and crestfallen,

began to explain the one. properties of the magic picture and the fact that the old jug had once been the powerful king of the gnomes, the silver monarch cut him short. Yes, yes, but just see what seven has brought, he told him gloatingly. Seven, by a trick known only to himself, has stolen and transported to our mountain, the great record book of Glinda the good sorceress. Following the direction of the king's imperious finger, five gates. jealously at a huge volume, chained with golden chains to its marble stand.

In that book, went on the wizard quickly. Everything that ever happened in Oz is recorded. Not only everything that has happened, but everything that is happening. You can see the entries appearing at this very minute on the open page. I see, I see. Five scarcely glanced at the record book. But this magic picture shows you any person you desire to look at. With this picture and the help of the powerful Gnome King, now disguised as a jug,

we can soon make ourselves rulers of Oz. All we need to do is release Rogetto from his enchantment. I've been told by people in the Emerald City that Rogetto is familiar with all the magic secrets of Osma and the Wizard of Oz, and is besides a skillful magician himself. Once we have disenchanted him, everything will be easy. We? We? Sneered Whatz, who secretly agreed with five,

but would not give him the satisfaction of knowing it. Well, put the picture there on that stand so I can examine it. Show us this silly ruler of Oz who sets herself above all other rulers. He arded sharply. where is she now and what is she doing? Then, though the wizard and five and nifflepock, who had come noiselessly into the workshop, gazed into the canvas till their eyes stung and watered,

not a single figure appeared to enlighten them. Ha! A hoax! Raged the Silver King, rushing at five and shaking him till his armor rattled. How dare you fool me in this dangerous manner? But it's not a hoax, screamed five as soon as he could speak. It worked perfectly well in the castle. Perhaps it was hurt when you reduced it to carry it here, put in Niffelpock nervously.

He was always trying to keep peace between the cruel king and his subjects. Perhaps it only obeys the commands of Osma, its rightful owner. And remember, you still have the jug and the magic record book. The record book might even explain. about the picture, he suggested, hopefully. I thought so, it says here. The magic picture and rug, the jug, have been stolen from the castle of Osama of Oz

by an agent of the Silver King. There, exclaimed five, brushing himself off indignantly. I told you it was the one and only picture. Yes, but what good is it to me if it doesn't work? Scoved the wizard. I'll not have you. you potted this time, Five, but next time don't bring me damaged goods and old jugs. Bring something of real value.

As five, Red-faced and furious jerked himself out of the king's presence, what's turned joyfully to Niffelpock. Getting on, old Tubbicans, we're getting on. Without that magic picture, Osma will not be able to trace her stolen property, and without the record book, Glenda will. will not be able to help her. So who's to stop us from stealing everything, everything? Exalted what's, picking up the earthen jug and waving it over his head.

But do you think it's wise to treat our agents so shabbily? sighed Nifflepock. They might betray us, you know. Oh, no, they won't sniff to the wizard, grinning broadly at his anxious little assistant. The way I treat them is perfectly all right. keeps them on their toes. And with each trying to outdo the other, we get the best results. Well, I hope you're right.

Niffelpock still looked unconvinced. But I cannot help thinking, Out of your line, Niffy, just leave the thinking to me. Now fetch me my magic blower, that's a good fellow, till I see what can be done with this jug. It may take some time and doing to release this ugly little gnome. By the way, did you pulverize those meddling munchkins? Oh, yes!

Niffelpock nodded his head with a little shudder of distaste. I shot them down into the prisoner's pit, just as your majesty commanded. That's strange. The wizard, in crossing the den to fetch a glass test tube, had paused for a moment beside the book of records. It says here, the goat girl from a girl from a little bit of a desk-tube, Mern and the Royal Ox are in the Silver King's Mountain, planning to release the little king of Carotaria.

So that's what brought them here, mused the wizards softly. Now then, Nifflepock, something must have slipped up instead of down. If your prisoners were powdered or pulverized, how could they be planning and plotting? They must have some powerful magic to help them, muttered Niffelpock, or how could they have survived that fall. Better find out, my dear fellow. Go spy on those munchions, and if their magic is important or worthwhile, come back and tell me. And in the future, be more careful how you carry out my orders and instructions.

The wizard's voice was still low and pleasant, but his eyes flashed so threateningly, Niffelpock rushed out of the royal work den, flung himself in the silver car, and went speeding down to the prison pits at the bottom of the mountain. End of Chapter 15. Chapter 16 of Handy, Mandy, and Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson. This Libri-Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 16. The Wizards Bargain.

While Niffelpock had been interviewing five, Handy and Knox had been having a troublesome conference of their own. Each plan they devised for finding the little king and escaping from the Silver King's mountain proved impractical. To summon the hammer elf to release them from the prison pit would probably rouse the underground guards and minions of the wizard and give what's himself an opportunity to steal the hammer. To tap the hammer lightly and ask the advice of himself had next seemed a good idea, but as Knox quickly pointed out, that too was dangerous. In a wizard's den like this, anything can happen, groaned the ox,

looking around with a gloomy eye. How do we know we are not being watched at this very moment? If you so much as show that hammer, somebody may pounce in here and snatch it away, which will leave us with nothing to protect ourselves with in a last, emergency, except that blue flower, my horns, and your hands. Handy did not like the sound of last emergency, but even Handy realized that they would not escape from the mountain without some sort of battle.

To the free and sun-loving mountain girl every minute underground was sheer torture. She longed for a breath of the pure upper air, and the unreal light and pale-thel of what's his underground citizens and workers, filled her with pity and loathing. Of course, no matter how long they leave us here, your horn of plenty will keep us from starving. But if we don't soon find some way out, I believe I'll explode. She choked in a desperate voice. Let's look at the message in that silver ball again, suggested Knox unexpectedly. Are you sure you've been?

You read it all, malas? There might have been directions on the other side. "'I don't think so,' said Handy, shaking her head. Then, because action of any sort was a relief, she deftly twisted off Knox's left horn and tilted the silver balls into one of her always-handy palms. The first ball, when she opened it, contained nothing further than the silver key. In the center of the second lay the same. folded paper, but this time, when Handy unfolded the paper, there was a new message inside.

Wait, cautioned the little slip of paper in small blue letters. Do nothing until the wizard appears. Oh, breathe the royal ox, touching the paper gently with his nose. Someone is helping us. Then I'd better keep this silver ball in my pocket, decided the goat-girl. where I can easily get at it. In a tight corner I might not have a chance to unscrew your horn. Dear, ear, how puzzling it all grows.

So we're to hear from the wizard again. Whist! What was that? As handy with her wooden hand, slipped the first ball back into the horn, with her leather hand, screwed the horn back on Knox's head, and with her best white hands stuffed the second ball and message into her pocket.

They heard the agitated footsteps pattering along the outside corridor. After a tense moment, however, they died away, and exchanging a relieved glance, Knox in handy, settled down to wait for the wizard. The footsteps, as you have already guessed, belonged to Niffelpock, peering in at them through an invisible window. The king's messenger had been just to... in time to see handy shaking the silver balls from the golden horn.

Without waiting to see what use they would make of this curious magic, Niffelpock rushed back to inform his master. "'They are wizards!' he panted, bursting unceremoniously into the Silver King's den. "'The magic is in the ox's horn. With my own eyes I saw the seven-armed maiden shaking silver balls from his horn. What do I care about silver balls? Snarled Watts, who was in a terrible temper. If I had them here, I'd bount you over the head with him.

The din was full of sulfurous smoke, but an earthenware jug still stood unchanged on the table before him. The magic in the Emerald City is still better than mine, hissed the silver monarch, his voice quivering with anger and disappointment. I've tried every single formula in my book of incantations, every straight and crooked past in the magician's manual, every powder and potion on my shelves, and this ugly jug is still a jug, and nothing but a jug. "'What are we going to do?' he yelled furiously. "'Think of something, you noodle-headed pig. "'I must have the help of this little gnome king,

"'but how am I going to get him out of the jug?' "'Perhaps, with a little more time,' faltered Niffelpock, "'twisting his high hat nervously in his hands. "'Time? Time!' exploded the wizard. "'When did time ever break an enchantment?' Snatching up a pair of silver pliers, he flung them wrathfully at his assistant. Niffelpock, fortunately, for his head, caught the dangerous missile in his hat, and darting behind a tall cabinet, looked pleadingly out at his unreasonable master.

Wait, wait! he begged earnestly, as Watts, with a menacing frown, took up his silver bubble-pipe. I have thought of something. Make these munchkins break the Gnome King's enchantment. They have passed all the hazards of our mountain unharmed. Undoubtedly, the girl is a sorceress, and the ox is a powerful magician in disguise. Let them do this trifling service for your majesty, in return for the useless captive we are holding for number nine. Hmm. Hmm.

Deliberately, the silver monarch put down his, pipe. That's not a bad idea, niffle. Not a bad idea at all. Picking up the jug, Wutz brushed rudely by his trembling little minister and hurried out of his workshop. A few minutes later he stood, bowing and smiling before the two travelers in the prisoner's pit.

But, warned by the message in the silver ball, his entrance through the invisible door neither frightened nor impressed, Handymandy or the Royal Ox. "'So here you are at last,' exclaimed the goat-girl, looking the silver monarch sternly in the eye, and about time, too. How dare you imprison us in this miserable pit for no reason at all?' "'Oh, yes, there is a reason,' stated what's a little surprised at Handy's defiance.

You broke into my mountain without invitation or permission, and as you are nothing but a pair of trespassers, you certainly deserve imprisonment and even destruction. Nonsense, snorted the Royal Ox, lurching forward heavily. We came here seeking a lost boy whom you are unlawfully holding captive. As soon as you release the little king of Caritaria, we will take him and leave this mountain. And the sooner you tell us where he is the better, added Handy, snapping her thirty-five fingers under the Silver King's nose. Ah, you think so, sneered Woods. Well, nothing is ever given for nothing in this mountain, but I may give you a chance to earn the boy's release.

Here in my hand is a jug, an ordinary enough-looking jug. With the magic you have in your possession, you must transform this jug to its proper shape. If you succeed, you and the ox and the boy, king of Caritaria, may leave my mountain unharmed. If you fail, ha ha! The heartless wizard threw back his head and laughed uproariously. If you fail, the walls of this pit will contract until you are— well shall we say obliterated to keep your part of the bargain and perform this slight service i will give you one half hour here is the jug and in case you fail good-bye good gillikins whistled knox as the wizard strode through the invisible door and left them alone what does that fool think we are wizards magicians now

Giacomancers. Roaning and snorting, he began to gallop round and round the hot little pit. Look out! Look out! You'll break the jug! Warrant handy, snatching it up in her arms. And for goat's sake, stop that galloping. I'm dizzy enough as it is. But you heard what he said, load the ox, coming to a trembling stop beside her. What are we to do? We know nothing of magic or magic transformation. In their distress and excitement, they both forgot there might be a message to help them in the silver ball.

And Handy, taking the jug in one of her white hands, surveyed it with horror and curiosity. It's so old and ugly now, said the goat girl slowly. I'll bet it was something old and ugly to begin with. Didn't Niffelpock mention something about a jug that was a rug? Maybe it's a rug, though more likely a rogue. Say, I wonder if I broke the jug whether that would not break the enchantment. No, no, no, don't do that, begged Knox, rolling his eyes in terror. If you break the jug, the wizard will be furious.

And now do you know what will break the spell. Here, let me look at it. Passing the jug rapidly from one hand to another, Handy started to place it on the floor under Knox's nose with her seventh and last hand, when a sudden and unexpected scream from the interior made her drop it with a loud crash to the silver stones. Ouch! Oh, stop! How dare you bang me around in this hateful manner! Up from the flying fragments of earthenware at Handy's feet sprang a fierce little gnome with a long, ragged beard, shaking his fists and howling like a child.

Oh, my, I've actually done it, Quavered the goat-girl, falling over against Knox. Look, look, didn't I tell you it would be old and ugly? The gnome, at Handy's words, suddenly stopped howling. Where am I? Where am I? Who am I? He mumbled in a frightened voice. Well, I don't know who you are, but I'm afraid you're in a pretty, bad place, said Handy, straightening up to have a better look at her handiwork. You're in the underground caverns of the king of the Silver Mountain, if you must know.

Caverns? beamed the gnome, his face breaking into a wide smile. What's the matter with caverns? I love caverns. Why, I used to live in one myself. And who did you say I was? We don't know who you are, explained Knox and. a cautious voice. A moment ago and before Handy took you in hand, you were nothing but a jug. A jug? Ponder the gnome, pulling his beard thoughtfully.

You mean to say I was a jug? Maybe Was a Jug's your name, volunteered the goat girl, now quite interested in her transformation. No, not was a jug, but something. Thing like a jug, let me think. Bug, hug, chug, mug, pug, rug, rug, rug. That's it. That's my name. Rugetto! Shrieked the little gnome joyfully. And now I know who I am.

Well, who are you? inquired the ox, stretching his royal nose down toward the whirling gnome. I, why I am the most important king on the other side of the desert, shouted Ruggetto exultantly. I am the one and only metal monarch and ruler of all the gnomes. My caves and caverns under the mountains of Ev sparkle with jewels and precious stones, mined by my faithful workers, and my grand army of nooms outnumbers any army in Oz. "'probably the ragged little king "'thumped himself upon the chest. "'Oh my! Oh me! Oh, mercy, ursy!

"'If you're as powerful as all that, "'maybe you'll help us,' cried the goat-girl, "'clasping her hands eagerly. "'Help you? Why should I help you?' "'The little gnome stared scornfully "'at the two occupants of the cave. "'Because she broke your jog and enchantment, "'you ungrateful little little,

rich, snorted Knox, lowering his horns. And you don't look like a king to me. You just look like a plain, ordinary, wicked, little ragamuffin. A ragamuffin! He bellowed angrily. End of Chapter 16. Chapter 17 of Handy Mandy and Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson. This Librevox recording is in the public domain.

Chapter 17. Out of the Prison Pit. Knox's angry words had a strange effect on the boastful gnome king. Leaning dejectedly against the side of the pit, he drew his hand wearily across his forehead. I remember now, he told him hoarsely. I was once the powerful metal monarch, but that was before I fell into the hands of Osma and that wicked wizard of Oz. So it was Osma who turns you to a jug, exclaimed Handy with all her hands on her hips. Yes, and before that she deprived me of my kingdom, ducked me in a truth pond, marooned me for years

on a desert island, struck me dumb, and then, when she could think of nothing worse, turn me to this jug, screamed Ruggedo, kicking at the fragments of broken. in China at his feet. You and Osma have been enemies for a long time, then? Observe the ox, looking at the gnome with great disfavor. Yes, yes. Ever since that girl Dorothy stole my magic belt and gave it to Asma, raged regetto, stamping furiously up and down.

And every time I try to recover my own property, or capture those wretched girls and the Emerald City, something goes wrong, and they go. conquer me. The last time Osma turned me to a jug, cried Ruggedo, his voice rising to a shrill whistle. Well, what did you expect? inquired Handy Mandy shortly, that Osma would sit calmly on her throne and allow you to conquer her. My eye, such goings-on. Oh, then you are friends of "'Sma,' said the Gnome King suspiciously. "'But no, you could not be her friends,

"'or you would not have broken the jug.' "'Who are you?' "'The ox is usual enough, except for his golden horns, "'but you—' "'Rugetto's eyes grew round and anxious, "'as he looked at the seven-armed goat-girl. "'You are odd, are you?' "'No, she's not odd,'

snapped the royal ox severely. He had been through so much with the sturdy mountain lass. He felt almost as if they were related. Handy is just seven times as smart, and seven times as handy as most people, that's all. And since her seven hands have served you pretty well, try to keep a civil tongue in your head, will you? Oh, all right.

Regetto, scuffing his foot, looked sulkily from one to the other. Not much obliged, I'm sure. But what in rockets are we doing in this miserable hole? And what are we waiting for? For a fellow metal monarch and wizard, answered a smooth voice, and appearing as quietly as he had vanished, Wutz stood calmly before them.

Come with me, Ruggetto. I have surprising news for you, comrade. And without so much as a nod or thank you to Knox and Handy Mandy, he linked his arm through the gnomes, and drew him through the invisible door, slamming it viciously behind him. "'Hi, I!' yelled Handy Mandy indignantly. "'Come back here! Come back here! A bargain's a bargain, you old cheat and villain! We've kept our part, and you shall keep yours. Where have you hidden the little king of Caritaria?'

"'Let us out! Let us out, you false-faced rascal!' Knox as angry as handy, charged forward, budding his head against the exact spot where the wizard had disappeared. To his astonishment and joy, the whole section of walls swung outward, and he and the goat-girl, rushing through, found themselves in a narrow, dimly-lit silver tunnel. "'Do think we could have got out any time?' gulped the royal locks in a vexed voice.

The door was invisible but not locked. Imagine that, malas? Oh, I've got other things to do, puffed handy, peering down the long passageway to see whether she could catch a glimpse of the two kings. No use trying to imagine anything about this mountain. It's just plain bewitched and goblinish. But that wizard made us a promise, and I'm going to see that he keeps it. Come on.

"'No, no,' said the Royal Ox, leaning weakly against the side of the tunnel. "'I couldn't bear to look at him again, at least not just yet. Wait, I may think of something else. Wait!' bellowed Knox, as Handy, in spite of his pleas, started off on a run. "'There now, you drop something out of your pocket.' "'The silver ball,' muttered Handy, scooping it up. without slackening her pace. The ball, the ball!

exclaimed Knox, scalloping breathlessly to catch up with her. Oh, what muddleheads! What muddle heads! It told us to wait for the wizard. Quick, see what it says now! Well, a lot of good it did waiting for that wizard, grumbled the goat girl, but nevertheless she stopped and opened the silver ball.

Taking out the folded paper, She held it up toward an amethyst gleaming dully in the side of the tunnel. Follow me, directed the paper rather mysteriously. But who does me mean? asked Handy, as Knox, still breathing heavily, read the message over her shoulder. I don't see any me, do you? Beans and butternuts. If you hadn't stopped me, I'd have caught those villains by this time. And what good would that have done? if the ox impatiently. Remember, there are two of them now,

and that little gnome is worse than what's and twice as dangerous. Closing his eyes in an effort to concentrate, Knox repeated the message. Follow me, follow me, follow me, follow me. Why, of course, it's as plain as oats. He snorted joyfully. Me means that ball. Put the message back in the ball, set the ball down, and then see what happens.

And what happened was amazing enough. For the silver ball, once it was on the floor to the tunnel, began to roll rapidly along ahead of them faster and faster and faster, till Handy and Knox had all they could do to keep it in sight. "'Where do you suppose it's taking us?' gasped the goat-girl, thankful that so far the tunnel had been more or less straight. and fairly well lighted. To carry, said the Royal Ox positively.

Now watch that turn, Malas. What's ahead? It's growing so dark I can't even see my own shadow. It's a flight of steps, whispered handy, gazing fearfully into the deep well of a circular stairway, winding down into the darkness. They could hear the chink of the silver ball as it rolled from step to step.

So, taking her courage in all hands, the goat girl herself began to descend. Knox, grunting and muttering lugubriously, came just behind her. Steps were difficult enough for the ox at any time, but negotiating a flight of circular steps in pitch darkness was terrifying and dangerous in the extreme. Be careful, warned Handy, looking up anxiously.

Don't slip, or you'll break my heart. More than that, I'm afraid. Quavered the Royal Ox, setting his front feet cautiously on the step below, while he balanced his hindquarters perilously on the one above. End of Chapter 17. Chapter 18 of Handy Man D. Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson. This Libre Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 18.

What's and the Nomew. King, leave for the capital. Meanwhile, Watts and Ruggetto had shot up in the wizard's silver car, and were now in earnest conversation together. How in suds did that girl break your enchantment? asked Watts, dropping irritably to his silver workbench. I was watching her every minute through an invisible window, and I didn't see her do a thing but break the jug.

Now, why couldn't I have thought of that? Oh, what does it matter? Regetto settled himself with a joyful little wriggle beside the silver monarch. What does it matter so long as I am free and able to help you? So you really think you can make yourself ruler of Oz? He went on, glancing enviously round the wizard's well-stocked in, with its tables full of magic apparatus and its shelves and shells and shells of dusty volumes of wizard and witch-works. What's had confided his plans and intentions to Rigetto on the ride-up.

"'Say!' exclaimed the Gnome King, suddenly. "'How did you get Glenda's record book? That's the most important treasure in her castle?' "'Of course,' lazily the wizard reached for his silver pipe. "'Well, it's a long story, rug, but I don't mind telling you that I have agents working in every kingdom of the country. Seven, who was assigned to the quadling country, brought in the record book, smallifying it in order to steal and carry it here, and restoring it to proper size when it arrived. Six and eleven have brought me useful magic from the Winkies and Gillikins,

but five managed to steal Osma's own magic picture, and, ha-ha, since he couldn't find the Gnome King's belt. He brought me the Gnome King himself. Pretty clever of him to discover. you were a jug, eh? Remarkable, sighed Ruggetto, as Watts paused to blow a silver bubble which floated out of the work-den, breaking somewhere outside with a tinkling bell-like explosion. Two glasses of melted silver snapped the wizard to a smart-looking bell-boy who came

in answer to this singular summons. Now, continued What's looking at the Gnome King through half-closed-eye. before I attempt to capture the Emerald City, I must have one of two things. Either the silver hammer belonging to a witch of the West, or the magic belt that once belonged to you. So far none of my agents have been able to find the witch, locate the hammer, or discover where Osmond now keeps your magic belt. But you, its rightful owner, must know exactly where it is hidden. Ruggetto, without saying anything, nodded briefly. "'Well, then,' said what,

"'if you will help me steal the magic belt, which I understand, is the most potent and powerful magic in Ev or Oz, I will kick Calico off your throne, restore your own kingdom, and give you besides any one of the four Oz kingdoms you may fancy.' Oh, don't matter me. me with any of the Oz kingdoms. I am sick of the place, frowned the gnome, wagging his beard vindictively.

All I want is my own kingdom and my own magic belt. But I tell you what I will do. I'll help you steal this belt, for I know exactly where it is hidden, show you how it works so you can transform Osma and all her friends and counselors to rocks and rubble. But when you are safely... established as supreme Wizard of Oz. You must return the belt to me. Oh, naturally, promised the wizard,

chuckling to himself, as he thought how quickly he would turn Rigetto to a rock once he was wearing the famous belt. Taking a glass of melted silver from the tray the boy had just sat down, Watts lifted it to his lips, and Ruggetto, his eyes, glittering with all their old spitefulness, raised his own glass to drink to the wicked bargain. "'Come,' he sputtered, wiping his mouth on the back of his hand.

"'When do we start? What magic have you to carry us to the capital and open the emerald safe where the magic belt and other important treasures of Osma are hidden? But wait, perhaps we had better look in the magic picture and see where Osma and the wizard of Oz are now.' "'I'm afraid we cannot do that. explained regretfully. Seven spoil the canvas in some way when he reduced it to carry it here. It doesn't show anything now, and I've not had time to repair the damage. Pasha, that's too bad, said Ruggetto, going over to touch the picture, now hanging on the

wizard's wall. But the record book's still working, I suppose. Oh, yes, said the wizard, stepping up to the marble table, and glancing down at the open page. Listen to this. It says, roared the silver king, holding his sides and simply rocking with wicked merriment. It says, two metal monarchs are plotting the downfall of the present ruler of Oz. What else does it say? inquired the gnome king, who had had more experience than his companion in dealing with

the magicians of the Emerald City. It says, Osma and her counselors have. gone to the castle of Glenda the Good, Woods told him complacently, closing and padlocking the big volume. Then we'd better start at once before they return, declared Ruggetto. For as soon as we have my belt, we can change them to rocks wherever they are. The most important thing is to get that belt before they know we are after it.

But how are we going to get to the Emerald City, and how are we going to open that safe? My silver blowpipe will reduce the safe to a heap of ashes without injuring the contents, answered the wizard, and reaching the capital will be the simplest part of all. Taking a silver tube from a high shelf, What's put it in his pocket, and reaching for his bubble pipe, he began to blow an enormous quick silver bubble round himself and the gnome king. Slowly, and with both kings inside, the bubble rose, passed in a silver mist out of the wizard's den, up through the honeycomb of caves, caverns, and grottoes, on up and up, till it floated right out of the top of the Silver King's Mountain. End of Chapter 18. Chapter 19 of Handy Mandianaz by Ruth Plummy Thompson. this Librivox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 19. At the bottom of the mountain.

At the same moment the silver bubble carrying Wats and Ruggetto burst out of the top of the mountain, Handy Mandy and Knox reached the bottom, arriving at last at the end of the winding stair. One amethyst burned dimly on the small landing, and, crowded uncomfortably together, the two prisoners found themselves facing a heavily barred door. Private lower of the Wizard of Wats keep out, announced a surly sign. But Handy and Knox, their legs still quivering from the long downward climb, were in no humor to be stopped by a sign. Lower, hmm, sniffed Handy Mandy disgustedly.

I should think it was. We must be at the very bottom of this miserable mountain. Lower indeed. Well, I expect a lower is the opposite of a tower. Come on. Picking up the silver ball, Handy squinted sharply at the door, giving it a quick shove to see whether it was locked

or fitted with an invisible moving panel. But there was nothing remarkable about this door. And nothing on it except a very, small silver keyhole, which at once recalled to the goat-girl the key she had been carrying around ever since she left Caritaria. "'Oh, Knox, I believe the key in your horn will fit,' she cried excitedly, and, deftly removing the left prong of Knox's headgear, she shook out the ball. Then, while Knox, fairly panting with impatience, looked on, Handy took the key from the ball

and inserted it in the silver lock. When it turned easily and smoothly, she was almost afraid to open the door. What would they find on the other side? What had the wizard done to his helpless young captive? As handy hesitated, Knox rushed forward, banging the door open with his great shoulder. Carrie! Carrie!

wailed the faithful ox, and falling to his knees, Knox began to snort and blubber in real earnest. Handy, hurrying after him into the small, stuffy cell, saw a handsome boy in hunting costume, standing motionless and silent as a statue, in the center of a great shimmering violet bubble. Without thinking or reasoning, or even stopping to consult the ox, the goat girl flung out all her arms toward the solitary figure.

her iron hand puncturing the bubble with a deafening pop. Why, hello, Knox! The little king stepped calmly out of the misty vapor, all that was left of the wizard's bubble. Where's your other horn? And who is this jolly-looking girl? Who, indeed? There was so much to be told and explained,

even with Handy and Knox talking as fast as they could and taking turns. It took almost an hour to tell the story, of their journey from Carataria to the Silver Mountain and their awful experiences with the Wizard of Wats. Carrie himself remembered nothing since he has started out on the hunting expedition. He listened with angry exclamations and bounces as Knox relayed the tale of King Kerr's treachery

and the sad state of affairs in Carataria. "'And I've been shut up in this bubble for two years,' mourned the little king, looking round the dismal cell with the shutter. Why, it makes my headache just to think of it. Mine, too, agreed Handy, clapping Knox's left horn in place. But it's almost over now, my lad. If we can just find some way out of this mountain,

I'll settle old King Kerr and his high boys, not to speak of this woozling wizard. Placing Kerry on Knox's back, Handy looked nervously at the door of the lower. At sight of the winding stair, Knox gave a great groan and shudder. Oh, I'll never climb these steps again, he declared, planting his feet stubbornly. Never. Where's that silver hammer, molasse?

Give it a tap and see what the dwarf can do for us. What's and Ruggedo were too busy with their wicked plans to bother us now? "'I wouldn't be too sure of that,' muttered the goat-girl. Nevertheless, she pulled out the hammer and tapped it lightly on the floor. "'Well, what's wanted?' yawned himself, appearing instantly and in the exact spot the hammer had struck. "'We want to get out of here,' cried Carrie. "'So excited and delighted with the purple-bearded dwarf, he instantly forgot all his troubles. With a crooked smile at the little king,

himself looked questioningly at handy, and at the goat girl's quick nod, wrapped his knuckles on the north wall of the lower. At once, a small panel slipped aside, revealing an elevator, its door invitingly open. Waving all her hands to thank himself, who was already beginning to disappear, Handy stepped inside.

Knox, with Carrie still perched on his back, just managed to squeeze in when the door snapped shut, and the elevator sped upward carrying its three passengers in double-quick silver time to the work den of the wizard. Handy, a bit disappointed not to find herself on top of the mountain, stepped out first. As Knox, with an awkward jump followed her, the door slammed shut, and the elevator, dropped like a plummet to the bottom of the mountain. Oh, this must be where What's works all his magic transformations, breathed Kerry, sliding off Knox's back and gazing around with deep interest and curiosity. I'll bet he blew a bubble round me right in this very den.

Wonder where he is now. There was a slight cough at Kerry's question, and turning, they saw Nifflepock standing uncertainly in the door. doorway. "'Ah, so we meet again,' cried Handy, doubling up all her fists and walking grimly toward the Silver King's fat minister. Where is that rascally master of yours? As you probably know by this time we kept our bargain, but he still has to keep his. Indeed, you are fortunate to have escape with your lives,' muttered Niffelpuck, taking off his hat and looking anxiously inside. I'm sorry to tell you the wizard of what's never keeps his bargains.

No matter how hard we work or try to please him, sooner or later we are all shelved or potted. Then why work for such a villain? snorted the Royal Ox gruffly. Where is he now? Yes, where is he now? asked Carrie. Who, in spite of the terrible stories he had heard, hoped to get a look at the wonderful wizard who had enchanted him. him. Gone, answered Niffelpock, putting on his high hat and giving it a couple of taps. He's bubbled off with a gnome king to conquer Oz, and I expect by this time they've bewitched about half the inhabitants of the Emerald City. Oh, what a shame, burst out, Carrie.

Bubbled off? What do you mean by that? The goat girl reached out with all her arms to pull the Silver King's little minister closer. "'I mean, bubbled off,' repeated Nifflepock, "'struggling to release himself from Handy's clutches. "'He blew a quick silver bubble, "'and he and Ruggetto sailed away in it, "'if that's any planar.'

"'Oh, then we had better go right after them,' "'snorted the ox in an anxious voice. "'Show us out of this mountain, you little pudding, "'or I'll toss you higher than a kite.' "'Oh, do let's do something,' begged Carrie, "'who, being young, was quite, daring and absolutely foolhardy. We aren't going to let those dreadful kings conquer the country, are we, and not lift a hand?

Well, I'm sure I lift all seven, if it would do any good, mused handy-bandy, and a depressed voice. But how can we stop them? Watts and Rug have probably stolen all the magic in Osmos Palace by this time, the thieving rascals. But surely you have some magic? ventured Nifflepuck, who had finally jerked himself free. Or you could never have disenchanted the gnome or found the wizards lower and rescued this boy. And if you have, he warned backing rapidly away, if you have, you'd better use it quick. When Watts finishes conquering Oz, he's sure to remember you and turn you to rocks and rubble.

He's going to turn everyone to rocks and rubble, willed Niffle. Pock dashing out of the workshop. Great gazoo, what shall we do? I don't want to be a rock, snorted Knox. And I won't be a rock, stormed the little king. It was bad enough being shut up in a bubble and missing two whole years. Oh, you won't let him turn us to rocks, will you, Handy? And do less help poor Osmo before it's too late.

Carrie looked up at her so pleadingly, handy against all her inclinations and better judgment, pulled out the silver hammer again. The hammer will be better than the ball, she reasoned quickly, for the ball only seems to help charitarians. Now then, lifting the hammer in her iron hand, the goat girl brought it down sharply on the wizard's marble table.

Silver sparks flew up in every direction, and out of the very middle of the shower stepped the yawning dwarf. "'Say, I'm trying to take a nap,' grumbled himself, stretching his arms up sleepily. "'What do you fellows want now?' "'We want to go to the Emerald City of Oz and save Osma from Watts and the Nome King,' explained handy in one breathless sentence. "'Morre, all that?' Stifling another yawn, himself grinned mischievously at the goat-girl.

Then stand in line, please! So Handy placed herself in front of the royal ox, and Carrie stepped behind him, and the dwarf, seizing the hammer, brought it down with a terrible blow just behind the little king. And what a blow it was you can readily understand, when I tell you that its force carried the three travelers clear out of the Silver King's Mountain and all the way to the Emerald City itself. Flying along for a moment beside them, himself slipped the hammer back in the goat-girl's hand,

and then, with another tremendous yawn, disappeared. End of Chapter 19. Chapter 20 of Handy Mandy and Oz by Ruth Plummy Tom. Thompson. This Librivox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 20. Just in time. In Osma's palace in the Emerald City, everything was very quiet and still. Not surprising when you consider that the Wizard of Watts had blown his patent stupefying powder down all the chimneys before he and Ruggedo dared to enter. Then mooring the silver bubble to one of the castle spires, the two conspirators had slipped through an open window and proceeded without delay or interference to the private sitting-room of the absent ruler there ruggedo with a spiteful laugh thrust his head right into the mouths of the hungry tiger and cowardly line

rigid and helpless they sat before osma safe motionless and completely stupefied as were all of osma's other faithful servants and retainers Reducing the safe to a heap of green ashes was the work of but a moment. Then, pulling the Gnome King's belt from the sparkling heap of treasures, What's sprang to his feet. Quick, how does it work? he cried, clasping the belt round his thin waist. We'll not have a second safety till Osma, Glinda, the Wizard of Oz, and all those girl princesses are out of the way. But first you must restore my kingdom, insisted Rogetto, dancing up and down.

Here, give it to me. I'm used to it and can work faster. First I'll wish Calico off my throne and myself back in my underground castle, then, Oh, no, you won't, declared what's, holding the bouncing gnome king off with one hand. How do I know what you will do once you reach your own kingdom? Why? I might never see this belt again. But I promise to send it back to you," hissed Ruggetto, his eyes snapping real sparks.

I'd rather have the belt than the promise, said what's shaking his head stubbornly. Give it to me, I say give it to me, yelled Ruggetto, now in a perfect rage. How do I know what you will do when you know the trick of using it? Why, you might even turn me to a rock to be rid of me." What? change my dearest friend and most powerful ally to a rock, exclaimed the wizard with pretended horror. By the left horn of my silver cow, I promise to return this belt as soon as I am ruler of Oz. Ruggetto longed to snatch his belt away from the scheming silver monarch,

but as he was neither big nor strong enough to do this, there was nothing for him to do but agree to the wizard's term. All right, he groaned dismally. Listen, then. But as Watts bent his head and the little gnome began to whisper horse directions in his ear, there was a dreadful thump and clatter behind them. Stop, commanded the goat-girl, the first to recover from the shock of the landing, and dear knows handy should have been used to sudden landings by this time.

Stop! Whirling round with a howl of fury. Watt sprang straight at her, but Handy, who still clutched the silver hammer in her iron hand, was too quick for him, and brought it down with a resounding crack on the top of his head. Take him away, take him away! cried Handy hysterically, as Watts fell over backwards, and himself, appearing exactly where the hammer had struck, leaped off the wizard's head to save himself from a fall. But first we must have that magic belt, chuckled the hammer elf.

Giving Rugetto, who was struggling frantically to get his belt from around the Silver King's waist a quick push, himself unbuckled the clasps and tossed the magic girdle to the goat-girl, then grabbing the howling gnome and senseless wizard, each by his neck. The efficient dwarf vanished in a flash of lightning and a crash of thunder that shook the castle to its foundations. Knox dropped to his knees. Kerry, still stunned by the hammer blow that had carried them to the Emerald City, and Handy herself, with her arms still upraised, stared in dumb astonishment at the

quivering vacuum where the two kings and himself, the elf, had been whirling a moment before. "'Oh, Handy! Handy! you've really done it!' shouted Carrie, finding his voice at last. Why, you've saved the whole of Osma's kingdom and struck only one blow. But watch out. Are those beasts alive or just statues? Bathews, I hope, grunted the Royal Ox, lurching dizzily to his feet. Well, here we are in the capital, Malas.

And I must say you have handled everything beautifully, beautifully. Halt, who goes there? Whoa! Ho! Halt and surrender! Pipeed a frightened voice. Here they are, your majesty, the robbers themselves, caught red-handed in the act of robbing our royal safe. Red-white and blue-handed, if you ask me, cried the patchwork girl, blinking her two shoe-button

eyes at the red rubber hand with which Handy grasped the Gnome King's belt. The right hand she had reached out to hold on to carry, the iron hand still clutching the silver hammer. All the rest of her hands the goat-girl held stiffly before her. Brushing aside the soldier with the green whiskers, who promptly dive behind a sofa, Scraps jerked the Gnome King's belt out of Handy's rubber hand and gave her a shove the center flying over backward. Take that, you monster! yells Scraps.

Well, spluttered the goat-girl, sprawling flat on her back. Here's gratitude for you. How dare you call Handy a monster? Bellowed Knox, charging angrily after the patchwork girl. Oh, do be careful, called Osma with a little scream, as Knox almost caught up with scraps. And Carrie began to belabor the soldier with green whiskers over the head with a candlestick. Oh, oh, my poor lion, my poor tiger, my safe!

Why, I just can't believe it! wailed the little fairy ruler, staring sorrowfully down at the goat-girl, who had made no attempt to rise nor explain her embarrassing position. Then don't believe it, cried Carrie breathlessly, for it isn't true. This brave girl and Knox have got the best of what's and the gnome king, and saved your whole ballet kingdom, and here you gone and had her knock down. Shame on you. Get away from me, you cut and stuffed heart. horror, screamed the little king, as scraps, eluding the ox, made a determined jump in his direction. Quiet, quiet! The scarecrow, who, with Glenda, the wizard, Dorothy, Betsy, and Trot, now came hurrying into the room,

raised both arms and looked around pleadingly. The whole royal party, traveling in Glenda Swan Chariot, had just arrived on the balcony outside, but Osma, Scraps, and the soldier with green whiskers had been first on the scene of action. The boy is right, declared Glinda, crossing slowly to a green sofa. I can see by her face and hands, Glinda smiled faintly, that this girl is both honest and industrious. Thanks, murmured Handy, as the scarecrow, ever-age gentleman, bounded forward to assist her to her feet. The flimsy straw-stuffed fellow lost his balance in the attempt, but his little act of gallantry did much to relieve an awkward moment.

"'You see,' puffed the scarecrow, seating handy with a flourish. For the last ten days we've all been pretty much upset around here, and you'll have to excuse scraps for jumping at conclusions. "'Please do,' Osma spoke pleasantly and seriously, as she seated herself in her self. in her small armchair, leaning over to take the gnome king's belt from scraps. But if some of you kind to people will just explain— The little fairy looked anxiously from the stupefied tiger and lion to her pulverized safe, her eyes coming back to rest on the goat-girl, the great white ox, and the handsome young munchkin. End of chapter 20.

Chapter 21 of Handymandianaz by Ruth Plummy Thompson This Libre Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 21 The Hammer Elf Explains Go ahead and explain, said Handy, closing her eyes and leaning back in her chair with all her hands hanging limply at her side. So, Knox, a bit haughty

and tossing his head proudly from time to time, began at the beginning, and told all that had happened since Handy Mandy had flown from Mount Mern. How the goat-girl had found the magic in his horn, how they had traveled together from Carreteria to the Silver Mountain, and there, in their search for the little king, discovered what's his plot to make himself supreme Wizard of Oz?

And last of all, he explained how Handy, with the help of the silver hammer, had subdued the two wicked kings. Well, it certainly was very kind of you to take all this trouble for us, after you had already had so many worries of your own side, Asma, as Knox, finishing his story, gazed round the room with lordly condescension. Yes, wasn't it? Handy opened her eyes and thoughtfully regarded the little ruler of Oz. Still, I'm glad now that we did save you. The goat girl's round, pleasant face was suddenly wreathed in smiles.

I didn't think I was going to like you, but I do, she admitted cheerfully. I believe you're the best ruler Oz could have, and besides, you're pretty as a goat. As a goat, gasped the Wizard of Oz, while Dorothy and the other girls had all they could do to keep from laughing right out. loud. But Asma, who was a very understanding little person, smiled kindly back at Handy Mandy. Goats are pretty, she agreed, nodding her head politely. And since you must miss your own goats very much, perhaps you would like me to send you back

to Mount Merne after you've seen a bit of the capital. Oh, Andy wouldn't leave us, snorted the Royal Ox, moving as close to the goat girl as he could get. We couldn't get along without Handy Mandy, your majesty. Oh, please let her stay in Caritaria, begged the little king, adding his voice to that of his royal ox. You will live with us in the palace, won't you handy? Well, if I just had my goats, considered the seven-armed maiden, Mount Murn would seem rather dull after Oz, she acknowledged pensively. But what about that old king who's still on carries thrifted?

and what am I to do with this silver hammer? And what do you suppose himself has done with Watts and Ruggetto? Yes, what's to be done with Watts, echoed the scarecrow, wrinkling up his cotton forehead. And now the little sitting-room began fairly to buzz with excited questions and suggestions, for there was still a lot to be explained and settled. the Ozites could hardly keep their eyes off the seven-armed goat-girl, the handsome young ruler of Cariteria, and his royal ox. Dorothy longed to unscrew his horn and test its magic power for herself,

but Osma, anxious to repair all the damage done by the wicked wizard, now raised her scepter for silence. Clasping on the Gnome king's belt, Osma first brought back her magic picture, and with a quick wish, returned Glinda's book of records to her castle in the south. Next, though she knew neither the extent nor the nature of the wizard's other thefts, she caused to be restored to their rightful owners all the magic appliances in the Silver King's den. The scarecrow had already reported the stupefied condition of the other occupants of the palace, so Asma's next thought was to restore them to their accustomed selves.

No sooner was the cowardly lion released than he crawled under a table, but the hungry tiger rushed out on the balcony, growling and lashing his tail, as he thought of the indignity he had suffered. After a short conference with Handy Mandy, Osma freed all the potted prisoners of the Wicked Wizard and made Niffelpuk king of the Silver Mountain. She moved the cliff dwellings of the people to the outside of the mountain, so What's his pale subjects would enjoy with the rest of the Gillikins,

the bright sunshine and beneficent climate of Oz. The Magic Mountain is south, with all its dark pits and jewel caverns. Osma sealed up tightly and forever. The wizard's agents were turned to moles, for they were already more like these boring little animals than men. After each magic wish or transformation, the little group in the royal sitting room would look at the magic picture which Osma had immediately repaired.

And in each case, Handy felt that the ruler of Oz had used both wisdom and good judgment. Knox, as they were watching the wizard's agents turn to mold, gave a snort of surprise for the first first first thing, Figures shown was old King Kerr, who was really number nine. As the wicked imposter changed quickly from a man to a mole and scurried off the throne and a way to bury himself in the blue forest, Knox and Handy both heaved a sigh of relief and satisfaction. While Osma was working on the magic safe, Handy, deciding to try a little of her own magic, softly tap the silver hammer on the arm of her chair.

At once, and to the delight and interest of everyone, himself the elf, appear to stride the arm, holding a small cactus plant in each hand. I wish you in the future to obey the summons of Her Majesty Asma of Oz, smile the goat girl, placing the silver hammer as she spoke in Osma's lap. This young fairy, is more experienced in magic than I,

and will know how to use the hammer to best advantage. Oh, all right, but I rather liked working for you, grinned himself, and say, I tried to turn these rascals to plants, but this was the best I could do. Setting the two pots of cactus down on a small writing desk, the hammer elf bowed first to handy and then to Asma. Wait, don't go. begged the little fairy, as himself showed unmistakable signs of disappearing,

do tell us about this silver hammer and who owned it first. It belonged to Wunchy, a witch of the West, whose lived in the Munchkin Mountains for about a thousand years, and used it to control as many of the Munchkin canes as she could, explained the dwarf, balancing himself cleverly on an inkwell. Then I suppose Wunchy was responsible for the prophecy in characteria, surmised Knox, blinking his eyes at the hammer elf. The dwarf nodded cheerfully.

Yes, when she invented that prophecy, he told him, and placed her own white oxen in the country. Each time she had trouble forcing the king to do as she wished, she tapped him and the ox on the head with her hammer. But I took rather a fancy to you, admitted himself, looking fondly at Knox. So when she ordered me to tap you off and tell you, traded little king Kerry to Watts for a basket of jumping beans, and put Watts's agent on the throne of Carotaria. I decided to take a hand myself. So I gave you only a light tap,

and at the same time I stored enough magic in your horns to help you find Carrie. And with the help of this handy goat girl, you did find him, beamed the hammer elf. I knew my magic was good. you can't work for a witch without learning good magic. But now, since everything is turning out so splendidly, I'll go back to my tree stump. One, two, three, back to my tree. But what became of the witch? cried Asma, catching hold of the dwarf's purple beard, for his head had already vanished. Ha! ha! she exploded and popped off, roared a voice from the place where the elf's head had been.

I told her not to eat those jumping beans, and after that I buried her hammer in the Garden of Caritaria, and there it stayed till Handy plowed it up. Goodbye to all, and the body of the hammer elf melted into nothing and was gone. My eye! What a clever fellow, chuckled Handy. So now, What's and Ruggetto or a couple of cactuses? "'unpleasant to the last. "'Do you suppose anyone can ever disenchant them?' "'For goateness sake, be careful,' begged Handy,

"'as Jelia, in answer to her mistress's ring, "'came to carry the plants to the conservatory. "'Whatever you do, don't drop them. "'And to think that the wizard is potted himself. "'Well, I'll never have a hand in breaking his enchantment.' "'I never ever have a hand in breaking his enchantment. thought anyone would ever break Ruggerto's enchantment, confessed Osma. When I changed him to a jug, I commanded him to keep that shape till he was broken by the

seventh hand of a traveling Mernite. And at that time I did not even know there was such a place as Mount Mern, or a clever goat-girl like handy. But aren't you glad there was? shouted the little wizard of Oz, tossing up his hat and catching it on his nose. Aren't we all glad to know Handy Mandy, Knox, and this jolly young king? Long live the royal ox and the little king of Cariteria, cried the cheering Ozites. Long live Handy Mandy, the seven-armed wonder of the world and Oz. And of course, they will live long. Everyone lives long in Oz.

But even if Handy lives to be a hundred, she will never forget the grand. and banquet given that evening in her honor. Beside the famous people she already knew, the goat girl was presented to all the other celebrities in Osbes court, and, shaking hands with them heartily and seven at a time, she had never been so flattered and fussed over in her life. Knox and Kerry came in for their share of honors, too. There was nothing the Ozians would not have done for their three new friends and rescuers.

Osma, overwhelmed by Handy's generosity in giving her the silver hammer, and already indebted to her for saving the kingdom, racked her brains for some wonderful gift to reward the brave mountain lass. But it was Knox who solved the difficulty by confiding to Osma that Handy desired more than anything else, a set of gloves for her hands. It seemed she had never had enough gloves for more than two at a time. So, smiling secretly to herself, Osma gave the goat girl seven sets of fine kid gloves and an emerald necklace that wound three times round her sturdy neck. With a necklace, a complete new outfit, and her 49 gloves, Handy Mandy felt herself quite ready for high life and royal society. Though you really should wear a boxing glove on that iron hand, whisper the scarecrow,

as Handy blushingly resumed her seat after Osma's speech of presentation. Stay in the Emerald City, and we will make you a general in the army, promised the strawman earnestly. But Handy shook her head with tears of merriment in her eyes. Though she never quite forgave scraps for pushing her over, She and the scarecrow were already as friendly and easy as an old pair of shoes. Handy Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, the straw man had nicknamed her because she had a hand for every day in the week. Knox had insisted on himself being invited to the banquet, and the clever elf added much to the pleasure and hilarity of that memorable occasion.

Indeed, many times afterward when she felt bored, or lonely, Osma would summon himself just to amuse and cheer her up. The silver hammer was stored away with the other important magic treasures, and is regarded by many as the most powerful magic in the castle. Handy Mandy kept the blue flower to help her on future journeys, and after she and her two friends had spent a happy week in the Emerald City, Osma reluctantly wished Carrie and Knox to Carreteria and the goat girl back to Mount Mern.

Here, for a month, Handy Mandy astonished the villagers with the story of her travels. Then, gathering up her goats, she took herself and them back by a fast-wishing pill the wizard had given her to the kingdom of Carataria. As the goat-girl's hands retained all their strength and willingness and noxas horns all their magic, even to giving wise and youthful messages,

These two, and Little Kerry, rule the kingdom between them, with such skill and cleverness. Everyone was enormously happy and prosperous. End of Chapter 21. End of Handy Mandy and Oz by Ruth Plummy Thompson. Hope you enjoyed it.