Classic Audiobook Collection - Little Wizard Stories of Oz by L. Frank Baum ~ Full Audiobook [fantasy]

Episode Date: February 9, 2023

Little Wizard Stories of Oz by L. Frank Baum audiobook. Genre: fantasy The 'Little Wizard Stories of Oz' are six short stories written by L. Frank Baum in 1913. By all accounts, Baum intended to finish the Oz series with 'The Emerald City of Oz,' published in 1910. Following that, he attempted to write non-Oz books, publishing 'The Sea Fairies' in 1911 and 'Sky Island' in 1912. But, (as Baum himself laments in the prefaces of many of his Oz books,) his 'little tyrants' were only interested in hearing more Oz stories. So in 1913, he returned to writing about Oz, putting out both The 'Little Wizard Stories' and 'The Patchwork Girl of Oz' that year. The Little Wizard Stories were geared toward younger children and were originally published separately, 'similar in style to today's Little Golden Books.' The next year, they were published together as one volume. Each Little Wizard Story revolves around the adventures of two famous Oz characters, and their humorous adventures in and around the land of Oz. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 01 (00:12:04) Chapter 02 (00:24:09) Chapter 03 (00:36:05) Chapter 04 (00:47:50) Chapter 05 (00:59:16) Chapter 06 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Little Wizard Stories of Oz by L. Frank Baum The cowardly lion and the hungry tiger In the splendid palace of the emerald city, which is in the center of the fairy land of Oz, is a great throne room where Princess Osma, the ruler, for an hour each day, sits in a throne of glistening emeralds and listens to all the troubles of her people, which they are sure to tell her about. Around Osma's throne on such a case, are grouped all the important personages of Oz, such as the scarecrow, jack pumpkinhead,

Tick-tock the Clockwork Man, the Tin Woodman, the Wizard of Oz, the Shaggy Man, and other famous fairy people. Little Dorothy usually has a seat at Osma's feet, and crouched on either side of the throne are two enormous beasts known as the Hungry Tiger and the Cowardly Lion. These two beasts are Osma's chief guardians, but as everyone loves the beautiful girl princess, there has never been any disturbance in the great throne room, or anything for the guardians to do, but look fierce and solemn,

and keep quiet until the royal audience is over, and the people go away to their homes. Of course, no one would dare be naughty, while the huge lion and tiger crouched beside the throne, but the fact is, the people of Oz are very selfish, him naughty. So Osma's big guards are more ornamental than useful, and no one realizes that better than the beasts themselves. One day after everybody had left the throne room, except the cowardly lion and the hungry tiger, the lion yawned and said to his friend, I'm getting tired of this job.

No one is afraid of us, and no one pays any attention to us. That is true, replied the big tiger, purring softly. we might as well be in the thick jungles where we were born, as trying to protect Osma when she needs no protection, and I'm dreadfully hungry all the time. You have enough to eat, I'm sure, said the lion, swaying his tail slowly back and forth. Enough, perhaps, but not the kind of food I long for, answered the tiger. What I'm hungry for is fat babies. I have a great desire to eat a few fat babies. then perhaps the people of Oz would fear me and i'd become more important true agreed the lion it would stir up quite a rumpus if you ate but one fat baby

as for myself my claws are sharp as needles and strong as crowbars while my teeth are powerful enough to tear a person to pieces in a few seconds if i should spring upon a man and make chop suey of him there would be wild excitement in the emerald and the people would fall upon their knees and beg me for mercy. That, in my opinion, would render me of considerable importance. After you had torn the person to pieces, what would you do next? asked the tiger, sleepily. Then I would roar so loudly it would shake the earth and stalk away to the jungle to hide myself, before anyone could attack me or kill me for what I had done. I see, nodded the tiger. you are really cowardly. To be sure, that is why I am named the cowardly lion. That is why I have always been so

tame and peaceable. But I'm awfully tired of being tame, added the lion with a sigh, and it would be fun to raise a row and show people what a terrible beast I really am. The tiger remained silent for several minutes, thinking deeply as he slowly washed his face with his left paw. Then he said, I'm getting old, and it would please me to eat at least one fat baby before I die. Suppose we surprise these people of Oz and prove our power. What do you say? We will walk out of here just as usual, and the first baby we meet I'll eat in a jiffy. And the first man or woman you meet, you will tear to pieces. Then we will both run out of the same. And the first baby we will both run out of the city gates and gallop across the country and hide in the jungle before anyone can stop us.

All right, I'm game, said the lion, yawning again so that he showed two rows of dreadfully sharp teeth. The tiger got up and stretched his great sleek body. Come on, he said. The lion stood up and proved he was the larger of the two, for he was almost as big as a small horse. out of the palace they walked and met no one they passed through the beautiful grounds past fountains and beds of lovely flowers and met no one then they unlatched a gate and entered a street of the city and met no one i wonder how a fat baby will taste remarked the tiger as they stalked majestically along side by side i imagine it will taste like nutmegs said the lion no said the tiger I've an idea it will taste like gum-drops. They turned a corner but met no one,

for the people of the Emerald City, were accustomed to take their naps at this hour of the afternoon. I wonder how many pieces I ought to tear a person into, said the lion in a thoughtful voice. Sixty would be about right, suggested the tiger. Would that hurt any more than to tear one into a dozen pieces?

inquired the lion with a little shudder who cares whether it hurts or not growled the tiger the lion did not reply they entered a side street but met no one suddenly they heard a child crying aha exclaimed the tiger there is my meat he rushed around a corner the lion following and came upon a nice fat baby sitting in the middle of the street and crying as if in great distress. What's the matter? asked the tiger, crouching before the baby. I lost my mama, wailed the baby. Why, you poor little thing, said the great beast, softly stroking the child's head with its paw. Don't cry, my dear, for mama can't be far away, and I'll help you to find her. Go on, said the lion, who stood by. Go on where, asked the tiger, looking up. Go on, and eat your fat baby. Why, you dreadful creature, said the tiger reproachfully, would you want me to eat a poor little lost baby that doesn't know where its mother is?

And the beast gathered the little one into its strong hairy arms, and tried to comfort it by rocking it gently back and forth. The lion growled low in his throat and seemed very much disappointed. But at that moment a scream reached their ears, and a woman came bounding out of a house and into the street. Seeing her baby in the embrace of the monster tiger, the woman screamed again and rushed forward to rescue it. But in her haste, she caught her foot in her skirt, and tumbled head over heels and heels overhead, stopping with such a bump that she saw many stars in the heavens, although it was broad daylight. And there she lay in a help of her helpless manner all tangled up and unable to stir with one bound and a roar like thunder the huge lion was beside her with his strong jaws he grasped her dress and raised her into an upright position poor thing are you hurt he gently asked

gasping for breath the woman struggled to free herself and tried to walk but she limped badly and tumbled down again my baby she said said pleadingly. The baby is all right, don't worry, replied the lion, and then he added, Keep quiet now, and I'll carry you back to your house, and the hungry tiger will carry your baby. The tiger, who had approached the place with the child in its arms, asked in astonishment, Aren't she going to tear her into sixty pieces? No, nor into six pieces, answered the lion indignantly. I'm not such a brute as to disdain.

a poor woman who has hurt herself trying to save her lost baby. If you are so ferocious and cruel and bloodthirsty, you may leave me and go away, for I do not care to associate with you.' "'That's all right,' answered the tiger. "'I'm not cruel, not in the least. I'm only hungry.' "'But I thought you were cruel.' "'Thank heaven, I'm respectable,' said the lion with dignity. He then raised the woman, and with much gentle, her carried her into her house, where he laid her upon a sofa. The tiger followed with the baby, which he safely deposited beside its mother. The little one liked the hungry tiger, and grasping the enormous beast by both ears, the baby kissed the beast's nose to show he was grateful and happy.

Thank you very much, said the woman. I've often heard what good beasts you are, in spite of your power to do mischief to mankind, and now I know. that the stories are true. I do not think either of you have ever had an evil thought. The hungry tiger and the cowardly lion hung their heads and did not look into each other's eyes, for both were shamed and humbled. They crept away and stalked back through the streets until they again entered the palace grounds, where they retreated to the pretty, comfortable rooms they occupied at the back of the hallis. There they silently crouched in their usual corners to think over their adventure after a while the tiger said sleepily i don't believe fat babies taste like gum-drops i'm quite sure they have the flavor of raspberry tarts my how hungry i am for fat babies

the lion grunted disdainfully you're a humbug said he am i retorted the tiger with a sneer tell me then into how How many pieces you usually tear your victims, my bold lion? The lion impatiently thumped the floor with his tail. To tear anyone into pieces would soil my claws and blunt my teeth, he said. I'm glad I didn't must myself up this afternoon by hurting that poor mother. The tiger looked at him steadily, and then yawned a wide, wide yawn. You're a coward, he remarked. "'Well,' said the lion,

"'it's better to be a coward than to do wrong.' "'To be sure,' answered the other, "'and that reminds me that I nearly lost my own reputation. "'For if I had eaten that fat baby, "'I would not now be the hungry tiger. "'It's better to go hungry, seems to me, "'than to be cruel to a little child.' "'And then they dropped their heads on their paws

"'and went to sleep. End of the Cowardly Lion and the Hungry Tiger This is a Libravox recording All Libervox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer Please visit livervox.org Little Wizard Stories of Oz By L. Frank Baum

Little Dorothy and Toto Dorothy was a little Kansas girl who once accidentally found the beautiful land of Oz and was invited to live there always. Toto was Dorothy's small black dog with fuzzy curly hair and bright black eyes. Together, when they tired of the grandeur of the Emerald City of Oz, they would wander out into the country

and all through the land, peering into queer nooks and corners and having a good time in their own simple way. There was a little wizard living in Oz, who was a faithful friend of Dorothy, and did not approve of her traveling alone in this way. But the girl always laughed at the little man's fears for her, and said she was not afraid of anything that might happen. One day, while on such a journey, Dorothy and Toto found themselves among the wild-wooded hills at the southeast of Oz, a place usually avoided by travelers because so many magical things abounded there. And, as they entered a forest path, the little girl noticed a sign tacked to a tree,

which said, look out for crinklink. Toto could not talk, as many of the animals of Oz can, for he was just a common Kansas dog, but he looked at the sign so seriously that Dorothy almost believed he could read it, and she knew quite well that Toto understood every word she said to him. Never mind, Kinklink, said she, I don't believe anything in Oz will try to hurt us, Toto, and if I get into trouble, you must take care of me. Bow, wow, said Toto, and Dorothy knew that men of promise. The path was narrow and wound here and there between the trees,

but they could not lose their way because thick vines and creepers shut them in on both sides. they had walked a long time when suddenly turning a curve of the pathway they came upon a lake of black water so big and so deep that they were forced to stop well toto said dorothy looking at the lake we must turn back i guess for there is neither a bridge nor a boat to take us across the black water here's the fairy man though cried a tiny voice beside them and the girl gave a start and looked down at her feet and the girl gave a start and looked down at her feet feet where a man, no taller than three inches, sat at the edge of the path with his legs dangling over the lake. "'Oh,' said Dorothy, "'I didn't see you before!' Toto growled fiercely and made his ears stand up straight, but the little man did not seem in the least afraid of the dog. He merely repeated, "'I am the fairyman, and it's my business to carry people across the lake.'

Dorothy couldn't help feeling surprised, for she could have picked the little man up with one hand, and the lake was big and broad. Looking at the fairy man more closely, she saw that he had small eyes, a big nose, and a sharp chin. His hair was blue and his clothes scarlet, and Dorothy noticed that every button on his jacket was the head of some animal. The top button was a bear's head, and the next button a wolf's head. the next was a cat's head and the next a weasel's head, while the last button of all was the head of a field mouse. When Dorothy looked into the eyes of these animals' heads, they all nodded and said in a chorus, "'Don't believe all you hear, little girl!' "'Silence,' said the small fairy man, slapping each button head in turn, but not hard enough to hurt them.

Then he turned to Dorothy and asked, "'Do you wish to cross over the lake?' "'Why, I'd like to,' she answered, hesitating. "'But I can't see how you will manage to carry us without any boat.' "'If you can't see, you mustn't see,' he answered with a laugh. "'All you need to do is shut your eyes, say the word, and over you go.' Dorothy wanted to get across in order that she might continue her journey. "'All right,' she said, closing her eyes.

"'I'm ready.' instantly she was seized by a pair of strong arms arms so big and powerful that she was startled and cried out in fear silence roared a great voice and the girl opened her eyes to find that the tiny man had suddenly grown to a giant and was holding both her and Toto in a tight embrace, while in one step he spanned the lake and reached the other shore. Dorothy became frightened then, especially as the giant did not stop, but continued tramping in great steps over the wooded hills, crushing bushes and trees beneath his broad feet. She struggled in vain to free herself, while Toto whined and trembled beside her, for the little dog was frightened, too.

stop screamed the girl let me down but the giant paid no attention who are you and where are you taking me she continued but the giant said not a word close to dorothy's ear however a voice answered her saying this is the terrible crink-link and he has you in his power dorothy managed to twist her head around and found that it was the second button on the jacket the wolf's head which had split her head which had split her head spoken to her. "'What will crink-link do with me?' she asked anxiously. "'No one knows. You must wait and see,' replied the wolf. "'Some of his captives he whips,' squeaked the weasel's head. Some he transforms into bugs and other things, growled the bear's head. Some he enchance, so that they become doorknob, sighed the cat's head. Some he makes his slaves, even as we are, and that is the most dreadful fate of all

added the field mouse. As long as Crinklink exists, we shall remain buttons, but as there are no more buttonholes on his jacket, he will probably make you a slave. Dorothy began to wish she had not met Crinklink. Meanwhile, the giant took such big steps that he soon reached the heart of the hills, where, perched upon the highest peak, stood a log castle. Before the castle he paused and set down Dorothy and Toto, for Kinklink was at present far too large to enter his own doorway, so he made himself grow smaller, until he was about the size of an ordinary man. Then he said to Dorothy, in stern commanding tones,

Enter, girl. Dorothy obeyed and entered the castle with Toto at her heels. She found the place to be merely one big room. There was a table and chair of ordinary size near the center, and at one side a wee bed that seemed scarcely big enough for a doll elsewhere were dishes dishes dishes dishes they were all soiled and were piled upon the floor in all the corners and upon every shelf evidently crinkling had not washed a dish for years but had cast them aside as he used them dorothy's captor sat down in the chair and frowned at her you are young and strong, and will make a good dishwasher, said he. Do you mean me to wash all those dishes, she asked, feeling both indignant and fearful, for such a task would take weeks to accomplish?

That's just what I mean, he retorted. I need clean dishes, for all I have are soiled, and you're going to make them clean or get trounced. So get to work, and be careful not to break anything. If you smash a dish, the penalty is one last. from my dreadful cat a-nine tails for every piece the dish breaks into and here crink displayed a terrible whip that made the little girl shudder dorothy knew how to wash dishes but she remembered that often she carelessly broke one in this case however a good deal

depended on being careful so she handled the dishes very cautiously while she worked Toto sat by the hearth and growled low at Crinklink, and Crinklink sat in his chair and growled at Dorothy because she moved so slowly. He expected her to break a dish any minute, but as the hours passed away and this did not happen, Kringlink began to grow sleepy. It was tiresome watching the girl wash dishes, and often he glanced longingly at the tiny bed. Now he began to yawn, and he yawned and yawned until finally he said, I'm going to take a nap, but the buttons on my jacket will be wide awake, and whenever you break a dish, the crash will waken me. As I'm rather sleepy, I hope you won't interrupt my nap by breaking anything for a long time. Then Crinklink made himself grow smaller and smaller, until he was three inches high, and of a size to fit the tiny bed. At once he lay down and fell fast asleep. Dorothy came close to the buttons and whispered, Would you really warn Kinklink if I tried to escape? You can't escape, growled the bear.

Kinklink would become a giant and soon overtake you. But you might kill him while he sleeps, suggested the cat in a soft voice. Oh, cried Dorothy, drawing back. I couldn't possibly kill anything, even to save my life. But Toto had heard this conversation and was not so particular about killing monsters. Also, the little dog knew he must try to save his mistress. In an instant he sprang upon the wee bed and was about to seize the sleeping crinkling in his jaws

when Dorothy heard a loud crash and a heap of dishes fell from the table to the floor. Then the girl saw Toto and the little man rolling on the floor together, like a fuzzy ball. And when the ball stopped rolling, behold, there was Toto, wagging his tail joyfully, and there sat the little wizard of Oz, laughing merrily at the expression of surprise on Dorothy's face. "'Yes, my dear, it's me,' said he, "'and I've been playing tricks on you, for your own good.

"'I wanted to prove to you that it is really dangerous for a little girl to wander alone in a fairy country. "'So I took the form of crinklingk to teach you a lesson. "'There isn't any crinklingk to be sure, but if there had been you'd be severely whipped for breaking all those dishes. The wizard now rose, took off the coat with the buttonheads, and spread it on the floor wrong side up. At once there crept from beneath it a bear, a wolf, a cat, a weasel, and a field mouse, all who rushed from the room and escaped into the mountains. Come on, Toto, said Dorothy. Let's go back to the Emerald City. You've given me a good scare wizard, she added with dignity, and perhaps I'll forgive you by and by. But just now I'm

mad to think how easily you fooled me. End of Little Dorothy and Toto. This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org. Little Wizard Stories of Oz. Frank Baum. Tick-Tock and the Gnome King The Gnome King was unpleasantly angry. He had carelessly bitten his tongue at breakfast, and it still hurt, so he roared and raved, and stamped around in his underground palace in a way that rendered him very disagreeable. It so happened that on this unfortunate day,

Tick-Tock, the clockwork man, visited the Gnome King to ask a favor. "'Tick-Tock lived in the land of Oz, "'and although he was an active and important person, "'he was made entirely of metal. "'Machinery within him, "'something like the works of a clock, made him move, "'other machinery made him talk. "'Still other machinery made him think.

"'Although so cleverly constructed, "'the clockwork man was far from perfect. "'Three separate keys wound up his motion machine, his speech works and his thoughts one or more of these contrivances was likely to run down at a critical moment leaving poor tik-talk helpless also some of his parts were wearing out through much use and just now his thought machinery needed repair the skilful little wizard of oz had tinkered with tik-tok's thoughts without being able to get them properly regulated so he had advised the clockwork man to go to the gnome king and secure a new set of springs, which would render his thoughts more elastic and responsive. Be careful what you say to the gnome king, warned the wizard. He has a bad temper, and the least little thing makes him angry.

Tick-Tock promised, and the wizard wound his machinery and set him walking in the direction of the Gnome king's dominions, just across the desert from the land of Oz. He ran down just as he reached the entrance to the underground palace, and there Calico, the Gnome King's chief steward, found him and wound him up again. I want to see the king, said Tick-Tock in his jerky voice. Well, remarked Calico, it may be safe for a cast-iron person like you to face his majesty this morning, but you must announce yourself, for should I show my face inside the jewel-study, cavern where the king is now raving, I'd soon look like a dish of mashed potatoes and be of no further use to anyone. I'm not afraid, said Tick-Tock. Then walk in and make yourself at home,

answered Calico, and threw open the door of the king's cavern. Tick-Tock promptly walked in and faced the astonished gnome king, to whom he said, Good morning, I want two new steel springs for my thought works, and a new cog-wheel for my speech-producer. How about it, your majesty? The gnome king growled with a menacing growl, and his eyes were red with rage. How dare you enter my presence, he shouted. I dare anything, said TikTok. I'm not afraid of a fat gnome.

This was true, yet an unwise speech. Had TikTok's thoughts been in good, working order, he would have said something else. The angry gnome king quickly caught up with his heavy mace and hurled it straight at tick-talk. When it struck the metalman's breast, the force of the blow burst the bolts which held the plates of his body together, and they clattered to the floor in a score of pieces. Hundreds and hundreds of wheels, pins, cogs and springs, filled the air like a cloud, and then rattled like hail upon the floor. Where Tick-Tock had stood was now only a scrap-heap and the gnome king was so amazed by the terrible

effects of his blow that he stared in wonder. His Majesty's anger quickly cooled. He remembered that the clockwork man was a favorite subject of the powerful princess, Osma of Oz, who would be sure to resent Tick-Tock's ruin. too bad too bad he muttered regretfully i'm really sorry i made junk of the fellow i didn't know he'd break you'd better be remarked calico who now ventured to enter the room you'll have a war on your hands when ozma hears of this and the chances are you will lose your throne and your kingdom the nome king turned pale for he loved to rule the gnomes and did not know any other way to earn a living in case ozma fought and conquered him do you think ozma will be angry he asked anxiously i'm sure of it said calico and she has a right to be you've made scrap-iron of her favorite the king groaned sweep him up and throw the rubbish into the black pit he commanded and then shut himself up in his private den and for days would see no one because he was so ashamed of his unreasoning anger and so feared the results of his rash act calico swept up the pieces but he did not throw them into the black pit being a clever and skilful mechanic he determined fit the pieces together again

no man ever faced a greater puzzle but it was interesting work and calico succeeded when he found a spring or wheel worn or imperfect he made a new one within two weeks by working steadily night and day the chief steward completed his task and put the three sets of clockwork and the last rivet into tik-tok's body he then wound up the motion machinery and the clockwork man walked up and down the room as naturally as ever then calico wound up the thought works and the speech regulator and said to tick-talk how do you feel now fine said the clockwork man you have done a very good job calico and saved me from destruction much obliged don't mention it replied the chief steward i quite enjoyed the work just then the nome king's gong sounded and calico rushed away through the jewel-studded cavern and into the den where the king had hidden leaving the doors ajar calico said the king in a meek voice i've been shut up here long enough to repent bitterly the destruction of tik-tock of course osma will have revenge and send an army to fight us but we must take our medicine one thing comforts me tik-tok wasn't really a live person he was only a machine man and so it wasn't very wicked to stop his clock-works i couldn't sleep nights at first for worry but there's no more harm in smashing a machine man than in breaking a wax stall don't you think so i am too humble to think in the presence of your majesty said calico then get me something to eat commanded the king for i'm nearly starved two roasted goats a barrel of cakes and nine mince pies will do me until dinner-time

calico bowed and hurried away to the royal kitchen forgetting tik-tok who was wandering around in the outer cavern suddenly the gnome king looked up and saw the clockworked man standing before him and at the sight the monarch's eyes grew big and round and he fell a trembling in every limb away grim shadow he cried you're not here you know you're only a hash of cogwheels and springs lying at the bottom of the black pit vanished the thou vision of the demolished Tick-Tock, and leave me in peace, for I have bitterly repented. Then beg my pardon, said Tick-Tock in a gruff voice, for Calico had forgotten to oil the speech-works. But the sound of a voice coming from what he thought a mere vision was too much for the Gnome King's shaken nerves. He gave a yell of fear and rushed from the room. Tick-Tock followed, so the king bolted through the corridors on a swift run. and bumped against Calico, who was returning with a tray of things to eat.

The sound of the breaking dishes, as they struck the floor, added to the king's terror, and he yelled again and dashed into a great cavern, where a thousand gnomes were at work, hammering metal. Look out! Here comes a phantom clockwork man, screamed the terrified monarch, and every gnome dropped his tools and made a rush from the cavern, knocking over their king in their mad flight, and recklessly trampling upon his prostrate fat body. So, when Tick-Tock came into the cavern, there was only the Gnome King left, and he was rolling upon the rocky floor and howling for mercy, with his eyes fast shut so that he could not see what he was sure was a dreadful phantom

that was coming straight toward him. "'It occurs to me,' said Tick-Tock calmly, that your majesty is acting like a baby i am not a phantom a phantom is unreal while i am the real thing the king rolled over sat up and opened his eyes didn't i smash you to bits he asked in trembling tones yes said tick-talk then you are nothing but a junk heap and this form in which you now appear cannot be real it is though declared tik-tok calico picked up my pieces and put me together again i'm as good as new and perhaps better that's true your majesty added calico who now made his appearance and i hope you will forgive me for mending tik-tok he was quite broken up after you smashed him and i found it almost as hard a job to match his pieces as to pick turnip to-tok as to pick turnip he was quite broken up after you smashed him and i found it almost as hard a job to match his pieces as to pick turnic from gooseberry bushes but i did it he added proudly you are forgiven announced the gnome king rising to his feet and drawing a long breath i will raise your wages one specto a year and tick-tock shall return to the land of oz loaded with jewels for the princess ozma that is all right said tick-tock but what i want to know is why did you hit me with your mace because i was angry admitted the king

when i am angry i always do something that i am sorry for afterward so i have firmly resolved never to get angry again unless unless what your majesty inquired calico unless something annoys me said the gnome king and then he went to his treasure chamber to give the jewels for princess ozma of oz end of tick-tock and the gnome king this is a little bit of his treasure-chamber to give the jewels for princess ozma of oz end of tik-tock and the gnome king this is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Libravox.org Little Wizard Stories of Oz by L. Frank Baum Osma and the Little Wizard Once upon a time there lived in the beautiful emerald city, which lies in the center of the fairyland of Oz, a lovely girl called Princess

Osma, who was ruler of all that country. And among those who served this girlish ruler and lived in a cozy suite of rooms in her splendid palace, was a little withered old man, known as the wizard of Oz. This little wizard could do a good many queer things in magic, but he was a kind man, with merry twinkling eyes and a sweet smile, so instead of fearing him because of his magic, everybody loved him. Now, Osma was very anxious that all her people who inhabited the pleasant land of Oz should be happy and contented, and therefore she decided one morning to make a journey to all parts of the country that she might discover if anything was amiss or anyone discontented, or if there was any wrong that ought to be righted. She asked the little wizard

to accompany her, and he was glad to go. shall i take my bags of magic tools with me he asked of course said ozma we may need a lot of magic before we return for we are going into strange corners of the land where we may meet with unknown creatures and dangerous adventures so the wizard took his bag of magic tools and the two left the emerald city and wandered over the country for many days at last reaching a place far up in the mountain which neither of them had ever visited before. Stopping one morning at a cottage built beside the rocky path, which led into a pretty valley beyond, Osma asked a man, Are you happy? Have you any complaint to make of your lot?

And the man replied, We are very happy, except for three mischievous imps that live in yonder valley, and often come here to annoy us. If your highness would only drive away those imps, i and my family would be very happy and very grateful to you who are these bad imps inquired the girl ruler one is named o light one udn't and one urtinent and they have no respect for any one or anything if strangers pass through the valley the imps jeer at them and make horrid faces and call names and often they push travellers out of the path or throw stones at them whenever imp olight or imp udn't or imp urtinent comes here to bother us i and my family run into the house and lock all the doors and windows and we dare not venture out again until the imps have gone away princess ozma was grieved to hear this report and the little wizard shook his head gravely and said the naughty imps deserved to be punished they told the good man they would see what could be done to protect him and at once entered the valley

to seek the dwelling place of the three mischievous creatures. Before long they came upon three caves, hollowed from the rocks, and in front of each cave squatted a queer little dwarf. Osma and the wizard paused to examine them, and found them well-shaped, strong, and lively. They had big round ears, flat noses, and wide grinning mouths, and their jet-black hair came to points on top of their heads, much resembling horns. Their clothing fitted snugly to their bodies and limbs, and the imps were so small in size that at first Osma did not consider them at all dangerous. But one of them suddenly reached out a hand and caught the dress of the princess, jerking it so sharply that she nearly fell down, and a moment later another imp pushed the little wizard so hard that he bumped against Osma and both unexpectedly sat down upon the ground. At this the imps laughed boisterously, and began running around in a circle, and kicking dust upon the royal princess, who cried in a sharp voice,

Wizard, do your duty. The wizard promptly obeyed. Without rising from the ground, he opened his bag, got the tools he required, and muttered a magic spell. Instantly the three imps became three bushes, of a thorny, stubby kind, with their roots in the ground. As the bushes were at first motionless, perhaps through surprise at their sudden transformation, the wizard and the princess found time to rise from the ground and brush the dust off their pretty clothes. Then Osma turned to the bushes and said, The unhappy lot you now endure, my poor imps, is due entirely to your naughty actions. You can no longer annoy harmless travellers, and you must remain ugly bushes, covered with sharp thorns until you repent of your bad ways and promise to be good imps they can't help being good now your highness said the wizard who was much pleased with his work and the safest plan will be to allow them always to remain bushes

but something must have been wrong with the wizard's magic or the creatures had magic of their own for no sooner were the words spoken than the bushes began to move first they only waved their branches at the girl and little man but pretty soon they began to slide over the ground their roots dragging through the earth and one pushed itself against the wizard and pricked him so sharply with its thorns that he cried out ouch and started to run away ozma followed for the other bushes were trying to stick their thorns into her legs and one actually got so near her that it tore a great rent in her beautiful dress the girl princess could run however and she followed the fleeing wizard until he tumbled head first over a log and rolled upon the ground then she sprang behind a tree and shouted quick transform them into something else the wizard heard but was much confused by his fall grabbing from his bag the first magical tool he could find he transformed the bushes into three white pigs that astonished the imps in the shape of pigs fat roly-poly and cute they scampered off a little distance and sat down to think about their new condition ozma drew a long breath and coming from behind the tree she said that is much better whiz for such pigs as these must be quite harmless no one need now fear the mischievous imps i intended to transform them into mice replied the wizard but in my excitement i worked the wrong magic however unless the horrid creatures behave themselves hereafter they are liable to be killed and eaten they would make good chops sausages or roasts but the imps were now angry and had no intention of behaving as ozma and the little wizard turned to resume their journey the three pigs rushed forward dashed between their legs and tripped

them up, so that both lost their balance and toppled over, clinging to one another. As the wizard tried to get up, he was tripped again, and fell across the back of the third pig, which carried him on a run far down the valley, until it dumped the little man in the river. Osma had been sprawled upon the ground, but found that she was not hurt, so she picked herself up and ran to the assistance of the wizard, reaching him just as he was crawling out of the river. gasping for breath and dripping with water the girl could not help laughing at his woeful appearance but he had no sooner wiped the wet from his eyes than one of the impish pigs tripped him again and sent him into the river for a second bath the pigs tried to trip ozma too but she ran around a stump and so managed to keep out of their way so the wizard scrambled out of the water again and picked up a sharp stick to defend himself then he mumbled a magic mutter which instantly dried his clothes after which he hurried to assist ozma the pigs were afraid of the sharp stick and kept away from it

this won't do said the princess we have accomplished nothing for the pig imps would annoy travelers as much as the real imps transform them into something else whiz the wizard took time to think then he transformed the white pigs into blue dubs doves said he are the most harmless things in the world but scarcely had he spoken when the doves flew at them and tried to pick out their eyes when they endeavored to shield their eyes with their hands two of the doves bit the wizard's fingers and another caught the pretty pink ear of the princess in its bill and gave it such a cruel tweak that she cried out in pain and threw her skirt over her head these birds are worse than pigs wizard she called to her companion, nothing is harmless that is animated by impotent anger or impertinent mischief. You must transform the imps into something that is not alive. The wizard was pretty busy just then, driving off the birds, but he managed to open his bag of magic, and find a charm which instantly transform the doves into three buttons. As they fell to the ground, he picked them up and smiled with satisfaction.

The tin button was impolite. rass button was imp udent and the lead button was imp urtinent these buttons the wizard placed in a little box which he put in his jacket pocket now said he the imps cannot annoy travellers for we shall carry them back with us to the emerald city but we dare not use the buttons said ozma smiling once more now that the danger was over why not asked the wizard i intend to sew them upon my coat and and watch them carefully. The spirits of the imps are still in the buttons, and after a time they will repent and be sorry for their naughtiness. Then they will decide to be very good in the future. When they feel that way, the tin button will turn silver, and the brass to gold, while the lead button will become aluminum. I shall then restore them to their proper forms, changing their names to pretty names instead of the ugly one they used to bear. therefore the three imps will become good citizens of the land of oz and i think you will find they will prove faithful subjects of our beloved princess ah that is magic well worth while exclaimed ozma well pleased there is no doubt my friend but that you are a very clever wizard end of ozma and the little wizard this is a libravox recording all libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librevox.org. Little Wizard Stories of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Jack Pumpkinhead and the Saw Horse In a room of the Royal Palace of the Emerald City of Oz hangs a magic picture in which are shown all the important scenes that transpire in those fairy dominions. The scenes shift. The scenes shift. constantly and by watching them Osma the girl ruler is able to discover events taking place in any part of her kingdom. One day she saw in her magic picture that a little girl and a little boy had wandered together into a great gloomy forest at the far west of Oz and had become hopelessly lost. Their friends were seeking them in the wrong direction, and unless Osma came to their rescue, the little ones would never be found in time to save them from starving.

So the princess sent a message to Jack Pumpkinhead and asked him to come to the palace. This personage, one of the queerest of the queer inhabitants of Oz, was an old friend and companion of Osma. His form was made of rough sticks fitted together and dressed in ordinary clothes. His head was a pumpkin, with a face carved upon. it and was set on top of a sharp stake which formed his neck jack was active good-natured and a general favorite but his pumpkin head was likely to spoil with age so in order to secure a good supply of heads he grew a big field of pumpkins and lived in the middle of it his house being a huge pumpkin hollowed out whenever he needed a new head he picked up a pumpkin carved a face on it and stuck it upon the stake on his neck throwing away the old head as of no further use the day ozma sent for him jack was in prime condition and was glad to be of service in rescuing the lost children ozma made him a map showing just where the forest was and how to get to it and the paths he must take to reach the little ones then she said you'd better write you'd better write the saw-horse, for he is swift and intelligent, and will help you accomplish your task.

All right, answered Jack, and went to the royal stable to tell the saw-horse to be ready for the trip. This remarkable animal was not unlike Jack Pumpkinhead in form, although so different in shape. Its body was a log with four sticks stuck into it for legs. A branch at one end of the log served as a tail, while in the other end was chopped a gash that formed a mouth. Above this were two small knots that did nicely for eyes. The saw-horse was the favorite steed of Osma, and to prevent its wooden legs from wearing out, she had them shod with plates of gold.

Jack said, Good morning, to the saw-horse, and placed upon the creature's back, a saddle made of purple leather, studded with jewels. Where now, asked the horse, blinking its saul. not eyes at jack we are going to rescue two babes in the wood was the reply then he climbed into the saddle and the wooden animal pranced out of the stable through the streets of the emerald city and out upon the highway leading to the western forest where the children were lost small though he was the saw-horse was swift and untiring by nightfall they were in the far west and quite close to the forest they sought they passed the night standing quietly by the roadside they needed no food for their wooden bodies never became hungry nor did they sleep because they never tired at daybreak they continued their journey and soon reached the forest jack now examined the map ozma had given him and found the right path to take, which the saw-horse obediently followed.

Underneath the trees was all silent and gloomy, and Jack beguiled the way by whistling gaily as the saw-horse trotted along. The paths branched so many times and in so many different ways that the pumpkin-head was often obliged to consult Osma's map, and finally the saw-horse became suspicious. Are you sure you are right, it asked? of course answered jack even a pumpkin-head whose brains or seeds can follow so clear a map as this every path is plainly marked and here is across where the children are finally they reached a place in the very heart of the forest where they came upon the lost boy and girl but they found the two children bound fast to the trunk of a big tree at the foot of which they were sitting when the rescuers arrived the little girl was sobbing bitterly

and the boy was trying to comfort her though he was probably frightened as much as she cheer up my dears said jack getting out of the saddle i have come to take you back to your parents but why are you bound to that tree because cried a small sharp voice they are thieves and robbers that's why dear me said jack looking around to see who had spoken the voice seemed to come from above a big gray squirrel was sitting upon a low branch of the tree upon the squirrel's head was a circle of gold with a diamond set in the center of it he was running up and down the limbs and chattering excitedly these children continued the squirrels angrily, robbed our storehouse of all the nuts we had saved up for winter. Therefore, being king of all the squirrels in this forest, I ordered them arrested and put in prison, as you now see them. They had no right to steal our provisions, and we are going to punish them. We were hungry, said the boy, pleadingly, and we found a hollow tree full of nuts, and ate them to keep alive. We didn't want to starve when there was food right in front of us. "'Quite right,' remarked Jack, nodding his pumpkin-head. "'I don't blame you one bit under the circumstances. Not a bit.' Then he began to untie the ropes that bound the children to the tree. "'Stop that!' cried the king's squirrel, chattering and whisking about.

"'You mustn't release our prisoners. You have no right to!' But Jack paid no attention to the protest. His wooden fingers were awkward, and it took him some time to untie the ropes. When at last he succeeded, the tree was full of squirrels called together by their king, and they were furious at losing their prisoners. From the tree they began to hurl nuts at Pumpkinhead, who laughed at them as he helped the two children to their feet. Now, at the top of this tree was a big dead limb,

and so many squirrels gathered upon it that suddenly it broke away and fell to the ground. Poor Jack was standing directly under it, and when the limb struck him, it smashed his pumpkin head into a pulpy mass, and sent Jack's wooden form tumbling, to stop with a bump against a tree a dozen feet away. He sat up a moment afterward, but when he felt for his head it was gone. He could not see, neither could he speak. It was perhaps the greatest misfortune that could have happened to Jack Pumpkinhead, and the squirrels were delighted.

They danced around in the tree, in greek. great glee as they saw Jack's plight. The boy and girl were indeed free, but their protector was ruined. The saw-horse was there, however, and in his way he was wise. He had seen the accident and knew that the smashed pumpkin would never again serve Jack as a head. So he said to the children, who were frightened at this accident, to their newfound friend, pick up the pumpkinhead's body and set it on my saddle, then mount behind it and hold on. We must get out of this forest as soon as we can, or the squirrels may capture you again. I must guess at the right path, for Jack's map is no longer of any use to him, since that limb destroyed his head. The two children lifted Jack's body, which was not at all

heavy, and placed it upon the saddle. Then they climbed up behind it, and the saw-horse immediately turned, and trotted back along the path he had come bearing all three with ease however when the path began to branch into many paths all following different directions the wooden animal became puzzled and soon was wandering aimlessly about without any hope of finding the right way toward evening they came upon a fine fruit-tree which furnished the children a supper and at night the little ones lay upon a bed of leaves while the saw-horse stood watch with the limp headless form of poor jack-pumpkin-head lying helpless across the saddle now ozma had seen in her magic picture all that had happened in the forest so she sent the little wizard mounted upon the cowardly lion to save the unfortunates the lion knew the forest well and when he reached it he bounded straight through the tangled paths to where the saw-horse was wandering with jack and the two children on his back the wizard was grieved at the sight of the headless jack but believed he could save him he first led the saw-horse out of the forest and restored the boy and girl to the arms of their anxious friends and then he sent the lion back to ozma to tell her what had happened the wizard now mounted the saw-horse and supported jack's form on the long ride to the pumpkin field when they arrived at jack's house the wizard selected a fine pumpkin not too ripe and very neatly carved a face on it then he stuck the pumpkin solidly on jack's neck and asked him well old friend how do you feel fine replied jack and shook the hand of the little wizard gratefully you really have saved my life for very old friend how do you feel fine replied jack and shook the hand of the little wizard gratefully you really have saved my life for

without your assistance, I could not have found my way home to get a new head, but I'm all right now, and I shall be very careful not to get this beautiful head smashed, and he shook the wizard's hand again. Are the brains in the new head any better than the old ones, inquired the saw-horse, who had watched Jack's restoration? Why, these seeds are quite tender, replied the wizard, so they will give our friend tender thoughts. But, to speak truly, my dear saw-horse, Jack Pumpkinhead, with all his good qualities, will never be noted for his wisdom. End of Jack Pumpkinhead and the Saw Horse. This is a Libervox recording. All Libervox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer,

please visit Libravox.org Little Wizard Stories of Oz by L. Frank Baum The Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman There lived in the land of Oz two queerly made men who were the best of friends. They were so much happier when together that they were seldom apart, yet they liked to separate once in a while that they might enjoy the pleasure of meeting again. One was Scarecrow. That means he was a suit of blue munchkin clothes, stuffed with straw,

on top of which was fastened a round cloth head filled with bran to hold it in shape on the head were painted two eyes two ears a nose and a mouth the scarecrow had never been much of a success in scaring crows but he prided himself on being a superior man because he could feel no pain was never tired and did not have to eat or drink his brains were sharp for the wizard of oz had put pins and need in the scarecrow's brains. The other man was made all of tin, his arms and legs and head being cleverly jointed so that he could move them freely. He was known as the tin woodman, having at one time been a woodchopper, and everyone loved him because the wizard had given him an excellent heart of red plush. The tin woodman lived in a magnificent tin castle, built on his country estate in the Winkyland, not far from the Emerald City of Oz. It had pretty tin furniture, and was surrounded by lovely gardens in which there were many tin trees and beds of tin flowers. The palace of the

scarecrow was not far distant on the banks of the river, and this palace was in the shape of an immense ear of corn. One morning the tin woodman went to visit his friend the scarecrow, and as they had nothing better to do, they decided to take a boat ride on the river. So they got into the scarecrow's boat, which was formed from a big corncob, hollowed out and pointed at both ends, and decorated around the edges with brilliant jewels. The sail was of purple silk and glittered gaily in the sunshine. There was a good breeze that day, so the boat glided swiftly over the water. By and by, they came to a smaller river that flowed out from a deep forest, and the tin woodman proposed they sail up this stream, as it would be cool and shady beneath the trees of the forest. So the scarecrow, who

was steering, turned the boat up the stream, and the friends continued talking together of old times and the wonderful adventures they had met while traveling with Dorothy, the little Kansas girl. They became so much interested in this talk that they forgot to notice, that the boat was now sailing through the forest, or that the stream was growing more narrow and crooked. Suddenly the scarecrow glanced up and saw a big rock just ahead of them. Look out, he cried, but the warning came too late. The tin woodman sprang to his feet just as the boat bumped into the rock, and the jar made him lose his balance.

He toppled and fell overboard, and being made of tin he sank to the bottom of the water, in an instant, and lay there. at full length face up immediately the scarecrow threw out the anchor so as to hold the boat in that place and then he leaned over the side and through the clear water looked at his friend sorrowfully dear me he exclaimed what a misfortune it is indeed replied the tin woodman speaking in muffled tones because so much water covered him i cannot drown of course but i must lie here until you find a way to get me out meantime the water is soaking into all my joints and i shall become badly rusted before i am rescued very true agreed the scarecrow but be patient my friend and i'll dive down and get you my straw will not rust and is easily replaced if damaged so i'm not afraid of water the scarecrow now took off his hat and made a dive from the boat into the water but he was so light in weight that he barely dented the surface of the stream nor could he reach the tin woodman with his outstretched straw arms he floated to the boat and climbed into it saying the while do not despair my friend we have an extra anchor aboard and i will tie it around my waist to make me sink and dive again don't do that called the tin woodman that would anchor you also to the bottom where i am and we'd both be helpless

true enough sighed the scarecrow wiping his wet face with a handkerchief and then he gave a cry of astonishment for he found he had wiped off one painted eye and now had but one eye to see with how dreadful said the poor scarecrow that eye must have been painted in water-colour instead of oil i must be careful not to wipe off the other eye for then i could not see to help you at all a shriek of elfish laughter greeted this speech, and looking up the scarecrow found the trees full of black crows, who seemed much amused by the straw man's one-eyed countenance. He knew the crows well, however, and they had usually been friendly to him, because he had never deceived them into thinking he was a meat-man, the sort of man they really feared. Don't laugh, said he. You may lose an eye yourself some day.

We couldn't look as funny as you if we did, replied. one old crow, the king of them, but what had gone wrong with you? The tin woodman, my dear friend and companion, had fallen overboard, and is now on the bottom of the river, said the scarecrow. I'm trying to get him out again, but I fear I shall not succeed. Why, it's easy enough, declared the old crow, tie a string to him, and all of my crows will fly down, take hold of the string, and pull him up out of the water. There are hundreds of of us here, so our united strength could lift much more than that. But I can't tie a string to him, replied the scarecrow.

My straw is so light that I am unable to dive through the water. I've tried it and knocked one eye out. Can't you fish for him? Ah, that is a good idea, said the scarecrow. I'll make the attempt. He found a fish-line in the boat, with a stout hook at the end of it. No bait was needed, so the scarecrow dropped the hook. hook into the water till it touched the woodman.

Hook it on to a joint, advised the crow, who is now perched upon a branch that stuck far out and bent down over the water. The scarecrow tried to do this, but having only one eye he could not see the joints very clearly. Hurry up, please, beg the tin woodman, you've no idea how damp it is down here. Can't you help? asked the crow. How? inquired the tin woodman. "'Catch the line and hook it around your neck.' The Tinwoodman made the attempt, and after several trials wound the line around his neck and hooked it securely. "'Good!' cried the king crow, a mischievous old fellow. "'Now then, we'll all grab the line and pull you out.'

At once the air was filled with black crows, each of whom seized the cord with beak or talons. The scarecrow watched them with much interest. and forgot that he had tied the other end of the line around his own waist so he would not lose it while fishing for his friend altogether for the good cause shrieked the king crow and with a great flapping of wings the birds rose into the air the scarecrow clapped his stuffed hands in glee as he saw his friend drawn from the water into the air but the next moment the straw man was himself in the air his stuffed legs kicking wildly for the crows had flown strong straight up through the trees. On one end of the line dangled the tin woodman hung by the neck, and on the other dangled the scarecrow hung by the waist, and clinging fast to the spare anchor of the boat, which he had seized hoping to save himself. "'Hi there, be careful!' shouted the scarecrow to the crows. Don't take us so high. Land us on

the riverbank. But the crows were bent on mischief. They thought it a good joke to bother the two, now that they held them captive. Here's where the crows scare the scarecrow, chuckled the naughty king crow, and at his command the birds flew over the forest to where a tall dead tree stood higher than all the other trees. At the very top was a crotch formed by two dead limbs, and into the crotch the crows dropped the center of the line.

Then, letting go their hold, they flew away, chattering with laughter, and left the two friends suspended, high in the air, one on each side of the tree. Now the tin woodman was much heavier than the scarecrow, but the reason they balanced so nicely was because the straw man still clung fast to the iron anchor. There they hung not ten feet apart, yet unable to reach the bare tree trunk. For goodness sake, don't drop that anchor, said the tin woodman anxiously. Why not, inquired the scarecrow? if you did i'd tumble to the ground where my tin would be badly dented by the fall also you would shoot into the air and a light somewhere among the tree-tops then said the scarecrow earnestly i shall hold fast to the anchor

for a time they both dangled in silence the breeze swaying them gently to and fro finally the tin man said here is an emergency friend where only brains can help us we must think of some way to escape i'll do the thinking replied the scarecrow my brains are the sharpest he thought so long that the tin man grew tired and tried to change his position but found his joints had already rusted so badly that he could not move them and his oil-can was back in the boat do you suppose your brains are rusted friend scarecrow he asked in a weak voice for his jaws could scarcely move no indeed ah here's an idea at last and with this the scarecrow clapped his hands to his head forgetting the anchor which tumbled to the ground the result was astonishing for just as the tin man had said the light scarecrow flew into the air air sailing over the top of the tree and landed in a bramble bush while the tin man fell plump to the ground and landing on a bed of dry leaves was not dented at all the tin woodman's joints were so rusted however that he was unable to move while the thorns held the scarecrow a fast prisoner while they were in this sad plight the sound of hoofs was heard and along the forest path rode the little wizard of oz seated on a wooden saw-horse. He smiled when he saw the one-eyed head of the scarecrow sticking out of the bramble bush, but he helped the poor strawman out of his prison.

Thank you, dear whiz, said the grateful scarecrow. Now we must get the oil can and rescue the tin woodman. Together they ran to the bank, but the boat was floating in midstream, and the wizard was obliged to mumble some magic words to draw it to the bank, so the scarecrow could get the oil can. Then they flew back to the tinman, and while the scarecrow carefully oiled each joint, the little wizard moved the joints gently back and forth until they worked freely. After an hour of this labor, the tin woodman was again on his feet, and although still a little stiff he managed to walk to the boat. The wizard and the saw-horse also got aboard the corncob craft, and together they returned to the scarecrow's palace but the tin woodman was very careful not to stand up in the boat again end of the scarecrow and the tin woodman end of little wizard stories of oz by l frank