Classic Audiobook Collection - Tik-Tok of Oz by L. Frank Baum ~ Full Audiobook [fantasy]

Episode Date: February 10, 2023

Tik-Tok of Oz by L. Frank Baum audiobook. Genre: fantasy In this really exciting and well written story of Oz, the Shaggy Man is on a quest to find his long lost brother. But all does not go smoothly. Oh no. Because his brother is being held prisoner deep underground by the evil, grumpy and not very nice King of the Gnomes, Along the way to find him, he is joined by Polychrome, a Daughter of the Rainbow (a fairy), Betsy Bobbin (a human girl), Hank (a small mule and Betsy's faithful protector), Tik-Tok (the famous wind up mechanical man), the Rose Princess (an ex fairy who is now a mortal), Ann (the Queen of the Oogaboos on her way to conquer the world), her army (17 officers and one private, File), a tunnel through the earth, the famous and all powerful Jin-Jin and last but definitely not least, Quox (a young dragon who talks funny and was great fun to read). The scrapes and adventures this motley crew get into are enough to fill a book. And this is the book. Listen and enjoy!! For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 1 (00:03:19) Chapter 2 (00:19:14) Chapter 3 (00:22:57) Chapter 4 (00:40:43) Chapter 5 (00:45:10) Chapter 6 (00:52:32) Chapter 7 (01:12:42) Chapter 8 (01:33:02) Chapter 9 (01:51:37) Chapter 10 (02:11:56) Chapter 11 (02:28:57) Chapter 12 (02:40:25) Chapter 13 (02:50:49) Chapter 14 (03:11:02) Chapter 15 (03:24:03) Chapter 16 (03:35:06) Chapter 17 (03:47:54) Chapter 18 (04:07:12) Chapter 19 (04:20:55) Chapter 20 (04:33:28) Chapter 21 (04:44:27) Chapter 22 (05:00:46) Chapter 23 (05:17:24) Chapter 24 (05:24:00) Chapter 25 (05:40:05) Chapter 26 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tick-Tock of Oz by L. Frank Baum, Preface. To My Readers. The very marked success of my last year's fairy book, The Patchwork Girl of Oz, convinces me that my readers like the Oz's stories best of all, as one little girl wrote me. So here, my dears, is a new Oz story in which is introduced and so forth,

the Queen of Ogabooboo. whom Tick-Tock assisted in conquering our old acquaintance, the Gnome King. It also tells of Betsy Bobbin and how, after many adventures, she finally reached the marvelous land of Oz. There is a play called The Tick-T-T-T-T-T-Man of Oz, but it is not like this story of Tick-T-T-T-Oz, although some of the adventures recorded in this book, as well as those in several other Oz books,

are included in the play. Those who have never seen the play, and those who have read the other Oz books, will find in this story a lot of strange characters and adventures that they have never heard of before. To the letters I received from children, there has been an urgent appeal for me to write a story that will take Trot and Cap'n Bill to the land of Oz,

where they will meet Dorothy and Ospa, Also, they think Buttonbright ought to get acquainted with Ojo the Lucky. As you know, I am obliged to talk these matters over with Dorothy by means of the wireless, for that is the only way I can communicate with the land of Oz. When I asked her about this idea, she replied, Why haven't you heard? I said no. Well, came the message over the wireless. I'll tell you all about it by and by.

and then you can make a book of that story for the children to read. So if Dorothy keeps her word and I am permitted to write another Oz book, you will probably discover how all these characters came together in the famous Emerald City. Meantime, I want to tell all my little friends whose numbers are increasing by many thousands every year that I am very grateful for the favor they have shown my books, and for the delightful little letters I am constantly receiving. I am almost sure that I have as many friends among the children of America as any storywriter alive, and this, of course, makes me very proud and happy.

L. Frank Baum, Oskot at Hollywood in California, 1914. End of Preference. Chapter 1 of Tick-Tock-A-Baz by L. Frank Baum. This Libre-Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 1 Anne's Army I won't, cried Anne. I won't sweep the floor. It is beneath my dignity. Someone must sweep it, replied Anne's younger sister, Sally.

Else we shall soon be wading in dust, and you are the eldest and the head of the family. I'm the queen of Ugabu, said Anne proudly. But, she added with a sigh, My kingdom is the smallest and the poorest in all the land of Oz. This was quite true. Away up in the mountains, at a far corner of the beautiful fairy land of Oz,

lies a small valley which is named Ugaboo, and in this valley lived a few people who were usually happy and contented and never cared to wander over the mountain pass into the more settled parts of the land. They knew that all of Oz, including their own territory, was ruled by a beautiful princess named Osma,

who lived in the splendid emerald city. Yet the simple folks of Ugaboo never visited Osma. They had a royal family of their own, not especially to rule over them, but just as a matter of pride. Osma permitted the various parts of her country to have their kings and queens and emperors and the like, but all were ruled over by the lovely girl queen of the Emerald City. The king of Ogabu used to be a man named Joel, Jim Kiff, so forth,

who for many years did all the drudgery of deciding disputes and telling his people when to plant cabbages and pickle onions. But the king's wife had a sharp tongue, and small respect for the king, her husband. Therefore one night, King Joel crept over the pass into the land of Oz, and disappeared from Ucaboo for good and all. The queen waited a few years for him to return, and then started to search for him leaving her eldest daughter and so forth to act as queen. Now Anne had not forgotten when her birthday came,

for that meant a party and feasting and dancing, but she had quite forgotten how many years the birthdays marked. In a land where people live always, this is not considered a cause for regret, so we may justly say that Queen Anne of Ugaboo was old enough to make jelly, and let it go at that. But she didn't make jelly or do any more housework than she could help.

She was an ambitious woman, and constantly resented the fact that her kingdom was so tiny, and her people so stupid and unenterprising. Often she wondered what had become of her father and mother out beyond the pass in the wonderful land of Oz, and the fact that they did not return to Ugaboo, led Anne to suspect that they had found a better place to live. So when Sally refused to sweep the floor of a living room in the palace,

and Anne would not sweep it either, she said to her sister, I'm going away. This absurd kingdom of Ugaboo tires me. Go if you want to, answered Sally, but you are very foolish to leave this place. Why? asked Anne. "'Because in the land of Oz, which is Osma's country, you will be a nobody, while here you are a queen.' "'Oh, yes. Queen over eighteen men, twenty-seven women and forty-four children,' returned and bitterly. "'Well, there are certainly more people than that in the Great Land of Oz,' laughed the Sally. "'Why don't you raise an army and conquer them and be queen of all Oz?' she asked.

trying to taunt Anne and so to anger her. Then she made a face at her sister and went into the backyard to swing in the hammock. Her jeering words, however, had given Queen Anne an idea. She reflected that Oz was reported to be a peaceful country, and Osma a mere girl who ruled with gentleness to all, and was obeyed because her people loved her. Even in Ugabu, the story was told that Osma's sole army consisted of 27 fine officers,

who wore beautiful uniforms but carried no weapons, because there was no one to fight. Once there had been a private soldier besides the officers, but Ospa had made him a captain-general and taken away his gun for fear it might accidentally hurt someone. The more Anne thought about the matter, the more she was convinced it would be easy to conquer the land of Oz and set herself up as ruler in Osma's place, if she but had an army to do it with. Afterward, she could go out into the world and conquer other lands, and then perhaps she could find a way to the moon and conquer that. She had a warlike spirit that preferred trouble to idleness.

It all depended on an army and decided. She carefully counted in her mind all the men of her kingdom. Yes, there were exactly eighteen of them all told. That would not make a very big army, but by surprising Osba's unarmed officers, her men might easily subdue them. Gentle people are always afraid of those that bluster, and told herself,

I don't wish to shed any blood, for that would shock my nerves and I might faint. But if we threaten and flash our weapons, I am sure the people of Oz will fall on their knees before me and surrender. That argument, which she repeated to herself more than once, finally determined the queen of Ogabu to undertake the audacious venture. Whatever happens, she referred to. can make me no more unhappy than my staying shut up in this miserable valley and sweeping floors and quarreling with sister sally so i will venture all and win what i may

that very day she started out to organize her army the first man she came to was joe apple so-called because he had an apple orchard joe said anne i am going to conquer the world, and I want you to join my army. Don't ask me to do such a fool thing, for I must politely refuse your majesty, said Joe Apple. I have no intention of asking you. I shall command you as Queen of Ugaboo to join, said Anne. In that case I suppose I must obey, the man remarked in a sad voice. But I pray you to consider that I am a very important.

important citizen, and for that reason am entitled to an office of high rank. You shall be a general, promised Anne. With gold epaulets and a sword, he asked. Of course, said the queen. Then she went to the next man, whose name was Joe Bun, as he owned an orchard where gram buns and wheat buns in great variety, both hot and cold, grew on the trees. "'Joe,' said Anne,

"'I am going to conquer the world, "'and I command you to join my army.' "'Impossible!' he exclaimed. "'The bun-crop has to be picked.' "'Let your wife and children do the picking,' said Anne. "'But I'm a man of great importance, "'your majesty,' he protested. "'For that reason you shall be one of my generals,

"'and wear a cocked hat with gold-braid, and curl your moustaches and clank a long sword, she promised. So he consented, although sorely against his will, and the queen walked on to the next cottage. Here lived Joe Cone, so-called, because the trees in his orchard bore crops of excellent ice-cream cones. Joe, said Anne, I am going to conquer the world, and you must join my army. "'Excuse me, please,' said Joe Cone. "'I am a bad fighter.

My wife conquered me years ago, for she can fight better than I. Take her, your majesty, instead of me, and I'll bless you for the favor.' "'This must be an army of men, fierce, ferocious warriors,' declared Anne, looking sternly upon the mild little man. "'And you will leave my wife here in Ogaboo?' He asked. Yes, and make you a general. I'll go, said Joe Cone, and Anne went on to the cottage of Joe Clock,

who had an orchard of clock trees. This man at first insisted that he would not join the army, but Queen Anne's promise to make him a general finally won his consent. How many generals are there in your army? He asked. Four so far, replied. said Anne, "'And how big will the Army be?' was his next question. "'I intend to make every one of the eighteen men in Ugaboo join it,' she said.

"'Then four generals are enough,' announced Joe Clark. "'I advise you to make the rest of them colonels.' Anne tried to follow his advice. The next four men she visited, who were Joe Plum, Joe Egg, Joe Banjo, and Joe Cheese, named after the trees in their orchards, she made colonels in her army. But the fifth one, Joe Nails, said colonels and generals were getting to be altogether too common in the army of Ugaboo, and he preferred to be a major. So Joe Nails, Joe cake, Joe ham, and Joe stockings were all four made majors,

while the next four, Joe sandwich, Joe padlocks, Joe Sunday, and Joe Buttons, were appointed captains of the army. But now Queen Anne was in a quandary. There remained but two other men in all Ugaboo. And if she made these two lieutenants, while there were four captains, four majors, four colonels, and four generals, there was likely to be jealousy in her army

and perhaps mutiny and desertions. One of these men, however, was Joe Candy, and he would not go at all. No promises could tempt him, nor could threats move him. He said he must remain at home to harvest his crop of Jackson balls, lemon drops, bonbons, and chocolate creams. Also, he had large fields of crackerjack and buttered popcorn to be mowed and threshed, and he was determined not to disappoint the children of Ugaboo by going away to conquer the world and so let the candy crop spoil. Finding Joe Candy so obstinate, Queen Anne let him have his own way,

and continued her journey to the house of the eighteenth and last man in Oogaboo, who was a young fellow named Joe Files. This Files had twelve trees which bore steel files of various sorts, but also he had nine book trees on which grew a choice selection of storybooks. In case you have never seen books growing upon trees, I will explain that those in Joe Files' Archer were enclosed in broad green husks, which, when fully ripe, turned to a deep red color. Then the books were picked and husked and were ready to read. If they were picked too soon, the stories were found to be confused and uninteresting, and the

spelling bad. However, if allowed to ripen perfectly, the stories were fine reading, and the spelling and grammar excellent. Files freely gave his books to all who wanted them, but the people of Ugabu cared little for books, and so he had to read most of them himself before they spoiled, for as you probably know, as soon as the books were read the words disappeared and the leaves withered and faded. Which is the word of the words. worst fault of all books which grow upon trees. When Queen Anne spoke to this young man Files, who was both intelligent and ambitious, he said he thought it would be great fun to conquer the world, but he called her attention

to the fact that he was far superior to the other men of her army. Therefore, he would not be one of her generals, or colonels, our majors, our captains, but claimed the honor of being sole private. And did not like this idea at all. I hate to have a private soldier in my army, she said. They're so common. I am told that Princess Osma once had a private soldier, but she made him her captain general,

which is good evidence that the private was unnecessary. Osma's army doesn't fight, returned Files, but your army must fight like fury in order to conquer the world? I have read in my books that it is always the private soldiers who do the fighting, for no officer is ever brave enough to face the foe. Also it stands to reason that your officers must have someone to command and to issue their orders to, therefore I'll be the one. I long to slash and slay the enemy,

and become a hero. Then when we return to Ugabu, I'll take all the marbles away from the children and melt them up and make a marble statue of myself for all to look upon and admire. Anne was much pleased with private files. He seemed indeed to be such a warrior as she needed in her enterprise, and her hopes of success took a sudden bound.

when Files told her he knew where a gun tree grew and would go there at once and pick the ripest and biggest musket the tree bore. End of Chapter 1 Chapter 2 of Tick-Tacabazz by L. Frank Baum. This Libra Box recording is in the public domain. Chapter 2. Out of Ogaboo Three days later, the Grand Army of Ugabu assembled in the square in front of the royal palace. The sixteen officers were attired in gorgeous uniforms and carried sharp glittering swords. The private had picked his gun and, although it was not a very big weapon,

Files tried to look fierce and succeeded so well that all his commanding officers were secretly afraid of him. The women were there, protesting that Queen and so forth had no right to take their husbands and fathers from them, but Anne commanded them to keep silent, and that was the hardest order to obey they had ever received. The Queen appeared before her army, dressed in an imposing uniform of green, covered with gold braid. She wore a green soldier cap with a purple plume in it, and looked at her. looked so royal and dignified that everyone in Ugaboo except the army was glad she was going. The army was sorry she was not going alone. Farm ranks, she cried in her shrill voice.

Sally leaned out of the palace window and laughed. I believe your army can run better than it can fight, she observed. Of course, replied General Bunn proudly, we're not looking for trouble. you know, but for plunder. The more plunder and the less fighting we get, the better we shall like our work. For my part, said Files, I prefer war and carnage to anything.

The only way to become a hero is to conquer, and the storybooks all say that the easiest way to conquer is to fight. That's the idea, my brave man, agreed Anne. To fight is to conquer. and to conquer is to secure plunder, and to secure plunder is to become a hero. With such noble determination to back me, the world is mine. Goodbye, Sally. When we return, we shall be rich and famous.

Come generals, let us march. At this the generals straightened up and threw out their chests. Then they swung their glittering swords in rapid circles. and cried to the colonels, Forward march. Then the colonels shouted to the majors, Forward march. And the majors yelled to the captains,

Forward march. And the captains screamed to the private, Forward march. So Files shouldered his gun and began to march, and all the officers followed after him. Queen Anne came last of all, rejoicing in her noble army and wondering why she had not decided long ago to conquer the world. In this order the procession marched out of Ugaboo and took the narrow mountain pass which led into the lovely fairyland of Oz. End of Chapter 2.

Chapter 3 of Tick-Tock of Oz by L. Frans. Rankbaum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 3. Magic mystifies the marchers. Princess Asma was all unaware that the army of Ugabu, led by their ambitious queen, was determined to conquer her kingdom. The beautiful girl ruler of Oz was busy with the welfare of her subjects and had no time to think of Anne Soap. forth and her disloyal plans. But there was one who constantly guarded the peace and happiness of the land of Oz, and this was the official sorceress of the kingdom, Glenda the

good. In her magnificent castle, which stands far north of the Emerald City where Osma holds her court, Glenda owns a wonderful magic record book in which is printed every event that takes place anywhere, just as soon as it happens. The smallest things, and the biggest things, are all recorded in this book. If a child stamps its foot in anger, Glenda reads about it. If a city burns down, Glenda finds the fact noted in her book. The sorceress always reads her record book every day, and so it was she knew that and so forth, Queen of Ucaboo, had foolishly assembled an army of sixteen officers and one private

soldier, with which she intended to invade and conquer the land of Oz. There was no danger but that Osma, supported by the magic arts of Glenda the Good and the powerful Wizard of Oz, both her firm friends, could easily defeat a far more imposing army than Anne's, but it would be a shame to have the peace of Oz interrupted by any sort of quarreling or fighting. So Glenda did not even mention the matter to Osma or to anyone else. She merely went into a great chamber of her castle known as the Magic Room, where she performed a magical ceremony which caused the mountain pass that led from Ugaboo to make several turns and

twists. The result was that when Anne and her army came to the end of the pass, they were not in the land of Oz at all, but in an adjoining territory that was quite distinct from Osma's domain and separated from Oz by an invisible barrier. As the Ugaboo people emerged into this country, the pass they had traversed, disappeared behind them, and it was not likely that they would ever find their way back into the valley of Ugabu. They were greatly puzzled indeed by their surroundings, and did not know which way to go. None of them had ever visited Oz, so it took them some time to discover they were not in Oz at all, but in an unknown country.

Never mind, said Anne, trying to conceal her disappointment. We have started out to conquer the world, and here is part of it. In time as we pursue our victorious journey, we will doubtless come to Oz, but until we get there we may as well conquer whatever land we find ourselves in. "'Have we conquered this place, Your Majesty?' anxiously inquired Major Cake. "'Most certainly,' said Anne. "'We have met no people as yet, but when we do, we will. inform them that they are our slaves."

"'And afterward we will plunder them of all their possessions,' added General Apple. "'They may not possess anything,' objected private files. "'But I hope they will fight us just the same. A peaceful conquest wouldn't be any fun at all.' "'Don't worry,' said the queen. "'We can fight whether our foes do or not, and perhaps we would find it more comfortable to have the enemy surrender promptly. It was a barren country and not very pleasant to travel in.

Moreover, there was little for them to eat, and as the officers became hungry, they became fretful. Many would have deserted had they been able to find their way home, but as the Ugaboo people were now hopelessly lost in a strange country, they considered it more safe to keep together than to separate. Queen Anne's temper, never very agreeable, became sharp and irritable, as she and her army tramped over the rocky roads without encountering either people or plunder. She scolded her officers until they became surly, and few of them were disloyal enough to ask her to hold her tongue.

Others began to reproach her for leading them into difficulties, and in the space of three unhappy days, every man was mourning for his orchard in the pretty valley of Ugabu. Files, however, proved a different sort. The more difficulties he encountered, the more cheerful he became, and the sighs of the officers were answered by the merry whistle of the private. his pleasant disposition did much to encourage Queen Anne, and before long she consulted the private soldier more often than she did his superiors.

It was on the third day of their pilgrimage that they encountered their first adventure. Toward evening the sky was suddenly darkened, and Major Nails exclaimed, "'A fog is coming toward us!' "'I do not think it is a fog,' replied Files, looking with interest at the approaching cloud. "'It seems to me more like the breath of a rock.' "'What is a rock?' asked Anne, looking about fearfully. "'A terrible beast with a horrible appetite,' answered the soldier, growing a little paler than usual. "'I have never seen a rock to be sure, but I have read of them in the story-books that grew

in my orchard, and if this is indeed one of those fearful monsters, we are not likely to conquer the world. Hearing this, the officers became quite worried and gathered closer about their soldier. "'What is the thing like?' asked one. "'The only picture of a rock that I ever saw in a book was rather blurred,' said Files, because the book was not quite ripe when it was picked. But the creature can fly in the air and run like a deer and swim like a fish. Inside its body is a glowing furnace fire,

and the rock breathes in air and breathes out smoke, which darkens the air for miles around wherever it goes. It is bigger than a hundred men, and feeds on any living thing. The officers now began to groan and to tremble, but Files tried to cheer them, saying, It may not be a rock after all that we see approaching us, and you must not forget that we people of Ugaboo, which is part of the fairyland of Oz, cannot be killed. Nevertheless, said Captain Buttons, if the rock catches us and chews us up into small pieces

and swallows us, what will happen then? Then each small piece will still be alive, declared Files. I cannot see how that would help us, wailed Colonel Banjo. A hamburger steak is a hamburger steak, whether it is alive or not. I tell you this may not be a rock, persisted Files. We will know when the cloud gets nearer whether it is the breath of a rock or not. If it has no smell at all, it is probably a fog, but if it has an odor of salt and pepper, it is a rock and we must prepare

for a desperate fight. They all eyed the dark cloud fearfully. Before long it reached the frightened group and began to envelop them. Every nose sniffed the cloud, and everyone detected in it the odor of salt and pepper. The rock shouted Private Files, and with the howl of despair the sixteen officers fell to the ground, writhing and moaning in anguish. Queen Anne sat down upon a rock and faced the cloud more bravely, although her heart was beating fast.

As for Files, he calmly loaded his gun and stood ready to fight the foe as a soldier should. They were now in absolute darkness, for the cloud which covered the sky and the setting sun was black as ink. Then through the gloom appeared two round glowing balls of red, and files at once decided these must be the monster's eyes. He raised his gun, took aim, and fired. There were several bullets in the gun, all gathered from his gun. an excellent bullet tree in Ugaboo, and they were big and hard. They flew toward the monster and struck it.

And with a wild, weird cry, the rock came fluttering down, and its huge body fell plump upon the forms of the sixteen officers, who, thereupon, screamed louder than before. "'Barnish me!' moaned the rock. See what you've done with that dangerous gun of yours?' "'I can't see,' replied Files. "'For the cloud formed by your breath darkens my sight.' "'Don't tell me it was an accident.'

"'Continue the rock, reproached fully, as it flapped its wings in a helpless manner. "'Don't claim you didn't know the gun was loaded. "'I beg of you.' "'I didn't intend to.' replied Files. Did the bullets hurt you very badly? One had broken my jaw so that I can't open my mouth.

You will notice that my voice sounds rather harsh and hucky, because I have to talk with my teeth, said quotes together. Another bullet broke my left wing so that I can't fly. and she'll another broke my right leg so that I can't walk. It was the most careless shot I ever heard of. Can't you manage to lift your body off from my commanding officers? Inquired files. From their cries, I'm afraid your great way discrushing them.

I hope it is, growled the rock. I want to question. them is possible, for I have a bad disposition. If only I could open my mouth, I'd eat all of you, although my appetite is poorly this warm weather. With this, the rock began to roll its immense body sideways, so as to crush the officers more easily. But in doing this, it rolled completely off from them,

and the entire sixteen scrambled to their feet and made off as fast as they could run. Private files could not see them go, but he knew from the sound of their voices they had escaped, so he ceased to worry about them. "'Pardon me if I now bid you goodbye,' he said to the rock. "'The parting is caused by our desire to continue our journey. If you die, do not blame me, for I was obliged to shoot you, as a matter of self-protection. I shall not die,

answered the monster. For I bear a torn life, but I beg you not to leave me. Why not? asked Files. Because my broken jaw will heal in about an hour, and then I shall be able to eat you. My weight will heal in a day and my leg will heal in a week when I shall be as well as ever.

Having shot me and caused me all this annoyance, it is only fair and just that you remain here and allow me to eat you as soon as I can open my jaws. I beg to differ with you, returned the soldier firmly. I have made an engagement with Queen Anne of Ugaboo to help her conquer the world, and I cannot break my word for the sake of being eaten by A-Rock. Oh, that's different, said the monster. If you're an engagement, don't let me detain you.

So Files felt around in the dark and grasped the hand of the trembling queen, whom he led away from the flapping, sighing rock. They stumbled over the stones for away, but presently began to see dimly the path ahead of them, as they got farther and further away from the dreadful spot where the wounded monster lay. By and by they reached a little hill and could see the last rays of the sun, flooding a pretty valley beyond, for now they had passed beyond the cloudy breath of the rock. Here were huddled the sixteen officers, still frightened and panting from their run. They had halted only because it was impossible for them to run any farther.

Queen Anne gave them a severe scolding for their cowardice, at the same time praising files for his courage. We are wiser than he, however, muttered General Clock, for by running away we are now able to assist your majesty in conquering the world, whereas had files been eaten by the rock, he would have deserted your army. After a brief rest they descended into the valley, and as soon as they were out of sight of the rock the spirits of the entire party rose quickly. Just at dusk they came to her brook on the bank's side of the rock. of which Queen Anne commanded them to make camp for the night.

Each officer carried in his pocket a tiny white tent. This, when placed upon the ground, quickly grew in size until it was large enough to permit the owner to enter it and sleep within its canvas walls. Files was obliged to carry a knapsack, in which was not only his own tent, but an elaborate pavilion for Queen Anne, besides a bed and chair and a magic table. This table, when set upon the ground in Anne's Pavilion,

became of large size, and in a drawer of the table were contained the queen's supply of extra clothing, her manicure and toilet articles, and other necessary things. The royal bed was the only one in the camp, the officers in private sleeping in hammocks attached to their table, tent poles. There was also in the knapsack, a flag bearing the royal emblem of Ugabu, and this flag files flew from his staff every night to show that the country they were in had been conquered by the queen of Ugabu. So far no one but themselves had seen the flag, but Anne was pleased

to see it flutter in the breeze and considered herself already a famous conqueror. End of Chapter 3. Chapter 4 of Tick-Tacabaz by L. Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 4, Betsy braves the billows. The waves dashed and the lightning flashed and the thunder rolled, and the ship struck A-Rock. Betsy Bobbin was running across the deck,

and the shock sent her flying through the air until she fell with a splash into the dark blue water. The same shock caught Hank, a thin little, sad-faced mule, and tumbled him also into the sea, far from the ship's side. When Betsy came up, gasping for breath, because the wet plunge had surprised her, she reached out in the dark and grabbed a bunch of hair. At first she thought it was the end of a rope,

but presently she heard a dismal, and knew that she was holding fast to the end of Hank's tail. Suddenly the sea was lighted up by a vivid glare. The ship, now in the far distance, caught fire, blew up and sank beneath the waves. Betsy shuddered at the sight, but just then her eye caught a mass of wreckage floating near her and she let go the mule's tail and seized the rude raft, pulling herself up so that she rode upon it in safety. Hank also saw the raft and swam to it,

but he was so clumsy he never would have been able to climb upon it, had not Betsy helped him to get aboard. They had to crowd close together for their support was only a hatch-cover torn from the ship's deck, but it floated them fairly well, and both the girl and the mule knew it would keep them from drowning. The storm was not over by any means when the ship went down. Blinding bolts of lightning shot from cloud to cloud,

and the clamor of deep thunder-claps echoed far over the sea. The waves tossed the little raft here and there as a child tosses a rubber ball, and Betsy had a solemn feeling that for hundreds of watery miles in every direction, there was no living thing besides herself and the small donkey. Perhaps Hank had the same thought, for he gently rubbed his nose against the frightened girl and said, "'I-ho,' in his softest voice, as if to comfort her. "'You'll protect me, Hank, dear, won't you?' she cried helplessly,

and the mule said, "'hee-ha!' Again in tones that meant a promise. On board the ship during the days that preceded the wreck, when the sea was calm, Betsy and Hank had become good friends, so while the girl might have preferred a more powerful protector in this dreadful emergency, she felt that the mule would do all in a mule's power to guard her safety. All night they floated, and when the storm had worn itself out and passed away

with a few distant growls, and the waves had grown smaller and easier to ride. Betsy stretched herself out on the wet raft and fell asleep. Hank did not sleep a wink. Perhaps he felt at his duty to guard Betsy. Anyhow he crouched on the raft beside the tired sleeping girl, and watched patiently until the first light of dawn swept over the sea. The light wakened Betsy. Bobbin. She sat up, rubbed her eyes, and stared across the water.

Oh, Hank, there's land ahead, she exclaimed. Eh-h-h-h-h-h! answered Hank in his plaintive voice. The raft was floating swiftly toward a very beautiful country, and as they drew near, Betsy could see banks of lovely flowers, showing brightly between leafy trees. But no people were to be seen at all. end of chapter four chapter five of tick to-takovaz by l frank balm this librivox recording is in the public domain chapter five the roses repulse the refugees gently the raft grated on the sandy beach then betsy easily waited ashore the mule following closely behind her the sun was now shining in the air was warm and laden with the fragrance of roses.

I like some breakfast, Hank, remarked the girl, feeling more cheerful, now that she was on dry land. But we can't eat the flowers, although they do smell mighty good. E-ha, replied Hank, and trotted up a little pathway to the top of the bank. Betsy followed and from the eminence looked around her. A little way off stood a splendid big. Greenhouse, its thousands of crystal panes glittering in the sunlight. There ought to be people somewhere around, observed Betsy thoughtfully.

Gardener's or somebody. Let's go and see, Hank. I'm getting hungrier every minute. So they walked toward the great greenhouse and came to its entrance without meeting with anyone at all. Ador stood ajar, so Hank went in first, thinking if there was any danger, he could back out and warn his companion. But Betsy was close at his heels, and the moment she entered was lost in amazement at the

wonderful sight she saw. The greenhouse was filled with magnificent rose-bushes, all growing in big pots. On the central stem of each bush bloomed a splendid rose, gargiously colored and deliciously fragrant, and in the center of each rose was the face of a lovely girl. As Betsy and Hank entered, the heads of the roses were drooping and their eyelids were closed in slumber, but the mule was so amazed that he uttered a loud he-haw, and at the sound of his harsh voice the rose-leaves fluttered. The roses raised their heads, and a hundred startled eyes were instantly fixed upon the intruders.

I beg your pardon, stammered Betsy, blushing and confused. O, cried the roses, in a sort of sighing chorus, and one of them added, What a horrid noise! Why, that was only Hank, said Betsy, and as if to prove the truth of her words, The mule uttered another loud, He-ha! At this all the roses turned on their stems as far as they were able and trembled,

as if someone were shaking their bushes. A dainty moss rose gasped, "'A dear me, how dreadful! How dreadfully dreadful!' "'It isn't dreadful at all,' said Betsy, somewhat indignant. "'When you get used to Hank's voice, it will put you to sleep.' The roses now looked at the mule less fearfully, and one of them asked, "'Is that savage beast named Hank?'

"'Yes. Hank's my comrade, faithful and true,' answered the girl, twining her arms around the little mule's neck, and hugging him tight. Aren't you, Hank?' Hank could only say in reply, he-haw, and at his bray the roses shivered again. "'Please go away,' begged one. "'Can't you see you're frightening us out of a week's growth?' "'Go away!' echoed Betsy. "'Why, we've no place to go. We've just been wrecked.'

"'Wrecked?' asked the roses in a surprised chorus. "'Yes, we were on a big ship and the storm came and wrecked it,' explained the girl. But Hank and I caught hold of a raft and floated ashore to this place, We're tired and hungry. What country is this, please? This is the rose kingdom, replied the moss rose haughtily, and it is devoted to the culture of the rarest and fairest roses grown. I believe it, said Betsy, admiring the pretty blossoms.

But only roses are allowed here, continued a delicate tea rose. bending her brows in a frown. Therefore you must go away before the royal gardener finds you and casts you back into the sea. Oh, is there a royal gardener then? inquired Betsy. To be sure. And is he a rose also? Of course not. He's a man, a wonderful man, was the reply.

Well, I'm not afraid of a man. declared the girl, much relieved, and even as she spoke, the royal gardener popped into the greenhouse, a spading fork in one hand and a watering-pot in the other. He was a funny little man, dressed in a rose-colored costume with ribbons at his knees and elbows, and a bunch of ribbons in his hair. His eyes were small and twinkling, his nose sharp, and his face puckered and deeply lined. Oh, oh! He exclaimed,

astonished to find strangers in his greenhouse. And when Hank gave a loud bray, the gardener threw the watering pot over the mule's head and danced around with his fork, in such agitation that presently

he fell over the handle of the implement and sprawled at full length upon the ground. Betsy laughed and pulled the watering pot off from Hank's head. The little mule was angry at the treatment he had received and backed toward the gardener threateningly. "'Look out for his heels,' called Betsy, warningly, and the gardener scrambled to his feet,

and hastily hid behind the roses. "'You are breaking the law,' he shouted, sticking out his head to glare at the girl and the mule. "'What law?' asked Betsy. "'The law of the rose kingdom. No strangers are allowed in these domains." "'Not when the shipwrecked,' she inquired. "'The law doesn't accept shipwrecks,' replied the Royal Gardiner,

and he was about to say more, when suddenly there was a crash of glass, and a man came tumbling through the roof of the greenhouse and fell plump to the ground. End of Chapter 5 Chapter 6 of Tick-Tock of Oz by El Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 6. Shaggy seeks his stray brother.

This sudden arrival was a queer-looking man, dressed all in garments so shaggy, that Betsy at first thought he must be some animal. But the stranger ended his fall in a sitting position. and then the girl saw it was really a man. He held an apple in his hand, which he had evidently been eating when he fell, and so little was he jarred or flustered by the accident, that he continued to munch this apple as he calmly looked around him. "'Good gracious!' exclaimed Betsy, approaching him.

"'Who are you, and where did you come from?' "'Me? Oh, I am shaggy man,' said he, taking another bite of the apple, just dropped in for a short call. Excuse my seeming haste. Why, I suppose you couldn't help the haste, said Betsy. No, I climbed an apple tree outside, branch gave way, and here I am. As he spoke, the shaggy man finished his apple,

gave the core to Hank, who ate it greedily, and then stood up to bow politely to Betsy and the roses. The Royal Gardner had been frightened nearly into fits by the crash of glass and the fall of the Shaggy stranger into the bower of roses, but now he peeped out from behind a bush and cried in his squeaky voice, You're breaking the law, you're breaking the law. Shaggy looked at him solemnly. Is the glass the law in this country? he asked. Breaking the glass is breaking the law, squeaked the gardener.

angrily. Also to intrude in any part of the Rose kingdom is breaking the law. How do you know? asked Shaggy. Why, it's printed in a book, said the gardener, coming forward and taking a small book from his pocket. Page thirteen, and here it is. If any stranger enters the Rose Kingdom, he shall at once be condemned by the ruler and put to death. So you see, strangers, he continued triumphantly. It's death for you all, and your time has come. But just here, Hank interposed.

He had been stealthily backing toward the royal gardener, whom he disliked, and now the mule's heels shot out and struck the little man in the middle. He doubled up like the letter U, and flew out of the door so swiftly, never touching the ground, that he was gone before Betsy had time to wink. But the mules attack frightened the girl. Come, she whispered, approaching the Shaggy man and taking his hand.

Let's go somewhere else. They'll surely kill us if we stay here. Don't worry, my dear, replied Shaggy, patting the child's head. I'm not afraid of anything. So long as I have the love magnet. The love magnet? Why, what is that? asked Betsy. It's a charming little enchantment that wins the heart of everyone who looks upon it, was the reply.

The love magnet used to hang over the gateway to the Emerald City in the land of Oz, but when I started on this journey, our beloved ruler, Osma of Oz, allowed me to take it with me. Oh, cried Betsy, staring hard at him. Are you really from the wonderful land of Oz? Yes. Ever been there, my dear? No, but I've heard about it. And do you know Princess Asma?

Very well indeed. And Princess Dorothy? Dorothy's an old chum of mine, declared Shaggy. Dear me! exclaimed Betsy. And why did you ever leave such a beautiful land as Oz? "'On an errand,' said Shaggy, looking sad and solemn. "'I'm trying to find my dear little brother.' "'Oh, is he lost?' questioned Betsy, feeling very sorry for the poor man.

"'Men lost these ten years,' replied Shaggy, taking out a handkerchief and wiping a tear from his eye. "'I didn't know it until lately when I saw it recorded in the magic record book of the sorceress Glenda in the land of Oz. so now I'm trying to find him. Where was he lost? asked the girl, sympathetically. Back in Colorado, where I used to live before I went to Oz, brother was a miner and dug gold out of a mine. One day he went into his mine and never came out. They searched for him, but he was not there.

Disappeared entirely, Shaggy ended miserably. For goodness sake, what do you say? suppose became of him, she asked. There was only one explanation, replied Shaggy, taking another apple from his pocket and eating it to relieve his misery. The gnome king probably got him. The gnome king? Who is he?

Why, he sometimes called the metal monarch, and his name is Rogetto, lives in some underground cavern, claims to own all the metals hidden in the earth. Don't ask me why. Why? Because I don't know. But this regetto gets wild with anger, if anyone digs gold out of the earth.

And my private opinion is that he captured brother and carried him off to his underground kingdom. No, don't ask me why. I see you're dying to ask me why, but I don't know. But dear me, in that case you will never find your lost brother exclaimed the girl maybe not but it's my duty to try answered shaggy i've wondered so far without finding him but that only proves he is not where i've been looking what i seek now is the hidden passage to the underground cavern of the terrible metal monarch well said betsy doubtfully it strikes me that if you ever manage to get there, the metal monarch will make you to his prisoner." "'Nonsense,' answered Shaggy carelessly.

"'You mustn't forget the love-magnet.' "'What about it?' she asked. "'When the fierce metal monarch sees the love-magnet, he will love me dearly and do anything I ask.' "'It must be wonderful,' said Betsy with awe. "'It is,' the man assured her. Shall I show it to you? Oh, do, she cried.

So Shaggy searched in his Shaggy pocket, and drew out a small silver magnet, shaped like a horseshoe. The moment Betsy saw it, she began to like the Shaggy man better than before. Hank also saw the magnet and crept up to Shaggy to rub his head lovingly against the man's knee.

But they were interrupted by the royal gardener who stuck his head into the greenhouse and shouted angrily. You are all condemned to death. Your only chance to escape is to leave here instantly. This startled little Betsy, but the Shaggy man merely waved the magnet toward the gardener, who, seeing it, rushed forward and threw himself at Shaggy's feet, murmuring in honeyed words,

"'Oh, you lovely, lovely man! How fond I am of you! every shag and bobtail that decorates you as dear to me. All I have is yours. But, for goodness sake, get out of here before you die the death. I'm not going to die, declared Shaggy Man. You must. It is the law, exclaimed the gardener, beginning to weep real tears. It breaks my heart to tell you this bad news,

but the law says that all strangers must be condemned by the ruler to die the death. No ruler has condemned us yet, said Betsy. Of course not, added Shaggy. We haven't even seen the ruler of the Rose Kingdom. Well, to tell the truth, said the gardener in a perplexed tone of voice, we haven't any real ruler, you know. You see, all our rulers grow on bushes in the royal gardens. and the last one we had got mildewed and withered before his time so we had to plant him and at this time there is no one growing on the royal bushes who is ripe enough to pick

how do you know asked betsy why i'm the royal gardener plenty of royalties are growing i admit but just now they're all green until one ripens i am supposed to rule the rose kingdom myself and see that its laws are obeyed therefore much as i love you shaggy i must put you to death wait a minute pleaded betsy i'd like to see those royal gardens before i die so would i edit shaggy man take us there gardener oh i can't do that objected the gardener but shaggy again showed him the love-magnet and after one glance at it the guard Gardener could no longer resist. He led Shaggy, Betsy, and Hank to the end of the great greenhouse and carefully unlocked a small door. Passing through this,

they came into the splendid royal garden of the Rose Kingdom. It was all surrounded by a tall hedge, and within the enclosure grew several enormous rose bushes, having thick green leaves of the texture of velvet, Upon these bushes grew the members of the royal family of the Rose Kingdom, men, women, and children, in all stages of maturity. They all seemed to have a light green hue, as if unriped or not fully developed, their flesh

and clothing being alike green. They stood perfectly lifeless upon their branches, which swayed softly in the breeze, and their wide-open eyes stared straight ahead, unseeing and unintelligent. While examining these curious-growing people, Betsy passed behind a big central bush, and at once uttered an exclamation of surprise and pleasure, for there, blooming in perfect color and shape, stood a royal princess whose beauty was amazing. "'Why, she's ripe,' cried Betsy, pushing aside some of the broad leaves to observe her more clearly. "'Well, perhaps so,' admitted the gardener, who had come to the girl's side.

"'But she's a girl, and so we can't use her for a ruler.' "'No, indeed,' came a chorus of soft voices. And looking around, Betsy discovered that all the roses had followed them from the greenhouse and were now grouped before the entrance. "'You see,' explained the gardener, "'the subjects of Rose Kingdom don't want a girl ruler. They want a king.' "'A king! We what a king!' repeated the chorus of roses.

"'Isn't she royal?' inquired Shaggy, admiring the lovely princess. "'Of course, for she grows on a royal bush. This princess is named Asga, as she is a disqual. as she is a distant cousin of Osma of Oz, and were she but a man, we would joyfully hail her as our ruler. The gardener then turned away to talk with his roses, and Betsy whispered to her companion,

Let's pick her, Shaggy. All right, said he. If she's royal, she has the right to rule this kingdom, and if we pick her, she will surely protect us and prevent our being hurt or driven away. So Betsy and Shaggy each took an arm of the beautiful rose princess, and with a little twist of her feet set her free of the branch upon which she grew. Very gracefully she stepped down from the bush to the ground,

where she bowed low to Betsy and Shaggy and said in a delightfully sweet voice, I thank you. But, at the sound of these words, the gardener and the roses turned and discovered that the princess had been picked and was now alive. Over every face flashed an expression of resentment and anger, and one of the roses cried aloud, "'Oadacious mortals, what have you done?' "'Picked a princess for you, that's all,' replied Betsy, cheerfully. But we won't have her. We want a king!

exclaimed a Jacques Rose, and another added with the voice of scorn, No girl shall rule over us. The newly-picked princess looked from one to another of her rebellious subjects in astonishment. A grieved look came over her exquisite features. Have I no welcome here pretty subjects?

She asked gently. have I not come from my royal bush to be your ruler? You were picked by mortals without our consent, replied the moss rose coldly, so we refuse to allow you to rule us. Turn our out, Gardner, with the others, cried the tea rose. Just a second, please, called Shaggy, taking the love magnet from his pocket.

I guess this will win their love, princess. here, take it in your hand and let the roses see it. Princess Asga took the magnet and held it poised before the eyes of her subjects, but the roses regarded it with calm disdain. Why, what's the matter? demanded Shaggy in surprise. The magnet never failed to work before. I know, said Betsy, nodding her head wisely. These roses have no hearts.

that's it agreed the gardener they're pretty and sweet and alive but still they are roses their stems have thorns but no hearts the princess sighed and handed the magnet to the shaggy man what shall i do she asked sorrowfully turn her out gardiner with the others commanded the roses we will have no ruler until a man rose a king is ripe enough to pick very well said the gardener meekly. "'You must excuse me, my dear Shaggy, for opposing your wishes, but you and the others, including Aska, must get out of Rose Kingdom immediately,

if not before.' "'Don't you love me, Gordy?' asked Shaggy, carelessly displaying the magnet. "'I do, I don't on thee,' answered the gardener earnestly. "'But no true man will neglect his duty for the sake of love. My duty is to drive you out, so out you go.

With this he seized a garden fork and began jabbing it at the strangers in order to force them to leave. Hank, the mule, was not afraid of the fork, and when he got his heels near to the gardener, the man fell back to avoid a kick. But now the roses crowded around the outcasts, and it was soon discovered.

that beneath their draperies of green leaves were many sharp thorns, which were more dangerous than Hank's heels. Neither Betsy, nor Aska, nor Shaggy, nor the mule cared to brave those thorns. And when they pressed away from them, they found themselves slowly driven through the garden door into the greenhouse. From there they were forced out at the entrance, and so through the terror, of the flower-strewn Rose Kingdom, which was not a very great extent. The Rose Princess was sobbing bitterly.

Betsy was indignant and angry. Hank uttered defiant he-haws, and the shaggy man whistled softly to himself. The boundary of the Rose Kingdom was a deep gulf, but there was a drawbridge in one place, and this the Royal Gardiner let down, until the outcasts had passed over it. Then he drew it up again and returned with his roses to the greenhouse, leaving the four queerly assorted comrades

to wander into the bleak and unknown country that lay beyond. "'I don't mind much,' remarked Shaggy, as he led the way over the stony, barren ground. "'I've got to search for my long-lost little brother anyhow, "'so it won't matter where I go.' "'Hank and I will help you find your brother,' said Betsy in her most cheerful voice. "'I'm so far away from home now that I don't suppose I'll ever find my way back. And, to tell the truth, it's more fun traveling around and having adventures than sticking at home.

Don't you think so, Hank?' "'Hah!' said Hank, and the shaggy man thanked them both. "'For my part,' said Princess Osga of Roseland with a gentle sigh. I must remain forever exiled from my kingdom. So I, too, will be glad to help the Shaggy man find his lost brother. That's very kind of you, ma'am, said Shaggy. But unless I can find the underground cavern of Ruggetto, the metal monarch, I shall never find poor brother.

The king was formerly named Roquat, but after he drank the waters of oblivion, he forgot his own name and had to take another. "'Doesn't anyone know where it is?' inquired Betsy. "'Someone must know, of course,' was Shaggy's reply, "'but we are not the ones. "'The only way to succeed is for us to keep going "'until we find a person who can direct us to Ruggetto's cavern. "'We may find it ourselves without any help,' suggested Betsy.

"'Who knows?' "'No one knows that, except. the person who's writing the story, said Shaggy, but we won't find anything, not even supper, unless we travel on. Here's a path. Let's take it and see where it leads to. End of Chapter 6. Chapter 7 of Tic Tacabazz by L. Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain.

Chapter 7. Polychrome's pitiful plight. The Rain King got too much water in his basin and spilled some over the brim. That made it rain in a certain part of the country, a real hard shower for a time, and sent the rainbow scampering to the place to show the gorgeous colors of his glorious bow as soon as the mist of rain had passed and the sky was clear. The coming of the rainbow is always a joyous event to Earthfoil, yet few have ever seen it close by. Usually the rainbow is so far distant

that you can observe its splendid hues but dimly, and that is why we seldom catch sight of the dancing daughters of the rainbow. In the barren country where the rain had just fallen, there appeared to be no human beings at all, but the rainbow appeared just the same, and dancing gaily upon its arch were the rainbow's daughters, led by the fairy-like polychrome,

who is so dainty and beautiful that no girl has ever quite equaled her in loveliness. Polychrome was in a merry mood and danced down the arch of the bow to the ground, daring her sisters to follow her, laughing and gleeful, they also touched the ground with their twinkling feet, but all the daughters of the rainbow knew that

This was a dangerous pastime, so they quickly climbed upon their bow again. All but polychrome. Though the sweetest and merriest of them all, she was likewise the most reckless. Moreover, it was an unusual sensation to pat the cold, damp earth with her rosy toes. Before she realized it,

the bow had lifted and disappeared in the billowy blue sky, and here was polychrome standing helpless upon a rock her gauzy draperies floating about her like brilliant cobwebs and not a soul fairy or mortal to help her regain her lost bow dear me she exclaimed a frown passing across her pretty face i'm caught again this is the second time my carelessness has left me on earth while my sister's turned to our sky palaces. The first time I enjoyed some pleasant adventures, but this is a lonely forsaken country. And I shall be very unhappy until my rainbow comes again and I can climb aboard.

Oh, let me think what is best to be done. She crouched low upon the flat rock, drew her draperies about her, and bowed her head. It was in this position that Betsy, Bobbin spied Polychrome as she came along the stony path, followed by Hank, the princess, and Shaggy. At once the girl ran up to the radiant daughter of the rainbow and exclaimed,

Oh, what a lovely, lovely creature! Polychrome raised her golden head. There were tears in her blue eyes. I'm the most miserable girl in the whole world, she sobbed. The others gathered around her. Tell us your troubles, pretty one, urged the princess. I've lost my bow, wailed Polychrome. Take me, my dear, said Shaggy Man, in a sympathetic tone, thinking she meant

bow instead of bow. I don't want you, cried Polychrome, stamping her foot imperiously. I want my rainbow. Oh, that's different, said Shaggy. But try to forget it. When I was young, I used to cry for the rainbow myself, but I couldn't have it. Looks as if you couldn't have it either, so please don't cry. Polychrome looked at him reproachfully.

I don't like you, she said. No, replied Shaggy, drawing the love magnet from his pocket, not a little bit, just a wee speck of a like? Yes, yes, yes, said Polychrome, clasping her hands in ecstasy as she gazed at the enchanted talisman. I love you, shaggy man. Of course you do, said he calmly, but I don't take any credit for it.

It's the love-magnet's powerful charm. But you seem quite alone and friendless little rainbow. Don't you want to join our party until you find your father and sisters again? Where are you going? she asked. We don't just know that, said Betsy, taking her hand. But we're trying to find Shaggy's long-lost brother, who has been captured by the terrible metal monarch. Won't you come with us and help us?

Polychrome looked from one to another of the grower, queer party of travelers, and a bewitching smile suddenly lighted her face. A donkey, a mortal maid, a rose princess, and a shaggy man, she exclaimed. Surely you'd need help if you intend to face Regetto. Do you know him then? inquired Betsy. No, indeed. Riggotto's caverns are beneath the earth's surface where no rainbow can ever penetrate. But I've heard of the metal monarch.

He is also called the gnome king, you know, and he is made trouble for a good many people, mortals and fairies in his time, said Polychrome. Do you fear him, then? asked the princess anxiously. No one can harm a daughter of the rainbow, said Polychrome proudly. I'm a sky fairy. Then, said Betsy quickly, you will be able to tell us the way to Regetto's cavern.

No, returned Polychrome, shaking her head. That is one thing I cannot do, but I will gladly go with you and help you search for the place. This promised delighted all the wanderers, and after the shaggy man had found the path again, they began moving along it in a more happy mood. The rainbow's daughter danced lightly over the rock, trail, no longer sad, but with her beautiful features wreathed in smiles.

Shaggy came next, walking steadily and now and then supporting the rose princess who followed him. Betsy and Hank brought up the rear, and if she tired with walking, the girl got upon Hank's back and let the stout little donkey carry her for a while. At nightfall they came to some trees that grew beside a tiny brook, and here they made camp and rested until morning. Then away they tramped, finding berries and fruits here and there, which satisfied the hunger of Betsy, Shaggy, and Hank,

so that they were well content with their lot. It surprised Betsy to see the rose princess partake of their food, for she considered her a fairy. But when she mentioned this to Polychrome, the rainbow's daughter explained that when Ozga was driven out of her rose kingdom, she ceased to be a fairy, and would never again be more than a mere mortal. Polychrome, however, was a fairy, wherever she happened to be, and if she sipped a few dewdrops by moonlight for refreshment, no one ever saw her do it.

As they continued their wandering journey, direction meant very little to them, for they were hopelessly lost in this strange country. Shaggy said it would be best to go toward the mountains, as the natural entrance to Rigetto's underground cavern was likely to be hidden in some rocky deserted place. But mountains seemed all around them, except in the one direction that they had come from, which led to the Rose Kingdom and the sea.

Therefore, it mattered little which way they traveled. By and by, They espied a faint trail that looked like a path, and after following this for some time, they reached across roads. Here were many paths leading in various directions, and there was a signpost so old that there were now no words upon the sign. At one side was an old well, with a chain windlass for drying water, yet there was no house or other building anywhere in sight.

While the party halted, puzzled which way to proceed, the mule approached the well and tried to look into it. He's thirsty, said Betsy. It's a dry well, remarked Shaggy. Probably there has been no water in it for many years, but come, let us decide which way to travel. No one seemed able to decide that. They sat down in a group and tried to consider which road might be the best to take. Hank, however, could not keep away from the well, and finally he reared up on his hind legs, got his head over the edge, and uttered a loud, he-haw!

Betsy watched her animal friend curiously. I wonder if he sees anything down there, she said. At this shaggy rose and went over to the well to investigate, and Betsy went with him. The princess and polychrome, who had become fast friends, linked arms and sauntered down one of the roads to find an easy path. Really, said Shaggy, there does seem to be something at the bottom of this old well. Can't we pull it up and see what it is? asked the girl. There was no bucket at the end of the windless chain,

but there was a big hook that at one time was used to hold a bucket. it. Shaggy let down this hook, dragged it around on the bottom, and then pulled it up. An old hoop skirt came with it, and Betsy laughed and threw it away. The thing frightened Hank, who had never seen a hoop skirt before, and he kept a good distance away from it. Several other objects the Shaggy Man captured with the hook and drew up, but none of these was important. This well seems to have been the dump for all the old rubbish in the country, he said, letting down the hook once more. I guess I've captured everything now.

No, the hook is caught again. Help me, Betsy. Whatever this thing is, it's heavy. She ran up and helped him turn the windlass, and after much effort a confused mass of copper came in sight. Good gracious! exclaimed Shaggy, here is the surprise indeed.

What is it? inquired Betsy, clinging to the windlass and panting for breath. For answer, the Shaggy man grasped the bundle of copper and dumped it upon the ground free of the well. Then he turned it over with his foot, spread it out, and to Betsy's astonishment, the thing proved to be a copper man.

Just as I'm. I thought, said Shaggy, looking hard at the object, but unless there are two coppermen in the world, this is the most astonishing thing I ever came across. At this moment the Rainbow's daughter and the Rose Princess approached them, and Polychrome said, What have you found, Shaggy one? Either an old friend or a stranger, he replied. Oh, there's a sign on his back, cried Betsy, who had knelt down to examine the man. "'Dear me, how funny! Listen to this!'

Then she read the following words engraved upon the copper plates of the man's body. "'Smith and Tinkers. Patent double-action, extra-responsive, thought-creating, perfect-talking, mechanical man. Fitted with our special clock-work attachment, thinks, speaks, acts, and does everything but live.' "'Isn't he wonderful?' exclaimed the princess. Yes, but here's more, said Betsy, reading from another engraved plate. Directions for using. For thinking, wind the clockworked man under his left arm, marked number one. For speaking, wind the clockwork man under his right arm, marked number two.

For walking and action, wind clockwork man in the middle of his back, marked number three. in B, this mechanism is guaranteed to work perfectly for a thousand years. If he's guaranteed for a thousand years, said Polychrome, he ought to work yet. Of course, replied Shaggy. Let's wind him up. In order to do this, they were obliged to set the copper man upon his feet in an upright position, and this was no easy task. He was inclined to topple over and had to be propped again and again.

The girls assisted Shaggy, and at last Tick-Tock seemed to be balanced and stood alone upon his broad feet. Yes, said Shaggy, looking at the copper man carefully, This must be indeed my old friend Tick-Tock, whom I left ticking merrily in the land of Oz. but how he came to this lonely place and got into that old well is surely a mystery. If we wind him up, perhaps he will tell us, suggested Betsy. Here's the key hanging on a hook on his back. What part of him shall I wind up first?' "'His thoughts, of course,' said Polychrome,

for it requires thought to speak or move intelligently. So Betsy wound him under his left arm, and at once little flashes of light began to show in the top of his head, which was proof that he had begun to think. Now then, said Shaggy, wind up his phonograph. What's that? she asked. Why, his talking machine. His thoughts may be interesting, but they don't tell us anything.

So Betsy wound the copper man under his right arm, then from the interior of his copper body, came in jerky tones, the words, Many thanks. Hurrah! cried Shaggy joyfully, and he slapped Tick-Tock upon the back in such a hearty manner that the copper man lost his balance

and tumbled to the ground in a heap. But the clockwork that enabled him to speak had been wound up, and he kept saying, Pick me up, pick me up, pick me up, until they had again raised him and balanced him upon his feet when he added politely, "'Many, thanks!'

"'He won't be self-supporting until we wind up his action,' remarked Shaggy. So Betsy wound it as tight as she could, for the key turned rather hard, and then Tick-Tock lifted his feet, marched around in a circle and ended by stopping before the group, and making them all a low bow. How in the world do you happen to be in that well when I left you safe in Oz? inquired Shaggy. It is a long story, replied Tick-Tock, but I'll tell it in a few words. After you had gone in search of your brother, Ozma saw you wondering in strange lands

whenever she looked in her magic picture, and she also saw your brother in the Gnome King's cavern, so she sent me to tell you where to find your brother, and told me to help you if I could. The sorceress Glinda the good transported me to this place in the wink of an eye, but here I met the gnome king himself. Old Ruggetto, who is called in these parts the metal monarch. Ruggetto knew what I had come for, and he was so angry that he threw me down the well. After my works ran down, I was helpless until you came a long and pulled me out again.

many thanks." "'That is indeed good news,' said Shaggy. "'I suspected that my brother was the prisoner of Ruggetto, but now I know it. Tell us, Tick-Tock, how shall we get to the Gnome King's Underground Cavern?' "'The best way is to walk,' said Tick-Tock. "'We might crawl or jump or roll over and over until we get there, but the best way is to walk. I know, but which road shall we take?

My machine-ar-be isn't made to tell that, replied Tick-Tock. There is more than one entrance to the underground cavern, said Polychrome. But old regattao has cleverly concealed every opening so that earth-dwellers cannot intrude in his domain. If we find our way underground at all, It will be by chance. Then, said Betsy, let us select any road haphazard and see where it leads us. That seems sensible, declared the princess.

It may require a lot of time for us to find Rigetto, but we have more time than anything else. If you keep me wound up, said TikTok, I will last a thousand years. Then the only question to decide is which. way to go, added Shaggy, looking first at one road and then at another. But while they stood hesitating, a peculiar sound reached their ears, a sound like the tramping of many feet.

What's coming? cried Betsy. And then she ran to the left-hand road and glanced along the path. Why, it's an army, she exclaimed. What shall we do, hide or run? Stand still, command to Chaggy. I'm not afraid of an army. If they prove to be friendly, they can help us. If they are enemies, I'll show them the love magnet.

End of Chapter 7. Chapter 8 of Tick-Tacabazz by L. Frank Baum. This Libra Box recording is in the public domain. Chapter 8. TikTok tackles a tough task. While Shaggy and his companions stood huddled in a group at one side, the army of Ugaboo was approaching along the pathway, the tramp of their feet being now and then accompanied by a dismal groan as one of the officers stepped on a sharp stone or knocked his funny bone against his neighbor's sword-handle. Then, out from among the trees marched private files, bearing the banner of Oogaboo, which fluttered from a long pole.

This pole he stuck in the ground just in front of the well, and then he cried in the loud voice, I hear my conqueror this territory in the name of Queen and so forth of Ogaboo, and all the inhabitants of the land I proclaim her slaves. Some of the officers now stuck their heads out of the bushes and asked, Is the coast clear, private files? There's no coast here, was the reply, but all's well. I hope there's water in it, said General Cone, mustering courage to advance to the well. But just then he caught a glimpse of Tick-Tock and Shaggy,

and at once fell upon his knees trembling and frightened and cried out, mercy kind enemies mercy spare us we will be your slaves forever the other officers who had now advanced into the clearing likewise fell upon their knees and begged for mercy files turned around and seeing the strangers for the first time examined them with much curiosity then discovering that three of the party were girls he lifted his cap and made a polite bow "'What's all this?' demanded a harsh voice, as Queen Anne reached the place and beheld her kneeling army. "'Permit us to introduce ourselves,' replied Shaggy, stepping forward. "'This is Tick-Tock the Clockworkman, who works better than some meat people. And here is Princess Ozga of Roseland, just now unfortunately exiled from her kingdom of roses. I next present Polychrome a sky fairy who lost her bow by an accident and can't find her way home.

The small girl here is Betsy Bobbin from some unknown earthly paradise called Oklahoma, and with her you see Mr. Hank, a mule with a long tail and a short temper. "'Puh,' said Anne scornfully, A pretty lot of vagabines you are. Indeed, all lost or strayed, I suppose, and not worth a queen's plundering. I'm sorry I've conquered you. But you haven't conquered us yet, called Betsy indignantly. No, agreed Files, that is a fact.

But if my officers will kindly command me to conquer you, I will do so at once, after which we can stop arguing and converse more at our ease. The officers had by this time risen from their knees and brushed the dust from their trousers. To them the enemy did not look very fierce. So the generals and colonels and majors and captains gained courage to face them and began strutting in their most haughty manner. "'You must understand,' said Anne, "'that I am the queen of Ugaboo, and this is my invincible army.

We are busy conquering the world, and since you seem to be a part of the world, and you are obstructing our journey, it is necessary for us to conquer you, unworthy though you may be of such high honor." "'That's all right,' replied Shaggy. "'Conquer us as often as you like. We don't mind.' "'But we won't be anybody slaves,' added Betsy positively. "'We'll see about that,' retorted the queen, angry. advance private files and bind the enemy hand and foot. But private files looked at pretty Betsy and fascinating polychrome and the beautiful rose

princess, and shook his head. It would be impolite and I won't do it, he asserted. You must, cried Anne. It is your duty to obey orders. I haven't received any orders from my officers. objected the private. But the generals now shouted, Forward and bind the prisoners!

And the colonels and majors and captains repeated the command, yelling it as loud as they could. All this noise annoyed Hank, who had benign the army of Ugaboo with strong disfavor, the mule now dashed forward, and began backing upon the officers and kicking fierce and dangerous heels at them. The attack was so sudden that the officers scattered like dust in a whirlwind,

dropping their swords as they ran and trying to seek refuge behind the trees and bushes. Betsy laughed joyously at the comical route of the noble army, and Polychrome danced with glee. But Anne was furious at this ignoble defeat of her gallant forces by one small mule. Private Files? I command you to do your duty, she cried again, and then she herself ducked to escape the mule's heels, for Hank made no distinction in favor of a lady who was an open enemy.

Betsy grabbed her champion by the forelock, however, and so held him fast, and when the officers saw that the mule was restrained from further attacks, they crept fearfully back and picked up their discarded swords. "'Private Files! seize and bind these prisoners!' screamed the Queen. "'No,' said Files, throwing down his gun and removing the knapsack which was strapped to his back. I resigned my position as the Army of Oogaboo. I enlisted to fight the enemy and become a hero, but if you want someone to bind harmless girls, you will have to hire another private. Then he walked over to the others and shook hands with Shaggy and Tick-Tock.

Treason! Shrieked Anne, and all the officers echoed her cry. Nonsense, said Files. I have the right to resign if I want to. Indeed, you haven't, retorted the queen. If you resigned, it will break up my army, and then I cannot conquer the world. She now turned to the officers and said, I must ask you to do me a favor.

I know it is undignified in officers to fight, but unless you immediately capture private files and force him to obey my orders, there will be no plunder for any of us. Also it is likely you will all suffer the pangs of hunger, and when we meet a powerful foe, you are liable to be captured and made slaves. The prospect of this awful fate,

So frightened the officers that they drew their swords and rushed upon files, who stood beside Shaggy in a truly ferocious manner. The next instant, however, they halted, and again fell upon their knees, for there before them was the glistening love-magnet, held in the hand of the smiling Shaggy Man, and the sight of this magic-talesman at once won the heart of every Ogle-boyte. Even Anne saw the love-magnet, and forgetting all enmity and anger, threw herself upon Shaggy, and embraced him lovingly.

Quite disconcerted by this unexpected effect of the magnet, Shaggy disengaged himself from the queens and circling arms, and quickly hid the talesman in his pocket. The adventurers from Ugaboo were now his firm friends, and there was no more talk about conquering and binding any of his party. If you insist on conquering anyone, said Shaggy, you may march with me to the underground kingdom of Ruggetto. To conquer the world as you have set out to do, you must conquer everyone under its surface as well as those upon its surface, and no one in all the world needs

conquering so much as Ruggetto. Who is he? asked Anne. the metal monarch king of the gnomes is he rich inquired major stockings in an anxious voice of course answered shaggy he owns all the metal that lies underground gold silver copper brass and tin he has an idea he also owns all the metals above ground for he says all metal was once a part of his kingdom so by conquering the metal monarch. You will win all the riches in the world." "'Ah!' exclaimed General Apple, heaving a deep sigh. "'That would be plunder worth our while. Let's conquer him, your majesty.'

The queen looked reproachfully at Files, who was sitting next to the lovely princess and whispering in her ear. "'Alas,' said Anne, "'I have no longer an army. I have plenty of brave officer. officers indeed, but no private soldier for them to command. Therefore I cannot conquer Ruggetto and win all his wealth. Why don't you make one of your officers the private? asked Shaggy. But at once every officer began to protest, and the queen of Ugaboo shook her head as she replied. That is impossible. A private soldier must be a terrible fighter, and my officers are unable to fight.

They are exceptionally brave in commanding others to fight, but could not themselves meet the enemy and conquer? Very true, Your Majesty, said Colonel Plum eagerly. There are many kinds of bravery, and one cannot be expected to possess them all. I myself am brave as a lion in all ways, until it comes to fighting. But then my nature revolts. Fighting is unkind and liable to be injurious to others, So, being a gentleman, I never fight.

Nor I, shouted each of the other officers. You see, said Anne, how helpless I am. Had not private files proved himself a traitor and a deserter, I would gladly have conquered this rugetto, but an army without a private soldier is like a bee without a stinger. I am not a traitor, Your Majesty, protested files. I resigned in a proper manner. manner not liking the job. But there are plenty of people to take my place. Why not make Shaggy

man the private soldier? He might be killed, said Anne, looking tenderly as Shaggy, for he is mortal and able to die. If anything happens to him, it would break my heart. It would hurt me worse than that, declared Shaggy. You must admit, Your Majesty, that I am commander of this expedition, for it is my brother we are seeking rather than plunder. But I and my companions would like the assistance of your army, and if you help us to conquer Ruggetto and to rescue my brother from captivity, we will allow you to keep all the gold and jewels and other plunder you may find. This prospect was so tempting that the officers began whispering together,

and presently Colonel Cheese said, your majesty by combining our brains we have evolved a most brilliant idea we will make the clockwork man the private soldier who me asked tik-tok not for a single second i cannot fight and you must not forget that it was ru-gat-do who threw me in the well at that time you had no gun said polychrome but if you joined the army of the army of the world you had no gun said polychrome but if you joined the army of Ugaboo, you will carry the gun that Mr. Files used. A soldier must be able to run as well as to fight, protested TikTok. And if my works run down as they off ten do, I could neither run nor fight. I will keep you wound up TikTok, promised Betsy. Why, it isn't a bad idea, said Shaggy.

Tick-Tock will make an ideal sense. soldier, for nothing can injure him except a sledgehammer, and, since a private soldier seems to be necessary to this army, Tick-Tock is the only one of our party fitted to undertake the job. What must I do? asked Tick-Tock. Obey orders, replied Anne. When the officers command you to do anything, you must do it, that is all. And that's enough, too, said Files.

Do I get a salary? inquired Tick-Tock. You get your share of the plunder, answered the queen. Yes, remarked Files. One half of the plunder goes to Queen Anne, the other half is divided among the officers, and the private gets the rest. That will be sat is factory, said Tick-Tock,

picking up the gun and examining it wonderingly, for he had never before seen such a weapon. Then Anne strapped the knapsack to Tick-Tock's copperback and said, Now we are ready to march to Rogetto's kingdom and conquer it. Officers, give the command to march. Fall in, yelled the generals, drawing their swords. Fall in, cried the colonels, drawing their swords.

Pull in, shouted the majors, drawing their swords. Tick-Tock looked at them, and then around him in surprise. Fall in what? The well, he asked. No, said Queen. and, you must fall in marching order. Cannot I march without falling into it? asked the clockwork man. Shoulder your gun and stand ready to march, advised files.

So Tick-Tock held the gun straight and stood still. What next? he asked. The queen turned to Shaggy. Which road leads to the metal monarch's cavern? We don't know, your majesty, was the reply. "'But this is absurd,' said Anne with a frown. "'If we can't get to Ruggetto, it is certain that we can't conquer him.' "'You are right,' admitted Shaggy.

"'But I did not say we could not get to him. "'We have only to discover the way, and that was the matter we were considering "'when you and your magnificent army arrived here.' "'Well, then, get busy and discover it,' snapped the queen. "'That was no easy task. They all stood looking from one road to another in perplexity. The paths radiated from the little clearing like the rays of the midday sun, and each path seemed like all the others.

Files and the rose princess, who had by this time become good friends, advanced a little way along one of the roads, and found that it was bordered by pretty wildflowers. "'Why don't you ask the flowers to tell you the way?' he said to his companion. The flowers, returned the princess, surprised at the question. Of course, said Files. The field flowers must be second cousins to a rose princess, and I believe if you ask them they will tell you.

She looked more closely at the flowers. There were hundreds of white daisies, golden buttercups, bluebells and daffodils growing by the roadside, and each flower-head was firmly set upon its side, slender but stout stem. There were even a few wild roses scattered here and there, and perhaps it was the sight of these that gave the princess courage to ask the important question.

She dropped to her knees, facing the flowers, and extended both her arms pleadingly toward them. Tell me, pretty cousins, she said in her sweet, gentle voice, which way will lead us to the kingdom of Ruggedo, the gnome king? at once all the stems have been gracefully to the right and the flower-heads knotted once twice thrice in that direction that's it cried files joyfully now we know the way oscar rose to her feet and looked wonderingly at the field-flowers which had now resumed their upright position was it the wind do you think she asked in a low whisper no indeed replied files, there is not a breath of wind-stirring. But these lovely blossoms are indeed your cousins, and answered your question at once,

as I knew they would. End of Chapter 8. Chapter 9 of Tick-Tock of Oz by L. Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 9. Ruggetto's Rage is rash and reckless. The way taken by the adventurers led uphill and down dale, and wound here and there in a fashion that seemed aimless, but it always drew nearer to a range of low mountains and files said more than once that he was certain the entrance to Ruggedo's cavern would be found among these rugged hills.

In this, he was quite correct. Far underneath the nearest mountain was a gorgeous chamber hollowed from the solid rock, the walls and roof of which glittered with thousands of magnificent jewels. Here, on a throne of virgin gold, sat the famous gnome king, dressed in splendid robes and wearing a superb crown cut from a single blood-blood. Red Ruby. Ruggetto, the monarch of all the metals and precious stones of the underground world, was a round little man with a flowing white beard, a red face, bright eyes, and a scowl that covered all

his forehead. One would think to look at him that he ought to be jolly. One might think, considering his enormous wealth, that he ought to be happy. But this was not the case. The metal monarch was surly and cross, because mortals had dug so much treasure out of the earth and kept it above ground, where all the power of Rogeto and his gnomes was unable to recover it. He hated not only the mortals, but also the fairies who live upon the earth are above it, and instead of being content with the riches he still possessed. He was unhappy because

as he did not own all the gold and jewels in the world. Ruggetto had been nodding half asleep in his chair, when suddenly he sat upright, uttered a roar of rage, and began pounding upon a huge gong that stood beside him. The sound filled the vast cavern and penetrated to many caverns beyond, where countless thousands of gnomes were working at the same. their unending tasks, hammering out gold and silver and other metals, or melting oars in great furnaces, or polishing, glittering gems. The gnomes trembled at the sound of the king's gong,

and whispered fearfully to one another that something unpleasant was sure to happen, but none dared pause in his task. The heavy curtains of cloth of gold were pushed aside, and Calico, the King's High Chamberlain, entered the royal presence. What's up, your majesty? He asked with a wide yawn, for he had just wakened. Up? roared Ruggetto, stamping his foot viciously. Those foolish mortals are up, that's what, and they want to come down. Down here? inquired Calico.

Yes. Now, how do you know? continued the Chamberlain, yawning again. "'I feel it in my bones,' said Ruggerto. "'I can always feel it when those hateful earth-crawlers straw near to my kingdom. I am positive, Calico, that mortals are this very minute on their way here to annoy me, and I hate mortals more than I do cactnip tea.' "'Well, what's to be done?'

demanded the gnome. Look through your spyglass and see where the invaders are, commanded the king. So Calico went to a tube in the wall of rock and put his eye to it. The tube ran from the cavern up to the side of the mountain and turned several curves and corners, but as it was a magic spyglass, Calico was able to see through it just as easily as if it had been. and straight.

"'Oh, hum,' said he, "'I see him, Your Majesty.' "'What do they look like?' inquired the monarch. "'That's a hard question to answer. "'For a queerer assortment of creatures I never yet beheld,' replied the gnome. "'However, such a collection of curiosities may prove dangerous. "'There's a copper man worked by machinery.' "'Bah, that's only Tick-Tock,' said Ruggedo.

I'm not afraid of him. Why only the other day I met the fellow and threw him down a well? Then someone must have pulled him out again, said Calico. And there's a little girl. Dorothy? asked Ruggetto, jumping up in fear. No, some other girl. In fact, there are several girls of various sizes, but Dorothy is not with him, nor is Asma.

"'Hoo, that's good!' exclaimed the king, sighing in relief. Calico still had his eye to the spy-glass. "'I see,' said he, "'an army of men from Ugaboo. They are all officers and carry swords, and there is a shaggy man, who seems very harmless, and a little donkey with big ears.' "'Pooh!' cried Ruggetto, snapping his fingers in scorn.

I've no fear of such a mob as that. A dozen of my gnomes can destroy them all in a jiffy." "'I'm not so sure of that,' said Calico. "'The people of Ugaboo are hard to destroy, and I believe the rose princess is a fairy. As for Polychrome, you know very well that the rainbow's daughter cannot be injured by a gnome.' "'Polychrome?

Is she among them?' asked the king. Yes, I have just recognized her. Then these people are coming here on no peaceful errand, declared Ruggedo scowling fiercely. In fact, no one ever comes here on a peaceful errand. I hate everybody, and everybody hates me. Very true, said Calico.

I must in some way prevent these people from reaching my Dominions. Where are they now?" Just now they are crossing the rubber country, Your Majesty. Good. Are your magnetic rubber wires in working order?" I think so, replied Calico. Is it your royal will that we have some fun with these invaders?"

It is, answered Ruggetto. I want to teach them a lesson they will never forget. Now, Shaggy had no idea that he was in a rubber country, nor had any of his companions. They noticed that everything around them was of a dull gray color, and that the path upon which they walked was soft and springy. Yet they had no suspicion that the rocks and trees were rubber, and even the path they trod was made of rubber. Presently they came to a brook where sparkling water dashed through a

a deep channel and rushed away between high rocks far down the mountain side. Across the brook were stepping stones, so placed that travelers might easily leap from one to another, and in that manner crossed the water to the farther bank. Tick-Tock was marching ahead, followed by his officers and Queen Anne. After them came Betsy Bobbin and Hank, polychrome and Shaggy, and last of all, the rose princess with files. The clockworked man saw the stream and the stepping-stones, and without making a pause, placed his foot upon the first stone.

The result was astonishing. First, he sank down in the soft rubber, which then rebounded, and sent Tick-Tock soaring high in the air, where he turned a succession of flip-flops, and alighted upon a rubber rock far in the rear of the party. General Apple did not see Tick-Tock bound, so quickly had he disappeared. Therefore he also stepped upon the stone, which, you will guess, was connected with Calico's magnetic rubber wire, and instantly shot upward like an arrow.

General Cone came next and met with a like fate, but the others now noticed that something was. was wrong, and with one accord they halted the column and looked back along the path. There was Tick-Tock still bounding from one rubber rock to another, each time rising a less distance from the ground, and there was General Apple bounding away in another direction. His three-cornered hat jammed over his eyes, and his long sword thumping him upon the arms and head as it swung this way and that. And there also appeared General Cone, who had struck a rubber rock head foremost, and was so crumpled up that his round body looked more like a bouncing ball than

the form of a man. Betsy laughed merrily at the strange sight, and Polychrome echoed her laughter. But Ozka was grave and wondering, while Queen Anne became angry at seeing the chief officers of the army of Ugaboo, bounding around in so undignified a manner. She shouted to them to stop, but they were unable to obey, even though they would have been glad to do so. Finally, however, they all ceased bounding and managed to get upon their feet and rejoin the army. "'Why did you do that?' demanded Anne, who seemed greatly provoked.

"'Don't ask them why,' said Shaggy earnestly. I know you would ask them why, but you ought not to do it. The reason is plain. Those stones are rubber, therefore they are not stones. Those rocks around us are rubber, and therefore they are not rocks. Even this path is not a path. It's rubber. Unless we are very careful, Your Majesty, we are all likely to get the bounce,

just as your poor officers and Tick-Tock did. Then, let's be careful, remarked Files, who was full of wisdom. But Polychrome wanted to test the quality of the rubber, so she began dancing. Every step sent her higher and higher into the air, so that she resembled a big butterfly, fluttering lightly. Presently, she made a great bound and bounded way across the stream, landing lightly and steadily on the other side. "'There's no rubber over here,' she called to them.

"'Suppose you all try to bound over the stream without touching the stepping stones.' Anne and her officers were reluctant to undertake such a risky adventure, but Betsy at once grasped the value of the suggestion and began jumping up and down until she found herself bounding almost as high as polychrome had done. Then she suddenly leaned forward, and the next bound took her easily across the brook, where she alighted by the side of the rainbow's daughter.

"'Come on, Hank,' called the girl, and the ducky tried to obey. He managed to bound pretty high, but, when he tried bound across the stream, he misjudged the distance and fell with a splash into the middle of the water. he-haw! He wailed, struggling toward the far bank. Betsy rushed forward to help him out, but when the mule stood safely beside her, she was amazed to find he was not wet at all.

It's dry water, said Polychrome, dipping her hand into the stream and showing how the water fell from it and left it perfectly dry. In that case, returned Betsy, they can all walk through the water. She called to Aska and Shaggy to wait across, assuring them the water was shallow and would not wet them. At once they followed her advice,

avoiding the rubber stepping stones, and made the crossing with ease. This encouraged the entire party to wade through the dry water, and in a few minutes all had assembled on the bank and renewed their journey along the path that led to the gnome king's door. Dominions. When Calico again looked through his magic spyglass, he exclaimed,

Bad luck, your majesty. All the invaders have passed the rubber country, and now are fast approaching the entrance to your caverns. Ruggerto raved and stormed at the news, and his anger was so great that several times, as he strode up and down his jeweled cavern, he paused to kick Calico upon his shins, which were so sensitive that the poor gnome howled with pain. Finally the king said, There's no help for it.

We must drop these audacious invaders down the hollow tube. Calico gave a jump at this and looked at his master wonderingly. If you do that, Your Majesty, he said, you will make to Titi Huchu very angry. Never mind that, retorted Ruggetto. Titichi Huchu lives on the other side of the world. So what do I care for his anger? Calico shuddered and uttered a little groan.

Remember his terrible powers, he pleaded. And remember that he warned you the last time you slid people through the hollow tube, that if you did it again, he would take vengeance upon you. The metal monarch walked up and down in silence, thinking deeply. Of two dangers, said he it is wise to choose the least. What do you suppose these invaders want? Let the long-eared hearer listen to them, suggested Calico.

Call him here at once, commanded Ruggetto eagerly. So in a few minutes there entered the cavern a gnome with enormous ears, who bowed low before the king. Strangers are approaching, said Ruggetto. and I wish to know their errand. Listen carefully to their talk, and tell me why they are coming here and what for. The gnome bowed again and spread out his great ears,

swaying them gently up and down and back and forth. For half an hour he stood silent, in an attitude of listening, while both the king and Calico grew impatient at the delay. At last, the long-eared hearing, Spoke. Shaggy Man is coming here to rescue his brother from captivity, said he. Ha! the ugly one! exclaimed Ruggetto.

Well, Shaggy Man may have his ugly brother for all I care. He's too lazy to work, and is always getting in my way. Where is the ugly one now, Calico? The last time Your Majesty stumbled over the prisoner, you commanded me to to send him to the metal forest, which I did. I suppose he is still there. Very good. The invaders will have a hard time finding the metal forest, said the king, with a grin of malicious delight. For half the time I can't find it myself. Yet I created the forest and made every tree out of gold and silver, so as to keep the precious

metals in a safe place and out of the reach of mortals. But tell me, hearer, do the strangers want anything else? Yes, indeed they do, returned the gnome. The army of Ugabu is determined to capture all the rich medals and rare jewels in your kingdom, and the officers and their queen have arranged to divide the spoils and carry them away. When he heard this, Ruggiero uttered a bellow of rage and began dancing up and down, rolling his eyes, clicking his teeth together, and swinging his arms furiously. Then, in an ecstasy of anger, he seized the long ears of the hearer and pulled and twisted them cruelly.

But Calico grabbed up the king's sceptre and wrapped him over. the knuckles with it, so that Ruggettoed let go the ears and began to chase his royal chamberlain around the throne. The hearer took advantage of this opportunity to slip away from the cavern and escape, and after the king had tired himself out chasing Calico, he threw himself into his throne and panted for breath while he glared wickedly at his defiant subject. You'd better save your strength to fight the enemy, suggested Caliqa. There will be a terrible battle when the army of Ugabu gets here."

"'The army won't get here,' said the king, still coughing and panting. "'I'll drop him down the hollow tube. Every man, Jack and every girl, jill of him.' "'And defy to Titi-Huchu?' asked Calico. "'Yes. Go at once to my chief magician and order him to turn the path toward the hollow tube, and to make the tip of the tube invisible, so they'll all fall into it. Calico went away, shaking his head, for he thought Ruggetto was making a great mistake. He found the magician and had the path twisted so that it led directly to the opening of the hollow tube, and this opening he made invisible.

Having obeyed the orders of his master, the royal Chamberlain went to his private room, and began to write letters of recommendation of himself, stating that he was an honest man, a good servant, and a small eater. Pretty soon, he said to himself, I shall have to look for another job, for it is certain that Ruggedo has ruined himself by this reckless defiance of the mighty Tititi Huchu. And in seeking a job,

nothing is so effective as a letter of recommendation. End of Chapter 9. Chapter 10 of Tick-Tac-Avas by L. Frank Baum. This Lieber-Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 10 A Terrible Tumble Through a Tube I suppose that Polychrome and perhaps Queen Anne and her army might have been able to dispel the enchantment of Ruggetto's chief magician had they known that danger lay in their pathway,

for the Rainbow's daughter was a fairy, and as Ugabu is a part of the land of Oz, its inhabitants cannot easily be deceived by such common magic as the gnome king could command. But no one suspected any especial danger until after they had entered Ruggetto's cavern, and so they were journeying along in quite a contented manner, when Tick-Tock, who marched ahead, suddenly disappeared. The officers thought he must have. have turned a corner, so they kept on their way, and all of them likewise disappeared one

after another. Queen Anne was rather surprised at this, and, in hastening forward to learn the reason, she also vanished from sight. Betsy Bobbin had tired her feet by walking, so she was now riding upon the back of the stout little mule, facing backward and talking to Shaggy and Polychrome, who were just behind. Suddenly, Hank pitched forward and began falling, and Betsy would have tumbled over his head, had she not grabbed the mule's shaggy neck with both arms, and held on for dear life. All around was darkness, and they were not falling directly downward, but seemed to be

sliding along a steep incline. Hank's hoofs were resting upon some smooth surface, over which He slid with the swiftness of the wind. Once Betsy's heels flew up and struck a similar substance overhead, they were indeed descending the hollow tube that led to the other side of the world. Stop, Hank, stop! cried the girl. But Hank only uttered a plaintive, For it was impossible for him to obey. After several minutes had passed and no harm had.

befallen them, Betsy gained courage. She could see nothing at all, nor could she hear anything except the rush of air past her ears as they plunged downward along the tube. Whether she and Hank were alone or the others were with him, she could not tell. But had someone been able to take a flashlight photograph of the tube at that time, a most curious picture would have resulted. There was Tick-T-T-T-Tock. flat upon his back, and sliding head foremost down the incline, and there were the officers

of the army of Ugaboo, all tangled up in a confused crowd, flapping their arms and trying to shield their faces from the clanking swords, which swung back and forth during the swift journey, and pummeled everyone within their reach. Now followed Queen Anne, who had struck the tube in a sitting position, and when flying along with a dash and abandoned that thoroughly bewildered the poor lady, who had no idea what had happened to her. Then, a little distance away, but unseen by the others in the inky darkness, slid Betsy and Hank, while behind them were shaggy and polychrome, and finally Files and the Princess. When they first tumbled into the tube, all were two days to think clearly, but the trip was a long

long one because the cavity led straight through the earth to a place just opposite the Dome King's dominions. And long before the adventurers got to the end, they had begun to recover their wits. "'This is awful, Hank,' cried Betsy in a loud voice. And Queen Anne heard her and called out, "'Are you safe, Betsy?' "'Mercy, no,' answered the little girl. "'How could anyone be safe when she's going about sixty miles a minute?'

Then after a pause she added, "'But where do you suppose we're going to, you majesty?' "'Don't ask her that, please don't,' said Shaggy, who was not too far away to overhear them. And please don't ask me why, either.' "'Why?' said Betsy. "'No one can tell where we are going until we get there,' replied Shaggy. And then he yelled,

"'Oach! For Polychrome had overtaken him and was now sitting on his. his head. The Rainbow's daughter laughed merrily, and so infectious was this joyous laughter that Betsy echoed it, and Hank said, he-ha, in a mild and sympathetic tone of voice. I'd like to know where and when we'll arrive just the same, exclaimed the little girl. Be patient, and you'll find out, my dear, said Polychrome. But isn't this an odd experience?

Here I am, whose home is in the skies, making a journey through the center of the earth where I never expected to be. How do you know we're in the center of the earth? asked Betsy, her voice trembling a little through nervousness. Why we can't be anywhere else, replied Polychrome. I have often heard of this passage, which was once built by a magician who was a great traveler.

He thought it would save him the bother of going around the earth's surface, but he tumbled through the tube so fast that he shot out the other end and hit a star in the sky, which at once exploded. The star exploded? asked Betsy wonderingly. Yes, the magician hit it so hard. And what became of the magician? inquired the girl. No one knows that, answered Polychrome, but I don't think it matters much.

It matters a good deal, if we also hit the stories when we come out,' said Queen Anne, with a moan. "'Don't worry,' advised Polychrome. I believe the magician was going the other way, and probably he went much faster than we are going. "'It's fast enough to suit me,' remarked Shaggy, gently removing Polychrome's heel from his left eye. "'Couldn't you manage to fall all by yourself, my dear?' "'I'll try.' laughed the rainbow's daughter.

All this time they were swiftly falling through the tube, and it was not so easy for them to talk as you may imagine when you read their words, but although they were so helpless and altogether in the dark as to their fate, the fact that they were able to converse at all cheered them considerably. Files and Oscar were also conversing,

as they clung tightly to one another, and the young fellow bravering. strove to reassure the princess, although he was terribly frightened, both on her account and on his own. An hour, under such trying circumstances, is a very long time, and for more than an hour they continued their fearful journey. Then, just as they began to fear the tube would never end, Tick-Tock popped out into broad daylight, and after making a A graceful circle in the air fell with a splash into a great marble fountain. Out came the officers in quick succession, tumbling heels overhead, and striking the ground in many

undignified attitudes. "'For the love of Sassafras!' exclaimed a peculiar person, who was hoeing pink violets in a garden, what can all this mean? For answer, Queen Anne sailed up from the tube, took a ride through the air as high as the treetops, and alighted squarely on top of the peculiar person's head, smashing a jeweled crown over his eyes and tumbling him to the ground. The mule was heavier, and had Betsy clingy to his back, so he did not go so high up. Fortunately, for his little rider, he struck the ground.

upon his four feet. Betsy was jarred a trifle, but not hurt, and when she looked around her, she saw the queen and the peculiar person struggling together upon the ground, where the man was trying to choke Anne, and she had both hands in his bushy hair, and was pulling with all her might.

Some of the officers, when they got upon their feet, hastened to separate the combatants, and sought to restrain the peculiar person, so that he could not attack their queen again. By this time, Shaggy, Polychrome, Aska, and Files, had all arrived and were curiously examining the strange country in which they found themselves, and which they knew to be exactly on the opposite side of the world

from the place where they had fallen into the tube. It was a lovely place indeed, and seemed to be the garden of some great prince, or through the vistas of trees and shrubbery could be seeing the towers of an immense castle. But as yet the only inhabitant to greet them was the peculiar person just mentioned, who had shaken off the grasp of the officers without effort

and was now trying to pull the battered crown from off his eyes. Shaggy, who was always polite, helped him to do this, and when the man was free and could see again, he looked at his visitors with evident amazement. Well, well, well, he exclaimed, Where did you come from, and how did you get here? Betsy tried to answer him, for Queen Anne was surly and silent. I can't say exactly where we came from,

because I don't know the name of the place, said the girl, but the way we got here was through the hollow tube. Don't call it a hollow tube, please, exclaimed the ber, peculiar person in an irritated tone of voice. If it's a tube, it's sure to be hollow. Why? asked Betsy. Because all tubes are made that way, but this tube is private property and everyone is forbidden to fall into it.

We didn't do it on purpose, explained Betsy, and Polychrome added. I'm quite sure that Ruggetto, the Gnome King, pushed us down that tube. Ha, Rogetto. Did you say Ruggetto? cried the man, becoming much excited. That is what she said, replied Shaggy. And I believe she is right. We were on our way to conquer the Gnome King when suddenly we fell into the tube. Then you are enemies of Ruggetto, inquired the peculiar person.

Not exactly enemies, said Betsy, a little puzzled by the question, because we don't know him at all. but we started out to conquer him, which isn't as friendly as it might be. True, agreed the man. He looked thoughtfully from one to another of them for a while, and then he turned his head over his shoulder and said, Never mind the fire and pincers, my good brothers. It will be best to take these strangers to the private citizen.

Very well, two kings, responded a voice deep and powerful that seemed to come out of the air, for the speaker was invisible. All our friends gave a jump at this. Even Polychrome was so startled that her gauze draperies fluttered like a banner in a breeze. Shaggy shook his head inside. Queen Anne looked very unhappy. The officers clung to each other trembling violently. But soon they gained courage to look more closely at the peculiar person.

As he was a type of all the inhabitants of this extraordinary land whom they afterward met, I will try to tell you what he looked like. His face was beautiful but lacked expression. His eyes were large and blue in color, and his teeth finely formed in white as snow. His hair was black and bushy, and seemed inclined to curl at the ends. so far no one could find any fault with his appearance.

He wore a robe of scarlet, which did not cover his arms, and extended no lower than his bare knees. On the bosom of the robe were embroidered a terrible dragon's head, as horrible to look at as the man was beautiful. His arms and legs were left bare, and the skin of one arm was bright yellow, and the skin of the other arm a vivid green. He had one blue leg and one pink one, while both his feet, which showed through the open sandals he wore, were jet black.

Betsy could not decide whether these gorgeous colors were dyes or the natural tints of the skin, but while she was thinking it over, the man, who had been called Tukens, said, Follow me to the residence, all of you. But just then they voice exclaimed, "'Here's another of them, Tubkins, lying in the water of the fountain.' "'Gracious!' cried Betsy. "'It must be Tick-Tock, and he'll drown.' "'Water is a bad thing for his clock-works, anyway,' agreed Shaggy. As with one accord, they all started for the fountain.

But before they could reach it, invisible hands raised Tick-Tock from the marble basin and set him upon his feet beside it, water dripping from every joint of his copper body. Man, me, thaw, thaw, thanks, he said, and then his copper jaws clicked together, and he could say no more. He next made an attempt to walk, but after several awkward trials, found he could not move his joints. of jeering laughter from persons unseen greeted TikTok's failure, and the new arrivals in this strange land found it very uncomfortable to realize that there were many creatures around them who were invisible, yet could be heard plainly.

"'Shall I wind him up?' asked Betsy, feeling very sorry for TikTok. "'I think his machinery is wound, but he needs oiling,' replied Shaggy. At once an oil can appeared before him, held on a level with his eyes by some unseen hand. Shaggy took the can and tried to oil Tick-Tock's joints, as if to assist him. A strong current of warm air was directed against the copper man which quickly dried him. Soon he was able to say many thanks quite smoothly, and his joints worked fairly well. "'Come,' commanded Tubikins, and, turning his back upon them, he walked up the path toward the castle. "'Shall we go?' asked Queen Anne uncertainly.

But just then she received a shove that almost pitched her forward on her head, so she decided to go. The officers who hesitated received several energetic kicks, but could not see who delivered them. Therefore they also decided very wisely to go. The others followed willingly enough, for unless they ventured upon another terrible journey through the tube, they must make the best of the unknown country they were in, and the best seemed to be to obey orders. End of Chapter X. Chapter 11 of Tic Tacabazz by L. Frank Baum.

This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 11 The Famous Fellowship of Ferrys After a short walk through very beautiful gardens, they came to the castle and followed Tubikins through the entrance and into a great domed chamber where he commanded them to be seated. From the crown which he wore, Betsy had thought this man must be the king of the country they were in, yet after he had seated all the strangers upon benches that were ranged in a semi-circle before a high throne. Dubicans bowed humbly before the vacant throne, and in a flash, became invisible and

disappeared. The hall was an immense place, but there seemed to be no one in it beside themselves. Presently, however, they heard a low cough near them, and here and there was the faint rustling of a robe and a slight patter as of footsteps. Then suddenly there rang out the clear tone of a bell, and at the sound all was changed. Gazing around the hall in bewilderment, they saw that it was filled with hundreds of men and women, all with beautiful faces and staring blue eyes, and all wearing scarlet robes and jeweled crowns upon their heads. In fact, these people seemed exact duplicates of tubicons, and you know,

it was difficult to find any mark by which to tell them apart. "'My, what a lot of kings and queens!' whispered Betsy to Polychrome, who sat beside her and appeared much interested in the scene, but not a bit worried. "'It is certainly a strange sight,' was Polychrome's reply, but I cannot see how there can be more than one king or queen in any one country, for were these all rulers, no one could tell who was made. master. One of the kings who stood near and overheard this remarked, turned to her and said, One who is a master of himself is always a king, if only to himself. In this favored land of

kings and queens, all are equal, and it is our privilege to bow before one supreme ruler, the private citizen. Who's he? inquired Betsy, as if to answer her, the cleavely The clear tones of the bell again rang out, and instantly there appeared seated in the throne, the man who was lord and master of all these royal ones. This fact was evident when, with one accord, they fell upon their knees and touched their foreheads to the floor. The private citizen was not unlike the others, except that his eyes were black instead of blue, and in the centers of the black irises glowed red sparks that seemed like coals of fire. But his features were very beautiful and dignified,

and his manner composed and stately. Instead of the prevalent scarlet robe, he wore one of white, and the same dragon's head that decorated the others was embroidered upon its bosom. What charge lies against these people, Tubicans? he asked in quiet even tones. They came through the forbidden tomb,

O mighty citizen, was the reply. You see it was this way, said Betsy. We were marching to the Gnome King to conquer him and set Shaggy's brother free, when on a sudden, Who are you? demanded the private citizen sternly. Me? Oh, I'm Betsy Bobbin. And who is the leader of this party? asked the citizen.

"'Sir, I am Queen Anne of Ugaboo, and then keep quiet,' said the citizen. "'Who is the leader?' "'No one answered for a moment. Then General Bun stood up. "'Sit down,' commanded the citizen. "'I can see that sixteen of you are merely officers, and of no account.' "'But we have an army,' said General Clock, blusteringly, "'for he didn't like to be told he was of no account.

"'Where is your army?' asked the citizen. "'It's me,' said Tick-Tock, his voice sounding a little rusty. "'I'm the only private soldier in the party.' Hearing this, the citizen rose and bowed respectfully to the clockworked man. "'Pardon me for not realizing your importance before,' said he. "'Will you oblige me by taking a seat beside me on my throne?' tick-tock rose and walked over to the throne all the kings and queens making way for him then with clanking steps he mounted the platform and sat on the broad seat beside the citizen anne was greatly provoked at this mark of favor shown to the humble clockwork man but shaggy seemed much pleased that his old friend's importance had been recognized by the ruler of this remarkable country

The citizen now began to question TikTok, who told, in his mechanical voice, about Shaggy's quest of his lost brother, and how Osma of Oz had sent the clockworked man to assist him, and how they had fallen in with Queen Anne and her people from Ugaboo. Also, he told how Betsy and Hank and Polychrome and the Rose Princess had happened to join their party. And you intend to conquer Ruggetto the metal monarch and king of the gnomes? asked the citizen. Yes, that seemed the only thing for us to do, was Tick-Tock's reply. But he was too clever for us.

When we got close to his cavern, he made our path lead to the tube and made the opening invisible so that we all fell into it before we knew it was there. It was an easy way to get rid of us, and now Rue Gado is safe, and we are far away in a strange land. The citizen was silent for a moment, and seemed to be thinking. Then he said, Most noble private soldier, I must inform you that by the laws of our country, anyone who comes through the forbidden tube must be tortured for nine days and nine nights, and then thrown back into the tube.

But it is wise to disregard laws when they conflict with justice, and it seems that you and your followers did not disobey our laws willingly, being forced into the tube by Ruggetto. Therefore the known king is alone to blame, and he alone must be punished. That suits me, said Tick-Tock. But Ruego is on the other side of the world, where he is a way out of your reach. The citizen drew himself up proudly. Do you imagine anything in the world or upon it?

can be out of reach of the great Jin-Gen? he asked. Oh, are you then the great Jen-Gen? inquired, TikTok. I am. Then your name is T-T-T-T-T-Hoochoo. It is. Queen Anne gave a scream and began to tremble. Shaggy was so disturbed that he took out a handkerchief and wiped the perspiration from his brow.

Polychrome looked sober and uneasy for the first time, while Files put his arms around the Rose Princess as if to protect her. As for the officers, the name of the great Jinjin set them moaning and weeping at a great rate, and everyone fell upon his knees before the throne, begging for mercy. Betsy was worried at seeing her companions so disturbed, but did not know what it was all about. Only Tick-Tock was unmoved at the discovery. Then, said he, if you are T-T-T-T-Hoochoo and think Ruegeto is to blame,

I am sure that something queer will happen to the king of the gnomes. I wonder what will be, said Betsy. The private citizen, otherwise known as T-T-T-T-T-Hoochoo, the great Jin-Gin, looked at the little girl steadily. "'I will presently decide what is to happen to Rogeto,' said he in a hard, stern voice. Then, turning to the throng of kings and queens, he continued. Tick-Tock has spoken truly, for his machinery will not allow him to lie, nor will it allow his thoughts to think falsely.

Therefore, these people are not our enemies, and must be treated with consideration and justice. Take them to your palaces, and entertain them as guests until tomorrow, when I command that they be brought again to my residence. By then I shall have formed my plans. No sooner had Titi Huchu spoken than he disappeared from sight. Immediately after most of the kings and queens likewise disappeared, but several of them remained visible and approached the strangers with great respect. One of the lovely queens said to Betsy, I trust you will honor me by being my guest.

I am Irma, queen of light. May Hank come with me? asked the girl. The king of animals will care for your mule, was the reply, but do not fear for him, for he will be treated royally. All of your party will be reunited on the morrow. I, I'd like to have someone with me, said Betsy. pleadingly, Queen Irma looked around and smiled upon Polychrome. Will the Rainbow's daughter be an agreeable companion, she asked.

Oh, yes! exclaimed the girl. So Polychrome and Betsy became guests of the Queen of Light, while other beautiful kings and queens took charge of the others of the party. The two girls followed Irma out of the hall and through the gardens of the residence to a village of pretty dwellings. None of these was so large or imposing as the castle of the private citizen, but all were handsome enough to be called palaces, as in fact they really were. End of Chapter 11.

Chapter 12 of Tick-Tacabaz by L. Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 12. The lovely Lady of Light The Palace of the Queen of Light stood on a little eminent. and was a mass of crystal windows, surrounded by a vast crystal dome. When they entered the portals, Irma was greeted by six lovely maidens, evidently of high degree, who at once aroused Betsy's admiration.

Each bore a wand in her hand, tipped with an emblem of light, and their costumes were also emblematic of the lights they represented. Irma introduced them to her guests, and each made a graceful and courteous, Acknowledgement. First was sunlight, radiantly beautiful and very fair. The second was moonlight, a soft, dreamy damsel with nut-brown hair. Next came starlight, equally lovely, but inclined to be retiring and shine.

These three were dressed in shimmering robes of silvery white. The fourth was daylight, a brilliant damsel with laughing eyes and frank manners, who wore a variety of colors. Then came firelight, clothed in a fleecy flame-colored robe that wavered around her shapely form in a very attractive manner. The sixth maiden, Electra, was the most beautiful of all, and Betsy thought from the first that both sunlight and daylight regarded Elektra with envy and were a little jealous of her. But all were cordial in their greetings to the strangers, and seemed to regard the Queen of Light with much affection, for they fluttered around her in a flashing radiant group as she led the way to her regal drawing-room.

This apartment was richly and cozily furnished, the upholstery being of many tents, and both Betsy and Polychrome enjoyed resting themselves upon the downyde vans after the strenuous adventures of the day. The Queen sat down to chat with her guests, who noticed that daylight was the only maiden now seated beside Irma. The others had retired to another part of the room, where they sat modestly with entwined arms, and did not intrude themselves at all. The Queen told the strangers all about this beautiful land, which is one of the chief residences of fairies who minister to the needs of mankind. So many important fairies live there that, to avoid rivalry, they had elected as their ruler the only important personage

in the country who had no duties to mankind to perform, and was, in effect, a private citizen. This ruler, or Jin-Gen, as was his title, bore the name of Titi-T.T.T. Huchu, and the most singular thing about him, was that he had no heart. But instead of this, he possessed a high degree of reason and justice, and while he showed no mercy in his judgments, he never punished unjustly or without reason. To wrongdoers, Titi-Huchu was as terrible as he was heartless, but those who were innocent of evil had nothing to fear from him. All the kings and queens of this fairyland paid reverence to Jen-Gen, for as they expected to be obeyed by others they were willing to obey the one in authority over them, The inhabitants of the land of Oz had heard many tales of this fearfully just gen-Gen,

whose punishments were always equal to the false committed. Polychrome also knew of him, although this was the first time she had ever seen him face to face. But to Betsy, the story was all new, and she was greatly interested in Titi-Huchu, whom she no longer feared. Time sped swiftly during their talk, and suddenly Betsy noticed that moonlight was sitting beside the queen of light instead of daylight. But tell me, please, she pleaded. Why do you all wear a dragon's head embroidered on your gowns? Irma's pleasant face became grave, as she answered, The dragon, as you must know, was the first living creature ever made.

therefore the dragon is the oldest and wisest of living things. By good fortune the original dragon, who still lives, is a resident of this land, and supplies us with wisdom whenever we are in need of it. He is old as the world, and remembers everything that has happened since the world was created. Did he ever have any children? inquired the girl. Yes, many of them. Some wandered into other lands, where men not understanding them made war upon them, but many still reside in this country.

None, however, is as wise as the original dragon, for whom we have great respect. As he was the first resident here, we wear the emblem of the dragon's head to show that we are the favored people who alone have the right to inhabit this fairyland, which in beauty almost equals the fairyland of Oz, and in power quite surpasses it. "'I understand about the dragon now,' said Polychrome, nodding her lovely head. Betsy did not quite understand, but she was at present interested in observing the changing lights.

As daylight had given way to moonlight, so now starlight sat at the right hand of Irma the Queen, and with her coming a spirit of peace and content seemed to fill the room. Polychrome, being herself a fairy, had many questions to ask about the various kings and queens who lived in this far-away secluded place, and before Irma had finished answering them,

a rosy glow filled the room, and Firelight took her place beside the Queen. Betsy liked Firelight, but to gaze upon her warm and glowing features made the little girl sleepy, and presently she began to nod. Thereupon Irma rose, and took Betsy's hand gently in her own.

Come, said she, the feast time has arrived, and the feast is spread. That's nice, exclaimed the little mortal. Now that I think of it, I'm awful hungry, but perhaps I can't eat your fairy food. The queen smiled and led her to a doorway, as she pushed aside a heavy drapery, a flood of silvery-light greeted them, and Betsy saw before her a splendid banquet hall, with a table spread with snowy linen and crystal and silver. At one side was a broad, throne-like seat for Irma, and beside her now sat the brilliant maid Electra. Polychrome was placed on the queen's right hand, and Betsy upon her left. The other five messengers of her.

of light now waited upon them, and each person was supplied with just the food she liked. Polychrome found her dish of dewdrops all fresh and sparkly, while Betsy was so lavishly served that she declared she had never in her life eaten a dinner half as good. I suppose, she said to the queen, that Miss Electra is the youngest of all these girls. Why do you suppose that? inquired Irma with a smile. "'Cause electricity is the newest light we know of. "'Didn't Mr. Edison discover it?' "'Perhaps he was the first mortal to discover it,' replied the queen.

"'But electricity was a part of the world from its creation, "'and therefore my electra is as old as daylight or moonlight, "'and equally beneficent to mortals and fairies alike.' "'Betzy was thoughtful for a time. "'Then she remarked, as she looked at the six messengers' of light. We couldn't well do without any of them, could we? Irma laughed softly. I couldn't, I'm sure, she replied, and I think mortals would miss any one of my maidens as well. Daylight cannot take the place of sunlight,

which gives us strength and energy. Moonlight is of value when daylight, worn out with her long watch, retires to rest. If the moon, in its course, is hidden behind the earth's rim, and my sweet moonlight cannot cheer us, Starlight takes her place, for the skies always lend her power. Without firelight we should miss much of our warmth and comfort, as well as much cheer when the walls of houses encompass us. But always, when other lights forsake us,

our glorious Electra is ready to flood us with bright rays. As queen of light, I love all my maidens, for I know them to be faithful and true. I love them, too, declared Betsy, but sometimes when I'm real sleepy, I can get along without any light at all. Are you sleepy now? inquired Irma, for the feast had ended. A little, admitted the girl.

So Electra showed her to a pretty chamber where there was a soft white bed, and waited patiently until Betsy had undressed and put on a shimmery silken night robe that lay beside her pillow. Then the light maid bade her good night and opened the door. When she closed it after her, Betsy was in darkness.

In six winks, the little girl was fast asleep. End of Chapter 12. Chapter 13 of Tick-Tac-A-Vos by L. Frank Baum. This Libre Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 13. Jen's just judgment. All the adventurers were reunited next morning, when they were brought from various palaces to the residents of Titi-Hoochoo and ushered into the great Hall of State. As before, no one was visible except our friends and their escorts until the first bell sounded.

Then in a flash, the room was seen to be filled with the beautiful kings and queens of the land. The second bell marked the appearance in the throng of the mighty Jin-Gen, whose handsome countenance was as composed and expressionless as ever. All bowed low to the ruler, their voices softly murmured, we greet the private citizen, mightiest of rulers, whose word is law and whose law is just. Titi-Hoo-Ti-Hu bowed in acknowledgement. Then, looking around the brilliant assemblage, and at the little group of adventurers before him, he said. An unusual thing has happened. Inhabitants of other lands than ours, who are different from ourselves in many ways, have been thrust upon us through the forbidden

tube, which one of our people foolishly made years ago, and was properly punished for his folly. But these strangers had no desire to come here, and were wickedly thrust into the tube by a cruel king on the other side of the world named Rugetto. This king is an immortal, but he is not good. His magic powers hurt mankind more than they benefit them. Because he has unjustly kept the shaggy man's brother a prisoner, this little band of honest people, consisting of both mortals and immortals, determined to conquer Rugetto and to punish him. Fearing they might succeed in this,

the Gnome King misled them so that they fell into the tube. Now this same Ruggerto has been warned by me many times that if ever he used this forbidden tube in any way he would be severely punished. I find by referring to the fairy records that this king's servant, a gnome named Calico, begged his master not to do such a wrong act as to drop these people into the tube and send them tumbling into our country. But Ruggetto defied me and my orders.

Therefore, these strangers are innocent of any wrong. It is only Ruggetto who deserves punishment, and I will punish him. He paused for a moment and then continued. in the same cold, merciless voice. The strangers must return through the tube to their own side of the world, but I will make their fall more easy and pleasant than it was before.

Also I shall send with him an instrument of vengeance, who in my name will drive Ruggetto from his underground caverns, take away his magic powers, and make him a homeless wanderer on the face of the ear, earth, a place he detests. There was a little murmur of horror from the kings and queens at the severity of this punishment, but no one uttered a protest, for all realized that the sentence was just.

In selecting my instrument of vengeance went on Tititi-Hoochoo, I have realized that this will be an unpleasant mission. Therefore, no one of us who is Blameless should be forced to undertake it. In this wonderful land, it is seldom one is guilty of wrong, even in the slightest degree. And on examining the records I found no king or queen had erred. Nor had any among their followers or servants done any wrong. But I finally came to the dragon family, which we highly respect, and then it was that I discovered the error of quacks.

Quox, as you well know, is a young dragon who has not yet acquired the wisdom of his race. Because of this lack, he has been disrespectful toward his most ancient ancestor, the original dragon, telling him once to mind his own business, and again saying that the ancient one had grown foolish with age. We are aware that dragons are not the same as fairies, and cannot be altogether guided by our laws, yet such disrespect as Quox has shown should not be unnoticed by us. Therefore I have selected Quox as my royal instrument of vengeance, and he shall go through the tube with these people, and inflict upon Ruggetto the punishment I have decreed.

All had listened quietly to this speech, and now the kings and queens bowed gravely to signify their approval of the Jin-Gin's judgment. Titi-T-Too-Hu turned to Tubikins. I command you, said he, to escort these strangers to the tube and see that they all enter it. The king of the tube, who at first discovered our friends

and brought them to the private citizen, stepped forward and bowed. As he did so, the Jin-jin and all the kings and queens suddenly disappeared, and only tubicans remained visible. All right, said Betsy with a sigh. I don't mind going back so very much, because the Jinjin promised to make it easy for us. Indeed, Queen Anne and her officers were the only ones who looked solemn and seemed to fear

their return journey. One thing that bothered Anne was her failure to conquer this land of Titi-Tihuchu, as they followed their guide through the gardens to the mouth of the tube, she said to Shaggy, "'How can I conquer the world if I go away and leave this rich country unconquered?' "'You can't,' he replied. "'Don't ask me why, please, for if you don't know I can't inform you.' "'Why not?' said Anne. But Shaggy paid no attention to the question.

The end of the tube had a silver rim, and around it was a gold railing to which was a attached a sign that read, If you are out, stay there. If you are in, don't come out. On a little silver plate just inside the tube was engraved the words, burrowed and built by Hirgaro the magician.

In the year of the world, 19,625, 478 for his own exclusive uses. He was some built. I must say, remarked Betsy when she had read the inscription. But if he had known about that store, I guessed he'd have spent his time playing solitaire. Well, what are we waiting for? inquired Shaggy, who was impatient to start. Quox, replied Tubikins, but I think I hear him coming.

Is the young dragon invisible? asked Anne, who had never seen a lie of dragon, and was a little fearful of meeting one. "'No, indeed,' replied the king of the tube. "'You'll see him in a minute, but before you part company I'm sure you'll wish he was invisible.' "'Is he dangerous, then?' questioned Files. "'Not at all, but Quox tires me dreadfully,' said Tubikins, "'and I prefer his room to his company.' At that instant a scraping sound was heard, drawing nearer and nearer,

until from between two big pushes appeared a huge dragon, who approached the party, nodded his head, and said, Good morning! Had Quox been at all bashful, I am sure he would have felt uncomfortable at the astonished stare of every eye in the group, except Tubikins, of course, who was not astonished because he had seen Quox so often.

Petsy had thought a young dragon, must be a small dragon. Yet, here was one so enormous that the girl decided he must be full-grown, if not overgrown. His body was a lovely sky-blue in color, and it was thickly set with glittering silver scales, each one as big as a serving-tray.

Around his neck was a pink ribbon with a bow just under his left ear, and below the ribbon appeared a table. chain of pearls, to which was attached a golden locket about as large around as the end of a bass drum. This locket was set with many large and beautiful jewels. The head and face of quarks were not especially ugly when you considered that he was a dragon, but his eyes were so large that it took him a long time to wink, and his teeth seemed very sharp and terrible when they showed, which they did whenever the beast smiled. Also his nostrils were quite large and

wide, and those who stood near him reliable to smell brimstone, especially when he breathed out fire, as it is the nature of dragons to do. To the end of his long tail was attached a big electric light. Perhaps the most singular thing about the dragon's appearance at this time, was the fact that he had a row of seats attached to his back, one seat for each member of the party. These seats were double with curved backs, so that two could sit in them, and there were twelve of these double seats, all strapped firmly around the dragon's thick body, and placed one behind the other in a row that extended from his shoulders nearly to his

tale. "'Aha!' exclaimed Tubikins. "'I see that Titi-T-T-T-Hoochoo has transformed Quox into a carry-all.' "'I'm glad of that,' said Betsy. "'I hope, Mr. Dragon, you won't mind our writing on your back.' "'Not a bit,' replied Quox. "'I'm in disgrace just now, you know,

and the only way to redeem my good name is to obey the orders of the Jinjin. If he makes me a beast of Burton, it is only a part of my punishment, and I must bear it like a dragon. I don't blame you people at all, and I hope you'll enjoy the ride. Hop on, please. All aboard for the other side of the world." Silently they took their places. Hank sat in the front seat with Betsy, so that he could rest his front hoofs upon the dragon's head. behind them were shaggy and polychrome, then Files and the Princess, and Queen Anne and Tick-Tock.

The officers rode in the rear seats. When all had mounted to their places, the dragon looked very like one of those sightseeing wagons so common in big cities, only he had legs instead of wheels. "'All ready?' asked Quox, and when they said they were, he crawled to the mouth of the tube and put his head in. "'Good-bye, and good luck to you,' called Tubikins. But no one thought to reply, because just then the dragon slid his great body into the tube, and the journey to the other side of the world had begun.

At first they went so fast that they could scarcely catch their breaths, but presently quox slowed up and said with a sort of crackling laugh, "'My scales, but that is some tumble. I think I shall take it easy and fall slower, or I'm likely to get dizzy. Is it very far to the other side of the world?' "'Haven't you ever been through this tube before?' inquired Shaggy. "'Never, nor has anyone else in my country,

at least not since I was born.' "'How long ago was that?' asked Betsy. "'That I was born?' born? Oh, not very long ago, I'm only a mere child. If I had not been sent on this journey, I would have celebrated my three thousand and fifty-sixth birthday next Thursday. Mother was going to make me a birthday cake with three thousand and fifty-six candles on it. But now, of course, that will be no celebration, for I fear I shall not get home in time for it. three thousand and fifty-six years cried betsy why i had no idea anything could live that long

my respected ancestor whom i would call a stupid old humbug if i had not reformed is so old that i am a mere baby compared to him said quox he dates from the beginning of the world and insists on telling us stories of things that happened fifty thousand years ago which you have no interest at all to youngsters like me in fact grandpa isn't up to date he lives all together in the past so i can't see any good reason for his being alive to-day are you people able to see your way or shall i turn on more light "'Oh, we can see very nicely, thank you. Only there's nothing to see but ourselves,' answered Betsy. "'This was true. The dragon's big eyes were like headlights on an automobile and illuminated the tube far ahead of them.

Also he curled his tail upward so that the electric light on the end of it enable them to see one another quite clearly, but the tube itself was only dark metal, smooth as glass, but exactly the same from one of its ends to the other. Therefore there was no scenery of interest to beguile the journey. They were now falling so gently that the trip was proving entirely comfortable, as the Jin-jin had promised there would be,

but this meant a longer journey, and the only way they could make time pass was to engage in conversation. The dragon seemed a willing and precise, assistant talker, and he was of so much interest to them that they encouraged him to chatter. His voice was a little gruff, but not unpleasant when one became used to it. "'My only fear,' said he presently, "'is that this constant sliding over the surface of the tube, will dull my claws. You see, this hole isn't straight down, but on a steep slant,

And so, instead of tumbling freely through the air, I must skate along the tube. Fortunately, there is a file in my toolkit, and if my claws get dull, they can be sharpened again. Why do you want sharp claws? asked Betsy. They are my natural weapons, and you must not forget that I have been sent to conquer Ruggetto. Oh, you needn't mind about that, remarked Queen Anne in her most haughty manner, for when we get to regetto I and my invincible army can conquer him without your assistance." "'Very good,' returned the dragon cheerfully.

"'That will save me a lot of bother, if you succeed. But I think I shall file my clause just the same.' He gave a long sigh as he said this, and a sheet of flame several feet in left, shot from his mouth. Betsy shuddered, and Hank said, he-haw, while some of the officers screamed in terror, but the dragon did not notice that he had done anything unusual. Is there fire inside of you? asked Shaggy.

Of course, answered Quox. What sort of dragon would I be if my fire went out? What keeps it going, Betsy inquired? I've no idea. I only know it's there, said Quox. The fire keeps me alive and enables me to move, also to think and speak. Ah, you are very much like myself, said Tick-Tock. The only difference is that I move by clockwork while you move by fire.

I don't see a particle of lightness between us, I must confess, retorted Quox, roughly. You're not a live thing. You're a dummy. But I can do things you must admit," said Tick-Tock. Yes, when you are round up," sneered the dragon. But if you run down, you are helpless. What would happen to you, Quox, if you ran out of gasoline?

inquired Shaggy, who did not like this attack upon his friend. I don't use gasoline? Well, suppose you ran out of fire. you ran out of fire. What's the use of supposing that? asked Quox. My great, great, great-grandfather, has lived since the world began,

and he has never once run out of fire to keep him going. But I will confide to you that as he gets older, he shows more smoke and less fire. As for a Tick-Tock, he's well enough in his way, but he's merely copper, and the metal monarch knows copper through and through. I wouldn't be surprised if Rugado melted Tick-Tock in one of his furnaces and made copper pennies of him.

In that case I would still keep going, remarked Tick-Tock calmly. P pennies do, said Betsy regretfully. This is all nonsense, said the queen with irritation. "'Tick-Tock is my great army,' albeit the officers, "'and I believe he will be able to conquer Ruggetto with ease. "'What do you think, Polychrome?' "'You might let him try,' answered the Rainbow's daughter, "'with her sweet, rigging laugh that sounded like the tinkling of tiny bells.

"'And if Tick-Tick-Tock fails, "'you have still the big fire-breathing dragon to fall back on.' "'Oh!' said the dragon. another sheet of flame gushing from his mouth and nostrils. It's a wise little girl, this potticoom. Anyone would know she is a fairy. End of Chapter 13. Chapter 14 of Tick-Tac-A-Vaz by L. Frank Baum.

This Libra-Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 14. The long-eared hearer learns by listening. During this time Ruggetto, the metal monarch and king of the gnomes, was trying to amuse himself in his splendid jeweled cavern. It was hard work for Ruggetto to find amusement today. For all the gnomes were behaving well, and there was no one to scold or to punish. The king had thrown his scepter at Calico six times without hitting him once.

Not that Calico had done anything wrong. On the contrary, he had obeyed the king in every way but one. He would not stand still when commanded to do so, and let the heavy scepter strike him. We can hardly blame Colico for this, and even the cruel Rugeto forgave him. For he knew very well that if he mashed his royal chamberlain, he would never find another so intelligent and obedient. Calico could make the gnomes work when their king could not. For the gnomes hated Ruggetto, and there were so many thousands of the quaint little underground people,

that they could easily have rebelled and defied the king, had they dared to do so. Sometimes, when Ruggetto abused them worse than usual, they grew sullen, and threw down their hammers and picks. Then, however hard the king scolded or whipped them, they would not work until Calico came and begged them to. Calico was one of themselves, and was as much abused by the king as any gnome in the vast series of caverns. But today all the little people were working industriously at their tasks, and Ruggetto, having nothing to do, was greatly bored.

He sent for the long-eared hearer, and asked him to listen carefully, and report what was going on in the big world. It seems, said the hearer, after listening for a while, that the women in America have clubs. Are there spikes in them? asked Ruggetto, yawning. I cannot hear any spikes, Your Majesty, was the reply. Then their clubs are not as good as my scepter. What else do you hear? There's a war.

Bah, there's always a war. What else? for a time the hearer was silent bending forward and spreading out his big ears to catch the slightest sound then suddenly he said here is an interesting thing your majesty these people are arguing as to who shall conquer the metal monarch seize his treasure and drive him from his dominions what people demanded roguetto sitting up straight in his throne The ones you threw down the hollow tube. Where are they now? In the same tube, and coming back this way, said the hearer. Ruggetto got out of his throne and began to pace up and down the cavern. I wonder what can be done to stop them, he mused.

Well, said the hearer, if you could turn the tube upside down, they would be falling the other way, Your Majesty. Ruggetto glared at him wickedly, for it was his. impossible to turn the tube upside down, and he believed the hearer was sly poking fun at him. Presently he asked, How far away are those people now? About 9,306 miles, 17 furlongs, 8 feet and 4 inches, as nearly as I can judge from the sound of their voices, replied the hearer.

Aha! Then it will be some time before they arrive, said Ruggerald. And when they get here? I shall be ready to receive them." He rushed to his gong and pounded upon it so fiercely that Calico came bounding into the cavern with one shoe off and one shoe on, for he was just dressing himself after a swim in the hot bubbling lake of the underground kingdom. Calico, those invaders whom we threw down the tube are coming back again, he exclaimed.

I thought they would, said the Royal Chamberlain, pulling on. on the other shoe. Titi-T-T-Toochoo would not allow them to remain in his kingdom, of course, and so I've been expecting them back for some time. That was a very foolish action of yours, Rugg. What? To throw them down the tube? Yes.

Titi-T-T-Toochoo has forbidden us to throw even rubbish into the tube. Poo! What do I care for the gin-jin?' asked Ruggetto scornfully. He never leaves his own kingdom. which is on the other side of the world true but he might send someone through the tube to punish you suggested calico i'd like to see him do it who could conquer my thousands of gnomes well they've been conquered before if i remember all right answered calico with a grin once i saw you running from a little girl named dorothy and her friends as if you were really afraid Well, I was afraid that time, admitted the gnome king with a deep sigh, for Dorothy had a yellow hen that laid eggs.

The king shuddered as he said eggs, and Calico also shuddered, and so did the long-eared hearer, for eggs are the only things that the gnomes greatly dread. The reason for this is that eggs belong to the earth's surface where birds and fowl of all sorts live, and there is something about a hen's egg especially, that fills a gnome with horror. If by chance the inside of an egg touches one of these underground people, he withers up and blows away, and that is the end of him, unless he manages quickly to speak a magical word which only a few of the gnomes know. Therefore Ruggetto and his followers

had very good cause to shudder at the mere mention of eggs. But Dorothy, said the king, is not with this band of invaders, nor is the yellow hen. As for Titichihuchu, he has no means of knowing that we are afraid of eggs.

You mustn't be too sure of that, Calico warned him, Titichi Huchu knows a great many things, being a fairy, and his powers are far superior to any we can boast. Ruggetto shrugged impatiently and turned to the hearer. Listen, said he, and tell me if you hear any eggs coming through the tube. The long-eared one listened and then shook his head, but Calico laughed at the king. No one can hear an egg, Your Majesty, said he. the only way to discover the truth is to look through the magic spyglass that's it cried the king why didn't i think of it before look at once calico

so calico went to the spyglass and by uttering a mumbled charm he caused the other end of it to twist around so that it pointed down the opening of the tube then he put his eye to the glass and was able to gaze along all the the turns and windings of the magic spyglass, and then deep into the tube to where our friends were at that time falling. "'Dear me!' he exclaimed. "'Here comes a dragon!' "'A big one?' asked Ruggetto. "'A monster! He has an electric light on the end of his tail, so I can see him very plainly,

and the other people are all riding upon his back.' "'How about the eggs?' inquired the king. Calico looked again. "'I can see no eggs at all,' said he. "'But I imagine that the dragon is as dangerous as eggs. Probably Titi Huchu has sent him here to punish you for dropping those strangers into the forbidden tube. I warned you not to do it, Your Majesty.'

This news made the gnome king anxious. For a few minutes he paced up and down, stroking his long, beard, and thinking with all his might. After this he turned to Calico and said, All the harm a dragon can do is to scratch with his claws and bite with his teeth. That is not all, but it's quite enough, returned Calico earnestly. On the other hand no one can hurt a dragon, because he's the toughest creature alive. One flop of his huge tail could smash a hundred gnomes to pancakes, and with his teeth and

He could tear even you or me into small bits, so that it would be almost impossible to put us together again. Once a few hundred years ago, while wandering through some deserted caverns, I came upon a small piece of a gnome lying on the rocky floor. I asked the piece of gnome what had happened to it. Fortunately the mouth was a part of this piece, the mouth and the left eye. So it was able to tell me that a fierce dragon was the cause. It had attacked the poor gnome and scattered him in every direction, and as there was no

friend near to collect his pieces and put him together, they had been separated for a great many years. So you see, your majesty, it is not good taste to sneer at a dragon." The king had listened attentively to Calico, said he, "'It will only be not a good taste to sneer at a dragon.' necessary to chain this dragon which Tititihuchu has sent here, in order to prevent his reaching us with his claws and teeth. He also breathes flames, Calico reminded him. My gnomes are not afraid of fire, nor am I, said Bruegetto. Well, how about the army of Ugaboo?

Sixteen cowardly officers and tick-tuck. Why, I could defeat them single-handed, but I won't try to. I'll summon my army of gnomes to drive the invaders out of my territory, and if we catch any of them I intend to stick needles into them until they hop with pain. I hope you won't hurt any of the girls, said Calico. I'll hurt them all, for the angry metal monarch, and that braying mule I'll make into hoof soup and feed it to my gnomes, that it may add to the their strength. Why not be good to the strangers, and release your prisoner, the Shaggy Man's brother,

suggested Caligo? Never. It may save you a lot of annoyance, and you don't want the ugly one. I don't want him, that's true. But I won't allow anybody to order me around. I'm king of the gnomes, and I'm the metal monarch, and I shall do as I please, and what I please and win I please. With this speech,

Ruggetto threw his scepter at Calico's head, aiming it so well that the Royal Chamberlain had to fall flat upon the floor in order to escape it. But the hearer did not see the scepter coming, and it swept past his head so closely that it broke off the tip of one of his long ears.

He gave a dreadful yell that quite startled Ruggetto, and the king was sorry for the end. accident, because those long ears of the hearer were really valuable to him. So the Gome King forgot to be angry with Calico, and ordered his Chamberlain to summon General Guff and the army of Gnomes, and have them properly armed. They were then to march to the mouth of the tube, where they would seize the travelers as soon as they appeared.

End of Chapter 14. Chapter 15 of Tick-Tagovaz by L. Frank Baum. This Libra-Vox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 15. The dragon defies danger. Although the journey through the tube was longer this time than before, it was so much more comfortable that none of our friends minded it at all. They talked together most of the time, and as they found the dragon good-natured,

and fond of the sound of his own voice, they soon became well acquainted with him and accepted him as a companion. You see, said Shaggy in his frank way, Quox is on our side, and therefore the dragon is a good fellow. If he happened to be an enemy instead of a friend, I am sure I should dislike him very much. For his wrath smells brimstone, he is very conceited, and he is so strong and fierce that he would prove a dangerous foe. Yes, indeed, returned Quox, who had listened to this speech with pleasure.

I suppose I am about as terrible as any living thing. I am glad you find me conceited, for that proves I know my good qualities. As for my breath-smelling of brimstone, I really can't help it, and I once met a man whose breath smelled of onions, which I consider far worse. I don't, said Betsy. I love onions. And I love Brimstone, declared the dragon.

So don't let us quarrel over one another's peculiarities. Saying this, he breathed a long breath and shot a flame fifty feet from his mouth. The Brimstone made Betsy cough, but she remembered about the onions and said nothing. They had no idea how far they had gone through the center of the earth, nor when to expect the trip to end. At one time the little girl remarked, I wonder when we'll reach the bottom of this hole, and isn't it funny, shaggy man,

that what is the bottom to us now was the top when we fell the other way? What puzzles me, said Files, is that we are able to fall both ways. That, announced TikTok, is because the world is round. Exactly, responded Shaggy. The machinery in your head is in fine working order, TikTok. You know, Betsy, that there is such a thing as the attraction of gravitation, which draws everything toward the center of the earth.

That is why we fall out of the bed, and why everything clings to the surface of the earth. Then why doesn't everyone go on down to the center of the earth? inquired the little girl. I was afraid you were going to ask me that, replied Shaggy in a sad tone. The reason, my dear, is that the earth is so solid that other solid things can't get through it. But when there's a hole, as there is in this case, we drop right down to the center of the world. Why don't we stop there? asked Bethleh, "'Because we go so fast that we acquire speed enough to carry us right up to the other end.'

"'I don't understand that, and it makes my head ache to try to figure it out,' she said after some thought. "'One thing draws us to the center, and another thing pushes us away from it. But don't ask me why, please,' interrupted the shaggy man. "'If you can't understand it, let it go at that.' do you understand it she inquired all the magic isn't in fairyland he said gravely there's lots of magic in all nature and you may see it as well in the united states where you and i once lived as you can hear i never did she replied because you were so used to it all that you didn't realize it was magic is anything more wonderful than to see a flower grow and blossom, or to get light out of the electricity in the air? The cows that manufacture

milk for us must have machinery, fully as remarkable as that in Tick-Tock's copper body, and perhaps you've noticed that—' And then, before Shaggy could finish his speech, the strong light of day suddenly broke upon them, grew brighter and completely enveloped them. The dragon's claws no longer scraped against the metal. metal tube, for he shot into the open air a hundred feet or more, and sailed so far away from the slanting hole, that when he landed it was on the peak of a mountain, and just over the entrance to the many underground caverns of the Gnome King. Some of the officers tumbled off their seats when quarks struck the ground, but most of the dragon's passengers only

felt a slight jar. All were glad to be on solid earth again, and they at once dismounted and began to look about them. Queerly enough, as soon as they had left the dragon, the seats that were strapped to the monster's back disappeared, and this probably happened because there was no further use for them, and because Quox looked far more dignified in just his silver scales. Of course, he still wore the forty-yard-yard.

of ribbon around his neck, as well as the great locket, but these only made him look dressed up, as Betsy remarked. Now the army of the gnomes had gathered thickly around the mouth of the tube, in order to be ready to capture the band of invaders as soon as they popped out. There were, indeed, hundreds of gnomes assembled, and they were led by Guff, their most famous general. But they did not expect the dragon to fly so high, and he shot out of the tube so suddenly that it took them by surprise. When the gnomes had rubbed the astonishment out of their eyes and regained their wits, they discovered the dragon quietly seated

on the mountainside far above their heads, while the other strangers were standing in a group and calmly looking down upon them. General Gough was a little. very angry at the escape, which was no one's fault but his own. Come down here and be captured, he shouted, waving his sword at them. Come up here and capture us, if you dare, replied Queen Anne, who was winding up the clockwork of her private soldier so he could fight more briskly. Goff's first answer was a roar of rage at the defiance. Then he turned and issued a command to his gnomes.

These were all armed with sharp spears, and with one accord they raised these spears and threw them straight at their foes, so that they rushed through the air in a perfect cloud of flying weapons. Some damage might have been done, had not the dragon quickly crawled before the others, his body being so big that it shielded every one of them, including Hank. The spears rattled against the silver scales of quacks, and then fell harmlessly to the ground. They were magic spears, of course, and all straight away bounded back into the hands of those who had thrown them, but even Goff could see that it was useless to repeat the attack. It was now Queen Anne's turn to attack, so the generals yelled, "'Farward march!' And the colonels and the majors and captains repeated the command,

and the valiant army of Ugaboo, which seemed to be composed mainly of Tick-Tock, marched forward in single column toward the gnomes, while Betsy and Polychrome cheered and Hank gave a loud, He-Ha! And Shaggy shouted hooray, and Queen Anne screamed, Annum, Tick-Tock, Adam!

The Gnomes did not await the clockwork man's attack, but in a twinkling disappeared into the underground caverns they made a great mistake in being so hasty for tik-tock had not taken a dozen steps before he stubbed his copper toe on a rock and fell flat to the ground where he cried pick me up pick me up pick me up until shaggy and files ran forward and raised him to his feet again The dragon chuckled softly to himself, as he scratched his left ear with his hind claw, but no one was paying much attention to Kwok's just then. It was evident to Anne and her officers that there could be no fighting unless the enemy was present, and in order to find the enemy they must boldly enter the underground kingdom of the gnomes. So bold a step demanded a council of war.

Don't you think I'd better drop in on Ruggedo and obey the orders of the genton?' asked Quox. "'By no means,' returned Queen Anne. "'We have already put the army of gnomes to flight, and all that yet remains is to force our way into those caverns, and conquer the gnome king and all his people.' "'That seems to me something of a job,' said the dragon, closing his eyes sleepily.

but go ahead if you like and i'll wait here for you don't be in any hurry on my account to one who lives thousands of years the delay of a few days means nothing at all and i shall probably sleep until the time comes for me to act anne was provoked at this speech you may as well go back to titici hutsu now she said for the gnome king is as good as conquered already. But Quox shook his head, No, said he, I'll wait. End of chapter 15. Chapter 16 of Tic Tacabazz by L. Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain.

Chapter 16. The naughty gnome. Shaggy Man had said nothing during the conversation between Queen Anne and Quack. for the simple reason that he did not consider the matter worth an argument. Safe within his pocket reposed the love-magnet, which had never failed to win every heart. The gnomes he knew were not like the heartless roses, and therefore could be one to his side as soon as he exhibited the magic talisman.

Shaggy's chief anxiety had been to reach Ruggetto's kingdom, and now that the entrance lay before him, he was confident he would be able to rescue his lost brother. Let Anne and the dragon quarrel as to who should conquer the gnomes, if they liked. Shaggy would let them try, and if they failed, he had the means of conquest in his own pocket. But Anne was positive she could not fail, for she thought her army could do anything. So she called the officers together and told them how to act, and she all saw. instructed Tick-Tock what to do and what to say. Please do not shoot your gun except as a last resort, she added,

for I do not wish to be cruel or to shed any blood unless it is absolutely necessary. All right, replied Tick-Tock, but I do not think Ruggado would bleed if I filled him full of holes and put him in a sigh der-press. Then the officers fell in line. The four generals abreast and then the four colonels, and the four majors, and the four captains. They drew their glittering swords and commanded Tick-Tock to march, which he did. Twice he fell down, being tripped by the rough rocks, but when he struck the smooth path, he got along better.

Into the gloomy mouth of the cavern entrance he stepped without hesitation, and after him proudly pranced the officers and Queen Anne. The others held back a little, waiting to see what would happen. Of course, the Gnome King knew they were coming and was prepared to receive them. Just within the rocky passage that led to the jeweled throne-room was a deep pit, which was usually covered. Ruggetto had ordered the cover removed, and it now had now, stood open, scarcely visible in the gloom.

The pit was so large around that it nearly filled the passage, and there was barely room for one to walk around it by pressing close to the rock walls. This Tick-Tock did, for his copper eyes saw the pit clearly and he avoided it, but the officers marched straight into the hole and tumbled in a heap on the bottom. An instant later Queen Anne also walked into the pit, for she had her chin in the air and was careless where she placed her feet. Then one of the gnomes pulled a lever which replaced the cover on the pit and made the officers of Ugaboo and their queen fast prisoners.

As for Tick-Tock, he kept straight on to the cavern where Ruggedo sat in his throne, and there he faced the gnome king and said, I hereby conquer you in the name of queen and so forth of Ogabu, whose are me I am, and I declare that you are her prisoner. Ruggiero laughed at him. Where is this famous queen? he asked. She'll be here in a min it, said TikTok. Perhaps she stopped to tie her shoe string.

now see here tick-tock began the gnome king in a stern voice i've had enough of this nonsense your queen and her officers are all prisoners having fallen into my power so perhaps you'll tell me what you mean to do my orders were to conquer you replied tik-tok and my machinari has done the best it knows how to carry out those orders ruggero pounded on his gong and calico appeared followed closely by general guff take this copper man into the shops and set him to work hammering gold commanded the king being run by machine he ought to be a steady worker. He are never to have been made, but since he exists. I shall hereafter put him to good use. If you try to capture me, said Tick-Tock, I shall fight— "'Don't do that!' exclaimed General Guff earnestly,

"'for it will be useless to resist, then you might hurt someone.' But Tick-Tock raised his gun and took aim, and not knowing what damage the gun might do, the gnomes were afraid to face it? While he was thus defying the gnome king and his high officials, Betsy Bobbin rode calmly into the royal cavern, seated upon the back of Hank the mule. The little girl had grown tired of waiting for something to happen, and so had come to see if Ruggeto had been conquered. Nails and nuggets, roared the king. How dare you bring that beast here and enter my presence unannounced?' "'There wasn't anybody to announce me,' replied Betsy.

"'I guess your folks were all busy. Are you conquered yet?' "'No,' shouted the king, almost beside himself with rage. "'Then please give me something to eat, for I'm awful hungry,' said the girl. "'You see, this conquering business is a good deal like waiting for a circus parade, He takes a long time to get around and don't amount to much anyhow. The gnomes were so astonished at this speech that for a time they could only glare at her silently, not finding words to reply. The king finally recovered the use of his tongue and said,

Earth-crawler, this insolence to my majesty shall be your death-warrant. You are an ordinary mortal, and to stop a mortal from living is so easy a thing to do that I will not keep you waiting half so long as you did for my conquest. "'I'd rather you wouldn't stop me from living,' remarked Betsy, getting off Hank's back and standing beside him, and it would be a pretty cheap king, who killed a visitor while she was hungry. If you'll give me something to eat, I'll talk this killing business over with you afterward. only I warn you now that I don't approve of it and never will.

Her coolness and lack of fear impressed the Gnom King, although he bore an intense hatred toward all mortals. What do you wish to eat? he asked gruffly. Oh, a ham sandwich would do, or perhaps a couple of hard-boiled eggs. Eggs! shrieked the three gnomes who were present, shuddering till their teeth chattered. What's the matter? asked Betsy, wonderingly. Are eggs as high here as they are at home? Gough, said the king, in an agitated voice, turning to his general.

Let us destroy this rash mortal at once. Seize her and take her to the slimy cave and lock her in. Gough glanced at Tick-Tock, whose gun was still pointed, but just then Calico stole softly behind the copper-de-o. man and kicked his knee joints so that they suddenly bent forward and tumbled Tick-Tock to the floor, his gun falling from his grasp. Then, Guff, seeing Tick-Tock helpless, made a grab it, Betsy. At the same time, Hank's heels shot out and caught the general just where his belt was

buckled. He rose into the air swift as a cannonball, struck the Gnome King fairly, and flattened his majesty against the wall of rock on the opposite side of the cavern. Together they fell to the floor in a dazed and crumpled condition, seeing which Calico whispered to Betsy, Come with me, quick, and I will save you. She looked into Calico's face inquiringly, and thought he seemed honest and good nature,

so she decided to follow him. He led her and the mule through several passages and into a small cavern, very nicely encompassed, comfortably furnished. "'This is my own room,' said he, but you are quite welcome to use it. Wait here a minute and I'll get you something to eat." When Calico returned, he brought a tray containing some broiled mushrooms, a loaf of mineral

bread and some petroleum butter. The butter bets he could not eat, but the bread was good and the mushrooms delicious. the door key," said Calico, and you'd better lock yourself in." "'Won't you let Polychrome and the Rose Princess come here, too?' she asked. "'I'll see. Where are they?' "'I don't know. I left them outside,' said Betsy. "'Well, if you hear three wraps on the door, open it,' said Calico. "'But don't let anyone in unless they give the three wraps.'

"'All right,' promised Betsy. And when Calico left the cozy cavern she closed and closed and locked the door. In the meantime, Anne and her officers, finding themselves prisoners in the pit, had shouted and screamed until they were tired out, but no one had come to their assistance. It was very dark and damp in the pit, and they could not climb out because the walls were higher than their heads, and the cover was on. The queen was first angry, and then annoyed, and then discouraged.

But the officers were only afraid. Every one of the poor fellows heartily wished he was back in Ugaboo, caring for his orchard, and some were so unhappy that they began to reproach Anne for causing them all this trouble and danger. Finally the queen sat down on the bottom of the pit and leaned her back against the wall. By good luck her sharp elbow touched a secret spring in the wall, and a big flat. That rock swung inward, and fell over backward.

But the next instant she jumped up and cried to the others. A passage! A passage! Follow me, my brave men, and we may yet escape. Then she began to crawl through the passage, which was as dark and dank as the pit, and the officers followed her in single file. They crawled, and they crawled, and they kept on crawling, for the passage. was not big enough to allow them to stand upright.

It turned this way and twisted that, sometimes like a corkscrew and sometimes zigzag, but seldom ran for long in a straight line. It will never end, never, moaned the officers, who were rubbing all the skin off their knees on the rough rocks. It must end, retorted Anne courageously, or it would never have been made. We don't know where it will lead us to, but any place is better than that loathsome pit. She crawled on, and the officers crawled on, and while they were crawling through this awful underground passage, polychrome and shaggy and Files and the rose princess, who were standing

outside the entrance to Rigetto's domains, were wondering what had become of them. End of Chapter 16. Chapter 17 of Tick-Tock of Oz. by L. Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 17. A tragic transformation. Don't let us worry, said Shaggy to his companions, for it may take the queen some time to conquer the metal monarch, as Tick-Tock has to do everything in his slow, mechanical way. Do you suppose they are likely to fail? asked the Rose, Princess.

I do indeed, replied Shaggy. this gnome king is really a powerful fellow and has a legion of gnomes to assist him whereas our bold queen commands a clockwork man and a band of faint-hearted officers she ought to have let quox do the conquering said polychrome dancing lightly upon a point of rock and fluttering her beautiful draperies but perhaps the dragon was wise to let her go first for when she fails to conquer ruggedo she may become more modest in her ambitions where is the dragon now inquired oscar up there in the rocks replied files look my dear you may see him from here he said he would take a little nap while we were mixing up with Rugeto, and he added that after we had gotten into trouble he would wake up and conquer the gnome king in a jiffy, as his master the Jinjin has ordered him to do. "'Quox means well,' said Shaggy, "'but I do not think we shall need his services, for just as soon

as I am satisfied that Queen Anne and her army have failed to conquer Ruggetto, I shall enter the caverns and show the king my love-magnet that he cannot resist. Therefore the conquest will be made with ease. This speech of the shaggy man was overheard by the long-eared hearer who was at that moment standing by Ruggetto's side. For when the king and guff had recovered from Hank's kick and had picked themselves up, their first act was to turn tick-tock on his back and put a heavy diamond on top of him so that he could not get up again. Then they carefully put his gun in a corner of the cavern, and the king sent guff to fetch the long-eared hearer. The hearer was still angry at Ruggetto for breaking his ear,

but he acknowledged the known king to be his master and was ready to obey his commands. Therefore he repeated shaggy speech to the king, who at once realized. that his kingdom was in grave danger, for a Ruggetto knew of the love-magnet and its powers, and was horrified at the thought that Shaggy might show him the magic talisman, and turn all the hatred in his heart into love. Ruggetto was proud of his hatred, and abhorred love of any sort. Really, said he, I'd rather be conquered and lose my wealth in my kingdom, then gaze at that awful love-magnet.

What can I do to prevent the shaggy man from taking it out of his pocket?' Calico returned to the cavern in time to overhear this question, and being a loyal gnome, and eager to serve his king, he answered by saying, "'If we can manage to bind the shaggy man's arms, tight to his body, he could not get the love-magnet out of his pocket?' "'True!' cried the king in the light at this. easy solution of the problem. Get at once a dozen gnomes with ropes, and place them in the passage where they can seize and bind

Shaggy as soon as he enters. This Calico did, and meanwhile the watchers outside the entrance were growing more and more uneasy about their friends. "'I don't worry so much about the Ugaboo people,' said Polychrome, who had grown sober with waiting and perhaps a little nervous, for they could not be killed, even though Ruggetto might cause them much suffering, and perhaps destroy them utterly. But we should not have allowed Betsy and Hank to go alone into the caverns. The little girl is mortal and possesses no magic powers whatever. So if Ruggetto captures her, she will be wholly at his mercy.

That is indeed true, replied Shaggy. I wouldn't like to have anything, happened to dear little Betsy, so I believe I'll go in right away and put an end to all this worry. We may as well go in with you, asserted Files, for by means of the love-magnet you can soon bring the gnome king to reason. So it was decided to wait no longer. Shaggy walked through the entrance first, and after him came the others. They had no thought of danger to themselves, and Shaggy, who was going along with his hands thrust into his pockets, was much surprised when a rope shot out from the darkness and twined round his body, pinning down his arms so securely

that he could not even withdraw his hands from the pockets. Then appeared several grinning gnomes, who speedily tied knots in the ropes, and then led the prisoner along the passage to the cavern. No attention was paid to the others, But Files and the princess followed on after Shaggy, determined not to desert their friend, and hoping that an opportunity might arise to rescue him. As for Polychrome, as soon as she saw that trouble had overtaken Shaggy,

she turned and ran lightly back through the passage and out of the entrance. Then she easily leaped from rock to rock until she paused beside the great dragon, who lay fast asleep. "'Wake up, Quox,' she cried. "'It's time for you to act.' But Quox did not wake up. He lay as one in a trance, absolutely motionless, with his enormous eyes tight-closed. The eyelids had big silver scales on them, like all the rest of his body.

Polychrome might have thought Quox was dead, had she not known that dragons do not die easily, or had she not observed his huge body swelling as he breathed. She picked up a piece of rock and pounded against his eyelids with it saying, Wake up, quox, wake up! But he would not waken. Dear me, how unfortunate! sighed the lovely rainbow's daughter. I wonder what is the best and surest way to waken a dragon. All our friends may be captured and destroyed, while this great beast lies asleep.

She walked around quarks two or three times, trying to discover some tender place on his body where a thump or a punch might be felt. But he lay extended along the rocks with his chin flat upon the ground, and his legs drawn underneath his body, and all that one could see was his thick sky blue skin, thicker than that of a rhinoceros and his silver scales. Then, despairing at last of awakening the beast, and worried over the fate of her friends,

Polychrome again ran down to the entrance and hurried along the passage into the Gnome King's cavern. Here she found Ruggeto lolling in his throne and smoking a long pipe. Beside him stood General Gough and Calico, and ranged before the king, with the rose princess, files, and the shaggy man. Tick-Tock still lay upon the floor, weighted down by the big diamond. Ruggetto was now in a more contented frame of mind. One by one he had met the invaders and easily captured them. The dreaded love magnet was indeed in Shaggy's pocket, only a few feet away from the king.

But Shaggy was powerless to show it, and unless Ruegetto's eyes beheld the talisman, it could not affect him. As for Betsy Bobbin and her mule, he believed Calico had placed them in the slimy cave, while Anne and her officers he thought safely imprisoned in the pit. Ruggetto had no fear of files, or Osga, but to be on the safe side he had ordered golden handcuffs placed upon their wrists. These did not cause them any great annoyance,

but prevented them from making an attack had they been inclined to do so. The Gnome King, thinking himself wholly master of the situation, was laughing and jeering at his prisoners, when Polychrome, exquisitely beautiful and dancing like a ray of light, entered the cavern. "'Oh-ho!' cried the king, a rainbow underground, a—' And then he stared hard at Polychrome, and still harder. And then he sat up and pulled the wrinkles out of his robe and arranged his whiskers. Oh, on my word, said he, you are a very captivating creature. Moreover, I perceive you are a fairy. I am Polychrome, the rainbow's daughter, she said proudly. Well, replied Ruggetto, I like you.

The others I hate, I hate everybody. you. Wouldn't you like to live always in this beautiful cavern, Polychrome? See the jewels that stud the walls have every tint and color of your rainbow, and they are not so elusive. I'll have fresh dewdrops gathered for your feasting every day, and you shall be queen of all my gnomes and pull Calico's nose whenever you like." "'No, thank you,' laughed Polychrome. "'My home is in the sky. and I'm only on a visit to this solid, sordid earth. But tell me, Ruggetto, why my friends have been wound with cords and bound with chains.

They threatened me, answered Ruggetto. The fools did not know how powerful I am. Then, since they are now helpless, why not release them and send them back to the earth's surface? Because I hate them, and mean to make them suffer for their invasion. but I'll make a bargain with you, sweet Polly. Remain here and live with me, and I'll set all these people free. You shall be my daughter, or my wife, or my aunt, or grandmother, whichever you like. Only stay here to brighten my gloomy kingdom and make me happy.

Polychrome looked at him wonderingly. Then she turned to Shaggy and asked, "'Are you sure he hasn't seen the love-magnet?' "'I'm positive,' answered Shaggy. "'But you seem to be something of a love-magnet yourself, Polychrome.' She laughed and said to Ruggetto, "'Not even to rescue my friends what I live in your kingdom. "'Nor could I endure for long the society of such a wicked monster as you.'

"'You forget,' retarded the king, scowling darkly, that you are in my power. Not so, Ruggetto. The rainbow's daughter is beyond the reach of your spite or malice. Seize her! Suddenly shouted the king, and General Guff sprang forward to obey. Polygroom stood quite still. Yet when Guff attempted to clutch her, his hands met in air,

and now the rainbow's daughter was in another part of the room, as smiling and composed as before. Several times Guff endeavored to capture her, and Ruggetto even came down from his throne to assist his general, but never could they lay hands upon the lovely sky fairy, who flitted here and there with the swiftness of light and constantly defied them with her merry laughter as she evaded their efforts. So after a time they abandoned the chase,

and Ruggetto returned to his throne and wiped the presbyte. from his face with a finely woven handkerchief of cloth of gold. "'Well,' said Polychrome, "'what do you intend to do now?' "'I'm going to have some fun to repay me for all my bother,' replied the Gnom king. Then he said to Colico, "'Summon the executioners.' Colico at once withdrew and presently returned with a score of gnomes,

all of whom were nearly as evil-looking as their hated master. They bore great golden pincers and prods of silver, and clamps and chains and various wicked-looking instruments, all made of precious metals and set with diamonds and rubies. Now, Pang, said Rugeto, addressing the leader of the executioners, fetch the army of Ogaboo and their queen from the pit, and torture them here in my presence, as well as in the presence of their friends. It will be great sport.

I hear your majesty, and I obey your majesty, answered Pang, and went with his gnomes into the passage. In a few minutes he returned and bowed to regetto. They're all gone, said he. Gone, exclaimed the gnome king, gone where? They left no address, your majesty, but they are not in the pit. Picks and puddles, roared the king. Who took the cover off? No one, said Pang. The cover was there, but the prisoners were not under it.

In that case, snarled the king, trying to control his disappointment. Go to the slimy cave and fetch hither the girl and the donkey, and while we are torturing them, Calico must take a hundred gnomes and search for the escaped prisoners. The queen of Ugaboo and her officers. If he does not find them, I will torture Calico. Calico went away looking sad and disturbed, for he knew the king was cruel and unjust enough to carry out this threat. Pang and the executioners also went away, in another direction, but when they came back, Betsy Bobbin was not with him, nor was Hank. There is no one in the slimy cave. your majesty, reported Pang.

Jumping jellycakes, screamed the king. Another escape. Are you sure you found the right cave? There has been one slimy cave, and there is no one in it, returned Pang positively. Ruggetto was beginning to be alarmed as well as angry. However, these disappointments but made him the more vindictive, and he cast an evil look at the other prisoners and said, never mind the girl and the donkey.

Here are four at least who cannot escape my vengeance. Let me see. I believe I'll change my mind about Tick-Tuck, have the gold crucible heated to a white seething heat, and then we'll dump the copper man into it and melt him up. But, Your Majesty, protested Calico, who would return to the room after sending a hundred domes to search for the Ugaboo people.

You must remember that TikTok is a very curious and interesting machine. It would be a shame to deprive the world of such a clever contrivance. Say another word, and you'll go into the furnace with him, roared the king. I'm getting tired of you, Calico, and the first thing you know I'll turn you into a potato and make Saratoga chips of you. The next to consider, he added more mildly, is the shaggy man. As he owns the love magnet, I think I'll transform him into a dove, and then we can practice shooting at him with Tick-Tock's gun.

Now this is a very interesting ceremony, and I beg you all to watch me closely and see that I've nothing up my sleeve. He came out of his throne to stand before the shaggy man, And then he waved his hands, palms downward, in seven semicircles over his victim's head, saying in a low but clear tone of voice, the magic wogwa. Adi, ed, E, D, O, D, O, D, O, D, U, U, U, U, U, U, U, U, U, I, I, I, D, Dau. The effect of this well-known sorcery was instantaneous. dead of the shaggy man. A pretty dove lay fluttering upon the floor. Its wings confined by tiny cords wound around them. Ruggetto gave an order to pang, who cut the cords with a pair of scissors,

being freed. The dove quickly flew upward and alighted on the shoulder of the rose princess, who stroked it tenderly. "'Very good, very good!' cried Ruggetto, rubbing his hands gleefully together. One enemy is out of my way, and now for the others. Perhaps my readers should be warned not to attempt the above transformation, for although the exact magical formula has been described, it is unlawful in all civilized countries for anyone to transform a person into a dove by muttering the words Ruggetto used. There were no laws to prevent the gnome king from performing this transformation, but if it should be attempted in any other country, and the magic worked, the magician would be severely punished.

When Polychrome saw a shaggy man transformed into a dove, and realized that Ruggeda was about to do something as dreadful to the princess in files, and that Tick-Tock would soon be melted in a crucible, she turned and ran from the cavern, through the passage and back to the place where Quox lay asleep. End of Chapter 17. Chapter 18 of Tick-Tock of Oz by L. Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain.

Chapter 18. A clever conquest. The Great Dragon still had his eyes closed, and was even snoring in a manner that resembled distant thunder. But Polychrome was now desperate, because any further delay meant the destruction of her friends. She seized the pearl necklace to which was attached the great locket, and jerked it with all her strength. The result was encouraging. Quak stopped snoring, and his eyelids flickered, so Polychrome jerked again and again, till slowly the great lids raised, and the dragon looked at her steadily, said he, in a sleepy tone,

"'What's the matter, little rainbow?' "'Come quick,' exclaimed Polychrome. "'Rugetto has captured all our friends and is about to destroy them.' "'Very well,' said Quox. "'I suspected that would happen. "'A step a little out of my path, my dear, and I'll make a rush for the Gnome King's cavern.' She fell back a few steps, and Quox raised himself on his stout legs,

whisked his long tail, and in an instant had slid down the rocks and made it dive through the entrance. Along the passage he swept, nearly filling it with his immense body, and now he poked his head into the jeweled cavern of Ruggetto. But the king had long since made arrangements to capture the dragon whenever he might appear. No sooner did Kwok stick his head into the room, then a thick chain fell from above and encircled his neck. Then the ends of the chain were drawn tight, for in an adjoining cavern a thousand gnomes were pulling on them, and so the dragon could advance no further toward the king. He could not use his teeth or his claws, and as his body was still in the passage, he had not even

room to strike his foes with his terrible tale. Ruggetto was delighted with the success of his stratagem. He had just transformed the Rose Princess into a fiddle, and was about to transform files into a fiddle bow, when the dragon appeared to interrupt him, so he called out, "'Welcome, my dear quarks, to my royal entertainment. Since you are here, you shall witness some very neat magic.'

and after i have finished with files and tik-tok i mean to transform you into a tiny lizard one of the chameleon sort and you shall live in my cavern and amuse me pardon my contradicting your majesty returned quox in a quiet voice but i don't believe you'll perform any more magic eh why not asked the king in surprise There's a reason, said Quox. Do you see this ribbon around my neck? Yes, and I'm astonished that a dignified dragon would wear such a silly thing. Do you see it plainly? Persisted the dragon, with a little chuckle of amusement. I do, declared Ruggetto.

Then you no longer possess any magical. powers, and are as helpless as a clam. Asserted, Quox. My great master, Titi-T-T-T-Hoochoo, the Jin-Gin, enchanted this ribbon in such a way that whenever your majesty looked upon it, all magic of knowledge would desert you instantly, nor would any magical formula you can remember ever perform your bidding. pooh i don't believe a word of it cried roguetto half frightened nevertheless then he turned toward files and tried to transform him into a fiddle-bow but he could not remember the right words or the right pass of the hands and after several trials he finally gave up the attempt by this time the gnome king was so alarmed that he was secretly shaking in his shoes

i told you not to anger to tiji-huj grumbled calico and now you see the result of your disobedience ruggetto promptly threw his sceptre at his royal chamberlain who dodged it with his usual cleverness and then he said with an attempt to swagger never mind i don't need magic to enable me to destroy these invaders fire and the sword will do the business and i am still king of the gnomes and lord and master of my underground kingdom again i beg to differ with your majesty said quox the great gen chin commands you to depart instantly from this kingdom and the great genchin commands you to depart instantly from this kingdom and seek the earth's surface, where you will wonder for all time to come, without a home or country, without a friend or follower, and without any more riches than you can carry with you in your pockets. The great Jenjin is so generous that he will allow you to fill your pockets with jewels are gold, but you must take nothing more." Ruggetto now stared at the dragon in amazement.

"'Does Titichih Tichu condemn me to such a fate?' he asked in a hoarse voice. "'He does,' said Quox. "'And just for throwing a few strangers down the forbidden tube?' "'Just for that?' repeated Quox in a stern, gruff voice. "'Well, I won't do it, and your crazy old Jin' can't make me do it either,' declared "'Rugetto. "'I intend to remain here, king of the gnomes until the end of the world, and I defy your titici-hutu and all his fairies, as well as his clumsy messenger whom I have been obliged to chain up.'

The dragon smiled again. but it was not the sort of smile that made Rugeto feel very happy. Instead, there was something so cold and merciless in the dragon's expression that the condemned gnome king trembled and was sick at heart. There was little comfort for Ruggetto in the fact that the dragon was now chained, although he had boasted of it. He glared at the immense head of quox as if fascinated, and there was fear in the old king's eyes as he watched his enemy's movements.

For the dragon was now moving, not abruptly, but as if he had something to do and was about to do it. Very deliberately he raised one claw, touched the catch of the great jeweled locket that was suspended around his neck, and at once it opened wide. Nothing much happened at first. Half a dozen hen's eggs rolled out upon the floor, and then the locket closed with a sharp click. But the effect upon the gnomes of this simple thing was astounding. General Guff, Calico, Pang, and his band of executioners were all standing close to the door that led to the vast series of underground caverns, which constituted the dominions of the

and as soon as they saw the eggs, they raised a chorus of frantic screams and rushed through the door, slamming it in Grugetto's face and placing a heavy bronze bar across it. Grugetto, dancing with terror, and uttering loud cries, now leaped upon the seat of his throne to escape the eggs, which had rolled steadily toward him. Perhaps these eggs sent by the wise and crafty titi-titi-hutu, or in some way enchanted, for they all rolled directly after Ruggetto, and when they reached the throne where he had taken refuge, they began rolling up the legs to the seat. This was too much for the king to bear.

His horror of the eggs was real and absolute, and he made a leap from the throne to the center of the room. room, and then ran to a far corner. The eggs followed, rolling slowly but steadily in his direction. Ruggedo threw his scepter at them, and then his ruby crown, and then he drew off his heavy golden sandals, and hurled these at the advancing eggs. But the eggs dodged every missile and continued to draw nearer. The king stood trembling.

his eyes staring in terror until they were but half a yard distant. Then, with an agile leap, he jumped clear over them and made a rush for the passage that led to the outer entrance. Of course the dragon was in his way, being chained in the passage with his head in the cavern, but when he saw the king making toward him, he crouched as low as he could, and dropped his chin to the floor, leaving a small space between him. his body and the roof of the passage. Ruggetto did not hesitate an instant.

Impel by fear, he leaped to the dragon's nose, and then scrambled to his back, where he succeeded in squeezing himself through the opening. After the head was passed, there was more room, and he slid along the dragon's scales to his tail, and then ran as fast as his legs would carry him to the entrance. Not pausing here, so great was his fright. The king dashed on down the mountain path, but before he had gone very far he stumbled and fell. When he picked himself up, he observed that no one was following him, and while he recovered his breath he happened to think of the decree of the Jin-Gen, that he should be driven from

his kingdom and made a wonder on the face of the earth. Well, here he was, driven from his cavern in truth, driven by those dreadful eggs. But he would go back and defy them. He would not submit to losing his precious kingdom and his tyrannical powers, all because Titi-Dhutu had said he must. So, although still afraid, Rooketto nerved himself to creep back along the path to the entrance, and when he arrived there, he saw the six eggs lying in a row just before the arched opening. At first he paused a safe distance away to consider the case, for the eggs were now motionless.

While he was wondering what could be done, he remembered there was a magical charm which would destroy eggs and render them harmless to gnomes. There were nine passes to be made, and six verminers. of incantation to be recited. But Rigetto knew them all. Now that he had ample time to be exact, he carefully went through the entire ceremony. But nothing happened. The eggs did not disappear as he had expected. So he repeated the charm a second time. When that also failed, he remembered with a moan of despair that his magic power had been taken away from him, and in the future he could do no more than any common mortal.

And there were the eggs, forever borrowing him from the kingdom which he had ruled so long with absolute sway. He threw rocks at them, but could not hit a single egg. He raved and scolded and tore his hair and beard and danced in helpless passion. But that did nothing to avert the just judgment of the gen-Gen. which Ruggetto's own evil deeds had brought upon him. From this time on, he was an outcast, a wanderer upon the face of the earth, and he had even forgotten to fill his pockets with gold and jewels before he fled from his

former kingdom. End of Chapter 18. Chapter 19 of Tic Tacovaz. By L. Frank Baum. This Librevox recording is in. in the public domain. Chapter 19. King Calico. After the king had made good his escape, Files said to the dragon, in a sad voice.

Alas, why did you not come before? Because you were sleeping instead of conquering. The lovely rose princess has become a fiddle without a bow, while poor Shaggy sits there, a cooing dove. Don't worry. replied quox titici hutschoo knows his business and i have my orders from the great gen gen himself bring the fiddle here and touch it lightly to my pink ribbon files obeyed and at the moment of contact with the ribbon the gnome king's charm was broken and the rose princess herself stood before them as sweet and smiling as ever The dove, perched on the back of the throne, had seen and heard all this, so without

being told what to do, it flew straight to the dragon, and alighted on the ribbon. Next instant Shaggy was himself again, and Quox said to him, grumblingly, "'Please get off my left toe, Shaggy man, and be more particular where you step.' "'I beg your pardon,' replied Shaggy, very glad to resolutely. his natural form. Then he ran to lift the heavy diamond off Tick-Tock's chest, and to assist the clockworked man to his feet. "'Many thanks,' said Tick-Tock.

"'Where is the Wicked King who wanted to melt me in a crucible?' "'He has gone, and gone for good,' answered Polychrome, who had managed to squeeze into the room beside the dragon, and had witnessed the occasion. recurrences with much interest. But I wonder where Betsy Bobbin and Hank can be, and if any harm has befallen them. We must search the cavern until we find them, declared Shaggy. But when he went to the door leading to the other caverns, he found it shut and barred. "'I've a pretty strong push in my forehead,' said Quox.

"'And I believe I can break down that door.' even though it's made of solid gold. "'But you are a prisoner, and the chains that hold you are fastened in some other room, so that we cannot release you,' Files said anxiously. "'Oh, never mind that,' returned the dragon. "'I have remained a prisoner, only because I wish to be one.' And with this he stepped forward and burst the stout chains as easily as if they had been threads.

But when he tried to push in the heavy metal doer, even his mighty strength failed, and after several attempts he gave it up and squatted himself in a corner to think of a better way. I'll open the door, asserted Tick-Tock, and going to the King's Big Gong, he pounded upon it until the noise was almost deafening. Calico in the next cavern was wondering what had happened to, Ruggish. and if he had escaped the eggs and outwitted the dragon. But when he heard the sound of the gong, which had so often called him into the king's presence, he decided that Ruggetto had been victorious, so he took away the bar,

threw open the door, and entered the royal cavern. Great was his astonishment, to find the king gone, and the enchantments removed from the princess and shaggy. But the eggs were also gone, and so Calico advanced to the dragon, whom he knew to be to Titi-Toochoo's messenger, and bowed humbly before the beast. What is your will? he inquired. "'Where is Betsy?' demanded the dragon. "'Safe in my own private room,' said Calico. "'Go and get her,' commanded Quox.

So Calico went to Betsy's room and gave three wraps upon the door. The little girl had been asleep, but she heard the wraps and opened the door. "'You may come out now,' said Calico. The king has fled in disgrace, and your friends are asking for you. So Betsy and Hank returned with the Royal Chamberlain to the throne cavern, where she was received with great joy by her friends. They told her what had happened to Ruggetto, and she told them how kind Calico had been to her. Quox did not have much to say until the conversation was ended, but then he turned to Calico and asked,

"'Do you suppose you could rule your gnomes better than Ruggado has done?' "'Me?' stammered the Chamberlain greatly surprised by the question. Well, I couldn't be a worse king, I'm sure. Would the gnomes obey you?' inquired the dragon. "'Of course,' said Calico. They like me better than they ever did, Ruggetto. Then hereafter, you shall be the metal monarch, king of the gnomes, and Titi Hu-choo expects you to rule your kingdom wisely and well,' said Quarer.

"'Horay!' cried Betsy. "'I'm glad of that. "'King Colico, I salute your majesty, "'and wish you joy in your gloomy old kingdom.' "'We all wish him joy,' said Polychrome, "'and then the others made haste to congratulate the new king. "'Will you release my dear brother?' asked Shaggy. "'The ugly one?'

"'Very willingly,' replied Calico. "'I begged Ruggetto, Lord. long ago to send him away, but he would not do so. I also offered to help your brother to escape, but he would not go. He is so conscientious, said Shaggy, highly pleased. All of our family have noble natures. But is my dear brother well? he asked anxiously. He eats and sleeps very steadily, replied the new king.

I hope he doesn't work too hard, said Shaggy. He doesn't work at all. in fact there is nothing he can do in these dominions as well as our gnomes whose numbers are so great that it worries us to keep them all busy so your brother is only to amuse himself why it's more like visiting than being a prisoner asserted betsy not exactly returned calico a prisoner cannot go where or when he pleases and is not his own master where is my brother now inquired shaggy in the metal forest where is that the metal forest is in the great domed cave the largest in all our dominions replied calico it is almost like being out of doors it is so big and ruggedo made the wonderful forest to amuse himself as well as to tire out his hard-working gnomes all the trees are gold and silver and the ground is strewn with precious stones so it is to tire out his hard-working gnomes all the trees are gold and silver and the ground is strewn with precious stones so it as a sort of treasury. Let us go there at once, and rescue my dear brother, pleaded Shaggy earnestly.

Calico hesitated. I don't believe I can find the way, said he. Ruggetto made three secret passages to the metal forest, but he changes the location of these passages every week, so that no one can get to the metal forest without his permission. However, if we look sharp, we may be able to. able to discover one of these secret ways. That reminds me to ask what has become of Queen Anne and the officers of Ugaboo,

said Files. I'm sure I can't say, replied Calico. Do you suppose Ruggetto destroyed them? Oh, no. I'm quite sure he didn't. They fell into the big pit in the passage, and we put the cover on to keep them there, but when the executioners went to look for them, they had all disappeared from the pit, and we could find no trace of them.

That's funny, remarked Betsy thoughtfully. I don't believe Anne knew any magic, or she'd have worked it before, but to disappear like that seems like magic now, doesn't it? They agreed that it did, but no one could explain the mystery. However, said Shaggy, they are gone, that is certain, so we cannot help them or be helped by them, and the important thing just now is to rescue my dear brother from captivity. "'Why do they call him the ugly one?' asked Betsy.

"'I don't know,' confessed Shaggy. "'I cannot remember his looks very well. "'It is so long since I have seen him. "'But all our family are noted for their handsome faces.' Betsy laughed and Shaggy seemed rather hurt, but Polychrome relieved his embarrassment by saying softly, "'One can be ugly in looks but lovely in disposition.' "'Our first task,' said Shaggy,

a little comforted by this remark, "'is to find one of those secret passages to the metal forest.' "'True,' replied Calico, "'so I think I will assemble the chief gnomes of my kingdom in this throne-room, and tell them that I am their new-es.' King. Then I can ask them to assist us in searching for the secret passages." "'That's a good idea,' said the dragon, who seemed to be getting sleepy again.

Calico went to the Big Gong and pounded on it just as Ruggerto used to do, but no one answered the summons. "'Of course not,' said he, jumping up from the throne, where he had seated himself. That is my call, and I am still the royal Chamberlain. and will be until I appoint another in my place. So he ran out of the room and found Guff and told him to answer the summons of the king's gong. Having returned to the royal cavern, Calico first pounded the gong and then sat, wearing Ruggetto's discarded ruby crown,

and holding in his hand the scepter which Ruggero had so often thrown at his head. When Guff entered, he was amazed. Better get out of that throne before old Ruggerto comes back," he said warningly. "'He isn't coming back, and I am now the king of the gnomes in his stead,' announced Calico. "'All of which is quite true,' asserted the dragon, and all of those who stood around the throne bowed respectfully to the new king. Seeing this, Guff also bowed, for he was glad to be rid of such a hard master as Ruggetto. Then Calico, in quite a kingly way, informed Guff that he was appointed the royal Chamberlain,

and promised not to throw the scepter at his head unless he deserved it. All this being pleasantly arranged, the new Chamberlain went away to tell the news to all the gnomes of the underground kingdom, every one of whom would be delighted with the change in kings. End of Chapter 19. Chapter 20 of Tic Tacobaz by L. Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 20 Quox quietly quits.

When the chief gnomes assembled before their new king, they joyfully saluted him and promised to obey his commands. But when Calico questioned them, none knew the way to the metal forest, although all had assisted in its making. So the king instructed them to search carefully for one of the passages, and to bring him the news as soon as they had found it. Meanwhile, Quox had managed to back out of the rocky corridor, and to regain the open air and his old station on the mountainside, and there he lay upon the rocks sound asleep until the next day. The others of the party were all given as good rooms as

the caverns of the gnomes afforded, for King Calico felt that he was indebted to them for his promotion, and was anxious to be as hospitable as he could. Much wonderment had been caused by the absolute disappearance of the sixteen officers of Oogaboo and their queen. Not a gnome had seen them, nor were they discovered during the search for the passages leading to the metal forest. Perhaps no one was unhappy over their loss, but all were curious to know what had become of them. On the next day when our friends went to visit the dragon, Quox said to them, I must now bid you goodbye, for my mission here is finished, and I must depart for the other side of the world where I belong.

"'Will you go through the tube again?' asked Betsy. "'To be sure, but it will be a lonely trip this time, with no one to talk to. Then I cannot invite any of you to go with me. Therefore, as soon as I slide into the hole, I shall go to sleep, and when I pop out at the other end I will wake up at home.' They thanked the dragon for befriending them and wished him a pleasant journey. Also they sent their thanks to the great Jinjin, whose just condemnation of Ruggeto had served their interests so well.

Then Kwok's yawned and stretched himself and ambled over to the tube, into which he slid head foremost and disappeared. They really felt as if they had lost a friend, for the dragon had been both kind and sociable during their brief acquaintance with him, but they knew it was his duty to return to his own country. So they went back to the caverns to renew the search for the hidden passages that led to the forest. But for three days, all efforts to find them proved in vain. It was Polychrome's custom to go every day to the mountain and watch for her father, the rainbow,

for she was growing tired with wandering upon the earth, and longed to rejoin her sisters in their sky palaces, and on the third day while she sat motionless upon a point of rock, whom should she see slyly creeping up the mountain, but Rugeot. The farmer king looked very forlorn. His clothes were soiled and torn, and he had no sandals upon his feet or hat upon his head, Having left his crown and scepter behind when he fled, the old gnome no longer seemed kingly,

but more like a beggar man. Several times had Ruggetto crept up to the mouth of the caverns, only to find the six eggs still on guard. He knew quite well that he must accept his fate and become a homeless wanderer, but his chief regret now was that he had neglected to fill his pockets with gold. and jewels. He was aware that a wanderer with wealth at his command would fare much better than one who was a pauper, so he still loitered around the caverns wherein he knew so much treasure was

stored, hoping for a chance to fill his pockets. That was how he came to recollect the metal forest. Aha! said he to himself, I alone know the way to that forest, and he, and he, he, he, know the way to that forest, and, once there, I can fill my pockets with the finest jewels in all the world. He glanced at his pockets, and was grieved to find them so small. Perhaps they might be enlarged, so that they would hold more. He knew a poor woman who lived in a cottage at the foot of the mountain, so he went to her

and begged her to sew pockets all over his robe, paying her with a gift of a diamond ring which he had worn upon his finger. The woman was delighted to possess so valuable a ring, and she sewed as many pockets on Ruggetto's robe as she possibly could. Then he returned up the mountain, and after gazing cautiously around, to make sure he was not observed, he touched a spring in a rock, and it swung slowly backward, disclosing a broad passageway. This he entered, swinging the rock in place behind him. However, Ruggetto had failed to look as carefully as he might have done, for Polychrome was seated

only a little distance off, and her clear eyes marked exactly the matter in which Ruggetto had released the hidden spring. So she rose and hurried into the cavern, where she told Calico and his friends of her discovery. I have no doubt that that is a way to the metal forest, exclaimed Shaggy. Come, let us follow Ruggetto at once and rescue my poor brother. They agreed to this, and King Calico called together a band of gnomes to assist them by carrying torches to light their way. The metal forest has a brilliant light of its own, said he, but the passage across the valley

is likely to be dark. polychrome easily found the rock and touched the spring so in less than an hour after roguetto had entered they were all in the passage and following swiftly after the former king he means to rob the forest i'm sure said calico but he will find he is no longer of any account in this kingdom and i will have my gnomes throw him out "'Then please throw him as hard as you can,' said Betsy, "'for he deserves it. "'I don't mind an honest, out-and-out enemy, who fights square, "'but changing girls into fiddles "'and ordering them put into slimy caves is mean and tricky,

"'so Ruggetto doesn't deserve any sympathy. "'But you'll have to let him take as much treasure as he can get in his pockets, Calico.' "'Yes, the Jin-jin said so. and we won't miss it much, there is more treasure in the metal forest than a million gnomes could carry in their pockets. It was not difficult to walk through this passage, especially when the torches lighted the way, so they made good progress. But it proved to be a long distance, and Betsy had tired herself with walking and was seated upon the back of the mule when the passage made a sharp turn and a one-distance.

and glorious light burst upon them. The next moment they were all standing upon the edge of the marvelous metal forest. It lay under another mountain and occupied a great domed cavern, the roof of which was higher than a church steeple. In this space, the industrious gnomes had built during many years of labor, the most beautiful forest in the world. The trees, trunks, branches, and leaves, were all of solid gold, while the bushes and underbrush were formed of filigree silver, virgin pure.

The trees towered as high as natural live oaks do, and were of exquisite workmanship. On the ground were thickly strewn precious gems of every hue and size, while here and there among the trees were paths pebbled with cut diamonds of the clearest water. Taken altogether, more treasure was gathered in this metal forest than is contained in all the rest of the world, if we accept the land of Oz, where perhaps its value is equaled in the famous Emerald City. Our friends were so amazed at the sight that for a while they stood gazing in silent wonder. Then Shaggy exclaimed,

"'My brother, my dear lost brother, is he indeed a prisoner in this place?' "'Yes,' replied Calico. "'The ugly one has been here for two or three years to my positive knowledge.' "'But what could he find to eat?' inquired Betsy. "'It's an awfully swell place to live in, but one can't breakfast on rubies and diamonds or even gold.'

"'One doesn't need to, my dear.' Calico assured her, the metal forest does not fill all this great cavern by any means. Beyond these gold and silver trees are other trees of the real sort, which bear foods very nice to eat. Let us walk in that direction, for I am quite sure we will find Shaggy's brother in that part of the cavern, rather than in this. So they began to tramp over the diamond-peveled paths, and at every step they were more and more bewildered by the wondrous beauty of the golden trees with their glittering foliage.

Suddenly they heard a scream. Jewels scattered in every direction as someone hidden among the bushes scampered away before them. Then a loud voice cried, Halt! And there was the sound of a struggle. End of chapter twenty. Chapter 21 A TikTok of Oz by El Frank Baum

This Libra Box recording is in the public domain Chapter 21 A bashful brother With fast beating hearts They all rushed forward And beyond a group of stately metal trees Came full upon a most astonishing scene There was Ruggetto

In the hands of the officers of Ugaboo a dozen of whom were clinging to the old gnome and holding him fast in spite of his efforts to escape. There also was Queen Anne, looking grimly upon the scene of strife, but when she observed her former companions approaching, she turned away in a shame-faced manner. For Anne and her officers were indeed a sight to behold. Her Majesty's clothing, once so rich and gorgeous, was now, worn and torn into shreds by her long crawl through the tunnel, which, by the way, had led

her directly into the metal forest. It was, indeed, one of the three secret passages, and by far the most difficult of the three. Anne had not only torn her pretty skirt and jacket, but her crown had become bent and battered, and even her shoes were so cut and slashed that they were ready to fall from her feet. The officers had fared somewhat worse than their leader, for holes were worn in the knees of their trousers, while sharp points of rock in the roof and sides of the tunnel had made rags of every inch of their once brilliant uniforms.

A more tattered and woeful army never came out of a battle than these harmless victims of the rocky passage. But it had seemed their only means of escape from the cruel known king, so they had crawled on, regardless of their sufferings. When they reached the metal forest, their eyes beheld more plunder than they had ever dreamed of, yet they were prisoners in the huge dome, and could not escape with the riches heaped about them.

Perhaps a more unhappy and homesick lot of conquerors never existed than this band from Ugabu. After several days of wandering in their marvelous prison, they were frightened by the discovery that Ruggetto had come among them, rendered desperate by their sad condition. The officers exhibited courage for the first time since they left home, and, ignorant of the fact that Ruggetto was no longer king of the gnomes, they threw themselves upon him,

and had just succeeded in his. capturing him when their fellow adventurers reached the spot. "'Goodness gracious!' cried Betsy. "'What happened to you all?' Anne came forward to greet them, sorrowful and indignant. We were obliged to escape from the pit through a small tunnel, which was lined with sharp and jagged rocks, said she, and not only was our clothing torn to rags,

but our flesh is so bruised and sore that we are stiff and laying, in every joint. To add to our troubles, we find we are still prisoners, and now that we have succeeded in capturing the wicked metal monarch, we shall force him to grant us our liberty. Ruggetto is no longer metal monarch or king of the gnomes. Files informed her, He has been deposed and cast out of his kingdom by quarks.

But here is the new king, whose name is Calico, and I am pleased to assure your majesty, that he is our friend. Glad to meet your majesty, I'm sure, said Calico, bowing as courteously as if the queen still wore splendid raiment. The officers, having heard this explanation, now set Ruggetto free, but as he had no place to go,

he stood by and faced his former servant, who was now king in his place, in a humble and leading manner. What are you doing here, asked Calico sternly. "'Why, I was promised as much treasure as I could carry in my pockets,' replied Ruggetto. "'So I came here to get it, not wishing to disturb your majesty.' "'You were commanded to leave the country of the gnomes forever,' declared Calico.

"'I know, and I'll go as soon as I fill my pockets,' said Ruggetto meekly. "'Then fill them and be gone,' returned the new king. Ruggetto obeyed. Stooping down, he began gathering up jewels by the handful, and stuffing them into his many pockets. They were heavy things, these diamonds and rubies and emeralds and amethysts and the like. So before long, Ruggetto was staggering with the weight he bore, while the pockets were not yet filled.

When he could no longer stoop over without falling, Betsy and Polychrome and the rose princess came to his asses. assistance, picking up the finest gems and tucking them into his pockets. At last these were all filled, and Ruggetto presented a comical sight, for surely no man ever before had so many pockets or any at all filled with such a choice collection of precious stones. He neglected to thank the young ladies for their kindness, but gave them a surly nod of farewell and staggered down the path by the way he had come.

They let him depart in silence, for with all he had taken, the masses of jewels upon the ground seemed scarcely to have been disturbed. So numerous were they? Also they hoped that they had seen the last of the degraded king. "'I'm awful glad he's gone,' said Betsy, sighing deeply. "'If he doesn't get reckless and spend his wealth foolishly, he's got enough to start a bank when he gets to oklahoma but my brother my dear brother where is he inquired shaggy anxiously have you seen him queen anne or what does your brother look like asked the queen shaggy hesitated to reply but betsy said he's called the ugly one perhaps you'll know him by that the only person we have seen in this cavern said anne has run away

from us whenever we approached him. He hides over yonder among the trees that are not gold, and we have never been able to catch sight of his face. So I cannot tell whether he is ugly or not. That must be my dear brother, exclaimed Shaggy. Yes, it must be, assented Calico. No one else inhabits this splendid dome, so there can be no mistake. But why does he hide among those green trees, instead of enjoying all these glittery golden ones, asked Betsy. Because he finds food among the natural trees, replied Caligo, and I remember that he has built a little house there to sleep in. As for these glittery golden trees, I will admit they are very pretty at first sight. One cannot fail to admire that, as well as the rich jewels scattered

beneath them. But if one has to look at them always, they become pretty tame. I believe that is true, declared Shaggy. My dear brother is very wise to prefer real trees to the imitation ones. But come, let us go there and find him. Shaggy started for the Green Grove at once, and the others followed him, being curious to witness the final rescue of his long-sought, long-lost brother. Not far from the edge of the grove, they came upon a small hut, cleverly made of twigs and golden branches woven together.

As they approached the place, they caught a glimpse of a farm that darted into the hut and slammed the door tight shut after him. Shaggy man ran to the door and cried aloud, Brother! Brother! Who calls? Demanded a sad, hollow voice from within. It is Shaggy. your own loving brother, who has been searching for you a long time, and has now come to rescue you."

"'Too late,' replied the gloomy voice. "'No one can rescue me now.' "'Oh, but you are mistaken about that,' said Shaggy. There is a new king of the gnomes called Calico in Ruggetto's place, and he has promised you shall go free.' "'Free? "'I dare not go free,' said the ugly one in a voice of despair. "'Why not, brother?' asked Shaggy anxiously.

"'Do you know what they have done to me?' came the answer through the closed door. "'No, tell me, brother. What have they done?' "'When Ruggetto first captured me, I was very handsome. Don't you remember Shaggy?' "'Not very well, brother. You are you. were so young when I left home, but I remember that mother thought you were beautiful." "'She was right. I am sure she was right,' wailed the prisoner. But Ruggetto wanted to injure me, to make me ugly in the eyes of all the world, so he

performed a wicked enchantment. I went to bed beautiful, or as you might say, handsome. To be very modest, I will merely claim that I was good-looking, and I waited the next morning. morning, the holiest man in all the world. I am so repulsive that when I look in a mirror, I frighten myself. "'Poor brother,' said Shaggy softly, and all the others were silent from sympathy. "'I was so ashamed of my looks,' continued the voice of Shaggy's brother, that I tried to hide. But the cruel King Ruggetto forced me to appear before all the least of gnomes, to whom he said,

Behold the ugly one. But when the gnomes saw my face they all felt laughing and cheering, which prevented them from working at their tasks. Seeing this, Ruggetto became angry and pushed me into a tunnel, closing the rock entrance so that I could not get out. I followed the length of the tunnel until I reached this huge dome where the marvelous metal forest stands, and here I have remained,

ever since. Poor brother, repeated Shaggy. But I beg you now to come forth and face us, who are your friends? None here will laugh or jeer, however unhandsome you may be. No, indeed, they all added pleadingly. But the ugly one refused the invitation.

I cannot, said he. Indeed, I cannot face strangers ugly as I am. Shaggy man turned to the group's surroundings. surrounding him. What shall I do? He asked in a sorrowful voice. I cannot leave my dear brother here, and he refuses to come out of that house and face us.

I'll tell you, replied Betsy. Let him put on a mask. The very idea I was seeking, exclaimed Shaggy joyfully. And then he called out, Brother, put a mask over your face, and then none of us can see what your features are like. I have no mask, answered the ugly one. Look here, said Betsy. He can use my handkerchief.

Shaggy looked at the little square of cloth and shook his head. It isn't big enough, he objected. I'm sure it isn't big enough to hide a man's face, but he can use mine. Saying this he took from his pocket his own handkerchief and went to the door of the hut. Here my brother, he called. take this handkerchief and make a mask of it. I will also pass you my knife so that you may cut holes for the eyes, and then you must tie it over your face.

The door slowly opened, just far enough for the ugly one to thrust out his hand, and take the handkerchief and the knife. Then it closed again. Don't forget a hole for your nose, called Betsy. You must breathe, you know. For a time there was some. Silence. Queen Anne and her army sat down upon the ground to rest. Betsy sat on Hank's back. Polychrome danced lightly up and down the jeweled paths, while Files and the Princess

wandered through the groves arm in arm. Tick-Tock, who never tired, stood motionless. By and by a noise sounded from within the hut. Are you ready? asked Shaggy. Yes, brother, came the reply. and the door was thrown open to allow the ugly one to step forth. Betsy might have laughed aloud, had she not remembered how sensitive to ridicule Shaggy's brother was, for the handkerchief, with which he had masked his features,

was a red one covered with big white polka dots. In this two holes had been cut, in front of the eyes, while two smaller ones before the nostrils allowed the man to breathe freely. the cloth was then tightly drawn over the ugly one's face and nodded at the back of his neck he was dressed in clothes that had once been good but now were sadly worn and frayed his silk stockings had holes in them and his shoes were stug-toed and needing blackening but why can you expect whispered betsy when the poor man has been a prisoner for so many years shaggy had darted forward and embraced his newly-found brother with both his arms the brother also embraced shaggy who then led him forward and introduced him to all the assembled company this is the new gnome king he said when he came to calico he is our friend and has granted you your freedom that is a kindly deed replied ugly in a sad voice but i dread to go back to the world world in this direful condition.

Unless I remain forever masked, my dreadful face would curdle all the milk and stop all the clocks. Can't the enchantment be broken in some way? inquired Betsy. Shaggy looked anxiously at Calico, who shook his head. I am sure I can't break the enchantment, he said. Ruegetto was fond of magic and learned a good many enchantments that we gnomes know nothing of.

Perhaps Ruggetto himself might break his long enchantment, suggested Anne. But unfortunately we have allowed the old king to escape. "'Never mind, my dear brother,' said Shaggy consolingly. "'I am very glad to have found you again, although I may never see your face. Let us make the most of this joyful reunion.' The ugly one was affected to tears by this tender speech, and the tears began to wet the red handkerchief. so shaggy gently wiped them away with his coat sleeve end of chapter twenty one chapter twenty two of tick-tac-a-vas by l frankbaum this livervox recording is in the public domain chapter twenty-two kindly kisses

won't you be dreadfully sorry to leave this lovely place betsy asked the ugly one no indeed said he jules and gold are cold and heartless things. And I am sure I would presently have died of loneliness had I not found the natural forest at the edge of the artificial one. Anyhow, without these real trees, I should soon have starved to death. Betsy looked around at the quaint trees. I don't just understand that, she admitted. What could you find to eat here? "'The best food in the world!' ugly answered. "'Do you see that grove at your left?' he added, pointing it out. "'Well, such trees as those do not grow in your country,

"'are in any other place but this cavern. "'I have named them hotel trees, "'because they bear a certain kind of table-dote fruit "'called three-course nuts.' "'That's funny,' said Betsy. "'What are the three-course-nuts like?' "'Something like coconuts to look at,' explain the ugly one. "'All you have to do is pick one of them and then sit down and eat your dinner.

You first unscrew the top part and find a cap full of good soup. After you've eaten that, you unscrew the middle part, and find a hollow filled with meat and potatoes, vegetables, and a fine salad. Eat that, and unscrew the next section, and you come to the dessert in the bottom of the nut. That is pie and cake, cheese and crackers, and nuts and raisins. The three-course nuts are not all exactly alike in flavor or in contents, but they are all good, and in each one may be found a complete three-course dinner. But how about breakfasts, inquired Betsy.

Why, there are breakfast-trees for that, which grow over there at the right. They bear nuts like the others. Only the nuts contain coffee or chocolate instead of soup, oatmeal instead of medium potatoes, and fruits instead of dessert. Sad has been my life in this wonderful prison. I must admit that no one could live more luxuriously at the best hotel in the world than I have lived here. But I will be glad to get into the open air again, and see the good old sun and the silvery moon and the soft,

green grass, and the flowers that are kissed by the morning do. Ah, how much more lovely are those blessed things than the glitter of gems or the cold gleam of gold? Of course, said Betsy. I once knew a little boy who wanted to catch the measles, because all the little boys in his neighborhood but him had him. And he was really unhappy, because he couldn't catch him, try as he would. So I'm pretty certain that the things we were.

want and can't have are not good for us. Isn't that true, Shaggy?" "'Not always, my dear,' he gravely replied. "'If we don't want anything, we would never get anything, good or bad. I think our longings are natural, and if we act as nature prompts us we can't go far wrong.' "'For my part,' said Queen Anne, "'I think the world would be a dreary place without the gold and jewels.' all things are good in their way said shaggy but we may have too much of any good thing and i have noticed that the value of anything depends upon how scarce it is and how difficult it is to obtain pardon me for interrupting you said king calico coming to their side but now that we have rescued shaggy's brother i would like to return to my royal cavern being the king of the gnomes it is my duty to look after my restless subjects and see that they behave themselves

so they all turned and began walking through the metal forest to the other side of the great domed cave where they had first entered it shaggy and his brother walked side by side and both seemed rejoiced that they were together after their long separation betsy didn't dare look at the polka-dot handkerchief for fear she would laugh loud so she walked behind the two brothers and led hank by holding fast to his left ear when at last they reached the place where the passage led to the outer world queen anne said in a hesitating way that was unusual with her i have not conquered this known country nor do i expect to do so but i would like to gather a few of these pretty jewels before i leave this place help yourself ma'am said king calico and at once the officers of the army took advantage of his royal permission and began filling their pockets while anne tied a lot of diamonds and a big handkerchief this accomplished they all entered the passage the gnomes going first to light the way with their torches they had not proceeded far when betsy exclaimed why there are jewels here too All eyes were turned upon the ground, and they found a regular trail of jewels strewn along the rock floor.

"'This is queer,' said Calico, much surprised. "'I must send some of my gnomes to gather up these gems and replace them in the metal forest where they belong. I wonder how they came to be here.' All the way along the passage they found this trail of jewels. But when they neared the end, the mystery was explained. For there, squatted upon the floor with his back to the rock wall, sat old Ruggedo, puffing and blowing as if he were all tired out.

Then they realized it was he who had scattered the jewels from his many pockets, which, one by one, had burst with the weight of their contents as he had stumbled along the passage. "'But I don't mind,' said Ruggetto with a deep sigh. "'I now realize that I could not have carried such a weighty load very far, even had I managed to escape from this passage with it. The woman who sewed the pockets on my robe used poor thread, for which I shall thank her.' "'Have you any jewels left?' inquired Betsy.

He glanced into some of the remaining pockets. "'A few,' said he. but they will be sufficient to supply my wants and i no longer have any desire to be rich if some of you will kindly help me to rise i'll get out of here and leave you for i know you all despise me and prefer my room to my company shaggy and calico raised the old king to his feet when he was confronted by shaggy's brother whom he now noticed for the first time the queer and unexpected appearance of the ugly one so startled rugetto that he gave a wild cry and began to tremble as if he had seen a ghost who who is this he faltered I am that helpless prisoner whom your cruel magic transformed from a handsome man into an ugly one," answered Shaggy's brother, in a voice of stern reproach. "'Really, Ruggetto?' said Batsy.

"'You ought to be ashamed of that mean trick.' "'I am, my dear,' admitted Ruggetto, who was now as meek and humble as formerly he had been cruel and vindictive. "'Then,' returned the girl, "'you'd better do some more. magic and give the poor man his own face again. I wish I could, answered the old king, but you must remember that Tititih Huchu has deprived me of all my magic powers. However, I never took the trouble to learn just how to break the charm I cast over Shaggy's

brother, for I intended he should always remain ugly. Every charm, remarked pretty Polychrome, has its antidote, and if you knew this charm of ugliness regetto you must have known how to dispel it he shook his head if i did i-i've forgotten he stammered regretfully try to think pleaded shaggy anxiously please try to think Ruggiero ruffled his hair with both hands, sighed, slapped his chest, rubbed his ear, and stared stupidly around the group. "'I have a faint recollection that there was one thing that would break the charm,' said he. But misfortune has so addled my brain that I can't remember what it was. "'See here, Ruggetto,' said Betsy sharply.

"'We've treated you pretty well so far. but we won't stand for any nonsense. And if you know it's good for yourself, you'll think of that charm. Why? he demanded, turning to look wonderingly at the little girl. Because it means so much to Shaggy's brother. He's dreadfully ashamed of himself the way he is now, and you're to blame for it. Fact is, Rogeto, you've done so much wickedness in your life that it won't hurt you to do a kind act now. Ruggetto blinked at her and sighed again, and then tried very hard to think.

"'I seem to remember dimly,' said he, "'that a certain kind of a kiss will break the charm of ugliness. What kind of a kiss? What kind? Why, it was—it was—it was either the kiss of a mortal maid, or—or—or—or—the Or the kiss of a mortal maid who had once been a fairy? Or—or the kiss of one who is still a fairy. I can't remember which.

But, of course, no maid, mortal, or fairy would ever consent to kiss a person so ugly, so dreadfully, fearfully, terribly ugly, as Shaggy's brother. I'm not so sure of that, said Betsy, with admirable courage. I'm a mortal maid. and if it is my kiss that will break this awful charm, I—I'll do it. Oh, you really couldn't, protested ugly. I would be obliged to remove my mask. And when you saw my face, nothing could induce you to kiss me, generous as you are.

Well, as for that, said the little girl, I needn't see your face at all. Here's my plan. you stay in this dark passage and we'll send away the gnomes with their torches then you'll take off the handkerchief and i-i'll kiss you that is awfully kind of you betsy said shaggy gratefully well it surely won't kill me she replied and if it makes you and your brother happy i'm willing to take some chances So Calico ordered the torchbearers to leave the passage, which they did by going through the rock opening. Queen Anne and her army also went out, but the others were so interested in Betsy's experiment that they remained grouped at the mouth of the passageway.

When the big rock swung into place, closing tight the opening, they were left in total darkness. "'Now then,' said Betsy in a cheerful voice, "'have you got that handkerchief of off your face ugly?" Yes," he replied. Well, where are you then? she asked, reaching out her arms. Here, said he. You'll have to stoop down, you know.

He found her hands, and clasping them in his own, stooped until his face was near to that of the little girl. The others heard a clear, smacking kiss, and then Betsy exclaimed, "'There, I've done it, and it didn't hurt a bit.' "'Tell me, dear brother, is the charm broken?' asked Shaggy. "'I do not know,' was the reply. "'It may be, or it may not be. I cannot tell.' "'Has anyone a match?' inquired Betsy.

"'I have several,' said Shaggy. "'Then let Ruggetto strike one of them and look at your brother's face while we all turn our backs. Ruggetto made your brother ugly, so I guess he can stand the horror of looking at him, if the charm isn't broken. Agreeing to this, Ruggetto took the match and lighted it. He gave one look, and then blew out the match. Ugly as ever, he said with a shudder. So it wasn't the kiss of a mortal maid, after all.

Let me try, proposed the rose princess in her sweet voice. I am a mortal maid who was once a fairy. Perhaps my kiss will break the charm. Files did not wholly approve of this, but he was too generous to interfere. So the rose princess felt her way through the darkness to Shaggy's brother and kissed him. Ruggetto struck another match, while they all turned away. No, announced the Farmer King. That didn't break the charm either.

It must be the kiss of a fairy that is required, or else my memory has failed me altogether. "'Polly,' said Betsy, pleadingly, "'won't you try?' "'He of course I will,' answered Polychrome with a merry laugh. "'I've never kissed a mortal man "'in all the thousands of years I've existed, "'but I'll do it, to please our faithful shaggy man, "'whose unselfish affection for his ugly brother

"'deserves to be rewarded.' "'Even as Polychrome was speaking, "'she tripped lightly to the side of the ugly one, and quickly touched his cheek with her lips oh thank you thank you he fervently cried i've changed this time i know i can feel it i'm different shaggy dear shaggy i am myself again files who was near the opening touched the spring that released the big rock and it suddenly swung backward and let in a flood of daylight everyone stood motionless staring at the opening staring at the big rock and it suddenly swung backward and let in a flood of daylight everyone stood motionless staring at hard at Shaggy's brother, who, no longer masked by the Pocoddankerchief, met their gaze with a glad smile. "'Well,' said Shaggy Man, breaking the silence at last, and drawing a long, deep breath of satisfaction, "'you are no longer the ugly one, my dear brother, but to be entirely frank with you,

the face that belongs to you is no more handsome than it ought to be. I think he's rather good-looking, remarked Betsy, gazing at the man critically. In comparison with what he was, said King Calico, he is really beautiful. You who never beheld his ugliness may not understand that, but it was my misfortune to look at the ugly one many times, and I say again that, in comparison with what he was, the man is now beautiful. All right, returned Betsy briskly. We'll take your word for it, Calico, and now let us get out of this tunnel and into the world again.

End of Chapter 22. Chapter 23 of Tick-Tock of Oz by L. Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain. chapter twenty three ruggetto reforms it did not take them long to regain the royal cavern of the nome king where calico ordered served to them the nicest refreshments the place offered rugetto had come trailing along after the rest of the party and while no one paid any attention to the old king they did not offer any objection to his presence or command him to leave them He looked fearfully to see if the eggs were still guarding the entrance, but they had now disappeared, so he crept into the cavern after the others, and humbly squatted down in a corner of the room.

There Betsy discovered him. All of the little girl's companions were now so happy at the success of Shaggy's quest for his brother, and the laughter and merriment seemed so general, that Betsy's heart softened toward the friendless old man, who had once been their bitter enemy, and she carried to him some of the food and drink. Ruggetto's eyes filled with tears at this unexpected kindness. He took the child's hand in his own, and pressed it gratefully. "'Look here, Caligo,' said Betsy, addressing the new king. "'What's the use of being so hard on Ruggetto?

All his magic power is gone, so he can't do any more harm.' and I'm sure he's sorry he acted so badly to everybody. Are you? asked Calico, looking down at his former master. I am, said Ruggetto. The girl speaks truly. I'm sorry, and I'm harmless. I don't want to wander through the wide world on top of the ground, for I'm a gnome. No gnome can never be happy any place but underground. That being the case, said Calico, I will let you stay here as long as long as I'm a gnome.

as you behave yourself, but if you try to act badly again, I shall drive you out as Tititihutu has commanded, and you'll have to wonder. "'Never fear, I'll behave,' promised Ruggetto. "'It is hard work being a king, and harder still to be a good king. But now that I am a common gnome, I am sure I can lead a blameless life.' They were all pleased to hear this, and to know that Ruggetto had really been reformed. I hope he'll keep his word," whispered Betsy to Shaggy.

But if he gets bad again, we will be far away from the Gnome kingdom, and Calico will have to tend to the old gnome himself." Polychrome had been a little restless during the last hour or two. The lovely daughter of the rainbow knew that she had now done all in her power to assist her earth friends, and so she began to long for her sky home. I think, she said after listening intently, that it is beginning to rain. The rain king is my uncle, you know, and perhaps he can read my thoughts and is going to help me. Anyway, I must take a look at the sky and make sure.

So she jumped up and ran through the passage to the outer entrance, and they all followed after her and grouped themselves on a ledge of the mountainside. Sure enough, dark clouds had filled the sky, and a slow, drizzling rain had set in. "'It can't last for long,' said Shaggy, looking upward. "'And when it stops, we shall lose the sweet little fairy we have learned to love. Alas,' he continued after a moment, "'the clouds are already breaking in the west, and see, isn't that the rainbow coming?'

Betsy didn't look at the sky. She looked at Polychrome, whose happy, smiling face surely foretold the coming of her father to take her to the cloud palaces. A moment later, a gleam of sunshine flooded the mountain, and a gorgeous rainbow appeared. With a cry of gladness, Polychrome sprang upon a point of rock and held out her arms. Straight away the rainbow descended, until its end was at her very feet, when, with a graceful leap, she sprang upon it and was at once clasped in the arms of her radiant sisters, the daughters of the rainbow. But Polychrome released herself to lean over the edge of the glowing arch and nod and smile

and throw a dozen kisses to her late comrades. Goodbye! she called, and they all shouted, goodbye, in return, and waved their hands to their pretty friend. Slowly the magnificent bow lifted and melted into the sky, until the eyes of the earnest watchers saw only fleecy clouds flitting across the blue. I'm dreadfully sorry to see Polychrome go," said Betsy, who felt like crying, but I suppose she'll be a good deal happier with her sisters in the sky palaces. To be sure, returned Shaggy, nodding gravely.

It's her home, you know. and those poor wonderers who like ourselves have no home can realize what that means to her once said betsy i too had a home now i've only only dear old hank she twined her arms around her shaggy friend who was not human and he said he ha in a tone that showed he understood her mood and the shaggy friend who was human stroked the child's head and the shaggy friend who was human stroked the child's head. tenderly, and said, "'You're wrong about that, Betsy, dear? I will never desert you.' "'Nor I!' exclaimed Shaggy's brother in earnest tones. The little girl looked up at them gratefully,

and her eyes smiled through their tears. "'All right,' she said. "'It's raining again, so let's go back into the cavern.' Rather soberly, for all loved Polychrome and would miss her, they re-entered the dominions of the gnome king. End of Chapter 23. Chapter 24 of Tick-Tacabaz by L. Frank Baum. This Librovox recording is in the public domain. Chapter 24, Dorothy is delighted. Well, said Queen Anne, when all were again seated in Calico's Royal Cavern, I wonder what we shall do next. If I could find my way back to Ugaboo, I take my army

home at once, for I am sick and tired of these dreadful hardships. Don't you want to conquer the world?' asked Betsy. "'No, I've changed my mind about that,' admitted the Queen. "'The world is too big for one person to conquer, and I was happier with my own people in Ugaboo. I wish, oh, how earnestly I wish that I was back there this minute.' "'So do I,' yelled every other. officer in a fervent tone. Now it is time for the reader to know that in the far-away land of

Oz, the lovely ruler, Osma, has been following the adventures of her shaggy man and TikTok, and all the others they had met. Day by day, Osma, with the wonderful Wizard of Oz seated beside her, had gazed upon a magic picture in a radium frame which occupied one side of the ruler's cozy boudoir in the palace of the Emerald City. The singular thing about this magic picture was that it showed what ever seen Osma wished to see with the figures all in action just as it was taking place. So Osma and the wizard had watched every action of the adventurers from the time Shaggy had met shipwrecked Betsy and Hank in the Rose Kingdom, at which time the Rose Princess,

a distant cousin of Osma, had been exiled by her heartless subjects. When Anne and her people so earnestly wished to return to Ugabu, Osma was sorry for them, and remembered that Ugabu was a corner of the land of Oz. She turned to her attendant and asked, "'Can not your magic take these unhappy people to their old home wizard?' "'It can, Your Highness,' replied the little wizard. "'I think the poor queen has suffered enough in her misguided effort to conquer the world,' said Osma. smiling at the absurdity of the undertaking, so no doubt she will hereafter be contented

in her own little kingdom. Please send her there, Wizard, and with her the officers and files. How about the Rose Princess? asked the Wizard. Send her to Ugaboo with files, answered Osma. They have become such good friends that I am sure it would make them unhappy to separate them. Very well, said the Wizard. wizard, and without any fuss or mystery whatever, he performed a magical rite that was simple

and effective. Therefore, those seated in the Gnom king's cavern were both startled and amazed, when all the people of Ugaboo suddenly disappeared from the room, and with them the rose princess. At first they did not understand it at all, but presently Shaggy suspected the truth, and believing that Osma was now taking an interest in the party, he drew from his pocket a tiny instrument which he placed against his ear. Osma, observing this action in her magic picture, at once caught up a similar instrument from a table beside her and held it to her own ear. The two instruments recorded the same delicate vibrations of sound and formed a wireless

telephone, an invention of the wizard. Those separated by any distance were thus enabled to converse together with perfect ease and without any wire connection. "'Do you hear me, Shaggy Man?' asked Asma. "'Yes, Your Highness,' he replied. "'I have sent the people of Ugaboo back to their own little valley,' announced the ruler of Oz, so do not worry over their disappearance.' "'That was very kind of you,' said Shaggy. But Your Highness must permit me to report that my own mission here is now ended.

I have found my lost brother, and he is now beside me, freed from the enchantment of ugliness, which Ruggedo cast upon him. TikTok has served me and my comrades faithfully, as you requested him to do, and I hope you will now transport the clockwork man back to your fairyland of Oz. I will do that, replied Osma. But how about yourself, Shaggy? I have been very happy in Oz, he said. But my duty to others forces me to exile myself from that delightful land.

I must take care of my newfound brother, for one thing, and I have a new comrade in a dear little girl named Betsy Bobbin, who has no home to go to, and no other friends but me, and a small donkey named Hank. I have promised Betsy never to desert her as long as she needs a friend, and so I must give up the delights of the land of Oz forever." He said this with a sigh of regret, and Asma made no reply but laid the tiny instrument on her table, thus cutting off all further communication with the shaggy man.

But the lovely ruler of Oz still watched her magic picture with a thoughtful expression upon her face, and the little Wizard of Oz watched Osma and smiled softly to himself. In the cavern of the Gnome King, Shaggy replaced the wireless telephone in his pocket, and, turning to Betsy, said in as cheerful a voice as he could muster, "'Well, little comrade, what shall we do next?' "'I don't know, I'm sure,' she answered with a puzzled face. "'I'm kind of sorry our adventures are over, for I enjoy them, And now that Queen Anne and her people are gone, and Polychrome is gone, and,

Dear me, where's Tick-Tock, Shaggy?' "'He also has disappeared,' said Shaggy, looking around the cavern and nodding wisely. By this time he is in Osmas Palace in the Land of Oz, which is his home. "'Isn't it your home, too?' asked Petsy. "'It used to be, my dear, but now my home is wherever you and my brother are.' we are wonder as you know but if we stick together i'm sure we shall have a good time then said the girl let us get out of this stuffy underground cavern and go in search of new adventures i'm sure it has stopped raining i'm ready said shaggy and then they bade good-bye to king calico and thanked him for his assistance and went out to the mouth of the passage the sky was now clear and then they bade good-bye to king calico and thanked him for his assistance and went out to the mouth of the passage the sky was now clear and and a brilliant blue in color. The sun shone brightly, and even this rugged, rocky country seemed

delightful after their confinement underground. There were but four of them now, Betsy and Hank and Shaggy and his brother, and the little party made their way down the mountain, and followed a faint path that led toward the southwest. During this time, Osma had been holding a conference with the wizard, and later with Tick-Tock, whom the magic of the wizard, had quickly transported to Osma's palace. Tick-Tock had only words of praise for Betsy Bobbin, who, he said, is almost as nice as Dorothi herself. Let us send for Dorothy, said Asma,

and summoning her favorite maid, who was named Jelyajam, she asked her to request Princess Dorothy to attend her at once. So a few moments later, Dorothy entered Osma's room, and greeted her at the wizard and TikTok with the same gentle smile and simple manner that had one for the little girl the love of every one she met. "'Did you want to see me, Asma?' she asked. "'Yes, dear. I am puzzled how to act, and I want your advice.' "'I don't believe it's worth much,' replied Dorothy, "'but I'll do the best I can. What is it all about, Osma?'

"'You all know,' said the girl ruler, addressing. her three friends. What a serious thing it is to admit any mortals into this fairyland of Oz. It is true I have invited several mortals to make their home here, and all of them have proved true and loyal subjects. Indeed, no one of you three was a native of Oz. Dorothy and the wizard came here from the United States, and Tick-Tock came from the land of Ev. But of course he is not a mortal. Shaggy is another American, and he is the cause of all my worry, for our dear Shaggy will not return here and desert the new friends he has found in his recent adventures, because he believes they need his services.

Shaggy Man was always kind-hearted, remarked Dorothy. But who are these new friends he has found? One is his brother, who for many years has been a prisoner of the gnome king, our old enemy Ruggetto. This brother seems a kindly, honest fellow, but he has done nothing to entitle him to a home in the land of Oz. Who else? asked Dorothy. I have told you about Betsy Bobbin, the little girl who was shipwrecked, in much the same way you once were,

and has since been following the shaggy man in his search for his lost brother. You remember her, do you not? Oh, yes! exclaimed. Dorothy. I've often watched her and Hank in the magic picture, you know. She's a dear little girl, and old Hank is a darling. Where are they now? Look and see, replied Osma, with a smile at her friend's enthusiasm. Dorothy turned to the picture which showed Betsy and Hank with Shaggy and his brother, trudging along the rocky paths of a barren country. Seems to me, she said musingly, that they're a good one.

good way from any place to sleep, or any nice things to eat. You are right, said Tick-Tock. I have been in that country, and it is a wilderness. It is the country of the gnomes, explained the wizard, who are so mischievous that no one cares to live near them. I'm afraid Shaggy and his friends will endure many hardships before they get out of that rocky place unless—he turned to Osma and smote. "'Unless I ask you to transport them all here?' she asked.

"'Yes, Your Highness.' "'Could your magic do that?' inquired Dorothy. "'I think so,' said the wizard. "'Well,' said Dorothy, "'as far as Betsy and Hank are concerned, "'I'd like to have them here in Oz. "'It would be such fun to have a girl playmate of my own age, you see, "'and Hank is such a dear little mule.'

Osma laughed at the wistful expression in the girl's eyes, and then she drew Dorothy to her and kissed her. "'Am I not your friend and playmate?' she asked. Dorothy flushed. "'You know how dearly I love you, Osma,' she cried. "'But you're so busy ruling all this land of Oz that we can't always be together.' "'I know, dear. My first duty is to my subjects, and I think it would be be a delight to us all to have Betsy with us. There's a pretty suite of rooms, just opposite your own where she can live, and I'll build a golden stall for Hank in the stable where the

saw-horse lives. Then we'll introduce the mule to the cowardly lion and the hungry tiger, and I'm sure they will soon become firm friends. But I cannot very well admit Betsy and Hank into Oz unless I also admit Shaggy's brother. And unless you admit Shaggy's brother, you will keep out poor Shaggy, whom we are all fond of, said the wizard. Well, why not admit him? demanded Tick-Tock. The land of Oz is not a refuge for all mortals in distress, explained Osma. I do not wish to be unkind to Shaggy, man, but his brother has no claim on me.

"'The land of Oz isn't crowded,' suggested Dorothy. "'Then you advise me to admit Shaggy's brother?' inquired Asma. "'Well, we can't afford to lose our Shaggy man, can we?' "'No, indeed,' remarked Asma. "'What do you say, wizard?' "'I'm getting my magic ready to transport them all.' "'And you, Tick-Tock?' "'Shaggy's brother is a good fellow-o.

O, and we can't spare shaggy." So then the question is settled, decided Asma. Perform your magic wizard. He did so, placing a silver plate upon a small standard and pouring upon the plate a small quantity of pink powder which was contained in a crystal vial. Then he muttered a rather difficult incantation which the sorceress Glenda the good had taught him, and it all ended in a puff of perfume smoke from the silver plate. This smoke was so pungent that it made both Osma and Dorothy rubbed their eyes for a moment.

You must pardon these disagreeable fumes, said the wizard. I assure you the smoke is a very necessary part of my wizardry. Look! cried Dorothy, pointing to the magic picture. They're gone. All of them are gone. Indeed, the picture now showed the same rocky landscape as before, but the three people and the mule had disappeared from it. "'They are gone,' said the wizard, polishing the silver plate and wrapping it in a fine cloth, because they are here.

At that moment Jellia Jam entered the room. "'Your Highness,' she said to Asma, "'the shaggy man and another man are in the waiting-room, and ask to pay their respects to you. Shaggy is crying like a baby, but he says they are tears of joy. Send them here at once, Jelia, commanded Asma. Also, continued the maid,

a girl and a small-sized mule have mysteriously arrived, but they don't seem to know where they are or how they got here. Shall I send them here, too? Oh, no, exclaimed Dorothy. eagerly jumping up from her chair. I'll go meet Betsy myself, for she'll feel awful strange in this big palace. And she ran down the stairs two at a time to greet her new friend Betsy Bobbin. End of Chapter 24. Chapter 25 of Tick-Tacabazz by L. Frank Baum. This Libravox recording is in the public domain.

Chapter 25. The Land of Love. Well, is he-haw all you are able to say? inquired the saw-horse, as he examined Hank with his knot-eyes, and slowly wagged the branch that served him for a tail. They were in a beautiful stable in the rear of Osmas Palace, where the wooden saw-horse, very much alive, lived in a gold-panelled stall, and where there were rooms for the cowardly lion and the hungry tiger, which were filled with saw-horshaw-and-and-were-tire. cushions for them to lie upon, and golden troughs for them to eat from.

Beside the stall of the saw-horse had been placed another for Hank the mule. This was not quite so beautiful as the other, for the saw-horse was Osma's favorite steed, but Hank had a supply of cushions for a bed, which the saw-horse did not need because he never slept, and all this luxury was so strange to the little mule that he could only stand still. and regard his surroundings and his queer companions with wonder and amazement. The cowardly line, looking very dignified, was stretched out upon the marble floor of the stable, eyeing Hank with a calm and critical gaze, while nearby crouched the huge hungry tiger, who seemed equally interested in the new animal that had just arrived.

The saw-horse, standing stiffly before Hank, repeated his question. Is he-ha all you are able to say?" Hank moved his ears in an embarrassed manner. "'I've never said anything else until now,' he replied, and then he began to tremble with fright to hear himself talk. "'I can well understand that,' remarked the lion, wagging his great head with a swaying motion. Strange things happen in this land of Oz, as they do in. everywhere else.

"'I believe you came here from the cold, civilized outside world. Did you not?' "'I did,' replied Hank. "'One minute I was outside of Oz, and the next minute I was inside. That was enough to give me a nervous shock, as you may guess. But to find myself able to talk, as Betsy does, is a marble that staggers me.' "'That is because you are in the land of Oz,' said the Saha. horse. All animals talk in this favorite country, and you must admit it is more sociable than

to bray your dreadful he-haw, which nobody can understand." "'Mules understand it very well,' declared Hank. "'Oh, indeed. Then there must be other mules in the outside world,' said the tiger, yawning sleepily. "'There are a great many in America,' said Hank. "'Are you the only tiger in Oz?' no acknowledged the tiger i have many relatives living in the jungle country but i am the only tiger living in the emerald city there are other lions too said the saw-horse but i am the only horse of any description in this favored land

that is why this land is favored said the tiger you must understand friend hank that the saw-horse puts on airs because he is shod with plates of gold and because our beloved ruler osb of oz likes to ride upon his back "'Betsey rides upon my back,' declared Hank proudly. "'Who is Betsy?' "'The dearest, sweetest girl in all the world.' The saw-horse gave an angry snort and stamped his golden feet. The tiger crouched and growled. Slowly the great lion rose to his feet, his mane bristling. "'Friend Hank,' said he,

either you are mistaken in judgment, or you are willfully trying to deceive us. The dearest, sweetest girl in the world is our Dorothy, and I will fight anyone, animal or human, who dares to deny it. So will I, snarl the tiger, showing two rows of enormous white teeth. You are all wrong, asserted the saw-horse in a voice of scorn, no girl living can compare with my mistress ozma of oz hank slowly turned around until his heels were toward the others then he said stubbornly i am not mistaken in my statement nor will i admit that there can be a sweeter girl alive than betsy bobbin if you want to fight come on i'm ready for you while they hesitated eyeing hank's heels doubtfully a merry peal of laughter startled the animals and turning their heads they beheld three lovely girls standing just within the richly carved entrance to the stable

in the center was osma her arms encircling the waists of dorothy and betsy who stood on either side of her osma was nearly half a head taller than the two other girls who were almost of one of her ozma was nearly half a head taller than the two other girls who were almost of one size unobserved they had listened to the talk of the animals which was a very strange experience indeed to little betsy bobbin you foolish beasts exclaimed the ruler of oz in a gentle but chiding voice why should you fight to defend us who were all three loving friends and in no sense rivals answer me she continued as they bowed their heads sheepishly i have the right to express my opinion your highness pleaded the lion and so have the others replied osma i am glad you and the hungry tiger love dorothy best for she was your first friend and companion also i am pleased that my saw-horse loves me best for together we have endured both joy and and sorrow. Hank has proved his faith and loyalty by defending his own little mistress, and so you are all right in one way, but wrong in another. Our land of Oz as a land of love, and here friendship outranks every other quality. Unless you can all be friends, you cannot retain our

love.' They accepted this rebuke very meekly. "'All right,' said the saw-horse quite cheerfully. Hoose, friend, Mule?" Hank touched his hoof to that of the wooden horse. "'Let us be friends and rubbed noses,' said the tiger. So Hank modestly rubbed noses with the big beast. The lion merely nodded and said as he crouched before the mule, "'Any friend of a friend of our beloved ruler is a friend of the cowardly lion.

That seems to cover your case. If ever you need help or advice, friend Hank, call on me. Why, this is as it should be, said Osma, highly pleased to see them so fully reconciled. Then she turned to her companions. Come, my dears, let us resume our walk. As they turned away, Betsy said wonderingly, Do all the animals in Oz talk as we do?

Almost all, answered Dorothy. There's a yellow hen here, and she can talk, and so can her chickens. and there's a pink kitten upstairs in my room who talks very nicely, but I have a little fuzzy black dog named Toto, who has been with me in Oz a long time, and he's never said a single word but bow-wow. Do you know why? asked Asma. Why, he's a Kansas dog, so I suppose he's different from these fairy animals, replied Dorothy. Hank isn't a fairy animal any more than Toto.

said Osma. Yet as soon as he came under the spell of our fairyland, he found he could talk. It was the same way with Belina, the yellow hen, whom you brought here at one time. The same spell has affected Toto, I assure you. But he's a wise little dog, and while he knows everything that is said to him,

he prefers not to talk. Goodness me! exclaimed Dorothy. I never expected Toto was fooling me all this time. Then she drew a small silver whistle from her pocket and blew a shrill note upon it. A moment later there was a sound of scurrying footsteps, and a shaggy black dog came running up the path. Dorothy knelt down before him, and shaking her finger just above his nose, she said, Toto, haven't I always been good to you?

Toto looked up at her with his bright black eyes and wagged his tail. "'Bow-Wow!' he said. And Betsy knew it once that meant yes, as well as Dorothy and Osmond knew it, for there was no mistake in the tone of Toto's voice. "'That's a dog answer,' said Dorothy. "'How would you like it, Toto, if I said nothing to you but bow-wow?' Toto's tail was wagging furiously now, but on the other. Otherwise, he was silent.

Really, Dorothy, said Betsy. He can talk with his bark and his tail just as well as we can. Don't you understand such dog language? Of course I do, replied Dorothy, but Toto's got to be more sociable. See here, sir, she continued, addressing the dog. I've just learned for the first time that you can say words if you want to. Don't you want to, Toto? "'Woof!' said Toto, and that meant no.

"'Just one word, Toto, to prove you're as any other animal in Oz.' "'Woof! Just one word, Toto, and then you may run away.' He looked at her steadily a moment. "'All right, here I go,' he said, and darted away as swift as an arrow. Dorothy clasped her hands in delight, while Betsy and Osma both laughed heartily at her pleasure, and the success of her experiment. Arm in arm they sauntered away through the beautiful gardens of the palace, where magnificent flowers bloomed in abundance, and fountains shot their silvery sprays far into the air.

And by and by as they turned a corner, they came upon shaggy man and his brother, who were seated together upon a golden bench. The two arose to bow respectfully as the ruler of Oz approached them. How are you enjoying our land of Oz? Asma asked the stranger. I am very happy here, Your Highness, replied Shaggy's brother. Also, I am very grateful to you for permitting me to live in this delightful place. You must thank Shaggy for that, said Asma. Being his brother, I have made you welcome.

welcome here when you know brother better said shaggy earnestly you will be glad he has become one of your loyal subjects i am just getting acquainted with him myself and i find much in his character to admire leaving the brothers ozma and the girls continued their walk presently betsy exclaimed shaggy's brother can't ever be as happy in oz as i am do you know dorothy i didn't believe any girl could ever have such a good time anywhere as i'm having now i know answered dorothy i felt that way myself lots of times i wish continued betsy dreamily that every little girl in the world could live in the land of oz and every little boy too osma laughed at this it is quite fortunate for us betsy that your wish cannot be granted said she for all that army of girls and boys would crowd us so that we would have to move away yes agreed betsy after a little thought i guess that's true end of chapter twenty five end of tit-tock of oz by l frank balm thank you for listening