The Wizard of Oz: text version · Knownstep Stories

Name: The Wizard of Oz
Author: L. Frank Baum

Dorothy lived in the middle of the great Kansas prairies, in a one-room house with Uncle Henry and Aunt Em. From the doorway she could see nothing but flat gray land reaching to the sky on every side. The sun had baked the earth, burned the grass and blistered the paint until everything was gray.

1Dorothy lived in the middle of the great Kansas prairies, in a one-room house with Uncle Henry and Aunt Em. From the doorway she could see nothing but flat gray land reaching to the sky on every side. The sun had baked the earth, burned the grass and blistered the paint until everything was gray.

The sun and wind had made Aunt Em gray, thin and gaunt; she never smiled, and still wondered what Dorothy could find to laugh at. Uncle Henry was gray from his long beard to his rough boots. He worked from morning till night, rarely spoke, and never laughed.

2The sun and wind had made Aunt Em gray, thin and gaunt; she never smiled, and still wondered what Dorothy could find to laugh at. Uncle Henry was gray from his long beard to his rough boots. He worked from morning till night, rarely spoke, and never laughed.

It was Toto who made Dorothy laugh and saved her from growing as gray as everything around her. He was not gray at all, but a little black dog with silky hair and merry twinkling eyes. Toto played all day long, and Dorothy played with him and loved him dearly.

3It was Toto who made Dorothy laugh and saved her from growing as gray as everything around her. He was not gray at all, but a little black dog with silky hair and merry twinkling eyes. Toto played all day long, and Dorothy played with him and loved him dearly.

One day the sky turned grayer than ever. A low wail came from the north and a sharp whistle from the south, and the long grass rippled in waves from both sides. “There’s a cyclone coming, Em,” Uncle Henry called, and he ran off to see to the cows and horses.

4One day the sky turned grayer than ever. A low wail came from the north and a sharp whistle from the south, and the long grass rippled in waves from both sides. “There’s a cyclone coming, Em,” Uncle Henry called, and he ran off to see to the cows and horses.

“Quick, Dorothy! Run for the cellar!” Aunt Em screamed. She threw open the trap door and climbed down the ladder into the small dark hole. But Toto jumped from Dorothy’s arms and hid under the bed, and the girl scrambled after him.

5“Quick, Dorothy! Run for the cellar!” Aunt Em screamed. She threw open the trap door and climbed down the ladder into the small dark hole. But Toto jumped from Dorothy’s arms and hid under the bed, and the girl scrambled after him.

Dorothy had just caught Toto when the wind gave a great shriek, and the house shook so hard that she sat down upon the floor. Then the house whirled around two or three times and rose slowly into the air, carried up to the very top of the cyclone as easily as a feather.

6Dorothy had just caught Toto when the wind gave a great shriek, and the house shook so hard that she sat down upon the floor. Then the house whirled around two or three times and rose slowly into the air, carried up to the very top of the cyclone as easily as a feather.

Toto ran about barking, and once he fell through the open trap door. Dorothy thought she had lost him, until she saw one ear sticking up through the hole, for the rushing air held him up. She crept over, dragged him back by the ear, and shut the trap door tight.

7Toto ran about barking, and once he fell through the open trap door. Dorothy thought she had lost him, until she saw one ear sticking up through the hole, for the rushing air held him up. She crept over, dragged him back by the ear, and shut the trap door tight.

Hour after hour passed while the wind shrieked, and slowly Dorothy got over her fright and resolved to wait calmly and see what would happen. At last she crawled across the swaying floor to her bed, Toto lay down beside her, and in spite of the storm she fell fast asleep.

8Hour after hour passed while the wind shrieked, and slowly Dorothy got over her fright and resolved to wait calmly and see what would happen. At last she crawled across the swaying floor to her bed, Toto lay down beside her, and in spite of the storm she fell fast asleep.

A sudden bump woke Dorothy, and the house stood still in bright sunshine. With Toto at her heels she ran and opened the door, and cried out in wonder: outside lay green grass, trees heavy with fruit, banks of flowers, birds of brilliant feathers and a sparkling little brook.

9A sudden bump woke Dorothy, and the house stood still in bright sunshine. With Toto at her heels she ran and opened the door, and cried out in wonder: outside lay green grass, trees heavy with fruit, banks of flowers, birds of brilliant feathers and a sparkling little brook.

Toward her came the queerest people: three men in blue, with pointed hats ringed with tinkling bells, and a little old woman in a white gown sprinkled with stars. She bowed low. "You are welcome, most noble Sorceress, to the land of the Munchkins," she said, thanking Dorothy for killing the Wicked Witch of the East.

10Toward her came the queerest people: three men in blue, with pointed hats ringed with tinkling bells, and a little old woman in a white gown sprinkled with stars. She bowed low. "You are welcome, most noble Sorceress, to the land of the Munchkins," she said, thanking Dorothy for killing the Wicked Witch of the East.

"Your house did, anyway," laughed the little woman, pointing. Under the corner of the house, two feet in silver shoes with pointed toes stuck out. She was the Witch of the North, she said, one of two good witches; the wicked ones ruled East and West, and Oz the Great Wizard ruled them all from the City of Emeralds.

11"Your house did, anyway," laughed the little woman, pointing. Under the corner of the house, two feet in silver shoes with pointed toes stuck out. She was the Witch of the North, she said, one of two good witches; the wicked ones ruled East and West, and Oz the Great Wizard ruled them all from the City of Emeralds.

Suddenly the Munchkins shouted and pointed: the Wicked Witch had dried up in the sun, and nothing was left but the silver shoes. The Witch of the North shook out the dust and handed them to Dorothy. "The silver shoes are yours," she said. The Munchkins added that some charm went with them, though none knew what.

12Suddenly the Munchkins shouted and pointed: the Wicked Witch had dried up in the sun, and nothing was left but the silver shoes. The Witch of the North shook out the dust and handed them to Dorothy. "The silver shoes are yours," she said. The Munchkins added that some charm went with them, though none knew what.

Dorothy begged to be shown the way home to Kansas, but the Munchkins and the Witch shook their heads: a great desert, too deadly to cross, ringed the whole Land of Oz. "I'm afraid, my dear, you will have to live with us." Dorothy began to sob, and the kind Munchkins pulled out handkerchiefs and wept with her.

13Dorothy begged to be shown the way home to Kansas, but the Munchkins and the Witch shook their heads: a great desert, too deadly to cross, ringed the whole Land of Oz. "I'm afraid, my dear, you will have to live with us." Dorothy began to sob, and the kind Munchkins pulled out handkerchiefs and wept with her.

The little old woman took off her cap, balanced its point on the end of her nose and counted "One, two, three" solemnly. At once the cap became a slate, and in big white chalk it said: LET DOROTHY GO TO THE CITY OF EMERALDS. Perhaps Oz would help her.

14The little old woman took off her cap, balanced its point on the end of her nose and counted "One, two, three" solemnly. At once the cap became a slate, and in big white chalk it said: LET DOROTHY GO TO THE CITY OF EMERALDS. Perhaps Oz would help her.

Oz's city lay at the very center of the land, reached on foot along a road of yellow brick. The Witch could not go with her, but she gave Dorothy her kiss, for no one would dare harm someone kissed by the Witch of the North. Where her lips touched, they left a round, shining mark.

15Oz's city lay at the very center of the land, reached on foot along a road of yellow brick. The Witch could not go with her, but she gave Dorothy her kiss, for no one would dare harm someone kissed by the Witch of the North. Where her lips touched, they left a round, shining mark.

The Munchkins bowed and walked away through the trees. The Witch gave a friendly nod, whirled three times on her left heel and was gone. Toto, who had not dared even to growl while she stood by, barked loudly after her, but Dorothy, knowing her for a witch, was not surprised at all.

16The Munchkins bowed and walked away through the trees. The Witch gave a friendly nod, whirled three times on her left heel and was gone. Toto, who had not dared even to growl while she stood by, barked loudly after her, but Dorothy, knowing her for a witch, was not surprised at all.

When Dorothy was alone she ate bread and butter and fresh fruit with Toto, then put on her clean blue-and-white gingham dress and her pink sunbonnet. Her old shoes were worn thin, but the silver shoes of the Witch of the East lay on the table. She tried them on, and they fitted as if made for her.

17When Dorothy was alone she ate bread and butter and fresh fruit with Toto, then put on her clean blue-and-white gingham dress and her pink sunbonnet. Her old shoes were worn thin, but the silver shoes of the Witch of the East lay on the table. She tried them on, and they fitted as if made for her.

She locked the door, pocketed the key, and set off with Toto along the road of yellow brick, her silver shoes tinkling merrily. Neat blue fences lined the way, and the round, blue-domed houses stood among rich fields. Everywhere the Munchkins came out and bowed low, for they knew she had freed them from the Wicked Witch.

18She locked the door, pocketed the key, and set off with Toto along the road of yellow brick, her silver shoes tinkling merrily. Neat blue fences lined the way, and the round, blue-domed houses stood among rich fields. Everywhere the Munchkins came out and bowed low, for they knew she had freed them from the Wicked Witch.

At evening she reached the house of Boq, the richest Munchkin, where fiddlers played and everyone feasted to celebrate their freedom. Seeing her silver shoes and the white in her frock, Boq decided she must be a sorceress. "Blue is the color of the Munchkins, and white is the witch color," he said. "So we know you are a friendly witch."

19At evening she reached the house of Boq, the richest Munchkin, where fiddlers played and everyone feasted to celebrate their freedom. Seeing her silver shoes and the white in her frock, Boq decided she must be a sorceress. "Blue is the color of the Munchkins, and white is the witch color," he said. "So we know you are a friendly witch."

Next morning Boq warned her the way to the Emerald City was long and dangerous, but Dorothy would not turn back. Resting on a fence beside a great cornfield, she gazed at a Scarecrow perched high on a pole, and was astonished to see one painted eye slowly wink at her.

20Next morning Boq warned her the way to the Emerald City was long and dangerous, but Dorothy would not turn back. Resting on a fence beside a great cornfield, she gazed at a Scarecrow perched high on a pole, and was astonished to see one painted eye slowly wink at her.

"Good day," said the Scarecrow in a husky voice, and he explained that the pole was stuck up his back. Dorothy reached up both arms and lifted him down, for being stuffed with straw he was quite light. "Thank you very much," he said, stretching. "I feel like a new man."

21"Good day," said the Scarecrow in a husky voice, and he explained that the pole was stuck up his back. Dorothy reached up both arms and lifted him down, for being stuffed with straw he was quite light. "Thank you very much," he said, stretching. "I feel like a new man."

When Dorothy spoke of the Emerald City and the Great Oz, he had never heard of either. "I don't know anything. You see, I am stuffed, so I have no brains at all," he said sadly. Sorry for him, Dorothy invited him to come along and ask Oz for some brains.

22When Dorothy spoke of the Emerald City and the Great Oz, he had never heard of either. "I don't know anything. You see, I am stuffed, so I have no brains at all," he said sadly. Sorry for him, Dorothy invited him to come along and ask Oz for some brains.

Carrying her basket, the Scarecrow confided that he feared only one thing in the world: a lighted match. Soon the road grew rough, the yellow bricks broken or missing. Toto jumped the holes and Dorothy walked around them, but the Scarecrow stepped straight in and fell flat, laughing merrily at his own mishap as she set him on his feet.

23Carrying her basket, the Scarecrow confided that he feared only one thing in the world: a lighted match. Soon the road grew rough, the yellow bricks broken or missing. Toto jumped the holes and Dorothy walked around them, but the Scarecrow stepped straight in and fell flat, laughing merrily at his own mishap as she set him on his feet.

At noon they rested by a brook. The Scarecrow could not eat, and he could not see why she longed for gray Kansas. "There is no place like home," Dorothy told him. Made only two days before, he had just one tale to share: an old crow had told him brains are the only thing worth having.

24At noon they rested by a brook. The Scarecrow could not eat, and he could not see why she longed for gray Kansas. "There is no place like home," Dorothy told him. Made only two days before, he had just one tale to share: an old crow had told him brains are the only thing worth having.

Toward evening the road led into a great forest so dark that Dorothy could not see, so she held the Scarecrow's arm. He spied a little log cottage, and there she lay down on a bed of dried leaves and fell asleep with Toto beside her, while the Scarecrow, who never grew tired, stood patiently in the corner until morning.

25Toward evening the road led into a great forest so dark that Dorothy could not see, so she held the Scarecrow's arm. He spied a little log cottage, and there she lay down on a bed of dried leaves and fell asleep with Toto beside her, while the Scarecrow, who never grew tired, stood patiently in the corner until morning.

After a quick breakfast and a wash at a clear forest spring, Dorothy was about to return to the yellow brick road when a deep groan came from the trees behind them. "What was that?" she asked timidly.

26After a quick breakfast and a wash at a clear forest spring, Dorothy was about to return to the yellow brick road when a deep groan came from the trees behind them. "What was that?" she asked timidly.

Following the sound, they found a man made entirely of tin standing beside a half-chopped tree with his axe raised, unable to move a joint. Toto snapped at the tin legs and hurt his teeth. "I've been groaning for more than a year," said the tin man, "and no one has ever heard me before."

27Following the sound, they found a man made entirely of tin standing beside a half-chopped tree with his axe raised, unable to move a joint. Toto snapped at the tin legs and hurt his teeth. "I've been groaning for more than a year," said the tin man, "and no one has ever heard me before."

He asked for the oil-can from his cottage, so Dorothy ran back and fetched it. First she oiled his badly rusted neck, while the Scarecrow gently turned the tin head from side to side until it moved freely on its own.

28He asked for the oil-can from his cottage, so Dorothy ran back and fetched it. First she oiled his badly rusted neck, while the Scarecrow gently turned the tin head from side to side until it moved freely on its own.

They oiled his arms, and with a sigh he lowered the axe at last; then they oiled his legs until he could walk. Thankful, he heard they were going to the Great Oz. "Do you suppose Oz could give me a heart?" he asked, and they gladly let him join them.

29They oiled his arms, and with a sigh he lowered the axe at last; then they oiled his legs until he could walk. Thankful, he heard they were going to the Great Oz. "Do you suppose Oz could give me a heart?" he asked, and they gladly let him join them.

Back on the yellow brick road, it was lucky to have their new friend along. Branches soon grew so thick across the road that no one could pass, but the Tin Woodman set to work with his axe and soon cut a path for everyone.

30Back on the yellow brick road, it was lucky to have their new friend along. Branches soon grew so thick across the road that no one could pass, but the Tin Woodman set to work with his axe and soon cut a path for everyone.

As they walked, he told his story. Once he had been a Munchkin woodman who loved a pretty Munchkin girl, but the Wicked Witch of the East enchanted his axe, and it cut away his body bit by bit. Each time a tinsmith made him a new tin part, until he was all tin and had no heart left to love her.

31As they walked, he told his story. Once he had been a Munchkin woodman who loved a pretty Munchkin girl, but the Wicked Witch of the East enchanted his axe, and it cut away his body bit by bit. Each time a tinsmith made him a new tin part, until he was all tin and had no heart left to love her.

"All the same, I shall ask for brains," said the Scarecrow, "for a fool would not know what to do with a heart." "I shall take the heart," said the Woodman, "for brains do not make one happy." Dorothy could not tell which friend was right; she only longed to get home to Kansas and Aunt Em.

32"All the same, I shall ask for brains," said the Scarecrow, "for a fool would not know what to do with a heart." "I shall take the heart," said the Woodman, "for brains do not make one happy." Dorothy could not tell which friend was right; she only longed to get home to Kansas and Aunt Em.

The yellow brick road led on through deep, gloomy woods, its bricks buried under dead leaves and branches. Now and then a deep growl rumbled from among the trees. Dorothy's heart beat fast, and Toto, who knew what made such sounds, crept close to her side without even barking.

33The yellow brick road led on through deep, gloomy woods, its bricks buried under dead leaves and branches. Now and then a deep growl rumbled from among the trees. Dorothy's heart beat fast, and Toto, who knew what made such sounds, crept close to her side without even barking.

Suddenly a terrible roar shook the forest, and a great Lion bounded into the road. With one blow of his paw he sent the Scarecrow spinning over and over to the roadside, then struck at the Tin Woodman, who toppled into the road and lay still.

34Suddenly a terrible roar shook the forest, and a great Lion bounded into the road. With one blow of his paw he sent the Scarecrow spinning over and over to the roadside, then struck at the Tin Woodman, who toppled into the road and lay still.

Little Toto ran barking at the Lion, and the great beast opened his jaws to bite him. Heedless of danger, Dorothy rushed forward and slapped the Lion on the nose as hard as she could. "You are nothing but a big coward," she cried.

35Little Toto ran barking at the Lion, and the great beast opened his jaws to bite him. Heedless of danger, Dorothy rushed forward and slapped the Lion on the nose as hard as she could. "You are nothing but a big coward," she cried.

"I know it," said the Lion, hanging his head. He confessed that he had always been a coward; he roared only so that every creature would run away before he had to. Wiping a tear with the tip of his tail, he said his heart beat fast whenever there was danger.

36"I know it," said the Lion, hanging his head. He confessed that he had always been a coward; he roared only so that every creature would run away before he had to. Wiping a tear with the tip of his tail, he said his heart beat fast whenever there was danger.

When he heard the friends were going to ask the Great Oz for brains, a heart and a way home, the Lion asked to come along and beg for courage. So the little company set off again. Toto was wary of his new comrade at first, but before long he and the Lion were good friends.

37When he heard the friends were going to ask the Great Oz for brains, a heart and a way home, the Lion asked to come along and beg for courage. So the little company set off again. Toto was wary of his new comrade at first, but before long he and the Lion were good friends.

Later the Tin Woodman stepped on a beetle by accident and wept for it, and his tears rusted his jaws shut. He could only wave his arms helplessly until the Scarecrow grabbed the oil-can and oiled his jaws. After that he walked very carefully, stepping over even the tiniest ant.

38Later the Tin Woodman stepped on a beetle by accident and wept for it, and his tears rusted his jaws shut. He could only wave his arms helplessly until the Scarecrow grabbed the oil-can and oiled his jaws. After that he walked very carefully, stepping over even the tiniest ant.

With no houses near, the travelers camped under a great tree. The Tin Woodman chopped a pile of wood, and Dorothy built a splendid fire. The Scarecrow kept well back from the flames, for fear a spark would catch his straw, and clumsily filled her basket with nuts, dropping almost as many as he picked.

39With no houses near, the travelers camped under a great tree. The Tin Woodman chopped a pile of wood, and Dorothy built a splendid fire. The Scarecrow kept well back from the flames, for fear a spark would catch his straw, and clumsily filled her basket with nuts, dropping almost as many as he picked.

Next morning a great ditch with jagged rocks at the bottom cut across the road. The Lion crouched and sprang across, the Scarecrow first, then Dorothy holding Toto, then the Tin Woodman, until he panted like a tired dog. "That isn't the way we Lions do these things," he had said when asked why he didn't run first.

40Next morning a great ditch with jagged rocks at the bottom cut across the road. The Lion crouched and sprang across, the Scarecrow first, then Dorothy holding Toto, then the Tin Woodman, until he panted like a tired dog. "That isn't the way we Lions do these things," he had said when asked why he didn't run first.

Deeper in the gloomy wood, where the Lion whispered that the dreadful Kalidahs lived, a second gulf blocked the way, far too wide to leap. The Scarecrow had an idea, so the Tin Woodman chopped a tall tree nearly through, and the Lion pushed it over with a crash to make a bridge.

41Deeper in the gloomy wood, where the Lion whispered that the dreadful Kalidahs lived, a second gulf blocked the way, far too wide to leap. The Scarecrow had an idea, so the Tin Woodman chopped a tall tree nearly through, and the Lion pushed it over with a crash to make a bridge.

They had just begun to cross the queer bridge when a sharp growl rang out. Two great beasts with bodies like bears and heads like tigers came charging out of the trees. "They are the Kalidahs!" cried the trembling Lion, and Dorothy hurried over the trunk first with Toto clutched tight.

42They had just begun to cross the queer bridge when a sharp growl rang out. Two great beasts with bodies like bears and heads like tigers came charging out of the trees. "They are the Kalidahs!" cried the trembling Lion, and Dorothy hurried over the trunk first with Toto clutched tight.

Though he was terribly afraid, the Lion turned to face the beasts and gave so loud and terrible a roar that Dorothy screamed and the Scarecrow tumbled over backward. Even the Kalidahs stopped short in surprise, but seeing there were two of them and only one Lion, they rushed on and began to cross the tree.

43Though he was terribly afraid, the Lion turned to face the beasts and gave so loud and terrible a roar that Dorothy screamed and the Scarecrow tumbled over backward. Even the Kalidahs stopped short in surprise, but seeing there were two of them and only one Lion, they rushed on and began to cross the tree.

"Wait a minute!" called the Scarecrow, and asked the Woodman to chop away their end of the tree. Just as the Kalidahs were nearly across, the trunk fell into the gulf, carrying the snarling brutes down to the rocks far below. "My heart is beating yet," sighed the Lion. "I wish I had a heart to beat," said the Woodman.

44"Wait a minute!" called the Scarecrow, and asked the Woodman to chop away their end of the tree. Just as the Kalidahs were nearly across, the trunk fell into the gulf, carrying the snarling brutes down to the rocks far below. "My heart is beating yet," sighed the Lion. "I wish I had a heart to beat," said the Woodman.

Eager to leave the forest, they hurried on until they reached a broad, swift river, with a lovely country of flowers and fruit trees on the far side. The Woodman began building a raft while Dorothy ate ripe fruit the Scarecrow found. Night fell before the raft was done, and Dorothy dreamed of the Emerald City and the good Wizard who would send her home.

45Eager to leave the forest, they hurried on until they reached a broad, swift river, with a lovely country of flowers and fruit trees on the far side. The Woodman began building a raft while Dorothy ate ripe fruit the Scarecrow found. Night fell before the raft was done, and Dorothy dreamed of the Emerald City and the good Wizard who would send her home.

The travelers set off across the broad river on the Tin Woodman's raft, but the swift current swept them far downstream. The Scarecrow pushed so hard that his pole stuck fast in the mud, and the raft rushed on without him. "Good-bye!" he called, left clinging to his pole in the middle of the river.

46The travelers set off across the broad river on the Tin Woodman's raft, but the swift current swept them far downstream. The Scarecrow pushed so hard that his pole stuck fast in the mud, and the raft rushed on without him. "Good-bye!" he called, left clinging to his pole in the middle of the river.

"I think I can swim to the shore and pull the raft after me," said the Lion. He sprang into the water, the Tin Woodman held fast to his tail, and the great beast swam with all his might. At last they were drawn out of the current, and Dorothy pushed with a pole until they reached the land.

47"I think I can swim to the shore and pull the raft after me," said the Lion. He sprang into the water, the Tin Woodman held fast to his tail, and the great beast swam with all his might. At last they were drawn out of the current, and Dorothy pushed with a pole until they reached the land.

After a long walk back along the bank, they found the Scarecrow still perched sadly on his pole. A kind Stork stopped to help. "He isn't heavy a bit, for he is stuffed with straw," Dorothy told her eagerly, and the big bird flew out, grabbed the Scarecrow by the arm and carried him back to his friends.

48After a long walk back along the bank, they found the Scarecrow still perched sadly on his pole. A kind Stork stopped to help. "He isn't heavy a bit, for he is stuffed with straw," Dorothy told her eagerly, and the big bird flew out, grabbed the Scarecrow by the arm and carried him back to his friends.

The happy Scarecrow hugged everyone and sang "Tol-de-ri-de-oh!" at every step, and the Stork flew home to her babies. Soon the flowers grew so thick that the ground was carpeted with scarlet poppies. "Aren't they beautiful?" Dorothy asked, breathing their spicy scent, not knowing that their perfume could put anyone to sleep forever.

49The happy Scarecrow hugged everyone and sang "Tol-de-ri-de-oh!" at every step, and the Stork flew home to her babies. Soon the flowers grew so thick that the ground was carpeted with scarlet poppies. "Aren't they beautiful?" Dorothy asked, breathing their spicy scent, not knowing that their perfume could put anyone to sleep forever.

Dorothy's eyes grew heavy. She kept walking as long as she could, but at last she forgot where she was and fell among the poppies, fast asleep, with Toto curled beside her.

50Dorothy's eyes grew heavy. She kept walking as long as she could, but at last she forgot where she was and fell among the poppies, fast asleep, with Toto curled beside her.

The flowers could not harm a man of straw or one of tin, so the Scarecrow sent the drowsy Lion bounding ahead. "Let us make a chair with our hands and carry her," he said. With Toto laid in her lap, they carried the sleeping girl between them through the endless poppies.

51The flowers could not harm a man of straw or one of tin, so the Scarecrow sent the drowsy Lion bounding ahead. "Let us make a chair with our hands and carry her," he said. With Toto laid in her lap, they carried the sleeping girl between them through the endless poppies.

Following the bend of the river, they came upon the Lion fast asleep among the poppies. He had fallen only a short distance from the end of the flowers, where green fields spread before him. He was much too heavy to lift, so sadly they carried Dorothy on to the fresh grass by the river.

52Following the bend of the river, they came upon the Lion fast asleep among the poppies. He had fallen only a short distance from the end of the flowers, where green fields spread before him. He was much too heavy to lift, so sadly they carried Dorothy on to the fresh grass by the river.

While Dorothy slept on the grass, a great yellow Wildcat came bounding toward them, chasing a little gray field mouse. Though he had no heart, the Tin Woodman knew this was wrong, and with one blow of his axe he stopped the beast. "Why, I am a Queen," the mouse told him, "the Queen of all the Field Mice!"

53While Dorothy slept on the grass, a great yellow Wildcat came bounding toward them, chasing a little gray field mouse. Though he had no heart, the Tin Woodman knew this was wrong, and with one blow of his axe he stopped the beast. "Why, I am a Queen," the mouse told him, "the Queen of all the Field Mice!"

To repay him, the Queen called her people to save the Lion. Thousands of mice arrived, each with a long piece of string, to pull a wooden truck the Woodman had built. Harnessed by their necks, they hauled the sleeping Lion out of the poppies, the Scarecrow and the Woodman pushing behind, into the sweet green fields.

54To repay him, the Queen called her people to save the Lion. Thousands of mice arrived, each with a long piece of string, to pull a wooden truck the Woodman had built. Harnessed by their necks, they hauled the sleeping Lion out of the poppies, the Scarecrow and the Woodman pushing behind, into the sweet green fields.

Dorothy, awake at last, thanked the little mice warmly, and they scampered home through the grass. The Queen was the last to leave. "If ever you need us again, come out into the field and call, and we shall hear you," she said. Dorothy held Toto tightly as the Queen ran away.

55Dorothy, awake at last, thanked the little mice warmly, and they scampered home through the grass. The Queen was the last to leave. "If ever you need us again, come out into the field and call, and we shall hear you," she said. Dorothy held Toto tightly as the Queen ran away.

At last the Cowardly Lion woke, rolled off the mice's little truck and yawned. When they told him the field mice had saved him, he laughed. "Such little things as flowers came near to killing me, and such small animals as mice have saved my life. How strange it all is!"

56At last the Cowardly Lion woke, rolled off the mice's little truck and yawned. When they told him the field mice had saved him, he laughed. "Such little things as flowers came near to killing me, and such small animals as mice have saved my life. How strange it all is!"

Back on the yellow brick road, the fences and houses turned green, and the shy green country folk peeped from their doors. A farm family took them in for the night, but the father, lying hurt on his couch, warned them: "I have never been permitted to see the Great Oz, nor do I know of any living person who has seen him."

57Back on the yellow brick road, the fences and houses turned green, and the shy green country folk peeped from their doors. A farm family took them in for the night, but the father, lying hurt on his couch, warned them: "I have never been permitted to see the Great Oz, nor do I know of any living person who has seen him."

In the morning they saw a beautiful green glow in the sky, and it grew brighter as they walked. By afternoon they reached a high green wall and a great gate studded with emeralds that glittered so brightly even the Scarecrow's painted eyes were dazzled. Dorothy pushed the bell and heard a silvery tinkle within.

58In the morning they saw a beautiful green glow in the sky, and it grew brighter as they walked. By afternoon they reached a high green wall and a great gate studded with emeralds that glittered so brightly even the Scarecrow's painted eyes were dazzled. Dorothy pushed the bell and heard a silvery tinkle within.

Inside, the little Guardian of the Gates warned that the brightness of the city would blind them. From a big green box he fitted everyone with green spectacles and locked the golden bands behind their heads with the key he wore on a chain. He locked a tiny pair even onto little Toto.

59Inside, the little Guardian of the Gates warned that the brightness of the city would blind them. From a big green box he fitted everyone with green spectacles and locked the golden bands behind their heads with the key he wore on a chain. He locked a tiny pair even onto little Toto.

Even through their spectacles, the Emerald City dazzled them. The houses and pavements were green marble set with emeralds, and the people were dressed in green with greenish skin. Shops sold green candy and green popcorn, and Dorothy watched children buy green lemonade with green pennies, though they ran to hide behind their mothers when they saw the Lion.

60Even through their spectacles, the Emerald City dazzled them. The houses and pavements were green marble set with emeralds, and the people were dressed in green with greenish skin. Shops sold green candy and green popcorn, and Dorothy watched children buy green lemonade with green pennies, though they ran to hide behind their mothers when they saw the Lion.

At the Palace stood a soldier with a long green beard. He carried their message to Oz, who spoke only from behind a screen. Each traveller might see Oz alone, one each day, so a green-haired maid led them to their lovely green rooms to wait. The soldier said that Oz had agreed after hearing of Dorothy's silver shoes and the mark on her forehead.

61At the Palace stood a soldier with a long green beard. He carried their message to Oz, who spoke only from behind a screen. Each traveller might see Oz alone, one each day, so a green-haired maid led them to their lovely green rooms to wait. The soldier said that Oz had agreed after hearing of Dorothy's silver shoes and the mark on her forehead.

Next morning Dorothy went alone into the Throne Room. On the emerald throne sat an enormous bald Head with no body at all. Its eyes turned and looked at her. "I am Oz, the Great and Terrible. Who are you, and why do you seek me?" Bravely she answered, "I am Dorothy, the Small and Meek. I have come to you for help."

62Next morning Dorothy went alone into the Throne Room. On the emerald throne sat an enormous bald Head with no body at all. Its eyes turned and looked at her. "I am Oz, the Great and Terrible. Who are you, and why do you seek me?" Bravely she answered, "I am Dorothy, the Small and Meek. I have come to you for help."

Oz said everyone in his country must pay for what they get. "Kill the Wicked Witch of the West," said the Head, "and I will send you back to Kansas, but not before." Dorothy wept, for she had never killed anything on purpose, and that night she cried herself to sleep.

63Oz said everyone in his country must pay for what they get. "Kill the Wicked Witch of the West," said the Head, "and I will send you back to Kansas, but not before." Dorothy wept, for she had never killed anything on purpose, and that night she cried herself to sleep.

The next day the Scarecrow found a lovely Lady with gauzy wings on the throne. She asked the same question and set the same price: kill the Witch, and he would have the best brains in Oz. "I don't care who kills her," said Oz. The Scarecrow decided the Lady needed a heart as much as the Tin Woodman did.

64The next day the Scarecrow found a lovely Lady with gauzy wings on the throne. She asked the same question and set the same price: kill the Witch, and he would have the best brains in Oz. "I don't care who kills her," said Oz. The Scarecrow decided the Lady needed a heart as much as the Tin Woodman did.

When the Tin Woodman went in, the throne held a dreadful Beast as big as an elephant, with a rhinoceros head, five eyes, five arms and five legs. "If you indeed desire a heart, you must earn it," it roared. "Help Dorothy to kill the Wicked Witch of the West." Being only tin, the Woodman was not afraid, only disappointed.

65When the Tin Woodman went in, the throne held a dreadful Beast as big as an elephant, with a rhinoceros head, five eyes, five arms and five legs. "If you indeed desire a heart, you must earn it," it roared. "Help Dorothy to kill the Wicked Witch of the West." Being only tin, the Woodman was not afraid, only disappointed.

The Lion had planned to roar and frighten Oz, but he found a Ball of Fire so fierce that it singed his whiskers. A quiet voice said he would get courage only when he brought proof that the Witch was dead. The Ball grew hotter and hotter until the Lion turned tail and rushed from the room.

66The Lion had planned to roar and frighten Oz, but he found a Ball of Fire so fierce that it singed his whiskers. A quiet voice said he would get courage only when he brought proof that the Witch was dead. The Ball grew hotter and hotter until the Lion turned tail and rushed from the room.

Unhappily, the friends agreed they must go to the land of the Winkies and look for the Witch, though none of them wanted to kill anybody. They got ready to leave in the morning. The Woodman sharpened his axe on a green grindstone and oiled his joints, the Scarecrow was stuffed with fresh straw and got newly painted eyes, and Toto got a little bell.

67Unhappily, the friends agreed they must go to the land of the Winkies and look for the Witch, though none of them wanted to kill anybody. They got ready to leave in the morning. The Woodman sharpened his axe on a green grindstone and oiled his joints, the Scarecrow was stuffed with fresh straw and got newly painted eyes, and Toto got a little bell.

Leaving the Emerald City behind, the friends turned toward the setting sun and walked over soft hills dotted with daisies and buttercups. To Dorothy's surprise, her pretty green silk dress had turned pure white, and so had the ribbon around Toto's neck. There was no road, for no one ever wished to go that way.

68Leaving the Emerald City behind, the friends turned toward the setting sun and walked over soft hills dotted with daisies and buttercups. To Dorothy's surprise, her pretty green silk dress had turned pure white, and so had the ribbon around Toto's neck. There was no road, for no one ever wished to go that way.

The Wicked Witch of the West had only one eye, but it could see as far as a telescope. Sitting in the door of her castle, she spied the strangers asleep in her country. She was angry to see them there, so she blew on the silver whistle around her neck, and a pack of great wolves came running.

69The Wicked Witch of the West had only one eye, but it could see as far as a telescope. Sitting in the door of her castle, she spied the strangers asleep in her country. She was angry to see them there, so she blew on the silver whistle around her neck, and a pack of great wolves came running.

The Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman kept watch while the others slept. "This is my fight," said the Woodman, and he swung his sharp axe at every wolf that came near. Forty wolves came at him, and not one got past. By the time Dorothy woke the next morning, the whole pack was gone.

70The Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman kept watch while the others slept. "This is my fight," said the Woodman, and he swung his sharp axe at every wolf that came near. Forty wolves came at him, and not one got past. By the time Dorothy woke the next morning, the whole pack was gone.

Next the Witch blew her whistle twice, and a great flock of wild crows came to peck out their eyes. "This is my battle," said the Scarecrow. While the others lay down, he stood up and stretched out his arms. The frightened birds would not come near a scarecrow, and the whole flock was soon gone.

71Next the Witch blew her whistle twice, and a great flock of wild crows came to peck out their eyes. "This is my battle," said the Scarecrow. While the others lay down, he stood up and stretched out his arms. The frightened birds would not come near a scarecrow, and the whole flock was soon gone.

Three blasts on the whistle brought a swarm of black bees. The Woodman scattered the Scarecrow's straw over Dorothy, Toto and the Lion so the bees couldn't reach them. The bees could only sting the Woodman, and they broke off all their stings on his tin without hurting him a bit.

72Three blasts on the whistle brought a swarm of black bees. The Woodman scattered the Scarecrow's straw over Dorothy, Toto and the Lion so the bees couldn't reach them. The bees could only sting the Woodman, and they broke off all their stings on his tin without hurting him a bit.

Once the straw was stuffed back into the Scarecrow, they went on. Then the furious Witch sent a dozen of her Winkie slaves with sharp spears. But the Winkies weren't brave, and when the Lion gave a great roar and sprang toward them, they dropped everything and ran back to the castle as fast as they could.

73Once the straw was stuffed back into the Scarecrow, they went on. Then the furious Witch sent a dozen of her Winkie slaves with sharp spears. But the Winkies weren't brave, and when the Lion gave a great roar and sprang toward them, they dropped everything and ran back to the castle as fast as they could.

With her wolves, crows and bees gone and her slaves scared off, the Witch took the Golden Cap from her cupboard. The Cap could summon the Winged Monkeys three times, and she had already used it twice. She put it on, spoke the magic words, and the sky went dark as the Monkeys gathered around her for the last time.

74With her wolves, crows and bees gone and her slaves scared off, the Witch took the Golden Cap from her cupboard. The Cap could summon the Winged Monkeys three times, and she had already used it twice. She put it on, spoke the magic words, and the sky went dark as the Monkeys gathered around her for the last time.

The Monkeys swooped down on the travelers. They carried the Tin Woodman off and dropped him onto sharp rocks, where he lay dented and still. They pulled every bit of straw out of the Scarecrow and tossed his clothes into a tall tree. Then they tied up the Lion with rope and flew him off to the Witch's castle.

75The Monkeys swooped down on the travelers. They carried the Tin Woodman off and dropped him onto sharp rocks, where he lay dented and still. They pulled every bit of straw out of the Scarecrow and tossed his clothes into a tall tree. Then they tied up the Lion with rope and flew him off to the Witch's castle.

Dorothy stood holding Toto, sure that her turn was next. But the leader of the Monkeys saw the Good Witch's kiss on her forehead and stopped short. "We dare not harm this little girl," he told the others. So they carried her gently through the air and set her down on the Witch's doorstep.

76Dorothy stood holding Toto, sure that her turn was next. But the leader of the Monkeys saw the Good Witch's kiss on her forehead and stopped short. "We dare not harm this little girl," he told the others. So they carried her gently through the air and set her down on the Witch's doorstep.

The Witch saw the mark and the silver shoes and was afraid, but Dorothy had no idea how powerful the shoes were. So the Witch made her a kitchen slave and kept the Lion locked in the yard with no food. Every night, while the Witch slept, Dorothy slipped him food from the cupboard, and they whispered about how to escape.

77The Witch saw the mark and the silver shoes and was afraid, but Dorothy had no idea how powerful the shoes were. So the Witch made her a kitchen slave and kept the Lion locked in the yard with no food. Every night, while the Witch slept, Dorothy slipped him food from the cupboard, and they whispered about how to escape.

The Witch wanted the silver shoes for herself. She laid an iron bar in the middle of the kitchen floor and made it invisible. Dorothy tripped over it and fell, and one silver shoe came off. Before Dorothy could grab it, the Witch snatched it up and put it on her own skinny foot.

78The Witch wanted the silver shoes for herself. She laid an iron bar in the middle of the kitchen floor and made it invisible. Dorothy tripped over it and fell, and one silver shoe came off. Before Dorothy could grab it, the Witch snatched it up and put it on her own skinny foot.

"Give me back my shoe!" cried Dorothy. When the Witch laughed at her, Dorothy threw a bucket of water over her. At once the Witch began to shrink, melting like brown sugar until only a brown puddle and her empty dress were left. Dorothy put her silver shoe back on and ran out to tell the Lion they were free.

79"Give me back my shoe!" cried Dorothy. When the Witch laughed at her, Dorothy threw a bucket of water over her. At once the Witch began to shrink, melting like brown sugar until only a brown puddle and her empty dress were left. Dorothy put her silver shoe back on and ran out to tell the Lion they were free.

Dorothy unlocked the Lion's prison and set him free, then called the Winkies together and told them they were slaves no longer. The yellow Winkies kept that day as a holiday, then and ever after, feasting and dancing for joy.

80Dorothy unlocked the Lion's prison and set him free, then called the Winkies together and told them they were slaves no longer. The yellow Winkies kept that day as a holiday, then and ever after, feasting and dancing for joy.

With a band of Winkies, Dorothy and the Lion found the Tin Woodman lying battered and bent on a rocky plain and carried him home. For three days and four nights the Winkie tinsmiths hammered, bent and soldered him until he was his old self again, patches and all.

81With a band of Winkies, Dorothy and the Lion found the Tin Woodman lying battered and bent on a rocky plain and carried him home. For three days and four nights the Winkie tinsmiths hammered, bent and soldered him until he was his old self again, patches and all.

Next they sought the Scarecrow. A Winkie goldsmith had fitted the Woodman's axe with a handle of solid gold, and its blade shone like silver. "I'll chop it down," said the Woodman, and soon the tall tree crashed over, spilling the Scarecrow's clothes from its branches.

82Next they sought the Scarecrow. A Winkie goldsmith had fitted the Woodman's axe with a handle of solid gold, and its blade shone like silver. "I'll chop it down," said the Woodman, and soon the tall tree crashed over, spilling the Scarecrow's clothes from its branches.

Back at the castle the Winkies stuffed the clothes with nice, clean straw, and behold! Here was the Scarecrow, as good as ever, thanking them over and over again for saving him.

83Back at the castle the Winkies stuffed the clothes with nice, clean straw, and behold! Here was the Scarecrow, as good as ever, thanking them over and over again for saving him.

After a few happy days Dorothy thought of Aunt Em, and they made ready to return to Oz. The Winkies begged the Tin Woodman to stay and rule the Yellow Land, then gave everyone fine gifts. In the Witch's cupboard Dorothy found a pretty Golden Cap that fitted her exactly, and put it on.

84After a few happy days Dorothy thought of Aunt Em, and they made ready to return to Oz. The Winkies begged the Tin Woodman to stay and rule the Yellow Land, then gave everyone fine gifts. In the Witch's cupboard Dorothy found a pretty Golden Cap that fitted her exactly, and put it on.

With no road to follow, they lost their way among endless scarlet and yellow flowers. At last Dorothy blew her whistle, and the Queen of the Field Mice came. "Why don't you use the charm of the Cap," she said, "and call the Winged Monkeys to you?"

85With no road to follow, they lost their way among endless scarlet and yellow flowers. At last Dorothy blew her whistle, and the Queen of the Field Mice came. "Why don't you use the charm of the Cap," she said, "and call the Winged Monkeys to you?"

Dorothy read the words inside the Cap and put it on. "Ep-pe, pep-pe, kak-ke!" she said, standing on her left foot; then on her right, and then on both. The puzzled Scarecrow asked what she was saying, and a great flapping of wings filled the air.

86Dorothy read the words inside the Cap and put it on. "Ep-pe, pep-pe, kak-ke!" she said, standing on her left foot; then on her right, and then on both. The puzzled Scarecrow asked what she was saying, and a great flapping of wings filled the air.

The Winged Monkeys carried them off, and as they flew the Monkey King told why they obey the Cap. Long ago his grandfather dropped Quelala, betrothed to the princess Gayelette, into a river for a joke. Gayelette spared the Monkeys only if they would obey the Golden Cap's owner three times.

87The Winged Monkeys carried them off, and as they flew the Monkey King told why they obey the Cap. Long ago his grandfather dropped Quelala, betrothed to the princess Gayelette, into a river for a joke. Gayelette spared the Monkeys only if they would obey the Golden Cap's owner three times.

Soon the green walls of the Emerald City shone below. The Monkeys set everyone down carefully at the gate, the little Monkey letting go of Toto, who had snapped at him the whole way, and the King bowed and flew off. "That was a good ride," said Dorothy.

88Soon the green walls of the Emerald City shone below. The Monkeys set everyone down carefully at the gate, the little Monkey letting go of Toto, who had snapped at him the whole way, and the King bowed and flew off. "That was a good ride," said Dorothy.

The four friends went back to the Throne Room to claim what Oz had promised, but the great room was empty. Then a solemn Voice spoke from somewhere near the top of the dome: "I am Oz, the Great and Terrible. Why do you seek me?"

89The four friends went back to the Throne Room to claim what Oz had promised, but the great room was empty. Then a solemn Voice spoke from somewhere near the top of the dome: "I am Oz, the Great and Terrible. Why do you seek me?"

When the Lion roared, Toto jumped away in alarm and tipped over the screen in the corner. Behind it, where the Voice had come from, stood a little old man with a bald head and a wrinkled face, looking every bit as surprised as they were.

90When the Lion roared, Toto jumped away in alarm and tipped over the screen in the corner. Behind it, where the Voice had come from, stood a little old man with a bald head and a wrinkled face, looking every bit as surprised as they were.

"I'm a humbug," the little man admitted. He was only a common man from Omaha, a circus balloonist who had drifted to Oz long ago and done his tricks by ventriloquism. "You're more than that," said the Scarecrow sadly, and Dorothy said he ought to be ashamed of fooling everyone.

91"I'm a humbug," the little man admitted. He was only a common man from Omaha, a circus balloonist who had drifted to Oz long ago and done his tricks by ventriloquism. "You're more than that," said the Scarecrow sadly, and Dorothy said he ought to be ashamed of fooling everyone.

Next morning the Scarecrow came for his brains. Oz took off his head, emptied out the straw, and filled the top with bran mixed with plenty of pins and needles. "Hereafter you will be a great man," he said, "for I have given you a lot of bran-new brains."

92Next morning the Scarecrow came for his brains. Oz took off his head, emptied out the straw, and filled the top with bran mixed with plenty of pins and needles. "Hereafter you will be a great man," he said, "for I have given you a lot of bran-new brains."

Then the Tin Woodman came for his heart. Oz snipped a small square hole in his tin chest with tinsmith's shears, set in a pretty heart of red silk stuffed with sawdust, and soldered the patch neatly back. "But is it a kind heart?" asked the Woodman. "Oh, very!" said Oz.

93Then the Tin Woodman came for his heart. Oz snipped a small square hole in his tin chest with tinsmith's shears, set in a pretty heart of red silk stuffed with sawdust, and soldered the patch neatly back. "But is it a kind heart?" asked the Woodman. "Oh, very!" said Oz.

Last came the Lion. Oz poured something from a square green bottle into a carved green-gold dish and told him that courage was always inside one, so he had better drink it. The Lion lapped it dry. Alone afterward, Oz sighed, "How can I help being a humbug, when all these people make me do things that can't be done?"

94Last came the Lion. Oz poured something from a square green bottle into a carved green-gold dish and told him that courage was always inside one, so he had better drink it. The Lion lapped it dry. Alone afterward, Oz sighed, "How can I help being a humbug, when all these people make me do things that can't be done?"

Each friend was delighted. The Scarecrow's head bulged with wonderful thoughts, the Woodman felt his kind heart rattling, and the Lion said he would face an army. Only Dorothy was sad, for three long days passed with no word from Oz about the way home to Kansas.

95Each friend was delighted. The Scarecrow's head bulged with wonderful thoughts, the Woodman felt his kind heart rattling, and the Lion said he would face an army. Only Dorothy was sad, for three long days passed with no word from Oz about the way home to Kansas.

At last Oz sent for Dorothy. He had come by air, he said, and so had she, so they would cross the desert in a balloon, and he would go with her, being tired of humbugging. For three days she sewed strips of light, dark and emerald silk together as fast as he cut them.

96At last Oz sent for Dorothy. He had come by air, he said, and so had she, so they would cross the desert in a balloon, and he would go with her, being tired of humbugging. For three days she sewed strips of light, dark and emerald silk together as fast as he cut them.

The Tin Woodman built a big fire before the Palace, and Oz held the green bag over it until it swelled with hot air and rose. Then he climbed into the basket and told the whole crowd, "While I am gone the Scarecrow will rule over you. I command you to obey him."

97The Tin Woodman built a big fire before the Palace, and Oz held the green bag over it until it swelled with hot air and rose. Then he climbed into the basket and told the whole crowd, "While I am gone the Scarecrow will rule over you. I command you to obey him."

"Come, Dorothy! Hurry up, or the balloon will fly away!" cried the Wizard. But Toto had run off into the crowd to bark at a kitten, and Dorothy would not leave her little dog behind.

98"Come, Dorothy! Hurry up, or the balloon will fly away!" cried the Wizard. But Toto had run off into the crowd to bark at a kitten, and Dorothy would not leave her little dog behind.

She caught him and ran for the basket. Oz held out his hands, but crack! went the ropes, and the balloon rose without her. "I can't come back, my dear," he called. "Good-bye!" And that was the last anyone ever saw of Oz, though he may have reached Omaha, for all we know.

99She caught him and ran for the basket. Oz held out his hands, but crack! went the ropes, and the balloon rose without her. "I can't come back, my dear," he called. "Good-bye!" And that was the last anyone ever saw of Oz, though he may have reached Omaha, for all we know.

Oz had floated away in his balloon, and Dorothy wept for her lost hope of Kansas. The tender-hearted Tin Woodman wished to mourn the man who gave him his heart, so she fetched a towel and carefully wiped away every tear so that he would not rust. Afterwards he oiled himself all over with his jeweled oil-can.

100Oz had floated away in his balloon, and Dorothy wept for her lost hope of Kansas. The tender-hearted Tin Woodman wished to mourn the man who gave him his heart, so she fetched a towel and carefully wiped away every tear so that he would not rust. Afterwards he oiled himself all over with his jeweled oil-can.

The Scarecrow now ruled the Emerald City. In the Throne Room he thought so hard that pins stuck out of his head, then asked: why not call the Winged Monkeys? Dorothy spoke the charm of the Golden Cap, but the Monkey King only bowed and shook his head. "We belong to this country alone, and cannot leave it."

101The Scarecrow now ruled the Emerald City. In the Throne Room he thought so hard that pins stuck out of his head, then asked: why not call the Winged Monkeys? Dorothy spoke the charm of the Golden Cap, but the Monkey King only bowed and shook his head. "We belong to this country alone, and cannot leave it."

Next they called in the soldier with the green whiskers, who told them about Glinda, the good Witch of the South, whose castle stood on the edge of the desert. The road there was full of dangers, so the Lion, the Woodman and the Scarecrow refused to let Dorothy go alone. "Dorothy will need someone to protect her," declared the Lion.

102Next they called in the soldier with the green whiskers, who told them about Glinda, the good Witch of the South, whose castle stood on the edge of the desert. The road there was full of dangers, so the Lion, the Woodman and the Scarecrow refused to let Dorothy go alone. "Dorothy will need someone to protect her," declared the Lion.

Next morning they said goodbye to the soldier and the pretty green girl, and the Guardian of the Gate unlocked their spectacles and opened the great gate. Looking back at the green towers, the friends praised Oz. Dorothy said nothing. He had not kept his promise, but he had done his best, so she forgave him. He was a good man, even if a bad Wizard.

103Next morning they said goodbye to the soldier and the pretty green girl, and the Guardian of the Gate unlocked their spectacles and opened the great gate. Looking back at the green towers, the friends praised Oz. Dorothy said nothing. He had not kept his promise, but he had done his best, so she forgave him. He was a good man, even if a bad Wizard.

After a night sleeping under the stars, they came to a thick wood. The first trees bent their branches down, threw the Scarecrow back headfirst, and grabbed little Toto and shook him until he howled. But the Tin Woodman marched up with his axe and chopped the branches away, and the whole party ran safely through.

104After a night sleeping under the stars, they came to a thick wood. The first trees bent their branches down, threw the Scarecrow back headfirst, and grabbed little Toto and shook him until he howled. But the Tin Woodman marched up with his axe and chopped the branches away, and the whole party ran safely through.

Beyond the wood rose a high wall of smooth white china. The Woodman built a clumsy ladder, and one by one the travelers climbed up and looked over. "Oh, my!" each of them cried. Below lay a land as white as a platter, full of tiny painted houses, animals and people, none taller than Dorothy's knee.

105Beyond the wood rose a high wall of smooth white china. The Woodman built a clumsy ladder, and one by one the travelers climbed up and looked over. "Oh, my!" each of them cried. Below lay a land as white as a platter, full of tiny painted houses, animals and people, none taller than Dorothy's knee.

They landed softly on the flattened Scarecrow and walked on with care, but a startled china cow kicked over her milkmaid and broke off her own leg. Soon Dorothy met a dainty Princess, while Mr. Joker, cracked all over, stood on his head nearby. Dorothy wanted to carry her home, but the Princess would turn stiff away from her own land. "Our lives are much pleasanter here."

106They landed softly on the flattened Scarecrow and walked on with care, but a startled china cow kicked over her milkmaid and broke off her own leg. Soon Dorothy met a dainty Princess, while Mr. Joker, cracked all over, stood on his head nearby. Dorothy wanted to carry her home, but the Princess would turn stiff away from her own land. "Our lives are much pleasanter here."

An hour later they reached a lower china wall and climbed up from the Lion's back. But as the Lion jumped up after them, his tail knocked over a little china church and smashed it to pieces. "They are all so brittle!" sighed Dorothy, and the Scarecrow was thankful to be made of straw.

107An hour later they reached a lower china wall and climbed up from the Lion's back. But as the Lion jumped up after them, his tail knocked over a little china church and smashed it to pieces. "They are all so brittle!" sighed Dorothy, and the Scarecrow was thankful to be made of straw.

Past the china wall the travelers came at last into a forest whose trees were bigger and older than any they had ever seen. The Scarecrow found it gloomy, but the Lion looked around with joy. "I should like to live here all my life," he declared.

108Past the china wall the travelers came at last into a forest whose trees were bigger and older than any they had ever seen. The Scarecrow found it gloomy, but the Lion looked around with joy. "I should like to live here all my life," he declared.

In the morning they found hundreds of beasts holding a worried, growling meeting. The biggest tiger bowed to the Lion and begged the King of Beasts to save them from a monster spider with legs like tree trunks. The Lion promised to kill it if they would make him their King, and every beast roared, "We will!"

109In the morning they found hundreds of beasts holding a worried, growling meeting. The biggest tiger bowed to the Lion and begged the King of Beasts to save them from a monster spider with legs like tree trunks. The Lion promised to kill it if they would make him their King, and every beast roared, "We will!"

The Lion found the great spider asleep among the oak trees, ugly and hairy, its head joined to its pudgy body by a neck as thin as a wasp's waist. Knowing a sleeping foe was easier to fight, he gave a great spring onto its back and struck at that thin neck with one blow of his heavy paw.

110The Lion found the great spider asleep among the oak trees, ugly and hairy, its head joined to its pudgy body by a neck as thin as a wasp's waist. Knowing a sleeping foe was easier to fight, he gave a great spring onto its back and struck at that thin neck with one blow of his heavy paw.

When the long legs stopped wiggling, the Lion marched back and said proudly, "You need fear your enemy no longer." Then all the beasts bowed down to him as their King, and he promised to return and rule them as soon as Dorothy was safely on her way to Kansas.

111When the long legs stopped wiggling, the Lion marched back and said proudly, "You need fear your enemy no longer." Then all the beasts bowed down to him as their King, and he promised to return and rule them as soon as Dorothy was safely on her way to Kansas.

Beyond the forest a rocky hill blocked the way, and a squat armless man cried, "Keep back!" When the Scarecrow walked boldly on, the man's head shot out on a stretching neck and sent him tumbling down the hill. The angry Lion charged next, and went rolling down as if struck by a cannon ball, while hundreds of Hammer-Heads laughed.

112Beyond the forest a rocky hill blocked the way, and a squat armless man cried, "Keep back!" When the Scarecrow walked boldly on, the man's head shot out on a stretching neck and sent him tumbling down the hill. The angry Lion charged next, and went rolling down as if struck by a cannon ball, while hundreds of Hammer-Heads laughed.

"It is useless to fight people with shooting heads," said the bruised Lion. So Dorothy put on the Golden Cap and called the Winged Monkeys for the last time. They carried everyone high over the hill, out of reach of the yelling Hammer-Heads, and set them down in the bright red country of the Quadlings before flying away forever.

113"It is useless to fight people with shooting heads," said the bruised Lion. So Dorothy put on the Golden Cap and called the Winged Monkeys for the last time. They carried everyone high over the hill, out of reach of the yelling Hammer-Heads, and set them down in the bright red country of the Quadlings before flying away forever.

A kind farmer's wife gave them three kinds of cake, four kinds of cookies and a bowl of milk for Toto, then sent them south. They crossed pretty red bridges until they reached a beautiful Castle, where three girl soldiers in red and gold stood at the gate. "Why have you come to the South Country?" one asked.

114A kind farmer's wife gave them three kinds of cake, four kinds of cookies and a bowl of milk for Toto, then sent them south. They crossed pretty red bridges until they reached a beautiful Castle, where three girl soldiers in red and gold stood at the gate. "Why have you come to the South Country?" one asked.

Washed and brushed, the travelers were led to a great hall where Glinda sat on a throne of rubies, young and beautiful, with red hair and a pure white dress. Dorothy asked only to go home to Kansas. Glinda kissed her and said she knew a way, but first she must have the Golden Cap. "Willingly!" cried Dorothy, and handed it over.

115Washed and brushed, the travelers were led to a great hall where Glinda sat on a throne of rubies, young and beautiful, with red hair and a pure white dress. Dorothy asked only to go home to Kansas. Glinda kissed her and said she knew a way, but first she must have the Golden Cap. "Willingly!" cried Dorothy, and handed it over.

Glinda gave the Golden Cap's three commands: the Winged Monkeys would carry the Scarecrow to rule the Emerald City, the Tin Woodman to rule the Winkies, and the Lion to his forest kingdom. After that she would give the Cap to the Monkey King, so his band would be free forever. The three friends thanked her with all their hearts.

116Glinda gave the Golden Cap's three commands: the Winged Monkeys would carry the Scarecrow to rule the Emerald City, the Tin Woodman to rule the Winkies, and the Lion to his forest kingdom. After that she would give the Cap to the Monkey King, so his band would be free forever. The three friends thanked her with all their hearts.

"Your Silver Shoes will carry you over the desert," said Glinda. "You could have gone home the very first day." But the Scarecrow said he'd never have gotten his brains, the Woodman his heart, nor the Lion his courage. On the long road, each had found what he'd been wishing for all along.

117"Your Silver Shoes will carry you over the desert," said Glinda. "You could have gone home the very first day." But the Scarecrow said he'd never have gotten his brains, the Woodman his heart, nor the Lion his courage. On the long road, each had found what he'd been wishing for all along.

Dorothy said she was glad to have helped her good friends, but now she wanted to go home. She hugged the Lion's shaggy neck, and kissed the Tin Woodman, who wept in a way most dangerous to his joints. She hugged the soft Scarecrow instead of kissing his painted face, and she found she was crying too.

118Dorothy said she was glad to have helped her good friends, but now she wanted to go home. She hugged the Lion's shaggy neck, and kissed the Tin Woodman, who wept in a way most dangerous to his joints. She hugged the soft Scarecrow instead of kissing his painted face, and she found she was crying too.

Glinda stepped down from her throne to kiss her goodbye. Then Dorothy picked Toto up in her arms, clicked the heels of her shoes together three times, and cried, "Take me home to Aunt Em!"

119Glinda stepped down from her throne to kiss her goodbye. Then Dorothy picked Toto up in her arms, clicked the heels of her shoes together three times, and cried, "Take me home to Aunt Em!"

She whirled through the whistling wind, and in three steps she was rolling over on the Kansas grass by Uncle Henry's new farmhouse. Her silver shoes had fallen off over the desert and were lost forever. Aunt Em ran to hug her. "From the Land of Oz," said Dorothy. "Oh, Aunt Em! I'm so glad to be at home again!"

120She whirled through the whistling wind, and in three steps she was rolling over on the Kansas grass by Uncle Henry's new farmhouse. Her silver shoes had fallen off over the desert and were lost forever. Aunt Em ran to hug her. "From the Land of Oz," said Dorothy. "Oh, Aunt Em! I'm so glad to be at home again!"