20. Zeb Returns to the Ranch
Eureka was much surprised to find herself in disgrace; but she was, inspite of the fact that she had not eaten the piglet. For the folks ofOz knew the kitten had tried to commit the crime, and that only anaccident had prevented her from doing so; therefore even the HungryTiger preferred not to associate with her. Eureka was forbidden towander around the palace and was made to stay in confinement inDorothy's room; so she began to beg her mistress to send her to someother place where she could enjoy herself better.
Dorothy was herself anxious to get home, so she promised Eureka theywould not stay in the Land of Oz much longer.
The next evening after the trial the little girl begged Ozma to allowher to look in the enchanted picture, and the Princess readilyconsented. She took the child to her room and said: "Make your wish,dear, and the picture will show the scene you desire to behold."
Then Dorothy found, with the aid of the enchanted picture, that UncleHenry had returned to the farm in Kansas, and she also saw that both heand Aunt Em were dressed in mourning, because they thought their littleniece had been killed by the earthquake.
"Really," said the girl, anxiously, "I must get back as soon asposs'ble to my own folks."
Zeb also wanted to see his home, and although he did not find anyonemorning for him, the sight of Hugson's Ranch in the picture made himlong to get back there.
"This is a fine country, and I like all the people that live in it," hetold Dorothy. "But the fact is, Jim and I don't seem to fit into afairyland, and the old horse has been begging me to go home again eversince he lost the race. So, if you can find a way to fix it, we'll bemuch obliged to you."
"Ozma can do it, easily," replied Dorothy. "Tomorrow morning I'll goto Kansas and you can go to Californy."
That last evening was so delightful that the boy will never forget itas long as he lives. They were all together (except Eureka) in thepretty rooms of the Princess, and the Wizard did some new tricks, andthe Scarecrow told stories, and the Tin Woodman sang a love song in asonorous, metallic voice, and everybody laughed and had a good time.Then Dorothy wound up Tik-tok and he danced a jig to amuse the company,after which the Yellow Hen related some of her adventures with the NomeKing in the Land of Ev.
The Princess served delicious refreshments to those who were in thehabit of eating, and when Dorothy's bed time arrived the companyseparated after exchanging many friendly sentiments.
Next morning they all assembled for the final parting, and many of theofficials and courtiers came to look upon the impressive ceremonies.
Dorothy held Eureka in her arms and bade her friends a fond good-bye.
"You must come again, some time," said the little Wizard; and shepromised she would if she found it possible to do so.
"But Uncle Henry and Aunt Em need me to help them," she added, "so Ican't ever be very long away from the farm in Kansas."
Ozma wore the Magic Belt; and, when she had kissed Dorothy farewell andhad made her wish, the little girl and her kitten disappeared in atwinkling.
"Where is she?" asked Zeb, rather bewildered by the suddenness of it.
"Greeting her uncle and aunt in Kansas, by this time," returned Ozma,with a smile.
Then Zeb brought out Jim, all harnessed to the buggy, and took his seat.
"I'm much obliged for all your kindness," said the boy, "and verygrateful to you for saving my life and sending me home again after allthe good times I've had. I think this is the loveliest country in theworld; but not being fairies Jim and I feel we ought to be where webelong--and that's at the ranch. Good-bye, everybody!"
He gave a start and rubbed his eyes. Jim was trotting along thewell-known road, shaking his ears and whisking his tail with acontented motion. Just ahead of them were the gates of Hugson's Ranch,and Uncle Hugson now came out and stood with uplifted arms and wideopen mouth, staring in amazement.
"Goodness gracious! It's Zeb--and Jim, too!" he exclaimed. "Where inthe world have you been, my lad?"
"Why, in the world, Uncle," answered Zeb, with a laugh.
Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz Page 21
