ke us to the jeweled city of your gracious Queen."
Sir Hokus shaded his eyes and stared curiously at the long lane
stretching invitingly ahead of them.

"Well, anyway, we're out of the forest and Pokes, and maybe we'll
meet someone who will tell us about the Scarecrow. Come on!" cried
Dorothy gaily. "I think we're on the right track this time."

CHAPTER 12

DOROTHY AND SIR HOKUS COME TO FIX CITY

The afternoon went pleasantly for the three travelers. The road was
wide and shady and really seemed a bit familiar. Dorothy rode
comfortably on the Cowardly Lion's back and to pass the time told Sir
Hokus all about Oz. He was particularly interested in the Scarecrow.

"Grammercy! He should be knighted!" he exclaimed, slapping his knee,
as Dorothy told how the clever straw man had helped outwit the Gnome
King when that wicked little rascal had tried to keep them prisoners
in his underground kingdom.

"But, go to! Where is the gallant man now?" The Knight sobered
quickly. "Mayhap in need of a strong arm! Mayhap at the mercy of some
terrible monster!"

"Oh, I hope not!" cried Dorothy, dismayed at so dark a picture. "Why,
oh why, did he bother about his family tree?"

"Trust the Scarecrow to take care of himself," said the Cowardly Lion
in a gruff voice. Nevertheless, he quickened his steps. "The sooner
we reach the Emerald City, the sooner we'll know where he is!"

The country through which they were passing was beautiful, but quite
deserted. About five o'clock, they came to a clear little stream, and
after Dorothy and Sir Hokus had washed their faces and the Cowardly
Lion had taken a little plunge, they all felt refreshed. Later they
came to a fine pear orchard, and as no one was about they helped
themselves generously.

The more Dorothy and the Cowardly Lion saw of Sir Hokus, the fonder
of him they grew. He was so kind-hearted and so polite.

"He'll be great company for us back in the Emerald City," whispered
the Cowardly Lion as the Knight went off to get Dorothy a drink from
a little spring. "That is, if he forgets this grammercy, bludgeon
stuff."

"I think it sounds lovely," said Dorothy, "and he's remembering more
of it all the time. But I wonder why there are no people here. I do
hope we meet some before night." But no person did they meet. As it
grew darker, Sir Hokus' armor began to creak in a quite frightful
manner. Armor is not meant for walking, and the poor Knight was stiff
and tired, but he made