, and therefore to
foster civilization. A prominent educator tells me that fairy tales are
of untold value in developing imagination in the young. I believe it.

Among the letters I receive from children are many containing
suggestions of "what to write about in the next Oz Book." Some of the
ideas advanced are mighty interesting, while others are too extravagant
to be seriously considered--even in a fairy tale. Yet I like them all,
and I must admit that the main idea in "The Lost Princess of Oz" was
suggested to me by a sweet little girl of eleven who called to see me
and to talk about the Land of Oz. Said she: "I s'pose if Ozma ever got
lost, or stolen, ev'rybody in Oz would be dreadful sorry."

That was all, but quite enough foundation to build this present story
on. If you happen to like the story, give credit to my little friend's
clever hint. And, by the way, don't hesitate to write me your own hints
and suggestions, such as result from your own day dreams. They will be
sure to interest me, even if I cannot use them in a story, and the very
fact that you have dreamed at all will give me pleasure and do you good.
For, after all, dear reader, these stories of Oz are just yours and
mine, and we are partners. As long as you care to read them I shall try
to write them, and I've an idea that the next one will relate some
startling adventures of the "Tin Woodman of Oz" and his comrades.

L. FRANK BAUM,
Royal Historian of Oz.

"OZCOT"
at HOLLYWOOD
in CALIFORNIA
1917.

[Illustration: List of Chapters]

1 A Terrible Loss 17

2 The Troubles of Glinda the Good 30

3 The Robbery of Cayke the Cookie Cook 38

4 Among the Winkies 57

5 Ozma's Friends are Perplexed 64

6 The Search Party 73

7 The Merry-Go-Round Mountains 89

8 The Mysterious City 104

9 The High Coco-Lorum of Thi 120

10 Toto Loses Something 137

11 Button-Bright Loses Himself 146

12 The Czarover of Herku 157

13 The Truth Po