ma was escorted by a brilliant procession to her
royal city, and so great was the cheering that she was obliged to
constantly bow to the right and left to acknowledge the greetings of her
subjects.

[Illustration: "I PROMOTE YOU TO BE CAPTAIN-GENERAL"]

That evening there was a grand reception in the royal palace, attended
by the most important persons of Oz, and Jack Pumpkinhead, who was a
little over-ripe but still active, read an address congratulating Ozma
of Oz upon the success of her generous mission to rescue the royal
family of a neighboring kingdom.

Then magnificent gold medals set with precious stones were presented to
each of the twenty-six officers; and the Tin Woodman was given a new axe
studded with diamonds; and the Scarecrow received a silver jar of
complexion powder. Dorothy was presented with a pretty coronet and made
a Princess of Oz, and Tiktok received two bracelets set with eight rows
of very clear and sparkling emeralds.

Afterward they sat down to a splendid feast, and Ozma put Dorothy at her
right and Billina at her left, where the hen sat upon a golden roost and
ate from a jeweled platter. Then were placed the Scarecrow, the Tin
Woodman and Tiktok, with baskets of lovely flowers before them, because
they did not require food. The twenty-six officers were at the lower end
of the table, and the Lion and the Tiger also had seats, and were served
on golden platters, that held a half a bushel at one time.

The wealthiest and most important citizens of the Emerald City were
proud to wait upon these famous adventurers, and they were assisted by a
sprightly little maid named Jellia Jamb, whom the Scarecrow pinched upon
her rosy cheeks and seemed to know very well.

During the feast Ozma grew thoughtful, and suddenly she asked:

"Where is the private?"

"Oh, he is sweeping out the barracks," replied one of the generals, who
was busy eating a leg of a turkey. "But I have ordered him a dish of
bread and molasses to eat when his work is done."

"Let him be sent for," said the girl ruler.

While they waited for this command to be obeyed, she enquired:

"Have we any other privates in the armies?"

"Oh, yes," replied the Tin Woodman, "I believe there are three,
altogether."

The private now entered, saluting his officers and the royal Ozma very
respectfully.

"What is your name, my man?" asked the girl.

"Omby Amby," answered the private.

"Then, Omby Amby," said she, "I promote you to be