r. Several present, such as the Candy
Man, the Rubber Bear, Tik-tok, and the Scarecrow, were not made so they
could eat, and the Queen of Merryland contented herself with a small
dish of sawdust; but these enjoyed the pomp and glitter of the gorgeous
scene as much as did those who feasted.

The Woggle-Bug read his "Ode to Ozma," which was written in very good
rhythm and was well received by the company. The Wizard added to the
entertainment by making a big pie appear before Dorothy, and when the
little girl cut the pie the nine tiny piglets leaped out of it and
danced around the table, while the orchestra played a merry tune. This
amused the company very much, but they were even more pleased when
Polychrome, whose hunger had been easily satisfied, rose from the table
and performed her graceful and bewildering Rainbow Dance for them.
When it was ended, the people clapped their hands and the animals
clapped their paws, while Billina cackled and the Donkey King brayed
approval.

Johnny Dooit was present, and of course he proved he could do wonders
in the way of eating, as well as in everything else that he undertook
to do; the Tin Woodman sang a love song, every one joining in the
chorus; and the wooden soldiers from Merryland gave an exhibition of a
lightning drill with their wooden muskets; the Ryls and Knooks danced
the Fairy Circle; and the Rubber Bear bounced himself all around the
room. There was laughter and merriment on every side, and everybody
was having a royal good time. Button-Bright was so excited and
interested that he paid little attention to his fine dinner and a great
deal of attention to his queer companions; and perhaps he was wise to
do this, because he could eat at any other time.

The feasting and merrymaking continued until late in the evening, when
they separated to meet again the next morning and take part in the
birthday celebration, to which this royal banquet was merely the
introduction.

24. The Birthday Celebration

A clear, perfect day, with a gentle breeze and a sunny sky, greeted
Princess Ozma as she wakened next morning, the anniversary of her
birth. While it was yet early all the city was astir and crowds of
people came from all parts of the Land of Oz to witness the festivities
in honor of their girl Ruler's birthday.

The noted visitors from foreign countries, who had all been transported
to the Emerald City by means of the Magic Belt, were as much a show to
the