gan
to grow upon the floor of the platform it really seemed like magic to
the people of Oz, who knew nothing about even the common soap-bubbles
that our children blow with a penny clay pipe and a basin of
soap-and-water.

The Wizard had invented another thing. Usually, soap-bubbles are frail
and burst easily, lasting only a few moments as they float in the air;
but the Wizard added a sort of glue to his soapsuds, which made his
bubbles tough; and, as the glue dried rapidly when exposed to the air,
the Wizard's bubbles were strong enough to float for hours without
breaking.

He began by blowing--by means of his machinery and air-pumps--several
large bubbles which he allowed to float upward into the sky, where the
sunshine fell upon them and gave them iridescent hues that were most
beautiful. This aroused much wonder and delight because it was a new
amusement to every one present--except perhaps Dorothy and
Button-Bright, and even they had never seen such big, strong bubbles
before.

The Wizard then blew a bunch of small bubbles and afterward blew a big
bubble around them so they were left in the center of it; then he
allowed the whole mass of pretty globes to float into the air and
disappear in the far distant sky.

"That is really fine!" declared Santa Claus, who loved toys and pretty
things. "I think, Mr. Wizard, I shall have you blow a bubble around
me; then I can float away home and see the country spread out beneath
me as I travel. There isn't a spot on earth that I haven't visited,
but I usually go in the night-time, riding behind my swift reindeer.
Here is a good chance to observe the country by daylight, while I am
riding slowly and at my ease."

"Do you think you will be able to guide the bubble?" asked the Wizard.

"Oh yes; I know enough magic to do that," replied Santa Claus. "You
blow the bubble, with me inside of it, and I'll be sure to get home in
safety."

"Please send me home in a bubble, too!" begged the Queen of Merryland.

"Very well, madam; you shall try the journey first," politely answered
old Santa.

The pretty wax doll bade good-bye to the Princess Ozma and the others
and stood on the platform while the Wizard blew a big soap-bubble
around her. When completed, he allowed the bubble to float slowly
upward, and there could be seen the little Queen of Merryland standing
in the middle of it and blowing kisses from her fingers to those below.
The bubble took a southerly direction, qu