et to the Land of Oz and the Emerald City? It's a good way
from Kansas."
"Kansas!" he exclaimed, surprised.
"Why, yes; we are in Kansas now, aren't we?" she returned.
"What a queer notion!" cried the Fox-King, beginning to laugh.
"Whatever made you think this is Kansas?"
"I left Uncle Henry's farm only about two hours ago; that's the
reason," she said, rather perplexed.
"But, tell me, my dear, did you ever see so wonderful a city as
Foxville in Kansas?" he questioned.
"No, your Majesty."
"And haven't you traveled from Oz to Kansas in less than half a jiffy,
by means of the Silver Shoes and the Magic Belt?"
"Yes, your Majesty," she acknowledged.
"Then why do you wonder that an hour or two could bring you to
Foxville, which is nearer to Oz than it is to Kansas?"
"Dear me!" exclaimed Dorothy; "is this another fairy adventure?"
"It seems to be," said the Fox-King, smiling.
Dorothy turned to the shaggy man, and her face was grave and
reproachful.
"Are you a magician? or a fairy in disguise?" she asked. "Did you
enchant me when you asked the way to Butterfield?"
The shaggy man shook his head.
"Who ever heard of a shaggy fairy?" he replied. "No, Dorothy, my dear;
I'm not to blame for this journey in any way, I assure you. There's
been something strange about me ever since I owned the Love Magnet; but
I don't know what it is any more than you do. I didn't try to get you
away from home, at all. If you want to find your way back to the farm
I'll go with you willingly, and do my best to help you."
"Never mind," said the little girl, thoughtfully. "There isn't so much
to see in Kansas as there is here, and I guess Aunt Em won't be VERY
much worried; that is, if I don't stay away too long."
"That's right," declared the Fox-King, nodding approval. "Be contented
with your lot, whatever it happens to be, if you are wise. Which
reminds me that you have a new companion on this adventure--he looks
very clever and bright."
"He is," said Dorothy; and the shaggy man added:
"That's his name, your Royal Foxiness--Button-Bright."
4. King Dox
It was amusing to note the expression on the face of King Dox as he
looked the boy over, from his sailor hat to his stubby shoes, and it
was equally diverting to watch Button-Bright stare at the King in
return. No fox ever beheld a fresher, fairer child's face, and no
child had ever before heard a fox talk, or met with one who dressed so
ha
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