It was some time before the Cowardly Lion awakened, for he had lain among the poppies a long while, breathing in their deadly fragrance; but when he did open his eyes and roll of the truck he was very glad to find himself still alive. He was told about the his savior of field mice and their queen, and how they had generously saved him from death' the Cowardly Lion laughed and said, "I have always thought myself very big and terrible; yet such small things as flowers came near to killing me and such small animals as mice have saved my life. How strange it all is! But, comrades what shall we do now." Dorothy told them to go on and on until they find the road of yellow brick again. According to her instructions all they start walking further. The road was smooth and well paved now, the country about was beautiful, they rejoiced in leaving the forest far behind and with it the many dangers they had met in its gloomy shades. The green houses were started both sides of the road. Might be farmers lived there.. They passed by several houses during the afternoon and some time people came to the doors and looked at them as if they would like to speak them but no one came near them nor spok to them because of the great Lion, of which they were much afraid. The people were all dressed in clothing of a lovely emerald green color and wore peaked hats like those of the Munchkins. Now they were on Land of Oz near the Emerald City. The country of the Munchkins was blue color and this land was green. They came to a good sized farm house, Dorothy walked boldly up to the door and nocked. A woman opened the the door and said, "what do you want and why is that great Lion is with you. Dorothy said, "we wish to pass the night with you, if you will allow us. The Lion is my friend and comrade and would not hurt you, more over he is tame, and is a great coward, too, so that he will be more afraid of you than you are of him." She allowed them to enter the house. There were besides the woman , two children and a man. The man had hurt and was lying on the coach in a corner. The woman was busy so the man enquired from them who they were and where they were going. Dorothy answered him that "they are going to City of Emerald to see the wizard of Oz." The man was not sure that the Oz would meet them, as he knew that "he never permitted to any one to see him nor till date any living person seen him. He never go out any time, He sits day after day in the great throne room of his palace, and even those who wait upon him do not see him face ti face." He further said, "You see the Oz is a great Wizard and can take on any form he wishes. So that some time he looks like a bird, and some say; he looks like an elephant or a cat, some time he appears as a beautiful fairy, and of any form that pleases him. What is his real form no one know"
The man has also inform them that he has so many brains, hearts, and courage in his stock and have the capacity to fulfill the wishes who asked for.
They gathered around the table , Dorothy ate some delicious porridge and a dish of scrambled eggs and a plate of nice white bread and enjoyed her meal. The Lion ate some of the porridge and toto ate a little of every thing and was glad to get a good supper again.
Dorothy was given a bed to sleep in, Lion guarded the door of her room so she might not be disturbed. Next morning, as soon as the sun was up , they started on their way, and soon saw a beautiful green glow in the sky just before them. As they walked on, the green glow became brighter and brighter and it seemed that at last they were nearing the end of their travels. At the evening they were at the great wall that surrounded the City. It was high and thick and of a bright green color. In front of them there was great gate, all studded with emeralds that glittered so in the sun it was looking brilliant and attractive.
There was a bell beside the gate and Dorothy pushed the button and heard a silvery tinkle sound within. The gate swung slowly open, and they all passed through and found themselves in a high arched room, the walls of which glistened with countless emeralds. Before them a little man was standing. His clothes were green, his skin was of a greenish tint. At his side was a large green box. He asked the Dorothy and her companion the purpose of their visit and to see OZ Dorothy told him the purpose to see the OZ. The Gate man said, " It has been many years since any one asked me to see OZ. He is powerful and terrible and if you come on an idle or foolish errand to bother the wise reflections of the Great Wizard, he might be angry and destroy you all in an instant." Dorothy however satisfied him and wear the green glasses given to them by the keeper. The green man (Keeper) said that "though the Oz is a good Wizard, he rules the Emerald City wisely and well but to those who are not honest , or who approach him from curiosity, he is most terrible and few have ever dared ask to see his face. I am the guardian of the gates, and since you demand to see the Great OZ I must take you to his palace. But first you must put on the spectacles. If you did not wear spectacles the brightness and glory of the Emerald City would blind you."
Green man fitted spectacles for the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman and the Lion, and even on lettle Toto and all were locked fast. Then the Guardian of the Gates put on his own glasses and told them he was ready to show them to the palace. Taking a big golden key from a peg on the wall he opened another gate and they all followed him through the portal into the streets of the Emerald City. continue in next part
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