“Aren’t you the Prince of Pumperdink?” she asked, nodding toward Pompa. The Prince bowed in his most princely fashion and assured her that he was and, after a few hasty explanations, Glinda promised to bring Ozma down in her chariot. “Tell her,” trumpeted Kabumpo impressively, as the chariot rose in the air, “tell her that a young Prince waits below!” While Pompa was still looking after Glinda’s chariot, Peg Amy came up to him and extended both her wooden hands. “I wish you much happiness, Pompa dear,” said the Wooden Doll in a low voice. Pompa pressed Peg’s hands gratefully. “If it hadn’t been for you I’d never have succeeded. You shall have everything you wish for now, Peg. Why, where are you going?” “Good-bye!” called Peg Amy, trying to keep her voice as cheerful as her painted face, and before anyone could stop her she began to run toward a little grove of trees. “Come back!” cried the Prince, starting after her. “Come back!” trumpeted Kabumpo in alarm. “I’ll get her!” coughed Wag, hopping forward jealously. “I’ve known her the longest.” Pompa and Kabumpo both started to run, too, but just at that minute down swooped the chariot and out jumped Ozma, the lovely little Ruler of Oz. “At last!” gasped Kabumpo, pushing Pompa forward. If Ozma was startled by their singular appearance, she was too polite to say so, and she returned Pompa’s deep bow with a still deeper curtsey. “Glinda tells me you have come a long, long way just to help me,” said Ozma anxiously. “Is that so?” “Princess!” cried Pompa, falling on his knee. “I know you are worried about your palace and your Courtiers and your friends. Two drops of that Triple Trick Tea (he waved at the small kettle) upon Ruggedo’s right foot and three on his left will set everything right!” “But where did you get it—and why?” Ozma looked doubtfully at the Scarecrow. “Might as well try it,” advised the Scarecrow. “We will explain everything later,” puffed the Elegant Elephant. “Trust old Kabumpo, your Highness, and everything will turn out happily.” “I believe I will,” smiled Ozma. “Will you try the Trick Tea, Glinda?” Glinda took the kettle and poured it exactly as directed. First Ruggedo gave a gusty sigh that blew the clouds about in every direction. “Look out!” warned Glinda. Next instant they all fluttered down like a pack of cards, for Ruggedo had taken a step—a giant step that shook the earth as if it had been a block of jelly—and when they had picked themselves up Ruggedo was out of sight, tramping like a giant in a dream, back toward the Emerald City. [Illustration: Ruggedo, tramping like a giant in a dream, back to the Emerald City] “You wait here!” cried Glinda to Ozma. “And I’ll follow him!” She sprang into her chariot. “How do you know he’ll go back?” asked the little Ruler of Oz, staring with straining eyes for a glimpse of the giant. “Because the Question Box said so,” chuckled Kabumpo triumphantly.