“Good magic!” approved the Scarecrow. “But where is that charming Peg? I think I’ll run find her.” No sooner had the Scarecrow disappeared than Pompa, swallowing very hard, again approached Ozma. But Ozma, still looking after Glinda’s vanishing chariot, was hardly aware of the Prince of Pumperdink. Poor Pompa dropped on his knee (which had a large hole in it by this time) and began mumbling indistinct sentences. Then, as Kabumpo frowned with disgust, the Prince burst out desperately, “Princess, will you marry me?” “Marry you?” gasped the little Ruler of Oz. “Good gracious, _no_!” [Illustration: (unlabelled)] Chapter 19 Ozma Takes Things In Hand Prince Pompadore jumped up quickly. “I told you she wouldn’t!” he choked, looking reproachfully at Kabumpo. “I’m not half good enough.” “He doesn’t always look so scratched up and shabby,” wheezed Kabumpo breathlessly. “We’ve been scorched and pinched and kidnapped. We’ve been through every kind of hardship to save your Highness—and _now_!” The Elegant Elephant slouched against a tree, the picture of discouragement. He seemed to have forgotten the jewels that were to have won the Princess for Pompa and his threat of running off with her should she refuse him. “Why, you don’t even know me,” cried Ozma, dismayed by even the thought of marrying; for though the little Ruler of Oz has lived almost a thousand years she is no older than _you_ are and would no more think of marrying than Dorothy or Betsy Bobbin or Trot. Ruling the Kingdom of Oz takes almost all of Ozma’s time and in any that is left she wants to play and enjoy herself like any other sensible little girl. For Ozma is only a little girl fairy after all. “I’m not going to marry anybody!” she declared stoutly. Then, because she really was touched by Pompa’s woebegone appearance, she asked more kindly, “Why did you want to marry me especially?” “Because you are the properest Princess in Oz,” groaned the Prince, leaning disconsolately against Kabumpo. “Because if we don’t Pumperdink will disappear and my poor old father and my mother and everyone.” “Not to speak of us,” gulped the Elegant Elephant. “But where is Pumperdink, and who said it would disappear?” asked Ozma in amazement. “And how did you happen to have this Trick Tea and come to rescue me?” “The Prince always rescues the Princess he intends to marry,” said Kabumpo wearily. “I should think you’d know that.” “Well, I’m very grateful, and I’ll do anything I can except marry you,” exclaimed Ozma, who was beginning to feel very much interested in this strange pair. “Thank you,” said Kabumpo stiffly, for he was deeply offended. “Thank you, but we must be going. Come along, Pompa.” “Don’t be a Gooch!” This time it was Pompa who spoke. “I’m going to tell her everything!”