“That’s right,” said Ozma, smiling approvingly at Peg. “And when Pompa finds his Princess you must come and live with me in the Emerald City, for as Ruggedo was responsible for bringing you to life, I want to take care of you always.” Peg Amy dropped a curtsey and promised to come, but she didn’t feel very cheerful about it. Then, as Ozma was anxious to get back to the Emerald City, they all hurried to Runaway Country. “You are to take these travelers across the Deadly Desert,” said Ozma, addressing the Runaway Country quite sternly, “and you are to set them down in the Winkie Country. If you do this I will restore your moving power again and give you a little gnome for King. Then you may run off to the Nonestic Ocean as soon as ever you wish.” “I want Peg,” pouted the Country, “but if that’s the best you can do I suppose I’ll have to stand it.” After a little more grumbling it agreed to Ozma’s terms. Wearily, Kabumpo, Wag, Peg and Pompa climbed aboard and then Ozma spun around six times in the opposite direction and immediately the Country found itself able to move again. “Good-bye!” called Ozma, as she and the Scarecrow jumped into Glinda’s chariot. “Good-bye and good luck!” “Good-bye!” called Peg, waving her old torn bonnet. “Good riddance,” grumbled the Country gruffly and, turning sideways, began running toward the Deadly Desert. [Illustration: (unlabelled)] Chapter 20 The Proper Princess Is Found! “Is the mirror safe, and have you still got the gold door knob?” asked Pompa, as the Country swung out onto the Deadly Desert. “The Question Box said I was to trust them, you know.” “And by what right did Ozma take that box?” wheezed Kabumpo irritably, as he felt in his pocket to see whether the magic articles were still there. “That’s gratitude for you! We find Glegg’s box of Mixed Magic and rescue her, and off she goes with all our magic, leaving us to the tender mercies of a Runaway Country!” “You find the box!” shrilled Wag. “Well, I like that!” “Oh, what difference does it make?” groaned Pompa, stretching out upon the ground. They were all completely exhausted by the day’s adventures and as cross as three sticks—all except Peg Amy, who never was cross. “I shall marry this Princess and save my country, but I’m going away as soon as the wedding is over and spend the rest of my life in travel,” announced Pompa gloomily. “Don’t blame you,” rumbled the Elegant Elephant with a sniff. “Ah, now!” laughed Peg. “That doesn’t sound like you, Pompa. Why, maybe this Princess will be so lovely you’ll want to carry her straight back to Pumperdink.” “I think Princesses are a great bore,” said Wag with a terrific yawn. “I prefer plain folks like Peg and the Scarecrow.”