Page:The Royal Book of Oz.djvu/172

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The Royal Book of Oz

dog chew much of my leg, Sir?" Then, before Dorothy or Sir Hokus had time to way a word they were snatched up in sticky fingers and next minute were dropped, with a thump, in a large field of daisies.

"Oh!" spluttered Dorothy, as the giant made off on his taffy legs, "Oh, we've forgotten the Cowardly Lion!" But at that minute the giant reappeared, and the lion was dropped beside them.

"What's this? What's this?" growled the Cowardly Lion, looking around wildly.

"We got him to lift us out of the forest," explained Dorothy. "Have you swallowed the taffy?" The lion was still dizzy from his ride and only shook his head feebly.

Sir Hokus sighed and sat heavily down on a large rock. "There is no sort of honor, methinks, in overcoming a candy giant," he observed, looking wistfully at the plume still pinned to Dorothy's dress. "Ah, had it but been a proper fight!"

"You didn't know he was candy. I think you were just splendid." Jumping up, Dorothy fastened the plume in the Knight's helmet. "And you're talking just beautifully—more like a Knight every minute," she added with conviction. Sir Hokus tried not to look pleased.

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