zy with much wonder, for he had never
seen such a queer animal before. "The Sawhorse is the favorite steed of
Princess Ozma, the Ruler of the Land of Oz, and he lives in a stable
decorated with pearls and emeralds, at the rear of the royal palace. He
is swift as the wind, untiring, and is kind to his friends. All the
people of Oz respect the Sawhorse highly, and when I visit Ozma she
sometimes allows me to ride him--as I am doing to-day. Now you know what
an important personage the Sawhorse is, and if some one--perhaps
yourself--will tell me your name, your rank and station, and your
history, it will give me pleasure to relate them to the Sawhorse. This
will lead to mutual respect and friendship."

The Woozy was somewhat abashed by this speech and did not know how to
reply. But Ojo said:

"This square beast is called the Woozy, and he isn't of much importance
except that he has three hairs growing on the tip of his tail."

The Scarecrow looked and saw that this was true.

"But," said he, in a puzzled way, "what makes those three hairs
important? The Shaggy Man has thousands of hairs, but no one has ever
accused him of being important."

So Ojo related the sad story of Unc Nunkie's transformation into a
marble statue, and told how he had set out to find the things the
Crooked Magician wanted, in order to make a charm that would restore his
uncle to life. One of the requirements was three hairs from a Woozy's
tail, but not being able to pull out the hairs they had been obliged to
take the Woozy with them.

The Scarecrow looked grave as he listened and he shook his head several
times, as if in disapproval.

"We must see Ozma about this matter," he said. "That Crooked Magician is
breaking the Law by practicing magic without a license, and I'm not sure
Ozma will allow him to restore your uncle to life."

"Already I have warned the boy of that," declared the Shaggy Man.

At this Ojo began to cry. "I want my Unc Nunkie!" he exclaimed. "I know
how he can be restored to life, and I'm going to do it--Ozma or no Ozma!
What right has this girl Ruler to keep my Unc Nunkie a statue forever?"

"Don't worry about that just now," advised the Scarecrow. "Go on to the
Emerald City, and when you reach it have the Shaggy Man take you to see
Dorothy. Tell her your story and I'm sure she will help you. Dorothy is
Ozma's best friend, and if you can win her to your side your uncle is
pretty safe to live again." Then he turned to the