by Jellia Jamb, and Bud and Fluff presently
withdrew to their own apartments.

"My! what a big party Ozma is going to have," exclaimed Dorothy. "I
guess the palace will be chock full, Button-Bright; don't you think so?"

"Don't know," said the boy.

"But we must go to our rooms, pretty soon, to dress for the banquet,"
continued the girl.

"I don't have to dress," said the Candy Man from Merryland. "All I need
do is to dust myself with fresh sugar."

[Illustration]

"Tik-tok and I always wear the same suits of clothes," said the Tin
Woodman; "and so does our friend the Scarecrow."

"My feathers are good enough for any occasion," cried Billina, from her
corner.

"Then I shall leave you four to welcome any new guests that come," said
Dorothy; "for Button-Bright and I must look our very best at Ozma's
banquet."

"Who is still to come?" asked the Scarecrow.

"Well, there's King Kika-bray of Dunkiton, and Johnny Dooit, and the
Good Witch of the North. But Johnny Dooit may not get here until late,
he's so very busy."

"We will receive them and give them a proper welcome," promised the
Scarecrow. "So run along, little Dorothy, and get yourself dressed."

[Illustration]

The Grand Banquet

[Illustration]

I wish I could tell you how fine the company was that assembled that
evening at Ozma's royal banquet. A long table was spread in the center
of the great dining-hall of the palace and the splendor of the
decorations and the blaze of lights and jewels was acknowledged to be
the most magnificent sight that any of the guests had ever seen.

The jolliest person present, as well as the most important, was of
course, old Santa Claus; so he was given the seat of honor at one end of
the table while at the other end sat Princess Ozma, the hostess.

John Dough, Queen Zixi, King Bud, the Queen of Ev and her son Evardo,
and the Queen of Merryland had golden thrones to sit in, while the
others were supplied with beautiful chairs.

[Illustration]

At the upper end of the banquet room was a separate table provided for
the animals. Toto sat at one end of this table, with a bib tied around
his neck and a silver platter to eat from. At the other end was placed a
small stand, with a low rail around the edge of it, for Billina and her
chicks. The rail kept the ten little Dorothys from falling off the
stand, while the Yellow Hen could easily reach over and take her food
from her tray upon the table. At other places