but these enjoyed the pomp and glitter of the gorgeous scene as
much as did those who feasted.

[Illustration: DRINKING THE HEALTH OF PRINCESS OZMA OF OZ]

The Woggle-Bug read his "Ode to Ozma," which was written in very good
rhythm and was well received by the company. The Wizard added to the
entertainment by making a big pie appear before Dorothy, and when the
little girl cut the pie the nine tiny piglets leaped out of it and
danced around the table, while the orchestra played a merry tune. This
amused the company very much, but they were even more pleased when
Polychrome, whose hunger had been easily satisfied, rose from the table
and performed her graceful and bewildering Rainbow Dance for them. When
it was ended the people clapped their hands and the animals clapped
their paws, while Billina cackled and the Donkey King brayed approval.

Johnny Dooit was present, and of course he proved he could do wonders in
the way of eating, as well as in everything else that he undertook to
do; the Tin Woodman sang a love song, every one joining in the chorus;
and the wooden soldiers from Merryland gave an exhibition of a lightning
drill with their wooden muskets; the Ryls and Knooks danced the Fairy
Circle; and the Rubber Bear bounced himself all around the room. There
was laughter and merriment on every side, and everybody was having a
royal good time. Button-Bright was so excited and interested that he
paid little attention to his fine dinner and a great deal of attention
to his queer companions; and perhaps he was wise to do this, because he
could eat at any other time.

The feasting and merrymaking continued until late in the evening, when
they separated to meet again the next morning and take part in the
birthday celebration, to which this royal banquet was merely the
introduction.

[Illustration]

The Birthday Celebration

[Illustration]

A clear, perfect day, with a gentle breeze and a sunny sky, greeted
Princess Ozma as she wakened next morning, the anniversary of her birth.
While it was yet early all the city was astir and crowds of people came
from all parts of the Land of Oz to witness the festivities in honor of
their girl Ruler's birthday.

The noted visitors from foreign countries, who had all been transported
to the Emerald City by means of the Magic Belt, were as much a show to
the Ozites as were their own familiar celebrities, and the streets
leading from the royal palace to the jeweled gate